HORROR: THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE (2018, NETFLIX)

Not only is The Haunting of Hill House Mike Flanagan’s first outing as a showrunner, but it’s arguably his best show to date. Loosely adapted from Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel, this modern-gothic, ten-episode series does a phenomenal job of blending supernatural horror with family drama. It’s atmospheric horror at its finest. From its jump scares to its ominous somber moments, this ghost story will have you watching through your fingers. That said, not only is it a haunting show, it’s also deeply heartfelt. With such a large ensemble, each character is given their moment to shine, allowing the emotional weight of the story to land just as powerful as the scares. The Haunting of Hill House certainly solidified Flanagan as one of the great modern horror directors working today.

SCIENCE-FICTION: MANIAC (2018, NETFLIX)

I’ll admit that this show may not be for everyone, but if you're down for a thought-provoking sci-fi story that does something different, then it’s something you should definitely watch. Maniac isn’t your typical science-fiction show, as it’s far more character driven in its premise, diving into relatable themes of mental health and human connection. Cary Joji Fukunaga’s direction over the 10-episode season is bold, and he takes a bizarre yet fascinating approach to the material that fully embraces the show’s weirdness. Story-wise, Maniac follows two strangers, played by Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, who participate in a mind-bending drug trial to fix their personal problems. With dazzling visuals, a rad synth-heavy score, and captivating performances, this hidden gem will give you all the feels. It’s trippy, stylish, and authentic. In my eyes, it’s one of Netflix’s most ambitious series to date.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY: CHERNOBYL (2019, HBO MAX)

Chernobyl is one of those shows that will rock you to your core with the realization of how devastating this real-life event was. It’s a gritty and raw portrayal of the 1986 nuclear disaster, which creates a riveting and unsettling watch. As someone who didn’t know the fine details of these haunting events, I walked away having learned so much after these five episodes. There’s a reason this show received 19 Emmy nominations in 2019. It's one of those shows that has you feeling like you are on the ground witnessing the horrific event unfold firsthand. From its fierce writing and direction to its gripping performances, this story truly cements itself as one of the best limited series to ever grace our television screens.

MYSTERY: DEFENDING JACOB (2020, APPLE TV+)

Defending Jacob is the show that put Apple TV+ on the map for me, proving that the streaming platform was serious about making great content. Across its eight episodes, Chris Evans showcases his acting range in a far darker and more serious role than we are used to seeing from him. He plays a district attorney with a happy family whose world gets turned upside down when his son is accused of murdering a classmate. What makes the series so effective is how it allows the viewers to form their own theories of what might have happened. It’s more than just a simple whodunit, as this courtroom drama explores morals and how far one might go to protect their child. It will have you on the edge of your seat, questioning what happened and what you would do if you were in the same situation. I highly recommend it, and I am curious to find out where people land on this ambiguous show.

ROMANCE: NORMAL PEOPLE (2020, HULU)

Based on the Sally Rooney book of the same name, this beautiful series follows the relationship between Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal). Portraying these two tortured, lonely souls demands a lot from Edgar-Jones and Mescal, but my god, they are so phenomenal. They deliver such vulnerable and intimate performances, not to mention their chemistry is through the roof. As for the series, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions; a tender, raw, and powerful story that explores relationships and mental health. The writing and directing also are exceptional, and nothing is ever heightened for dramatic sake. While the pacing may be slow for some, it gives its audience room to breathe. This 12-episode series is a show I recommend to everyone, and I promise you’ll become fully invested in these characters’ lives. Just be sure to have some tissues nearby because you’ll definitely shed a few tears.

PRESTIGE DRAMA: ADOLESCENCE (2025, NETFLIX)

You may be eager to claim recency bias here, but Adolescence took 2025 by storm. If you haven’t watched it yet, then I don’t know what you are doing with your life because you’re missing out on masterclass storytelling. It’s a must watch, even though it’s not an easy watch. Each episode of the four-episode series is breathtakingly shot in a single take, featuring long and close-up shots that fully immerse you in the scenes. You’ll genuinely feel trapped in the same moments as the characters, and you’ll truly feel the unsettling tension in every scene thanks to its raw and authentic performances. This family drama feels painfully real as it doesn’t sugarcoat anything despite tackling such prominent themes of cyberbullying and the pressures of modern masculinity on young boys. This show rightfully earned every ounce of awards recognition it received.

BONUS: FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC: DAISY JONES & THE SIX (2023, PRIME VIDEO) 

Daisy Jones & The Six is a fantastic adaptation of the New York Times best-selling book by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Told in a documentary style, this ten-episode series follows the rise and fall of a fictional 70s rock band named, you guessed it, Daisy Jones & The Six. What I love most about the series, aside from the phenomenal original music (which I highly recommend listening to), is that the show isn’t just about being a band. At its core, it explores ambition, addiction, love, fame, and what it can take from those who chase it. Along the way, every character sacrifices something, whether it’s a relationship, stability, or even themselves. It’s a compelling and raw depiction of the 1970s rock era, and if you’re a fan of Fleetwood Mac, the music and vibe will be your cup of tea. As you may have noticed, this list is full of book adaptations, which goes to show that books make for great limited series.