There are a plethora of series that you can binge-watch over a single weekend to gear up for their brand new seasons expected in 2025.
It’s shaping up to be another blockbuster year with numerous new series on the horizon. This includes a slew of fan favourites returning, making the watchlist of the average streamer seem endless. A variety of these much-anticipated returning shows will be available on NOW TV and Sky, featuring some of the finest drama series from recent years as well as some truly outrageous comedies. Here’s a look at some of the best returning series which have garnered near-perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes and can be easily binged in just one weekend, reports the Mirror..
The Last of Us
HBO’s acclaimed adaptation of the Naughty Dog video game has earned a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The first season follows Joel (played by Pedro Pascal), a smuggler charged with escorting Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a girl who is immune to the infection that has transformed much of humanity into zombie-like beings, to a group of resistance fighters seeking a cure.
The show has been a hit with both fans of the original game and new viewers, an impressive feat considering the game is often cited as one of the greatest ever made. One viewer hailed it as a ‘masterpiece’, while another said: “For someone who love the game so much, I could say the series definitely reached the same highs. Brilliantly played by the actors and I cannot wait to see the next season.”
The eagerly awaited second season of The Last of Us, which draws inspiration from The Last of Us Part Two, is now set to premiere in April 2025. This allows ample time to revisit both the television series and its PlayStation counterparts, for those emotionally prepared to do so.
Season one of The Last of Us is currently available to stream via NOW TV and Sky Atlantic.
The White Lotus
While entering its third season this February, prior knowledge of the first two seasons isn’t necessary. The show’s initial two offerings each provide a self-contained narrative spanning their respective episodes. Nonetheless, catching up is easy and affords viewers an opportunity to determine whether the show’s tone holds their attention.
Every season takes place at a distinct luxury resort, with the primary focus on staff members and guests. A recurring theme exists throughout both series: the discovery of bodies early on, with the finale revealing who died and who was behind it. The casts mostly differ between the two seasons, save for the return of Jennifer Coolidge.
Series creator Mike White boasts a lengthy filmography, including titles such as School of Rock, Pitch Perfect 3, and Despicable Me 4. The first and second seasons of The White Lotus received 90% and 94% scores on Rotten Tomatoes respectively.
As one fan succinctly phrased it, “This show is absolutely amazing, it’s so unhinged and funny at the same time it’s absolutely amazing! go watch it!”
The White Lotus Seasons One and Two are streaming on NOW TV and Sky Atlantic
Poker Face
Natasha Lyonne of the Netflix series Russian Doll stars in this offering which is a must-watch for classic whodunit fans like Columbo. The brainchild behind this inventive series is none other than Rian Johnson, celebrated for his work on Looper, and Knives Out, where he also contributes as writer and director for several introductory episodes.
In Poker Face, Natasha Lyonne transforms into Charlie Cale, a perceptive casino employee who has the uncanny knack to catch a lie. When she winds up being chased by her questionable employer after a peculiar demise, her journey leads her to unwittingly participate in cracking various murder cases that come her way.
Critics have warmly received the show, evident from its staggering 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. An enthusiastic viewer commented: “Great new take on the murder mystery type of show with an original primary character. The acting from the guest actors is phenomenal which makes it a unique TV show who can rely on different secondary characters each episode without it being messy.”
Whilst a comeback date for the show on UK screens remains unconfirmed, this gives crime drama buffs ample opportunity to get up to speed with the episodes. Consisting of just ten episodes, Poker Face promises a gripping weekend binge for those who fancy a dose of cosily crafted intrigue.
Poker Face Season One ready for viewing on NOW TV and Sky Max.
The Rehearsal
For those missing the cringe-worthy comedy of Curb Your Enthusiasm, which masterfully merges reality with fiction, The Rehearsal is essential viewing. The brainchild of Nathan Fielder, known for his work on shows like Nathan For You and The Curse, this series has captured audiences with a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Fans have been eagerly anticipating how its unique concept would evolve into a second season after its original run concluded. Fortunately, a new series has been confirmed to arrive this year.
Each episode of the first season sees Fielder orchestrating complex rehearsals for real individuals facing pivotal life moments. With the help of a building team, countless actors, and vast resources, these people are given the chance to practice these high-stakes situations within meticulously built simulations courtesy of Fielder’s creative vision. One enthusiast raved: “Smart writing and an amazing performance by Nathan make this show a must watch.”
The Rehearsal is streaming on NOW TV and Sky Comedy.