crime drama

As the weekend approaches, many of us are on the lookout for captivating shows to dive into. While Netflix is known for its blockbuster hits, there are also a plethora of underrated series that deserve your attention. This weekend, we highlight three hidden gems that offer intriguing plots and compelling characters, perfect for binge-watching. 1. Animal Kingdom (2016 – 2022) Don’t let the title fool you; “Animal Kingdom” is not a nature documentary. This gripping crime drama revolves around Janine “Smurf” Cody, played by the talented Ellen Barkin, who rules her criminal family with an iron fist. The story unfolds through the eyes of her teenage grandson, Joshua “J” Cody (Finn Cole), who moves in with Smurf after the death of his mother. Upon moving in, J quickly discovers that his grandmother is the head of a criminal empire, with her sons—Barry “Baz” Blackwell (Scott Speedman), Andrew “Pope” Cody (Shawn Hatosy), Craig Cody (Ben Robson), and Deran Cody (Jake Weary)—doing her bidding to keep the money flowing. As J struggles to find his place within this dangerous family dynamic, he must prove himself worthy of belonging to their world. With six seasons and a total of 75 episodes, “Animal Kingdom” is a thrilling ride that will keep you glued to the screen. You can catch it streaming on Netflix. 2. Sara: Woman in the Shadows (2025) “Sara: Woman in the Shadows” is an Italian crime drama that introduces us to the enigmatic Sara, portrayed by Teresa Saponangelo. Once a highly skilled intelligence operative known as the Invisible Woman, Sara has retreated into a life of solitude following the tragic death of her son. The police have ruled his death an accident, but Sara is convinced it was murder. Driven by her determination to uncover the truth, Sara reconnects with her former colleague, Teresa (Claudia Gerini), who has her own agenda. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a larger conspiracy that only Sara’s unique skills, including her talent for lipreading, can help unravel. This suspenseful series promises to keep you on the edge of your seat as Sara navigates a dangerous world filled with secrets and betrayal. “Sara: Woman in the Shadows” is also available to stream on Netflix. 3. The Survivors (2025) In “The Survivors,” we meet Kieran Elliot (Charlie Vickers), a man haunted by a tragedy from his past that claimed the lives of his brother and a close friend, Gabby Birch (Eloise Rothfield). Years later, Kieran returns to his hometown, where he still grapples with the guilt and the fallout from that fateful day. His mother, Verity (Robyn Malcolm), has never forgiven him, adding to his emotional turmoil. When a young woman begins to investigate Gabby’s death and is subsequently found murdered on the beach, the spotlight turns back on Kieran and his family. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets threaten to surface, and Kieran must confront his past in order to find the truth. “The Survivors” is a gripping narrative that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of our actions. You can find this compelling series streaming on Netflix. Conclusion As you plan your weekend viewing, consider giving these underrated shows a chance. “Animal Kingdom,” “Sara: Woman in the Shadows,” and “The Survivors” each offer unique storytelling and unforgettable characters that will keep you entertained. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy a binge-worthy weekend with these hidden gems on Netflix!