It’s freezing outside, your blanket is calling, and leaving the house feels wildly overrated. Here are five binge-worthy shows perfect for long, lazy winter weekends. 

For juicy local drama: The Polygamist 

If your idea of a good binge involves betrayal, power struggles and enough family drama to fuel several group chats, this South African series delivers. Adapted from Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi’s bestselling novel, it opens at the funeral of wealthy businessman Jonasi Gomora (S’dumo Mtshali), then rewinds to the events leading up to his death, told through the eyes of his wife (Gugu Gumede) and the mistresses he left behind. It’s glossy, addictive television with plenty of gasp-out-loud moments. Watch it on Netflix. 

Also worth watching: Blood & Water on Netflix. 

For family viewing: How to Ruin Christmas 

This South African comedy follows the wildly dysfunctional Sello family, whose eldest daughter, Tumi (portrayed by the late Busisiwe “Busi” Lurayi), has an uncanny ability to derail every gathering she attends. Full of lovable characters, awkward family dynamics and laugh-out-loud moments, it’s become one of Netflix’s most successful local originals. And there are three full seasons to binge, lucky you!  

Also worth watching: Heartland on Netflix. 

For “just one more episode” thrills: I Will Find You 

A Netflix adaptation of Harlan Coben’s novel, this addictive thriller follows David Burroughs (Sam Worthington), a man serving life for the murder of his young son. When a photo emerges years later suggesting his child might still be alive, he breaks out of prison to find answers – uncovering corruption, buried secrets and a string of devastating betrayals along the way. 

Also worth watching: Missing You, another Harlan Coben adaptation on Netflix.

Pure comfort: Ted Lasso 

With the fourth season set to drop in August, you’re just in time to binge the first three seasons of this feel-good comedy series that follows a relentlessly optimistic American football coach hired to manage a struggling English football team. And no, you don’t have to be a Bafana Bafana fundi to enjoy it. 

Also worth watching: The Summer I Turned Pretty on Amazon Prime. 

For spine-tingling suspense: Widow’s Bay

A highly-strung mayor (played by Matthew Rhys) is determined to revive a struggling New England island town by attracting tourists. There’s just one problem: the locals insist the town is cursed – and as strange disappearances, eerie legends and supernatural events pile up, he begins to wonder if they’re right. Mixing horror, mystery and surprisingly sharp comedy, Widow’s Bay has quickly become one of Apple TV+’s breakout hits.  

Also worth watching: The Beauty on Disney+. 

Image Credit: Freepik