Here Are the Best TV Shows to Stream this Weekend on Netflix, Including ‘Last Samurai Standing’

Looking for something new to watch on Netflix? This week offers a great variety – from exciting thrillers and international shows to returning reality TV and timeless classics. There’s plenty to keep you entertained all weekend without endless scrolling. Below, you’ll find brief descriptions of each series, including what it’s about, who stars in it, and when it became available this week, so you can start watching right away.

‘The Beast in Me’ (2025)

This psychological thriller, created by Gabe Rotter, centers on a writer struggling with loss who develops a complicated relationship with a mysterious and wealthy neighbor. Starring Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, with a guest appearance by Brittany Snow, the series explores themes of grief, obsession, and manipulation as a friendly connection spirals into something dangerous. The first season debuted on Thursday and expertly builds suspense with each episode.

‘Last Samurai Standing’ (2025)

This Japanese drama, set during the Meiji era, follows Shujiro Saga, a legendary swordsman who enters a fierce competition against 292 other samurai for a massive 100-billion-yen reward. Based on Shogo Imamura’s novel ‘Ikusagami’ and co-directed by Michihito Fujii, the series stars Junichi Okada, Kaya Kiyohara, and Yumia Fujisaki. It premiered on Thursday and combines epic battles with the political schemes of the time.

‘The Crystal Cuckoo’ (2025)

Based on the popular Spanish novel, this thrilling mystery centers around a doctor who travels to the remote hometown of the person who donated her heart. There, she begins to unravel a decades-old mystery involving missing people and long-hidden secrets. The six-part miniseries stars Catalina Sopelana, Álex García, and Itziar Ituño, and promises a complex, twisty story. It was released on Friday, making it perfect for a quick weekend binge.

‘Mrs Playmen’ (2025)

As a total movie and TV buff, I just finished watching this really compelling Italian limited series, and I have to say, it’s fantastic. It’s based on a true story, taking place in 1970s Rome, and it centers around a woman who unexpectedly takes the reins of an erotic magazine after discovering her husband’s infidelity. But it’s not just about that – she completely transforms the magazine into something empowering and truly her own. Carolina Crescentini is incredible in the lead role, and Filippo Nigro and Giuseppe Maggio are great in their supporting roles too. What really struck me was how meticulously they recreated the world of Italian publishing and the cultural changes happening at the time. It’s a complete story, released just yesterday, and it really pulls you in.

‘Dynamite Kiss’ (2025–2025)

This charming South Korean romantic comedy centers around a woman who pretends to be married with children to get a job. Things get even more interesting when she starts falling for her boss. Starring Jang Ki-yong and Ahn Eun-jin, the show is created by Kim Jae-hyun, Kim Hyun-woo, and Ha Yoon-a. It’s a lighthearted and clever story that begins with a sweet encounter on Jeju Island and then moves into the world of office life. The show premiered on Wednesday and offers a fun, fast-paced watch.

‘Marines’ (2025– )

This docuseries follows the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit as they conduct demanding training exercises throughout the Pacific. The first season, released Monday, features four episodes that highlight the preparation, collaboration, and complex planning involved in modern military deployments – both on ships and in challenging environments. It provides a realistic, up-close look at the Marines’ training process, with impressive footage from the field.

‘Had I Not Seen the Sun’ (2025– )

This Taiwanese drama is a psychological thriller about a filmmaker who starts having strange visions after interviewing a famous serial killer in prison. The visions seem linked to a past tragedy at a university. Starring Tseng Jing-hua and Moon Lee, the show launched on Thursday and unfolds as a slow-burning mystery, weaving together an investigation with themes of haunting memories and guilt. A second season is already planned.

‘Unicorn Academy’ (2023– )

This animated series, inspired by the books of Julie Sykes, tells the story of students who team up with unicorns to safeguard Unicorn Island. Created by Spin Master and Mainframe Studios, and featuring the voices of Sara Garcia and Sadie Laflamme-Snow, the show has grown over time to include more of the island’s history, new dangers, protectors, and adventures. Fresh episodes are released on Thursdays, offering fun, fantastical entertainment in short, easy-to-watch segments.

‘Selling the OC’ (2022– )

This new series, from the creator of ‘Selling Sunset’, follows the agents at the Oppenheim Group’s office in Newport Beach. You can expect beautiful homes, stunning coastal architecture, and plenty of drama, with familiar faces like Alex Hall and Jason Oppenheim, as well as newcomers Gio Helou, Brandi Marshall, and Alexandra Jarvis. The show continues storylines from previous seasons and features changing relationships between the agents. It premiered on Wednesday, making it ideal for a reality TV marathon.

‘Sesame Street’ (1969– )

This beloved children’s show, created by Sesame Workshop, uses a mix of live actors, animation, and Muppets to help young kids learn to read, count, and get along with others. Popular characters like Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster appear in short segments featuring songs, skits, and interviews with children. The show recently updated its format with an 11-minute story, alongside familiar segments like ‘Elmo’s World,’ and new episodes premiered on Monday.

Let us know which item you’re most excited to try first, and share your suggestions for what we should include on next week’s list, in the comments below!

2025-11-15 02:15