Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Ten shows to binge watch over spring break

If your plans include relaxing, recharging and staying up a little too late, these shows are worth adding to your watchlist.

Chelsea and Rick embrace one another on the beach. Their hair is blowing in the wind.
"The White Lotus" drew in millions of viewers for their finale (Photo courtesy of Fabio Lovino/HBOPhoto)

Maxton Hall (2024)

Class differences and secret rivalries fuel the romance in the German drama “Maxton Hall.” Based on the novel by Mona Kasten, the series follows Ruby Bell (Harriet Herbig-Matten), a scholarship student attending an elite private school. After accidentally uncovering a scandal involving wealthy classmate James Beaufort (Damian Hardung), Ruby becomes entangled in his complicated world of privilege and power.

The show quickly became an international hit on Amazon Prime Video, thanks to its dramatic storytelling and intense enemies-to-lovers romance. With a third season expected to release in 2026, it is a great option for viewers who enjoy romantic dramas with high-stakes tension.

Hidden Love (2023)

Have you ever had a crush you thought you would never grow out of? The Chinese drama “Hidden Love” follows high school student Sang Zhi (Zhao Lusi), who quietly develops feelings for Duan Jiaxu (Chen Zheyuan), her older brother’s best friend. As the two grow older and reconnect years later, their relationship gradually evolves from distant admiration into something deeper.

“Hidden Love” became one of the most widely discussed Chinese dramas online because of its soft, comforting tone and emotionally-driven storytelling. The show’s warm cinematography and slow-paced romance create a cozy atmosphere that becomes the perfect comfort show. The full series is available to stream on YouTube.

Bridgerton (2020)

Romance, scandal and elaborate ballroom drama define the world of “Bridgerton.” Created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rhimes, the Netflix series takes place in Regency-era London and follows the powerful Bridgerton family as they navigate the competitive social season. In the first season, Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) enters society in search of a husband but unexpectedly forms a fake courtship with the Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). As gossip spreads through the mysterious columnist Lady Whistledown, relationships and reputations are constantly put to the test.

With multiple seasons, “Bridgerton” is perfect for a spring break binge. Each season shifts focus to a different Bridgerton’s love story. The show’s lavish costumes, modern orchestral covers of pop songs and dramatic storytelling have made it one of Netflix’s most popular period dramas. Fans looking for even more from the “Bridgerton” world can also watch the spinoff series “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.

The White Lotus (2021)

Luxury vacations quickly spiral into chaos in “The White Lotus.” Created by Mike White, the anthology series follows wealthy guests and resort staff at exclusive vacation destinations. Each season introduces a new group of travelers whose relaxing getaway slowly unravels through interpersonal conflicts, secrets and unexpected tragedy. From the beaches of Hawaii to the coast of Sicily, every trip reveals more about the characters’ privilege and hidden tensions.

“The White Lotus” has become one of television’s most talked-about shows, thanks to its sharp social satire and memorable performances. Actors like Jennifer Coolidge, Aubrey Plaza and Theo James bring humor and intensity to the series’ wealthy but deeply flawed characters. With each season telling a self-contained story with a new cast and location, it is easy to binge through multiple seasons while still feeling like each one offers something new. The series is available to stream on Max.

Business Proposal (2022)

What would you do if your blind date turned out to be your boss? In the Korean drama “Business Proposal,” Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong) agrees to go on a blind date pretending to be her wealthy friend and scare the suitor away. However, the date turns out to be Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-seop), the CEO of the company where she works. When Tae-moo proposes a fake relationship to satisfy his family’s pressure to marry, Ha-ri must hide her real identity while continuing to work under him.

With only one season and 12 episodes, the show is an easy binge that delivers classic rom-com tropes such as fake dating, workplace tension and dramatic misunderstandings. The series also features a beloved secondary couple, Ha-ri’s best friend Jin Young-seo (Seol In-ah) and Tae-moo’s secretary Cha Sung-hoon (Kim Min-kyu), whose romance many fans consider just as entertaining as the main relationship. The series is available to stream on Netflix.

We Were Liars (2025)

Secrets and family privilege collide in “We Were Liars,” based on the bestselling novel by E. Lockhart. The story centers on Cadence Sinclair Eastman (Emily Alyn Lind), a teenager who spends every summer with her wealthy family on a private island. After suffering a mysterious accident that leaves her with memory loss, Cadence returns to the island two years later determined to uncover what truly happened during the summer that changed everything.

The show blends romance, mystery and psychological drama, keeping viewers guessing as the truth slowly unfolds. With its coastal setting, complicated friendships and shocking twists, “We Were Liars” delivers a darker take on the classic summer story. The show has been officially renewed for a second season by Prime Video

The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022)

Every summer, Belly Conklin returns to Cousins Beach with her family and longtime friends, the Fishers. In “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” based on the novel trilogy by Jenny Han, Belly (Lola Tung) suddenly finds herself caught in a complicated love triangle with the Fisher brothers Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno). As friendships and romances shift, the once carefree summers become filled with emotional decisions.

With multiple seasons already released and more content teased, the Prime show is an easy binge for viewers who enjoy romance-heavy dramas. Fans of the series can also explore Jenny Han’s other adaptations, including “XO, Kitty” and the film series “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.

Yellowstone (2018)

Family loyalty and power struggles dominate the modern Western drama “Yellowstone.” Created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, the series follows the Dutton family as they fight to maintain control of the largest ranch in Montana. Patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner) constantly faces threats from land developers, political leaders and neighboring communities who want control of the property.

The Peacock series spans across five seasons, making it ideal for a long binge watch. Fans of the show can also dive into its growing franchise, including the prequel series “1883” and “1923,” which explore earlier generations of the Dutton family.

Blossom (2024)

After a tragic life marked by betrayal and injustice, noblewoman Dou Zhao (Meng Ziyi) unexpectedly wakes up years in the past with memories of everything that went wrong. Determined to avoid the fate that once destroyed her family and future, Dou Zhao begins making different choices as she navigates the complex world of court politics and powerful families. Along the way, she crosses paths with Song Mo (Li Yunrui), a mysterious and influential figure whose path becomes closely connected to her own. Together, they must confront political dangers, shifting alliances and the consequences of changing fate.

Chinese historical dramas are known for their elaborate world-building, and “Blossom” fully embraces that tradition with detailed costumes, palace intrigue and long-form storytelling. With dozens of episodes and a steadily unfolding romance, the series offers an immersive binge for viewers interested in historical C-dramas and character-driven stories. The full series is available to stream on YouTube.

The Crown (2016)

Royal duty and personal sacrifice shape the story of “The Crown.” Created by Peter Morgan, the historical drama chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from her early years as a young monarch to the challenges faced by the British royal family over the decades. Each season explores major political events and personal conflicts that influenced the monarchy.

The Netflix series frequently changes its cast to portray the royal family at different ages, featuring performances from actors such as Claire Foy, Olivia Colman and Imelda Staunton. With six seasons covering decades of history, it provides a substantial binge for viewers interested in historical drama and royal intrigue.