10 Best Shows With Less Than 40 Episodes

by

These days, people often prefer a few really good TV shows to a lot of mediocre ones. Some of the most beloved shows ever made have fewer than 40 episodes. While classics like I Love Lucy and The Sopranos ran for many more episodes, a long run isn’t necessary for a show to be considered great.

Looking for a show to quickly enjoy? There are lots of options, including limited series and shows that didn’t last very long. While some were cut short, they’re still worth watching, even if they end on a cliffhanger. Either way, these shows are a must-see for any serious TV fan, and you can watch them all without a huge time commitment.

10. Band Of Brothers

10 Episodes

If you’re looking for a great show to watch quickly, Band of Brothers is a perfect choice. This critically acclaimed HBO limited series, with only 10 episodes, is often ranked among the best TV shows of all time. Created by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg in 2001, it’s a powerful war drama based on the true story of Easy Company during World War II, as told in Stephen E. Ambrose’s book.

During World War II, Easy Company—the 2nd Battalion of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division—fought bravely for the U.S. Army. The acclaimed miniseries Band of Brothers tells the story of their experiences in Europe. The show was praised by both critics and viewers for its realistic and often harsh portrayal of war, earning it many awards.

Building on the success of Band of Brothers, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg created two follow-up series: The Pacific (2010), which aired on HBO and has 10 episodes, and Masters of the Air (2024), which premiered on Apple TV with 9 episodes. Fans who enjoyed Band of Brothers might also like to watch these two companion shows.

9. Mindhunter

19 Episodes

Despite ending some time ago, there’s still a lot of demand for another season of Mindhunter. This Netflix thriller is based on the 1995 true-crime book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, and tells the story of how the FBI developed its Behavioral Science Unit (BSU).

The series Mindhunter follows FBI agents Holden Ford, played by Jonathan Groff, and Bill Tench, played by Holt McCallany. These characters are based on real-life FBI profilers John E. Douglas and Robert K. Ressler. Anna Torv stars as Wendy Carr, a psychology professor modeled after Ann Wolbert Burgess. Throughout the show, the three agents build the Behavioral Science Unit by interviewing incarcerated serial killers, hoping to understand what drives them and develop criminal profiling techniques.

Over its two seasons and 19 episodes, Mindhunter introduced viewers to notorious criminals like Edmund Kemper and David Berkowitz. The show’s realistic portrayal of these killers, combined with its compelling atmosphere, strong writing, and excellent acting, made it a hit. Sadly, Mindhunter has been cancelled and won’t be returning for a third season.

David Fincher, the executive producer of Mindhunter, has confirmed that a third season isn’t moving forward, even though many fans are hoping for one. Fortunately, there’s talk of continuing the story with sequel movies. For now, though, fans will have to enjoy the existing two seasons, which are considered exceptionally well-made – even better than many longer-running shows.

8. Dead To Me

30 Episodes

If you enjoy dark comedies with a touch of mystery, Dead to Me is a great choice. The Netflix series follows Jen, played by Christina Applegate, and Judy, played by Linda Cardellini, two women who become friends in a grief support group. But their connection is more complicated than it seems – you’ll have to watch to find out what happens, and be careful to avoid spoilers!

The show Dead to Me is full of surprising twists that will keep you hooked and wanting to binge-watch. Despite only having 30 episodes, it’s fast-paced and doesn’t waste any time. Just be warned—the end of season 3 intentionally leaves a few things open to interpretation.

7. Fleabag

12 Episodes

Phoebe Waller-Bridge became a well-known actress, creator, and writer in 2016 thanks to Fleabag, and with good reason. This British comedy-drama, which started as a one-woman show written and performed by Waller-Bridge, centers around the character of Fleabag. While the premise may seem straightforward, Fleabag is truly original and unforgettable – it received significant praise and won numerous awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series.

Fleabag is known for its main character frequently speaking directly to the audience, sharing her private thoughts and adding clever commentary. Combined with strong writing, directing, and acting, and a perfect blend of funny and sad moments, Fleabag is a show everyone should see. At just 12 episodes, it’s a quick and easy watch – and many consider it one of the best shows ever made.

6. Firefly

14 Episodes

Despite being cancelled after just one season, the TV show Firefly is absolutely worth watching. This space western follows the crew of the spaceship Serenity through their exciting adventures. It stars Nathan Fillion as Captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds, a role that helped launch his television career, and consists of 14 episodes.

In the year 2517, Mal and his team travel to different planets and moons. The TV show Firefly, though beloved by fans now, wasn’t initially popular and was cancelled. It later developed a dedicated following. Several years after the show ended, the cast and crew came back together to make a movie called Serenity, which provided answers to questions left open by the series finale.

5. Peaky Blinders

36 Episodes

Despite feeling like it was on TV for a while, Peaky Blinders only had six seasons, with each season containing just six episodes. The show is a British crime drama set after World War I, following the adventures of a criminal gang called the Peaky Blinders. Cillian Murphy plays Tommy Shelby, the leader of the gang, who is constantly trying to stay out of trouble with the law.

Critics loved Peaky Blinders, and the show quickly gained a large and devoted fanbase. Even though the series has finished, it’s remembered as one of the best shows from the 2010s. Because it was so popular, Netflix is now making a movie, The Immortal Man, which will continue the story a few years after the show’s ending.

4. Freaks And Geeks

18 Episodes

Despite only lasting one season, the late 90s show Freaks and Geeks remains a fantastic and underrated comedy-drama. It didn’t receive much recognition when it originally aired on Fox, but it’s well worth watching today – and features a lot of actors you’ll recognize!

The TV show Freaks and Geeks launched the careers of now-famous actors like Linda Cardellini, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and Busy Philipps – none of whom were well-known at the time. That alone is a good reason to check it out! But beyond that, the show gained a dedicated fanbase because it realistically and beautifully captured the awkwardness and challenges of being a teenager.

3. Derry Girls

19 Episodes

Though it only lasted three seasons and 19 episodes, Derry Girls is easily one of the funniest shows of the past twenty years. This teen comedy is set in a Catholic girls’ school in Northern Ireland during the 1990s, and follows five teenagers – including Nicola Coughlan, who you might know from Bridgerton – as they deal with the ups and downs of growing up against the backdrop of political conflict.

While Derry Girls frequently includes references to actual historical events, like the Good Friday Agreement, what really makes the show stand out is how well it combines these serious topics with its humor. Plus, it’s a fast-paced and easy show to binge-watch.

2. The Queen’s Gambit

7 Episodes

Netflix’s limited series, The Queen’s Gambit, quickly became one of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows of the 2020s. Even five years after its release, it remains a huge hit on Netflix, with an estimated 112.8 million viewers. The show was a true cultural moment when it first came out.

Set in the 1950s and 60s, The Queen’s Gambit is a captivating drama starring Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon, a remarkably talented chess player. The show was widely acclaimed, particularly by chess enthusiasts who appreciated its authentic portrayal of the game and the surge in popularity it brought to chess. Its impact and quality make it one of Netflix’s most popular series.

1. Succession

39 Episodes

The critically acclaimed series Succession recently concluded after 39 episodes, and it’s considered a true masterpiece. This HBO black comedy-drama centers on the Roy family, who own a massive global media empire. Brian Cox stars as the powerful family patriarch, Logan, and his children – played by Alan Ruck, Kieran Culkin, Jeremy Strong, and Sarah Snook – are all vying for control of the company.

As a huge TV fan, I have to say Succession really blew me away. Everything about it was top-notch – the performances were incredible, the writing was sharp and funny, and the direction was beautifully done. But what really stood out was how brilliantly it explored its central themes. It’s no surprise the show racked up a ton of awards, including 14 Primetime Emmys! Honestly, I think it’s not just one of the best TV series we’ve seen in years, but a true all-time great.

Read More

2025-10-26 21:36