Club Benefits
While many of us have embraced the habit of binge-watching, some series simply aren't designed for back-to-back viewing. Certain shows demand a break, either because each episode stands alone as a self-contained masterpiece (like "Black Mirror") or because the plot is dense enough to require reflection before moving forward, like "Dark."
These five shows are perfect examples of series that require "processing time." If you want the best experience, you shouldn't rush through them. And if you’ve already binged your way through this list, it might be worth revisiting them at a much more relaxed pace.
Show | The Vibe | Why You Shouldn't Binge |
"Black Mirror" | Dystopian sci-fi | Each episode needs mental recovery time. |
"Dark" | Time-travel mystery | Too complex; you’ll lose the plot (and your mind). |
"Breaking Bad" | Crime drama | The emotional intensity is exhausting. |
"Russian Doll" | Existential comedy | Deeper themes of trauma deserve reflection. |
"Mindhunter" | Psychological thriller | A slow-burn that rewards patient observation. |
'Black Mirror'
"Black Mirror" is a brilliant anthology series where every episode stands entirely on its own. These stories explore the dark side of technology and innovation, presenting scenarios that are often unsettlingly plausible. Because of this, it isn’t necessarily the best show to watch if you’re already feeling down or concerned about the state of the world. While some episodes are stronger than others, the entire catalog is worth your time.
You might think the anthology format is perfect for a marathon session, but watching it that way would be a mistake. Each episode functions like a short film, tackling heavy, thought-provoking themes. By watching with patience and taking time between episodes, you allow yourself the space to truly process the story and the uncomfortable questions it raises.
Stream "Black Mirror" on Netflix
'Dark'
"Dark" is the Netflix original for viewers who found "Stranger Things" a bit too simplistic or predictable. This German-language sci-fi epic begins as a straightforward story about a missing person in a small town. However, it quickly spirals into a Pandora’s Box of time travel, destiny and family secrets that span generations.
The only real "issue" with "Dark" is how incredibly complex and layered it is. This is exactly why you should avoid the urge to binge. Take your time with every episode and give yourself a few days before starting the next one. You might even want to Google the episode you just finished to ensure you caught every detail, or head to Reddit to analyze theories with other fans before moving on to the next chapter.
'Breaking Bad' (and 'Better Call Saul')
"Breaking Bad" is widely considered one of the greatest television shows of all time, and for good reason. It delivers a masterclass in storytelling over multiple seasons, offering satisfying payoffs and superb writing. However, it’s a show that needs to be handled with care because of how emotionally invested you become in the characters' downward spirals.
The same applies to its prequel/sequel, "Better Call Saul." Focusing on the evolution of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman, the show will make you laugh, cry, and care deeply about the fates of its cast. Neither of these shows should be treated as a race to the finish line. Watch one or two episodes, then step away until you’re emotionally ready to dive back in. This allows you to truly feel the weight of the characters' actions and the consequences that follow.
Stream "Breaking Bad" on Netflix | Stream "Better Call Saul" on Netflix
'Russian Doll'
"Russian Doll" is a high-concept dark comedy starring Natasha Lyonne as a woman trapped in a time loop on her birthday. Her varied, increasingly outlandish deaths are amusing at first, but new layers of existential mystery soon reveal themselves. As heavier themes of trauma and self-destruction come into play, the episodes take longer to digest.
Despite its short episode lengths making it look binge-friendly, I wouldn’t recommend it. While the second season may not quite reach the heights of the first, the entire 15-episode run is still a journey worth taking slowly. This is a show to savor with ease, rather than something to just "get done."
Stream "Russian Doll" on Netflix
'Mindhunter'
Finally, we have "Mindhunter," a slow-burning drama that is best enjoyed at a measured pace. Set in the 1970s, it follows two FBI agents as they pioneer the art of criminal profiling—a technique that changed how serial killers are brought to justice. Despite the grim subject matter, the show isn't gratuitously violent. Instead, it focuses on the psychological tension of the interviews between the agents and the killers.
The acting and cinematography are superb, and the methodical pacing will keep you hooked. To get the most out of the experience, don't rush through multiple episodes in one sitting. Instead, let the show breathe and settle into your mind exactly as its creators intended.
Stream "Mindhunter" on Netflix
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