The pandemic is (mostly) over. Gone are the days when you can spend hours indiscriminately binge-watching Netflix and Hulu without the worry of ever having to put on pants and go places like the office, school or a restaurant again.

Never fear! In just one long holiday weekend, you can catch up. The series below are recent enough that you can actually finish watching in just a few days, giving you plenty to talk about at this season's holiday parties. 

Wicked Comedy

Hacks (HBOMax) 

Commitment: 2 seasons, 18 episodes total, 30 minutes each

An aging comic and a young writer have a go at working together. Hilarious and touching. The stellar cast plays dislikable characters that you end up cheering for.

Bad Sisters (Apple TV+)

Commitment: 1 season, 10 episodes, 50-60 minutes each

A group of sisters really hate their brother-in-law and hatch a devious plan. A super fun watch with a lot of laughs. 

Derry Girls (Netflix)

Commitment: 3 seasons, 19 episodes total, 25 minutes each

A group of catholic schoolgirls navigates life’s challenges during “The Troubles” of 1990s Northern Ireland.  Heartwarmingly hysterical. Turn on those subtitles so you don’t miss a word.

Fierce Drama

The Bear (Hulu)

Commitment: 1 season, 8 episodes, 30 minutes each

A rising chef returns home to run his family’s traditional Chicago beef restaurant. The story of his journey and struggles are compelling to watch. A good follow-up if you’re looking forward to The Menu and need more kitchen confidential.

House of the Dragon (HBO Max)

Commitment: 1 season, 10 episodes, 60 minutes each

For those GOT fans waiting for all episodes to be released, here’s your fix. This prequel that details the origins of House Targaryen does not disappoint—and you don’t have to have seen Game of Thrones to get hooked.

Spy Games

Reacher (Amazon Prime)

Commitment: 1 season, 8 episodes, 50 minutes each

A gripping crime drama involving a former military officer, Jack Reacher, who drifts into a small town. This version of Reacher is much closer to the Lee Child books than the Tom Cruise movie version. The character is intense and funny.  Very watchable but fair warning: It gets a bit heavy on the gore, at times. 

Slow Horses (Apple TV+)

Commitment: 1 season, 6 episodes, 45 minutes each

A motley crew of MI-5 agents investigates crime and corruption in the world of English intelligence. A fantastic ensemble cast and a compelling story will hold everyone’s interest.

Bites of Reality

Selling Sunset (Netflix) 

Commitment: 5 seasons, 45 episodes total, 35 minutes each

Need a dose of “reality”? Watch beautiful people sell beautiful homes on this soapy reality show. It may just become your new guilty pleasure.

Family Karma (Peacock)

Commitment: 2 complete seasons, 17 episodes, 45 minutes each

For those who can’t stomach the nastiness of the housewives, Family Karma is the gateway Bravo show for you. It chronicles several Indian American families in a close-knit community in Florida. Funny and sweet and a feast for the eyes with a pinch of drama mixed in.