Miniseries are some of the most fun TV shows to watch, as they’re quick and compelling, falling somewhere between a series and a movie. While some of these projects are instantly popular, others never get the attention they’re due and are still overlooked to this day. These miniseries come from all genres, from sci-fi projects likeStation Elevento period dramas likeJohn Adams. However, regardless of genre,there’s something about all of these works that draws you in and immerses you in the story,never letting go until the screen finally goes dark.
One of the most fun things about a condensed show is that thebest miniseries can be binged in a weekendor even a day or two, making it quickly digestible. Though not all of these miniseries have happy endings, all of them deliver an ending that uplifts the story and makes sense for the characters. However, it’s also the central performances of the actors who lend their skills to the projects that elevate these shows beyond typical miniseries. With the right attention, all of these have the potential to be classics.
Fans ofThe Holdoverswill recognize Paul Giamatti, the actor who leads the series as the titular historical figure, John Adams. Though it isn’t technically one of thebest Revolutionary War movies,John Adamsis often brought up in discussions of the most iconic works that tackle this period of history.Giamatti is deeply entrenched in his performance and committed to showing the many sides of the famous Adamsas both a politician and a man.
With gorgeous sets and costumes that immerse the viewer in the period,John Adamsalso featured Laura Linney in one of her best performances to date as Abigail Adams.
you’re able to learn a lot about U.S. history by watchingJohn Adams, but this isn’t to say that the series is only concerned with educating the audience. With gorgeous sets and costumes that immerse the viewer in the period,John Adamsalso featured Laura Linney in one of her best performances to date as Abigail Adams. Though there’s nothing glamorous or sweeping aboutJohn Adams, the realism and emotional truths of the story are iconic.
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Alicia Vikander plays Mira inIrma Vep, a television reimagining of the 1996 movie of the same name. The director of the film, Olivier Assayas, adapted the story for TV, modernizing it and tackling the ways that the film industry has evolved since his first project. In discussion with the most toxic elements of filmmaking and Mira’s descent into borderline madness, as she pushes herself to embody her character,Irma Vepis a smart and stylish take on the narrative that soars thanks to Vikander.
Imbuing the series with surreal elements and plenty of tongue-in-cheek references to filmmaking itself,Irma Vepwas made for film lovers but offers something for everyone. Mira is an interesting and empathetic character who we get to know through Vikander’s performance.In some ways,Irma Vepis closer to an extended epic movie rather than a TV series,as the end of each episode only makes the audience want to keep watching.
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Kate Winslet and Evan Rachel Wood star in the miniseriesMildred Pierce. They play the titular character and her daughter, Veda. Based on the novel of the same name, which was originally adapted to the screen in 1945,Mildred Piercehasn’t enjoyed the popularity of Winslet’s other miniseries, likeMare of Easttown.Todd Haynes, known for movies likeCarolandI’m Not There, helmsMildred Pierceas the director and one of the writers. Thanks to the collaboration between Haynes and the actors,Mildred Piercebecomes a gripping drama.
Winslet has never had any trouble anchoring a series, and her work alone is reason enough to watchMildred Pierce.
Set primarily during the Great Depression,Mildred Pierceis concerned with the relationship between Mildred and Veda, who grows to resent and scorn her mother.Mildred Piercedistinguishes itself from the film iteration of the story for many reasons, but Winslet’s unforgettable performance can’t be overlooked. Winslet has never had any trouble anchoring a series, and her work alone is reason enough to watchMildred Pierce.
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One of thebest period romance TV showsof the 21st century, the 2004North & Southis typically overlooked compared to bigger period dramas. However,North & Southboasts a timeless story that has plenty of intrigue, heartbreak, and romance, perfect for any fan of the genre. Though personal drama is a large part of the narrative ofNorth & South,the series is also in conversation with the industrialization of England,exploring how working conditions and workers' rights became significant issues.
Just four episodes long,North & Southis easy to dive into in just a day or two,reaching its satisfying conclusion in no time. The relationship between Margaret (Daniela Denby-Ashe) and John (Richard Armitage) is a driving thrust behind the emotional arc of the story, as the pair grow to love and respect each other, witnessing how their values align.North & Southis more serious than similar works like the BBCPride & Prejudice, but this is part of what sets the project apart.
Thismagical take on Susanna Clarke’s fantasy novel of the same name,Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, is an under-appreciated addition to the fantasy genre. It’s set in an alternate history where magic is real and widely accepted despite there being few true practitioners.Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrellfollows the parallel journeys of the two magicians, played by Bertie Carvel and Eddie Marsan, two veteran British actors who give their all to the mystical world of the story.
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ThoughJonathan Strange & Mr Norrelldidn’t perform as well internationally as the series did with British audiences, there’s a lot to recommend about the series to anyone who enjoys fantasy. However, that isn’t to say that viewers who don’t typically go for magical storytelling wouldn’t enjoy the show.Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrellblends genres and incorporates plenty of thrills into its perfectly paced runtime. From the immersive production design to the offbeat characters,the show creates a cohesive atmosphere.
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There have been many attempts to bring Joseph Heller’s well-known book to life, and the 2019 miniseries adaptation ofCatch-22pays tribute to the original text. Christopher Abbott, known for his work in the TV showGirlsand the recent fantasy moviePoor Things, plays John Yossarian, the unfortunate protagonist ofCatch-22.Yossarian is unable to escape his dangerous life as a bombardier in the Air Forceduring fictionalized battles in World War II.
Unlike the early movie iterations ofCatch-22, this recent version is a sleeker, more refined take on the storythanks to the strides made in technology and visual effects. Additionally, Abbott is far from the only cast member giving his all to his performance, as every actor fully immerses themselves in the dark absurdity of the narrative.Catch-22is a strong adaptation that will likely continue to expose younger generations to the seminal book.
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Based on the book by Jon Krakauer,Under the Banner of Heavenis a true crime miniseries that was clearly inspired by popular contemporary mystery series likeTrue Detective.Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones lead the castin their respective timelines. From their opposing perspectives, the audiences see the events that led to Brenda’s (Edgar-Jones) death and Jeb’s (Garfield) struggle to reconcile his faith with the crimes he witnesses. Though it made waves when it first aired,Under the Banner of Heavendeserves to be considered a classic.
The performances by Garfield and Edgar-Jones are two of the most enduring aspects of the series and help elevate the overall quality of the project.
The performances by Garfield and Edgar-Jones are two of the most enduring aspects of the series and help elevate the overall quality of the project.Under the Banner of Heavengarnered some controversy due to its portrayal of the actual events of the murder and the Mormon church. It’s always a delicate balance when a series is bringing real events to life, butUnder the Banner of Heavenmakes it clear that it’s not a reenactment or documentary but a fictionalized show.
Under the Banner of Heaven (2022)
One of the most grueling depictions of war to come out in the 21st century, HBO’sGeneration Killis a stark and intense exploration of the horrors of war. Loosely based on the work of a journalist who chronicled his experience shadowing soldiers during the first U.S. invasion of Iraq,Generation Killgave viewers an insight into war they’d never seen before.Though it was hailed as a realistic and skilled telling of the conflict,Generation Killisn’t as well remembered as other war miniseries.
Part of this could be because this conflict is so recent, and it’s often more comfortable to watch a series about a war that ended many years ago rather than one that’s still affecting international relations today.Generation Killprompts the audience to think deeply about what they see onscreen,even in the most visceral moments. Led by an expert cast that includes Alexander Skarsgård,Generation Killis a must-watch series for people interested in military media.
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Station Elevenisn’t just an amazing miniseries but also one of the strongest works of sci-fi of the 2020s. The series is based on the novel by Emily St. John Mandel.Starring Mackenzie Davis as Kristen, the protagonist and survivor of a deadly fluthat wiped out the majority of the population,Station Elevenchronicles how the survivors grapple with their new world. Told through flashbacks that punctuate the intensity of the present moment,Station Elevenis dark, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
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However, the nonlinear storytelling and hard-to-watch moments could easily put off viewers before they make it to the resolution. This is likely whyStation Elevennever got its due and is still considered a hidden gemwithin the sci-fi genre. For those who have gotten sucked into the world ofStation Eleven, they know how much of a joy it is to watch the moving pieces slowly fit together and to witness howStation Elevengives meaning back to an uncertain world.
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In one ofHugh Grant’s best villain performances,the actor plays the real English politician, Jeremy Thorpe, who was ousted from the government after the public scandaland trial involving Norman Josiffe (Ben Wishaw).A Very English Scandaldramatizes the events of the affair, breakup, and legal battle between Thorpe and Josiffe. The series grapples with the intersection between LGBTQ+ rights and Thorpe’s misguided attempts to hide his true self as the events unfold in the 1960s and ’70s.
It’s an interesting miniseries, praised for the performances by the actors and its dedication to showcasing the drama and dark comedy of the situation. This is far from the only miniseries that Grant has been a part of, but it is his most underrated. Though there were criticisms about how the real people were portrayed in the series,A Very English Scandalis a functionalization that uses the story as a tool to comment on British society as a whole.
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