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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, discover the top 10 most binge watchable TV shows, from House of the Dragon to Squid Game, and why their gripping stories make them perfect for your next streaming marathon!
New data from VIP-Grinders has ranked the best pilot episodes of the 20 most binge-worthy TV shows still running today, based on IMDb ratings. These pilots captivate viewers from the first frame and launch series that keep audiences hooked for hours. Below, we dive into the top 10 pilot episodes, offering descriptions of each show and explaining why they’re tailor-made for binge-watching.
The Most Binge Watchable TV Shows
1. House of the Dragon (Pilot IMDb: 8.7/10, Overall: 8.3/10)
Description: Premiering in 2022, House of the Dragon is a prequel to Game of Thrones, set centuries earlier during the Targaryen dynasty’s reign over Westeros. This fantasy epic, now spanning two seasons, chronicles the brutal civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, where rival factions vie for the Iron Throne. With breathtaking dragon battles, intricate political maneuvering, and richly drawn characters like Rhaenyra Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen, the series delivers high-stakes drama and lavish production values that immerse viewers in a world of betrayal and ambition.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy: The pilot’s gripping introduction to the Targaryen family feud, paired with stunning visuals and shocking twists, hooks viewers instantly. Its serialized storytelling, where each episode escalates the conflict, makes it impossible to stop watching. Perfect for fans of epic fantasy, House of the Dragon rewards marathon viewing with its layered narratives and jaw-dropping set pieces.
2. Reacher, Squid Game, Outlander (Pilot IMDb: 8.3/10)
Reacher (Overall: 8.0/10)
Description: Launched in 2022, Reacher is a pulse-pounding action thriller based on Lee Child’s bestselling novels, following Jack Reacher, a former military policeman turned nomadic drifter. Played with stoic intensity by Alan Ritchson, Reacher uses his sharp intellect and brute strength to solve crimes and uncover conspiracies in small-town America. Across three seasons, the series blends gritty fight scenes, clever detective work, and a lone-wolf protagonist who rights wrongs wherever he goes, appealing to fans of high-octane drama.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy: The pilot’s explosive action and intriguing mystery grab you from the start, setting up Reacher as a compelling antihero. Its mix of standalone cases and overarching conspiracies keeps the momentum going, making it easy to devour episodes in one sitting. The show’s relentless pace and satisfying payoffs make it a must-binge for action enthusiasts.
Squid Game (Overall: 8.0/10)
Description: Since its 2021 debut, Squid Game has become a global phenomenon, blending dystopian horror with biting social commentary. The Korean series follows Seong Gi-hun, a down-on-his-luck man who joins 455 other desperate contestants in a mysterious competition of deadly children’s games, with a massive cash prize for the sole survivor. Now with two seasons, the show explores themes of capitalism, morality, and survival through intense challenges and complex characters, maintaining its gripping narrative.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy: The pilot’s shocking premise and heart-pounding stakes hook you immediately, introducing a world where every choice is life-or-death. Its unpredictable twists and cliffhanger endings drive you to keep watching, while the emotional depth of its characters adds weight to the carnage. Squid Game is a compulsive binge for those who love suspense and thought-provoking drama.
Outlander (Overall: 8.3/10)
Description: Premiering in 2014, Outlander is a sweeping historical romance with a time-travel twist, based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels. The series follows Claire Randall, a World War II nurse mysteriously transported from 1945 to 1743 Scotland, where she falls in love with Highland warrior Jamie Fraser. Across seven seasons, Outlander blends lush period detail, passionate romance, and thrilling adventures, from Scottish rebellions to colonial America, creating an epic saga of love and survival.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy: The pilot’s enchanting blend of romance, danger, and time-travel mystery draws you into Claire’s journey, with Scotland’s rugged beauty as a backdrop. Its emotionally rich storytelling and sprawling narrative make each episode a new chapter in an addictive saga. Ideal for viewers craving heartfelt drama, Outlander keeps you invested for hours.
3. Silo (Pilot IMDb: 8.2/10, Overall: 8.1/10)
Description: Debuting in 2023, Silo is a gripping sci-fi mystery set in a dystopian future where humanity’s remnants live in a massive underground silo, cut off from the toxic surface world. Starring Rebecca Ferguson as Juliette Nichols, an engineer turned reluctant investigator, the series follows her quest to uncover the silo’s secrets after a series of mysterious deaths. With two seasons, Silo combines intricate world-building, claustrophobic tension, and slow-burn revelations, appealing to fans of cerebral sci-fi like Lost.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy: The pilot’s eerie atmosphere and tantalizing questions about the silo’s purpose hook you instantly, setting up a puzzle that unfolds across episodes. Its methodical pacing and deepening mysteries reward patient viewers, making it perfect for a binge as you piece together the truth. Silo is a must-watch for those who love immersive, thought-provoking sci-fi.
4. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Severance, From, Mayor of Kingstown (Pilot IMDb: 8.1/10)
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Overall: 8.3/10)
Description: Launched in 2022, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a vibrant spin-off set aboard the Enterprise before Captain Kirk’s era, following Captain Christopher Pike and his diverse crew. With a third season slated for 2025, the series embraces classic Star Trek optimism, delivering episodic adventures that explore new planets, alien cultures, and moral dilemmas, while weaving in character-driven arcs. Its retro-futuristic aesthetic and hopeful tone make it a standout in the franchise.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy: The pilot’s bold exploration and charismatic crew make it an instant hit, balancing standalone stories with ongoing character growth. Its accessible format lets you dip in for one episode or binge several, with each adventure offering fresh stakes. Perfect for sci-fi fans, it’s a feel-good binge with endless replay value.
Severance (Overall: 8.7/10)
Description: Since its 2022 premiere, Severance has redefined workplace thrillers with its chilling premise: employees at Lumon Industries undergo a procedure to split their work and personal memories, creating “innies” and “outies” who know nothing of each other. Starring Adam Scott and directed by Ben Stiller, the series follows Mark Scout as he unravels a sinister corporate conspiracy across two seasons. Its sleek visuals and psychological depth make it a standout sci-fi drama.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy: The pilot’s unsettling concept and cryptic clues grab you, setting up a labyrinth of mysteries that demand answers. Its blend of dark humor, suspense, and mind-bending twists keeps you glued to the screen, making it ideal for viewers who love cerebral, edge-of-your-seat binges.
From (Overall: 7.8/10)
Description: Premiering in 2022, From is a chilling horror-mystery series about a remote town that traps anyone who enters, with deadly creatures emerging at night. Led by Harold Perrineau as Sheriff Boyd Stevens, the show follows residents like the Matthews family as they navigate survival and uncover the town’s eerie secrets. With three seasons, From blends supernatural horror with human drama, evoking Lost with its enigmatic storytelling and ensemble cast.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy: The pilot’s terrifying setup and unanswered questions hook you instantly, creating a sense of dread that carries through each episode. Its relentless tension and gradual reveals make it a compulsive binge, perfect for horror fans who enjoy unraveling mysteries over multiple hours.
Mayor of Kingstown (Overall: 8.2/10)
Description: Since 2021, Mayor of Kingstown has delivered gritty crime drama in a Michigan town dominated by its prison industry. Created by Taylor Sheridan, the series stars Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky, a power broker navigating tensions between inmates, guards, cops, and criminals. Across three seasons, the show explores corruption, loyalty, and moral ambiguity through intense conflicts and richly drawn characters, appealing to fans of Yellowstone or The Wire.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy: The pilot’s high-stakes drama and morally complex world pull you in, introducing a web of alliances and betrayals. Its fast-paced storytelling and interconnected plotlines keep you invested, making it a gripping binge for those who love raw, character-driven crime sagas.
5. Somebody Somewhere (Pilot IMDb: 7.9/10, Overall: 8.2/10)
Description: Premiering in 2022, Somebody Somewhere is a tender comedy-drama set in small-town Kansas, starring Bridget Everett as Sam, a woman grappling with grief and disconnection after her sister’s death. Finding solace in a quirky choir group, Sam rediscovers her voice and builds unexpected friendships. Across three seasons, the series shines with authentic characters, heartfelt humor, and a grounded exploration of self-discovery, making it a hidden gem for fans of character-driven stories.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy: The pilot’s warm, relatable storytelling and Everett’s magnetic performance hook you, setting up a journey that’s both funny and poignant. Its short episodes and emotional resonance make it an easy, uplifting binge, perfect for viewers seeking a feel-good series with depth.
Why These Shows Are Binge-Worthy
These series excel at crafting pilots that grab attention and sustain engagement through compelling narratives, vibrant characters, and diverse genres, from epic fantasy (House of the Dragon) to psychological thrillers (Severance). Whether you’re drawn to heart-pounding action, intricate mysteries, or emotional depth, this list offers something for every binge-watcher. Grab your remote and dive into these addictive shows still captivating audiences in 2025.
Data sourced from VIP-Grinders, based on IMDb ratings for pilot episodes of ongoing TV shows.
Methodology:
The study reviewed the top 20 most bingeworthy ongoing shows and ranked their pilot episodes based on IMDb scores. Any shows listed in the source that are not currently airing were excluded and substituted.
Sources:
https://www.directv.com/insider/top-tv-shows-to-binge/
https://www.imdb.com/
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