Table of Contents
The choice of binge-watching often depends on the amount of free time a viewer has. A relaxed Sunday might lead to a preference for longer shows like “24” or “Grey’s Anatomy,” while a weekday evening may be better suited for a shorter miniseries. Some viewers prefer concise stories over multi-season arcs, finding them more appealing and manageable. Luckily, there are excellent TV miniseries with five episodes or fewer that provide a quick yet satisfying experience. These shows efficiently present backstories, swiftly develop characters, and maintain clear motivations, all while keeping the pace fast for heightened tension and a rewarding payoff. While such shows have been more common in the United Kingdom, the trend has gained popularity in the United States in recent years. Here are some compelling TV miniseries that offer a worthwhile binge-watching experience.
Sponsered English Shortfilm Playlist
Great TV Miniseries with Less Than Five Episodes for Rewarding, Quick Bingeing
Obsession (2023)
Obsession, a miniseries inspired by Josephine Hart’s 1991 romantic novel “Damage,” unfolds the story of Dr. William Farrow (played by Richard Armitage), a respected London surgeon with a tumultuous relationship with his son. When he meets his son’s fiancé, Anna (portrayed by Charlie Murphy), an intense and forbidden romance ignites between them. The struggle to end their affair is complicated by Anna’s unapologetic allure and her ability to effortlessly navigate between father and son, while Dr. Farrow grapples with his inability to resist temptation.
What sets Obsession apart in the realm of television dramas depicting illicit affairs is the outstanding performances and the sizzling chemistry between Richard Armitage and Charlie Murphy. Their portrayal of passionate embraces and restless yearning for each other feels genuinely convincing. The series deviates from the predictable by offering a non-traditional ending. Unlike other shows where the revelation of the affair would strain father-son relations, Obsession takes a more tragic and unexpected turn, leaving viewers with a conclusion that defies typical narrative conventions.
Roots (2016)
Roots, based on Alex Haley’s bestselling book, revolves around the life of Kunta Kinte, a young West African man from the Mandinka tribe who faces a drastic upheaval when he is sold into slavery. This miniseries, a second adaptation of the book, chronicles Kunta’s journey from being a warrior in Africa to enduring hardships while serving various plantation owners in the United States.
What makes Roots exceptional is its intense action sequences, surpassing even the popularity of the original adaptation. The narrative is filled with conflicts, ranging from inter-clan warfare in Africa to slave uprisings during transport to America. The story extends to the American Civil War, ensuring a continuous thread of gunfire. The visual aesthetics of the new Roots outshine the original and have been acknowledged at the Visual Effects Society Awards.
One notable aspect is the miniseries’ ability to depict the struggles of the average slave more authentically than many other films addressing the horrors of slavery. Disturbing scenes of assault and torture are presented not for entertainment but to condemn and shed light on the harsh realities. The overall brilliance of Roots earned it an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Limited Series.
The Last Don (1997)
“The Last Don,” akin to the critically acclaimed gangster film “The Godfather,” not only shares plot elements but also derives from the same author, Mario Puzo. The miniseries follows the aging Don Domenico Clericuziot as he navigates succession plans for his family, aiming to transition to legitimate businesses. However, his aspirations are shattered when family secrets surface.
What makes the miniseries exceptional is its portrayal of the ideological clash between the new and old Cosa Nostra generations. Younger gangsters even reject orders to kill, a departure from the traditional values. The intellectual gap between Don Domenico and his sons is evident, with the aging patriarch making crucial decisions to save the family. The series also captivates visually, employing a color palette reminiscent of “The Godfather” trilogy, using orange and yellow hues to enhance each scene, resulting in a visually stunning and rewarding viewing experience.
A Very English Scandal (2018)
In the conservative atmosphere of the 1970s, societal perceptions of the LGBTQ community were often misguided. This sentiment is vividly portrayed in “A Very English Scandal,” where the Liberal party leader, Jeremy Thorpe (played by Hugh Grant), faces a crisis when his spurned lover, Norman Josiffe (Ben Whishaw), threatens to expose their affair to the public. Unfortunately, Thorpe responds poorly to the situation, opting for a drastic solution—plotting to kill Josiffe.
What makes “A Very English Scandal” compelling is the absence of a clear hero. Both Josiffe and Thorpe exhibit flawed behavior; Josiffe resorts to malicious extortion attempts, and Thorpe mishandles the situation by contemplating murder. However, the real antagonist is portrayed as society itself, which, in the intolerant climate of the time, contributes to the creation of a so-called “scandal.” The series sheds light on a decade when the world was unkind to the LGBTQ community, emphasizing the progress that has since been made and the current freedoms in place. In a more tolerant world, the circumstances leading to the scandal might not have existed, and the characters might have behaved more reasonably.
Olive Kitteridge (2014)
Olive Kitteridge, portrayed by Frances McDormand, is the central figure in the miniseries named after her. As a misanthropic ex-teacher, her ability to navigate her past profession becomes a point of curiosity. The storyline delves into Olive’s challenges, including her distant husband, personal struggles, and coping with issues like bereavement and depression. The source material for the miniseries is Elizabeth Strout’s novel, which earned the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2009.
What Makes It Outstanding: Frances McDormand, known for her consistently exceptional performances, earned the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series. Yet, the brilliance extends beyond her. Set in the tranquil town of Crosby, Maine, Olive Kitteridge may initially appear uneventful, but it introduces a cast of captivating characters. From a skilled piano player with a scandalous family history to a jilted bride, the narrative is rich in drama. Moreover, the miniseries delves into pertinent themes such as mental health, as Olive grapples with her well-being despite medical assurances, and alcoholism, exemplified by a musician who relies on drinking to perform.
Stonehouse (2023)
Matthew Macfadyen, renowned for his role as the cunning Tom Wambsgans in the popular series “Succession,” also shines in the lesser-known project, “Stonehouse.” This show delves into the tumultuous life of John Thomson Stonehouse, the Member of Parliament for Walsall North, who, amidst accusations of being a Czech spy, attempts to fake his own death to escape his despair.
What Makes It Outstanding: Despite the real-life gravity of the politician’s predicament, “Stonehouse” distinguishes itself by steering clear of the typical dark and solemn atmosphere associated with spy dramas. Instead, it injects ample flippant humor into the narrative. John, dubbed “the worst spy ever” by his handler, embodies this comedic element perfectly. Displaying true ignorance in his espionage endeavors, he makes countless blunders and rarely acquires any valuable intelligence. The character’s peculiarity is evident when, coerced into becoming a secret Czech spy, he doesn’t raise objections or outline the drawbacks of such a career path; he simply inquires, “Will I be paid?”
Feature your entire movie cast on Shortfundly’s weekly podcast show. Promote your creation with us. To know more, click here.
Unorthodox (2020)
Esty Shapiro, portrayed by Shira Haas in Unorthodox, is not a fugitive from law enforcement but rather from her controlling husband in an arranged marriage. At 19, she escapes from New York to Berlin, embracing a secular lifestyle as an “Off the Derech” Jew. The show is noteworthy for being the first on Netflix to predominantly use Yiddish, celebrating Jewish culture while critiquing traditions that may not align with the modern world. Unorthodox explores the dangers of patriarchy and the impact of limited independence through Shapiro’s justified rebellion. With eight Emmy nominations, the series promises quality entertainment for those willing to invest their time.
It (1990)
The recent adaptations of Stephen King’s It have garnered praise for their accuracy, but it’s important to note that the ABC miniseries from over 30 years ago also told the chilling tale of Pennywise. Despite visual limitations compared to the modern movies, the miniseries excelled in character development, delving into the backstory of characters like the bully Henry Bowers, a detail overlooked in the newer films. Tim Curry, renowned for his role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, delivered a more menacing portrayal of Pennywise with nuanced expressions, laughter, and dialogue, outshining the blockbuster versions.
When They See Us (2019)
“Chronicle of the Central Park Jogger Case,” the series “When They See Us,” delves into the 1989 arrest of five Black and Latinx teenagers accused of raping a woman in Central Park. Despite their conviction and lengthy sentences, the real perpetrator emerged years later, prompting their release. The show aptly portrays the role of racism in the criminal justice system, highlighting biased investigations and questionable court presentations by prosecutors. Beyond its powerful message, the series boasts outstanding performances and skillful direction, evident in its impressive 11 Emmy nominations.
The Salisbury Poisonings (2020)
Sergei Viktorovich Skripal, at 72 years old, has led a remarkable life as one of the rare double agents who has survived to share his story. The former Russian military intelligence officer, who once sold secrets to British intelligence, spent 13 years in prison for his actions. After his release, he and his daughter were poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent while sitting in a park, fortunately surviving the attack. This incident is depicted in The Salisbury Poisonings.
What Makes It Noteworthy: In the realm of espionage, collateral damage often goes unnoticed compared to military exploits. The Salisbury Poisonings stands out by shedding light on this aspect. While the nerve agent was intended for Sergei, its impact extended to several others, resulting in disastrous consequences. The use of archival footage in certain scenes enhances the authenticity of the miniseries, providing viewers with an educational and cautionary tale.
Note:
*Shortfundly is hiring for multiple roles in Chennai. Start referring your known connections to these openings*. Check it out – https://lnkd.in/erZm6rzh
About Shortfundly
Shortfundly is an OTT marketplace platform available to share the best short films and web series through global multi-platform network. Their editorial platform enables global audience to easily discover, watch, and share unique contents anywhere on their desktop, connected TV and mobile devices.
If you are planning to release and earn on an OTT platform, learn how to distribute your short film via Shortfundly.
For publishing an advertorial article about your digital news/product launch/ short film/web series/album song on our website, drop an email at [email protected]
Hey Cinephiles! We welcome guest blogging on our platform. Do share your article with us.
Check out our Shortfundly YouTube channel for other interesting podcasts & interviews with filmmakers.
To watch unlimited premium short films & web series, Download the Shortfundly mobile application now available on Google Play Store and Apple App store.
