Miniseries have altered the way people watch TV. They tell powerful stories in just a few episodes and leave an impression. This list focuses on 9 of the best miniseries that provided viewers with something unusual and strong. Crime dramas, thrillers, and emotional television series are examples of such shows. Some TV series are grounded in historical or fantasy-inspired facts, while others are based on historical events.
The listed shows have superb writing, acting, and conclusions. Some even won prizes and had audiences begging for a Season 2. Whether you enjoy action, mysteries, or family dramas, these miniseries have proven to be memorable for fans.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.
The article will explore the 9 best miniseries that redefined television storytelling
9. The Penguin (2024)

The Penguin is a miniseries based on a crime drama where Oswald Cobb becomes dominant in Gotham City's organized crime world. It is a miniseries where Colin Farrell works in the same role as in the Batman movie. It highlights the scope of Gotham's destruction and the manner in which Penguin competes for dominance among the clustered gangs. The television show ran eight episodes from September to November 2024. Moreover, its cast and stories were heavily criticized, with one being particularly depressing. Rotten Tomatoes scored this series 95%.
According to Slash Films, Penguin's Emmy wins likely helped make the case for Season 2. Matt Reeves told of the active development of Season 2 of The Penguin. He also intended to compliment the performers & authors, adding that what they are producing is great. Moreover, he hinted that an official announcement for Season 2 is coming soon.
Fact: Matt Reeves's Penguin Season 2 is probably on the way!
8. Black Bird (2022)

Black Bird is an American crime drama miniseries revolving around Jimmy Keene, a longtime drug dealer who is offered a chance to make it out in exchange for a confession from a potential serial killer. It is based on a maximum security jail and exposes the stress and dangers of working as an undercover agent. The show has an IMDb rating of 8.1/10.
Black Bird is a six-part miniseries that first appeared in July and August 2022. It was intended to be a limited series & thus no additional seasons or episodes are being produced. The show is among the best miniseries due to its psychological depth and the performances that hang on the performances of the main characters.
7. The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)

Mike Flanagan's miniseries, Fall of the House of Usher, is both intelligent and frightening. The show has a single season with eight episodes. It is founded on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Roderick Usher is the subject of the show. He is a manager of a large drug corporation. His six children are all dead. He narrates to one of the lawyers, who would like to bring down his family.
The series switches between the past and the present. It illustrates how shame and greed can destroy people. The series benefitted from good performances by the actors. The novel is laden with black humor and spooky scenes. If you enjoy this miniseries, you may wish to read more of Flanagan's writing.
6. The Hack (2025)

The Hack is a tech thriller miniseries about a large-scale cyberattack threatening to release government secrets and destabilize global security. It follows a group of ethical hackers and intelligence agents in a desperate attempt to stop the villains behind the hack. With great acting and life-or-death action, The Hack runs for a single season of eight episodes, released in 2025. The series scored a 7.5/10 on IMDb.
According to the user, this series is really well done and moves along at a good pace without missing much of the detail. The Hack is an intriguing and largely well-executed portrayal of one of the greatest scandals to have hit the UK in the last 30 years. Miniseries binge watchers will love this series. You can avail this series at 4K Ultra HD on Stan.
5. Chief of War (2025)

Chief of War is a period drama miniseries set during Hawaii's unification in the early nineteenth century. It recounts how a chief rose to bring the islands together against rival tribes and external nations. The series offers a combination of great battles, cultural politics, and political drama. Apple TV+ did not give Chief of War a renewal for a new season, yet co-creator Thomas Pa'a Sibbett explains they have a strategy for the future. He explains that the story will escalate.
All of its lead acting members would be more inclined to return for a sequel season. The show premiered in 2025 and consists of eight episodes for a single season. It is among the best miniseries of the year because of its historical plot and excellent production values.
4. Adolescence (2025)

Adolescence is a British crime miniseries based on a true crime drama about Jamie, a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a classmate. The show delves into his responses about his family in response to his imprisonment, Twitter hype, and criminal charges. Adolescence is a one-season series with four episodes per season. According to Deadline, Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B Entertainment, is considering greenlighting a second season of Adolescence following the show's success on Netflix.
These episodes form a complete story in the show, which has earned several honors for its unique style and acting. The show was nominated many times during the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards. The teens are regarded as one of the best miniseries due to excellent performances and a compelling storyline. The miniseries ranked fourth on Netflix's Most Popular English-Language TV list in April, with 114.5 million views since its March 13 premiere.
3. Marvel Zombies (2025)

Marvel Zombies is an animated miniseries based on Marvel Studios' comic books. It imagines what the world might be like if Marvel superheroes became the walking dead. The rest of the survivors are trying to escape and to struggle against their former beloveds and friends turned into monstrous beings. The show features strong action and drama as the superheroes face apparent difficulties and must make difficult decisions. To get a better understanding of the connection between Marvel Zombies and the Marvel universe, watch Marvel's What If…? (2021) on Hotstar first. Marvel Zombies was made available on Disney+ in a single (six-part, one-season) production all at once in September of 2025.
Some of its survivors, such as Kate Bishop, Riri Williams, and Kamala Khan, can potentially be resurrected. Others have interpreted other new superheroes, such as the Fantastic Four and the X-Men. Marvel said that the plot is very long and they have more to give, even though Season 2 has yet to be set for release. Fans consider it one of their best miniseries due to its bold topics, animation style, and original storytelling strategy.
2. Wayward (2025)
Wayward is a mystery thriller series available on Netflix that explores themes of bereavement and family ties. A mother seeks answers when her young teen daughter vanishes under suspicious conditions. On her journey for her child, she uncovers the town's hidden secrets and faces ghostly threats. Wayward holds viewers by creating tension and intrigue throughout its episodes.
The series premiered for one season in 2025, with six episodes that concluded the drama arc. The second season of Wayward is not yet official, but there is hope following the series's strong run. The creators have shared ideas for new episodes and returning characters. Fans are excited to see what happens next after the sad ending of Season 1. News is about to follow soon.
Fact: Keep updated on Wayward Season 2!
1. Black Rabbit (2025)

Black Rabbit is a drama television miniseries about tangled family relationships and secrets. The series tells the story of two brothers who are compelled to confront their shared past when tragedy strikes. The two brothers (Jude Law and Jason Bateman) battle with personal conflict while piecing together a jigsaw puzzle about their ancestry, resulting in powerful emotional situations and shocking revelations. Black Rabbit is a one-season miniseries that aired in 2025 and consists of four episodes. Check out the first look at Jude Law and Jason Bateman in Black Rabbit.
These episodes conclude the storyline, and no plans for a second season have been announced. Black Rabbit is one of the best miniseries because it has excellent character development and a charming storyline.
These 9 miniseries provided the viewers with exciting stories and powerful emotions. Some remained one-season hits, while others prepared the groundwork for future episodes.
Each performance had a different style and message. They revealed that the short series are no less powerful than the long ones. The viewers liked them and applauded their quality.