Top 10 exciting TV series to watch on vacation

1. «Big Little Lies»

A beautiful Californian town, successful women, picture-perfect families. But only at first glance. This series gradually reveals what lies behind the flawless façade: resentments, hidden fears, toxic relationships and secrets that are not meant to be spoken of aloud.

The three main characters appear very different on the surface, but each carries a heavy burden within. And the further the plot unfolds, the clearer it becomes: no one here is quite what they seem. The series balances drama, crime and sharp social satire — and does so with great confidence. This is a story not about events, but about people. And that is precisely why it is so gripping.

2. «The Queen's Gambit»

Beth Harmon’s story extends far beyond the chessboard. It is a story of loneliness, addiction, inner struggle and an overwhelming desire to be the best in a world where women are not easily forgiven for such ambition. The series traces the journey from a little girl in a children’s home to a world-class player — with all the hardships, setbacks and victories that lie behind this success.

Despite its specific subject matter, «The Queen's Gambit» is a real page-turner — thanks to Anya Taylor-Joy’s flawless performance, the incredible atmosphere of the 1960s, and a script that keeps you on the edge of your seat even during the chess games. A brilliant series that leaves a lasting impression.

3. «Nine Perfect Strangers»

At first glance, this is a story about people who have come on a retreat to recharge their batteries. But it very quickly becomes clear that something isn’t quite right here. Each of the nine characters has their own traumas, fears and secrets. And the centre’s enigmatic director promises them a complete reset — even if it means stepping outside their comfort zone.

The series slowly draws you in with its atmosphere — calm on the surface, but tense beneath. There are plenty of pauses, glances and mounting tension. And at some point, you catch yourself no longer just watching, but trying to figure out each character. This is one of those cases where the «rest» in the series seems even more exhausting than the work — and that is precisely what makes it so compelling. The perfect choice for those who love psychological stories with unexpected twists.

4. «Black Mirror»

This is a series that’s hard to watch «just for the sake of it» — and yet, at the same time, hard to put down. Each episode is a self-contained story about technology, human nature, and how the fine line between convenience and addiction becomes blurred until it disappears entirely.

Sometimes it’s frightening, sometimes painfully familiar. Social rankings, digital memory, virtual reality — themes that seem like science fiction, yet feel like tomorrow. The film doesn’t offer easy answers or moral judgements — it simply asks questions and waits for you to arrive at the answer yourself. This isn’t the sort of series you binge-watch. But it’s certainly one that stays with you for a long time.

5. «The Chestnut Man»

Scandinavian thrillers have a special magic about them — understated, dark and very realistic. This series is exactly that. A series of gruesome murders is taking place in Copenhagen, and at each crime scene a little chestnut man is left behind — a children’s toy bearing traces of the victim. Detectives Nova and Tullin gradually unravel a tangled web that leads much deeper than it first appeared.

There are no flashy effects or over-the-top emotions here — just a dense atmosphere and tension that builds with every episode. Gloomy winter landscapes, understated dialogue and a crime that opens the door to a complex human story. This isn’t a series to watch in the background — you’ll want to watch it closely, without getting distracted by the little things.

6. «Game of Thrones»

This is one of those top-rated series that you don’t just watch with your eyes, but live right inside. Seven noble houses vie for power over Westeros, whilst a threat looms from the north, indifferent to human intrigues. There are dozens of characters, complex storylines, betrayals, alliances and a constant sense that no one — literally no one — is entirely safe.

The TV series demands your attention and engagement, but it rewards you generously in return: epic battles, sharp dialogue and characters you won’t be ready to say goodbye to just yet. It’s the kind of show where binge-watching several episodes in a row is the absolute norm. Perfect for a long weekend or a holiday, when you have time to fully immerse yourself in another world.

7. «Ted Lasso»

Sometimes the best form of relaxation isn’t about pushing yourself, but simply the feeling that everything will be alright. American football coach Ted Lasso receives an unexpected offer: to take charge of an English football club. With no experience, no knowledge of the game and almost no support. But with an incredible reserve of optimism, sincerity and the ability to see the best in people that they themselves fail to notice.

Although «Ted Lasso» could be classified as a light-hearted series in terms of its presentation, it has a great deal of depth. Themes of loneliness, fear of failure, responsibility and male vulnerability are explored very gently — without pressure, yet hitting the mark perfectly. The series has won several Emmys in a row — and quite deservedly so. It leaves you with something more than just a good mood.

8. «The Crown»

This isn’t just a story about the British monarchy — it’s a story about a choice that isn’t really a choice. The series portrays Queen Elizabeth II not as a symbol, but as a real person who has spent decades balancing her private life with her public duties, her heart with her crown. Each season covers a distinct period — from the early years of her reign to the scandals and crises that have shaken the monarchy.

The special magic of «The Crown» lies in the details. The costumes, the interiors, the atmosphere of different eras — everything works flawlessly. But the main thing is not the visuals, but the human story within. There are no easy solutions here, but there are many complex compromises that leave the viewer pondering long after the final credits roll. One of the best series for women when you fancy a slow, beautiful and thought-provoking watch.

9. «The Fall»

Most crime dramas are built around a mystery: who did it? But here, things are different. The viewer knows the answer from the very start — and that is precisely what creates a completely different kind of tension. Police Inspector Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) arrives in Belfast to investigate a series of murders. At the same time, the camera shows the killer — his ordinary life, his work, his family, and the dark side he carefully hides.

Two worlds exist side by side, and their collision is only a matter of time. The series is cold, restrained, almost devoid of unnecessary emotion — and that is precisely why it is so powerful. The film does not seek to impress with plot twists, but gradually draws you into a psychological game from which it is difficult to escape until the very end.

10. «Luther»

It’s a crime drama, but far from a conventional one. The protagonist is Inspector John Luther, a brilliant detective with almost infallible intuition. He sees things others miss and understands criminals better than he’d like to. But it is precisely this understanding that becomes his weakness.

The series isn’t afraid to show the protagonist’s inner turmoil. Luther is not perfect. He is impulsive, often breaks the rules and gradually finds himself on the edge between law and chaos. His interactions with the antagonists add a particular tension — here, they are not simply «thieves», but complex, charismatic characters who sometimes even evoke a strange sense of sympathy.

When nothing distracts you from the story

We’d like to remind you that with Maxnet’s interactive TV, you get access to a wide range of popular channels showing top-rated series. Convenient pause, rewind and rewind-to-missed-scene functions let you watch programmes without being tied to a schedule — whenever suits you best. This is particularly handy during the holidays, when you want a bit more freedom: to watch a film in the morning, late at night, or to have a whole-day TV series binge.

The perfect holiday is made up of the little things: time for yourself, the right story and comfort that doesn’t distract you. Choose which series to watch to suit your mood, immerse yourself in the plot and enjoy every episode — and Maxnet will take care of the technical side.