Best 17 Limited Series Ranked
The criteria for the following list is as follows:
Each series is only one season long
Has to be really good
Season 2 can’t be in production or confirmed
This way you can adjust according to my bias.
With that said, here’s my compiled list of the best 15 limited series of all time. These ones tell a complete story in a captivating way, showcasing the unique strengths of the limited series model.
These shows prove that sometimes less really can be more.
Best 17 Limited Series of All-Time:
(last update 3/13/23)
The Night Of
Chernobyl
I May Destroy You
ZeroZeroZero
Watchmen
When They See Us
We Own This City
Escape at Dannemora
I Know This Much is True
Normal People
Mare of Easttown
Show me a Hero
Maniac
MAID
Wanda Vision
Queen’s Gambit
Olive Kitteridge
Still need to Watch: Station 11
What is a Limited Series?
A limited series is a specific type of television program or streaming series that features a predetermined number of episodes - typically ranging from six to twelve - and aims to tell a complete story with a definitive conclusion.
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Unlike ongoing series that can continue indefinitely with new episodes each season, limited series have a specific endpoint and are often structured more like a long-form movie or a multi-part book.
They’re also known as mini-series.
Limited series are often made to be complex, multi-layered stories that may not fit into a traditional series format or require a shorter, more focused narrative. They also can attract top-tier actors and directors who are interested in working on a project with a definite end point, rather than committing to a long-running series. Some examples of successful limited series include "Chernobyl" and "The Queen's Gambit."
Some of the most captivating and unforgettable stories on television come from limited series releases.
Related: Best Shows of 2022
Sometimes, the success of a limited series leads to follow-up seasons, which has the potential to tarnish the original series if not done well. Purists prefer the creators to leave the story as it is.
For example, True Detective is a series that has faced criticism for its subsequent seasons. Conversely, The White Lotus received acclaim for its second season. Both were originally presented as limited series.
5 Best Limited Series Protagonists
(last update 3/13/23)
Nasir ‘Naz’ Khan - Riz Ahmed - The Night Of
Dominick/Thomas Birdsey - Mark Ruffalo - I Know This Much is True
Arabella - Michaela Coel - I May Destroy You
Emma Lynwood - Andrea Riseborough - ZeroZeroZero
Detective Mare Sheehan - Kate Winslet - Mare of Easttown
Honorable Mentions:
Nick Wasicsko - Oscar Isaac - Show Me a Hero
Alex Russell - Margaret Qualley - Maid
David Sweat - Paul Dano - Escape at Dannemora
5 Best Limited Series Antagonists
(last update 3/13/23)
Wayne Jenkins - Jon Bernthal - We Own This City
Stefano La Piana - Giuseppe De Domenico - ZeroZeroZero
Sean Boyd - Nick Robinson - Maid
Tilly Mitchell - Patricia Arquette - Escape at Dannemora
District Attorney Helen Weiss - Jeannie Berlin - The Night Of
Honorable Mentions:
Carrie Layden - Sosie Bacon - Mare of Easttown
Chris Lynwood - Dane DeHaan - Zerozerozero
10 Best Supporting Characters
(last update 3/13/23)
Korey Wise - Jharrel Jerome - When They See Us
Freddy Knight - Michael Kenneth Williams - The Night Of
Chandra Kapoor - Amara Karan - The Night Of
Manuel Contreras - Harold Torres - ZeroZeroZero
Adrian Veidt - Jeremy Irons - Watchmen
Dr. James K. Mantleray - Justin Theroux - Maniac
John Stone - John Turturro - The Night Of
Paula Langley - Andie MacDowell - Maid
Dr. Greta Mantleray - Sally Field - Maniac
Richard Matt - Benicio Del Toro - Escape at Dannemora
Honorable Mentions:
Doctor Manhatten - Yahya Abdul-Mateen II - Watchmen
In Conclusion
When ranking the best limited series, I found myself considering how these limited series stack up against the best individual seasons of shows like the Sopranos or Breaking Bad.
It makes me wonder how many seasons of the hall-of-fame shows stand alone on their own without the context of the other seasons around it. Would they have made this list?
Anyways, let me know what you think in the comments!
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