Summer is made for long days at the beach, evenings on the terrace, and that all-too-familiar phrase, “I’ll just watch one more episode.” As the temperatures rise, we naturally gravitate towards shows that help us unwind, make us laugh, or keep us on the edge of our seats long enough to forget about the heat. That’s exactly why summer TV series have become an essential part of the summer holiday season.
Whether you prefer crime dramas, emotional stories, mysteries or lighter entertainment set by the sea, the good news is that you won’t have to search for long. This summer’s line-up offers series that blend suspense, humour, drama, and unforgettable characters, and they all have one thing in common, they’re perfect for binge-watching!
From sun-drenched coastlines and luxury hotels to secrets that threaten to tear apart seemingly perfect neighbourhoods, these binge-worthy series offer something for everyone. Some are perfect for unwinding after a day in the sun, while others will have you staying up far too late because you simply have to find out what happens next.
If you’re wondering what to watch this summer, here are a selection of titles that combine summer dramas and crime stories, memorable characters, and compelling plots you’ll have no trouble finishing in a single weekend.
Why are these the perfect series for summer?
Whether you’re after something light-hearted or craving a healthy dose of suspense, these four series have everything you could want from the ultimate summer binge-watch.
You should add them to your watch list because they:
- are perfect for weekend viewing
- are short enough to binge over just a few evenings
- include crime dramas, character-driven dramas, and mysteries
- offer the ideal balance of humour, emotion, and suspense
- feature beautiful seaside settings that capture the spirit of summer
- hook you with unexpected twists and intriguing relationships
- are ideal if you’re looking for something relaxing, but not boring
- all contain enough mystery to keep you saying, “Just one more episode”.
Below are the summer series guaranteed to keep you glued to the screen, and best of all, they’re all available on Pickbox NOW.
Chaos – when ordinary life descends into complete chaos
Sometimes it only takes a single moment for everything to change. That’s exactly what happens to the main character in Chaos, who appears to have everything most people dream of, a successful career, a stable relationship, and a life that seems perfectly under control. But as problems begin to emerge, both at work and in her personal life, it becomes clear that the perfect image she has built may not actually be the life that truly makes her happy.
This Danish series delivers an engaging mix of romance, humour, and everyday drama. Rather than focusing on a major mystery or crime, it centres on a question that feels much more familiar: what do you do when you realise the life you’re living is no longer the life you want?
Why will Chaos win you over?
- perfect for binge-watching with just eight episodes
- an excellent choice for viewers who enjoy light series with a touch of drama
- combines humour, romance, and relatable life situations
- one of the most engaging drama series for a weekend binge
- tells a story about fresh starts and unexpected twists
- ideal for relaxing after a long day
Cast of Chaos
- Katrine Greis-Rosenthal as Lise Jensen
- Hadi Ka-Koush as Martin
- Kurt Ravn as Poul
- Jannie Faurschou as Anne-Mette
- Tina Gylling Mortensen as Ingrid
- Silje Havmøller Schmidt as Sarah
FAQ:
Will there be another season? There is currently no information about a second season.
The Beach Hotel – a luxurious seaside escape hiding dangerous secrets
At first glance, a luxury hotel on Sweden’s coast sounds like the perfect place to escape everyday life. But in the world created by Camilla Läckberg, behind the stunning sea views, family gatherings, and beautifully designed interiors lie old feuds, unresolved relationships, and secrets that threaten to destroy everything.
The Beach Hotel is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys a summer setting with an added dose of suspense. This Swedish series blends elements of crime drama, family saga, and soap opera to create a story packed with intrigue, rivalry, and unexpected twists and turns.
Why should The Beach Hotel be on your binge-watch list?
- perfect for anyone who loves seaside settings and summer atmosphere
- combines mystery, drama, and family conflict
- ideal for viewers who enjoy crime dramas full of secrets
- one of the most engaging mystery series for summer viewing
- blends a luxurious location with a gripping storyline
- an excellent choice if you’re looking for a drama to binge
- delivers everything you’d expect from a great summer drama, family tensions, hidden motives, and surprising twists.
Who stars in The Beach Hotel?
- Samuel Fröler as Werner Gyllenmark
- Sofia Karemyr as Julie Grip
- Jenny Ulving as Vendela Gyllenmark
- Marianne Mörck as Inez
- Rennie Mirro as Martin
FAQ:
Will there be another season? A fifth season has not yet been announced.
The Family Next Door – when the perfect neighbourhood hides too many secrets
A peaceful seaside neighbourhood, beautiful homes, and families who appear to have perfect lives, these are often the places with the most to hide. The Family Next Door tells the story of just how quickly the illusion of an idyllic community can begin to unravel when someone decides to look for answers.
The series follows a mysterious woman who arrives in a small coastal town with her own reasons for investigating the past. Her search for truth soon stirs suspicion among four neighbouring families, and what first appeared to be a close-knit, peaceful community gradually reveals hidden tensions, long-buried relationships and carefully guarded secrets.
Why watch The Family Next Door?
- ideal for fans of mystery series
- combines family drama, secrets, and suspense
- an excellent choice for viewers who enjoy family dramas
- tells the story of a seemingly perfect neighbourhood hiding far more than meets the eye
- perfect for anyone who enjoys series with mystery and intrigue
- one of those binge-worthy series that keeps you watching because you simply have to know what really happened
- blends a summery atmosphere with family relationships and compelling mystery.
Who stars in The Family Next Door
- Teresa Palmer as Isabelle
- Bella Heathcote as Ange
- Philippa Northeast as Essie
- Bob Morley as Lucas
- Catherine McClements as Barbara
- Ming-Zhu Hii as Fran
FAQ:
Will there be another season? Yes. A second season is currently in development and is expected to premiere during 2027.
The Unusual Suspects – when luxury, secrets, and crime collide in one story
In places where everything appears perfect on the outside, the biggest secrets are often hidden beneath the surface. Luxury homes, expensive jewellery, and a lavish lifestyle are merely the backdrop for a story where the line between friendship, ambition, and crime quickly begins to disappear.
The series The Unusual Suspects is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys crime dramas with a touch of humour, intriguing characters and stories that prove things are rarely what they seem at first glance. This Australian series combines mystery, drama, and dark comedy, creating an entertaining yet suspenseful story that is easy to watch in one sitting. Fans of the film Ocean’s 8 may recognise a similar combination of glamour, crime, and female characters taking control of their own plans, but with the added charm of Australian humour and family secrets.
What makes The Unusual Suspects special?
- a great choice for fans of crime series
- combines mystery, humour, and drama
- ideal for viewers who enjoy series with mystery and comedy
- delivers a story filled with secrets, twists, and unexpected alliances
- perfect for fans of mystery series
- short and fast-paced, making it ideal for binge watching
- a combination of crime, luxury, and family relationships
- one of those series you will want to finish in a single weekend.
Which famous faces appear in The Unusual Suspects?
- Miranda Otto as Sara Beasley
- Aina Dumlao as Evie De La Rosa
- Michelle Vergara Moore as Roxanne Waters
- Peter O’Brien as Nick Parker-Smith
- Matt Day as Garth Beasley
- Toby Leonard Moore as Jordan Waters
- Lena Cruz as Amy
FAQ:
Will there be a new season? There is currently no information about a new season and it appears that no further episodes will be released.
Which summer series should you choose based on your mood?
Sometimes we are not simply looking for a good series, but for one that fits the moment. After a day spent at the beach, we might want something light and relaxing, while in the evening we are more likely to be drawn to stories filled with secrets, family conflicts and unexpected twists.
If you still don’t know what to watch this summer, here is a little mood-based guide:
● If you want a series by the sea with a true summer atmosphere:
The Beach Hotel is an excellent choice. A luxurious location, family rivalries, and secrets coming to the surface make it perfect for anyone who loves seaside series and a true summer vibe.
● If you love mysteries and hidden secrets:
Choose The Family Next Door. This series shows that behind seemingly perfect families and peaceful neighbourhoods, there is often much more than meets the eye.
● If you are looking for crime, humour and a little chaos:
The Unusual Suspects delivers the ideal combination of suspense and entertainment. This series is a great choice for fans of crime dramas that do not take themselves too seriously.
● If you want something more relaxed but still emotional:
Chaos is perfect for evenings when you want a series with a laid-back atmosphere, but one that still offers an interesting story and relatable characters.
● If you have a free weekend:
All of these titles are perfect for weekend viewing because they quickly draw you into their stories and create that familiar feeling of wanting to watch “just one more episode”.
FAQ – Series you have to watch this summer
What are the best summer series?
Among the best summer series are those that combine a relaxed atmosphere, interesting characters, and stories that easily capture viewers’ attention. The Beach Hotel, The Family Next Door, The Unusual Suspects, and Chaos are excellent choices for a summer binge watch.
What should you watch in summer when you want a good binge-worthy series?
If you are looking for series to binge watch, choose titles with shorter seasons, fast-moving plots, and episodes that end with enough intrigue to make you immediately want to continue watching. These series are perfect for a few evenings of viewing.
What are the best easy-going series to watch during summer?
For anyone looking for light series that still offer a quality story, excellent choices include Chaos, which combines humour and drama, and The Beach Hotel, which brings together a relaxed summer setting and mystery.
Which series have the best summer atmosphere?
If you enjoy seaside series and a true summer vibe, you should definitely watch The Beach Hotel. Along with its beautiful setting, the series delivers family conflicts, secrets, and a suspenseful storyline.
What are the best mystery series for summer?
Fans of mystery series will especially enjoy The Family Next Door and The Beach Hotel, as both build suspense through hidden secrets, relationships between characters and questions viewers want answered.
Which crime series are worth watching?
If you enjoy crime series, The Unusual Suspects is an excellent choice. The series combines a crime storyline, humour, and engaging characters, creating an entertaining title for summer viewing.
What are the best short series for binge watching?
For those who do not have time for long series, the best options are short binge-worthy titles that can be completed in a single weekend. Chaos, The Beach Hotel, The Family Next Door, and The Unusual Suspects are exactly those kinds of series.
Why are family drama series so popular?
Family drama series attract viewers because they explore relationships, conflicts, and secrets that are easy to connect with. This is exactly why titles such as The Beach Hotel and The Family Next Door appeal to a wide audience.
Summer is the perfect time to slow down and finally watch the series that have been waiting on your watchlist for months. Whether you are drawn to crime series, gripping family dramas, or stories set by the sea, these titles offer everything you need for the perfect binge watch.
From the rivalries in The Beach Hotel, through the secrets hidden in The Family Next Door, to the witty crime twists of The Unusual Suspects, and the emotional drama of Chaos, each of these series offers a different experience but an equally good reason to press “play”. If you are still wondering what to watch this summer, let this guide be your starting point, because with stories like these, the only difficult decision will be choosing which series to watch first.
