EntertainmentStreaming3 best Netflix TV shows to watch in under 30 minutesHere are our picks of what to watch on Netflix when have just half-an-hour to spareWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentStreaming3 best Netflix TV shows to watch in under 30 minutesHere are our picks of what to watch on Netflix when have just half-an-hour to spareWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Here are our picks of what to watch on Netflix when have just half-an-hour to spare
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Netflix)
(Image credit: Netflix)
In recent years the average length of a feature film has increased to seemingly indulgent levels. When Peter Jackson dropped 9-hours of hobbits and orcs on us we sat watching in awe but also while crossing our legs, desperate for the toilet… and that was just the standard editions!
Martin Scorsese gave us 3-hours and 26-minutes ofKillers of the Flower Moonand despite it being a wonderful film, many cinemas, much to his disgust, broke it into two parts with an intermission.
The fact is, no matter how much we love a movie or TV show, sometimes it’s just too long and our attention cannot keep up. And it can take forever to get through a long film or series when you only watch during commuting.
That’s why there’s a lot to be said for old-fashioned 30 minute shows, episodes that can be enjoyed on astreaming servicewhile travelling, at home, or while hiding in the toilet at work… c’mon, we all do it.
Here then are threeNetflixshows with episodes under 30 minutes that you can fit into a busy schedule.
Loudermilk
It follows recovering alcoholic and substance abuse counsellor, Sam Loudermilk, who despite having his own drinking under control finds himself at odds with the world. The show was gritty for its time, mature in its themes and language, and as such didn’t really fit in with the 30 minute sitcom expectations of the time.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
WillLoudermilkbe remembered in 30 years like sitcoms such asFriends? Not really… but it does work as a funny and relevant 30 minute comedy that has edge and some genuine laughs.
Derry Girls
Lisa McGee is a great writer.
Derry Girlscame from out of nowhere, from a writer with a solid history but no real standout show and stars a cast of unknowns. In many ways, that made it all the more amazing. It is funny, heartfelt, relevant and despite being a comedy with obvious tropes, painfully real. The show since catapulted both writer and cast to levels of stardom that was no doubt completely unexpected.
If you find yourself in a situation where time is limited but you need to have a bloody good laugh, we simply cannot recommend this enough. Just make sure you have headphones on if in public as the language used might get you thrown off the bus.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Nine-Nineis a show regularly hailed as one of the best sitcoms of the last decade. It has spawned the careers of so many actors working today, and is so beloved that it has become part of a modern cultural zeitgeist.
Based on the misadventures of a US police unit based at New York’s 99th Police Precinct,Brooklyn Nine-Nineis what short-form comedy should be. It’s well written, inventive, relevant and, most importantly, very very funny. With memorable and quotable characters, a simple premise and its ability to stay timeless, the show has proved to be a modern sitcom that will stay in people’s minds long after it stops running.
With episodes running at the all-important sub 30 minutes, it is a fantastic show for casual viewing and, as there is no real through-line story, you can simply drop in and out without missing out. Very much likeFriendsin the 90s, you can easily just watch a couple of episodes, enjoy and not feel like you are missing the point or being left out of a joke. Characters are well defined and always feel individual, direction is always sharp and snappy, and the sheer volume of jokes per episode sets it aside from those who would either compete or imitate.
With the recent death of the simply amazing Andre Braugher,Nine-Ninehas had a bit of a revival and as such there is no better time to jump in.
Treat yourself.
Today’s best Netflix dealsNetflix - Standard with ads$6.99/mthViewatNetflixNetflix - Standard$15.49/mthViewatNetflixNetflix - Premium$22.99/mthViewatNetflix
Today’s best Netflix dealsNetflix - Standard with ads$6.99/mthViewatNetflixNetflix - Standard$15.49/mthViewatNetflixNetflix - Premium$22.99/mthViewatNetflix
Today’s best Netflix dealsNetflix - Standard with ads$6.99/mthViewatNetflixNetflix - Standard$15.49/mthViewatNetflixNetflix - Premium$22.99/mthViewatNetflix
Today’s best Netflix deals
Netflix - Standard with ads$6.99/mthViewatNetflixNetflix - Standard$15.49/mthViewatNetflixNetflix - Premium$22.99/mthViewatNetflix
Netflix - Standard with ads$6.99/mthViewatNetflix
Netflix - Standard with ads$6.99/mthViewatNetflix
Netflix - Standard with ads
Netflix - Standard with ads
$6.99/mthView
$6.99/mth
$6.99/mth
/mth
atNetflix
atNetflix
Netflix - Standard$15.49/mthViewatNetflix
Netflix - Standard$15.49/mthViewatNetflix
Netflix - Standard
Netflix - Standard
$15.49/mthView
$15.49/mth
$15.49/mth
/mth
atNetflix
atNetflix
Netflix - Premium$22.99/mthViewatNetflix
Netflix - Premium$22.99/mthViewatNetflix
Netflix - Premium
Netflix - Premium
$22.99/mthView
$22.99/mth
$22.99/mth
/mth
atNetflix
atNetflix
TOPICSnetflix
TOPICS
Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
Amy Schumer’s Netflix comedy will leave your jaw on the floorOne big taboo gets busted in Kinda Pregnant
One big taboo gets busted in Kinda Pregnant
Is this the most insufferable Netflix trailer of all time?Meghan Markle has a show coming
Meghan Markle has a show coming
Netflix’s sci-fi horror series looks astonishing in full trailerCassandra looks like a slow-burn horror
Cassandra looks like a slow-burn horror
Two-time Oscar-winner stars in Netflix’s new thriller seriesZero Day brings Robert De Niro back to Netflix
Zero Day brings Robert De Niro back to Netflix
3 obscure horror movies to stream on Netflix and Disney+Fancy a fright tonight? Here are our three horror flick picks you might not have thought of before
Fancy a fright tonight? Here are our three horror flick picks you might not have thought of before
One of Netflix’s most beloved series finally confirms when it will endCobra Kai’s final part gets a date
Cobra Kai’s final part gets a date
Netflix’s huge new Western series gets a super-bloody trailerAmerican Primeval looks superb but violent
American Primeval looks superb but violent
One of my favourite movies ever leaves Netflix this monthPhantom Thread is a masterpiece
Phantom Thread is a masterpiece