Arts & Entertainment

5 Shows To Binge Watch Over Labor Day Weekend

If you don't have long weekend plans (or are trying to avoid them), curl up on your couch and watch these enthralling series instead.

With Labor Day weekend upon us, perhaps you have a road trip or backyard barbecue in the works. But if you don't have plans, well, that's great too — because we've rounded up some prime binge-worthy shows for you to watch. From fire-breathing dragons to frightening dystopias and even some '80s nostalgia, we've got you covered. So pop some popcorn, curl up on the couch and get ready for an epic weekend of television.


#1 “Game of Thrones” — Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harrington, created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss


By now you've probably heard of Westeros and its seven kingdoms, since "Game Of Thrones" is the show everyone seems to be talking about these days. If you haven't yet tuned in, this is your chance to be in the know about the popular HBO fantasy series. Get ready for epic battles, shifting alliances, an army of dead men and even a dragon (or three) — just be sure to stay away from any articles that contain spoilers (it's harder than it seems). Before long, you’ll be uttering the show’s famous line: “Winter is coming.”

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Watch the official "Game of Thrones" Season 7 trailer:

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#2 “The Handmaid’s Tale” — Elizabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, Alexis Bledel, created by Bruce Miller


In this dystopian drama based on Margaret Atwood's best-selling novel, there are only a few remaining fertile women, called handmaids. They are forced to live as concubines to bear children for their male masters and their wives. However, the main character, Offred, isn't quite willing to accept her society's new status quo. Watch the full season of the Hulu-produced drama and marvel at its provocative storytelling and meticulous production design.


Watch the official "The Handmaid's Tale" Season 1 trailer:


Watch: 5 Shows To Binge Watch Over Labor Day Weekend


#3 “The Crown” — Claire Foy, Matt Smith, created by Peter Morgan

This series chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from her early years to present day, following her through the dawn of a new era that shaped the second half of the 20th century. If you can't get enough of the British royals, you'll be captivated by "The Crown." Now is your chance to watch the first season of the show before its second season premieres globally on Dec. 8.


Watch the official "The Crown" Season 2 trailer:


#4 “Stranger Things” — Wynona Rider, Shannon Purser, Finn Wolfhard, created by Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer


Ah! 1980s nostalgia reigns in “Stranger Things.” Set in 1983, the Netflix sci-fi/horror throwback is about a group of kids who team up to take on evil forces from an alternate universe known as The Upside Down. Will beloved character/unlikely internet phenomenon Barb be returning for Season 2, premiering on Oct. 27? It’s probably best to watch Season 1 before you find out.


Watch the official "Stranger Things" Season 2 trailer:


#5 “The Defenders” — Krysten Ritter, Finn Jones, Charlie Cox, Mike Colter, created by Douglas Petrie and Marco Ramirez


Quadruple the action! Quadruple the fun! This Netflix-Marvel caper follows a band of four superheroes —Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Luke Cage and Iron Fist (all of whom also have their own individual Netflix series that you can binge watch). Their mission: saving New York from a gang of villains known as The Hand as the city edges closer to disaster. The entire eight-episode series is now available to stream.


Watch the official "The Defenders" trailer:


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