In recent years, miniseries have taken the lead on modern television, offering compelling stories that — for better or worse — can often be told in just one season, sometimes leaving viewers with the feeling that they still wanted more.
Some of these shows, notably, have been so successful that they later turned into full-fledged multi-season series. But others remain faithful to their original one-season format — and those are the ones featured in this list.
Chernobyl (2019)
By bringing to life the tragedy of the largest nuclear disaster in history, Chernobyl remains one of the most realistic historical dramas in modern television. The series stunned audiences not only with its visuals, but also with powerful performances that earned it multiple Emmy nominations.
Over the course of five episodes, the miniseries focuses on the consequences of human negligence faced by countless people. Its bleak atmosphere, which permeates every frame, only amplifies its emotional impact.
Midnight Mass (2021)
One of Mike Flanagan’s finest works, Midnight Mass is a masterful blend of horror, gothic suspense, and psychological thriller. Even Stephen King — a longtime fan of Flanagan’s and his occasional collaborator — praised the series highly.
Themes of faith and loss are explored with nuance and depth, while a mystery that grips the viewer from beginning to end makes the show a true gem of its genre. Although the series didn’t receive massive mainstream attention for some reason, Midnight Mass remains a critical and audience favorite, holding impressive scores of 87% and 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Band of Brothers (2001)
Created by the powerhouse duo of Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg following the success of Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers is considered one of the most powerful television dramas ever made.
The series depicts the harsh reality of war, focusing on the Western Front of World War II. Each episode begins with brief interviews featuring real-life veterans, which adds to the series’ emotional authenticity. This project not only followed in the footsteps of Saving Private Ryan but also redefined what the miniseries format could achieve — delivering deeply emotional storytelling that resonates on a profound level.
John Adams (2008)
Starring Paul Giamatti, this series tells the story of one of America’s Founding Fathers and the country’s second president, John Adams, set against the backdrop of the nation’s early struggle for independence.
The show is still regarded as a standout example of how history can be presented in an engaging, dramatic form. The performances bring historical figures to life, transforming what could have been dry chronicle into a truly gripping viewing experience.
Jesus of Nazareth (1977)
One of the best television interpretations of the most well-known story of all time, Franco Zeffirelli’s religious drama rekindles interest in the life of Jesus Christ and other key figures from the Gospels. The series follows the biblical narrative with care, while adding visual flair and cinematic scope, making the storytelling more engaging.
As unusual as it may sound, Jesus of Nazareth stands not only as one of the greatest miniseries ever made, but also as a worthy screen adaptation of a sacred text — one that still deserves attention decades later.
