The best thing about mini series is that they are suitable for viewing as a single whole. This means no cliffhangers! Mini series present a concise and fully realized story without any extra embellishments. In the last five years, we have seen extraordinary examples in this genre. Here are 10 titles that stand out as some of the most remarkable mini series of this period.

From stories based on real life to the adaptation of comic book characters, mini series are experiencing a golden age. Many series have achieved success at award ceremonies. Some have been expanded with side stories or sparked ongoing discussions. These series have given us a reason to keep watching television. While there are many great series that failed to make the list, these 10 have left a profound impact on television history.

You’ve definitely heard of the shocking story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos. In 2022, this story was adapted into a mini series format. Created by Elizabeth Meriwether and based on the ABC News podcast of the same name, The Dropout tells the rise of Elizabeth Holmes (Amanda Seyfried) as the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire and her downfall when her revolutionary technology is exposed as a massive fraud. From the big idea to the revelation of the deception, The Dropout misses no detail. The mini series expertly blends a cold true crime thriller narrative with excellent character work.

The Theranos story is utterly absurd. However, The Dropout explores the story not as a disaster but with an empathetic approach to the nuances of what happened and how Holmes delved deep. Of course, Seyfried’s outstanding performance played a significant role in the series' success. By providing a measured tone and physical presence that aligns with the real-life counterpart, Seyfried created a compelling and captivating character portrayal. The Dropout goes beyond just a story of a Silicon Valley fraudster, showcasing a tale of ambition and flying too close to the sun. This series, both strange and unsettling, offers a deeper narrative by avoiding the exaggeration of crime.