10 Hidden Gem TV Series with A-List Stars You Need to Binge Right Now

“Landman” is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” and Christian Wallace, based on Wallace’s podcast Boomtown. The show stars Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, a seasoned landman in the oil fields of West Texas. Set in a high-stakes world where the oil boom is drastically impacting the economy, environment, and geopolitics, the series follows Norris as he navigates a brutal industry filled with tough personalities.

When a lawyer investigates a fatal accident early in the season, tensions rise, adding another layer of complexity to the already dangerous and morally ambiguous world of oil exploration. Billy Bob Thornton earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the series. Demi Moore and Jon Hamm also star in the series.

“Lioness” is a gripping action-packed drama series on Paramount+, created by Taylor Sheridan. The show follows Joe, a tough, no-nonsense CIA operative, played by Zoe Saldaña, who leads an elite covert team of female spies. The series centers around a young recruit, Cruz Manuelos (Laysla De Oliveira), who is drawn into the world of espionage and covert operations. As Cruz becomes part of the “Lioness” program, she is tasked with infiltrating and gathering intelligence on a dangerous terrorist organization.

Balancing personal challenges with high-stakes missions, Lioness explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complex dynamics of women working in a traditionally male-dominated field. The show blends intense action with deep character development, offering a thrilling look at modern-day espionage. Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman round out the cast making this a must-watch this winter.

“The Agency” is an American espionage thriller series on Paramount+ with Showtime, executive produced by George Clooney and Grant Heslov. Starring Michael Fassbender, Jeffrey Wright, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Richard Gere, the show premiered on November 29, 2024. It is based on the critically acclaimed French series “Le Bureau des Légendes” and follows Martian, a covert CIA agent (played by Fassbender), who is ordered to abandon his undercover mission and return to London Station. However, when a past love reappears, he finds himself torn between his mission and his heart, thrusting him into a dangerous game of international intrigue. The series was quickly renewed for a second season in December 2024, cementing its place as a must-watch thriller.

Apple TV+ unveils a captivating crime dramedy, “Bad Monkey,” starring Vince Vaughn as a former police detective turned restaurant inspector. What initially seems like a mundane job takes an unexpected turn when the discovery of a severed arm plunges him into the treacherous underbelly of South Florida’s corrupt crime world. With ten episodes available to binge and a second season on the way, this series promises a wild ride filled with suspense, humor, and unforgettable characters. “Bad Monkey” is created by Bill Lawrence, best known for his work on series such as “Shrinking”, “Ted Lasso”, and “Scrubs”.

“Lady in the Lake” is a limited series based on Laura Lippman’s novel. Set in 1960s Baltimore, the show centers on Maddie Schwartz (Natalie Portman), a housewife who becomes a journalist and investigates the murder of a young woman. As she delves into the case, she uncovers layers of corruption and societal issues, challenging her own beliefs and identity. The series intertwines personal and societal narratives, exploring themes of feminism, ambition, and the impact of journalism. The series is noted for its rich period detail, complex characters, and its examination of themes such as gender roles, race, and the power dynamics of journalism.

Alfonso Cuarón, a five-time Oscar winner, makes a seamless transition from film to television with “Disclaimer”, a gripping series he co-created with Apple. Featuring an all-star cast including Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline, the show explores the consequences of buried secrets.

The story centers on Catherine Ravenscroft (Blanchett), a renowned journalist whose life unravels when she receives an anonymous novel that eerily mirrors her own. As Catherine confronts her past, she risks destroying her relationships with her husband (Sacha Baron Cohen) and son (Kodi Smit-McPhee). “Disclaimer” has garnered critical acclaim, with Blanchett and Kline receiving Golden Globe nominations, and both also earning recognition at the SAG Awards.

“Laid” is an American romantic comedy series developed by Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna, based on the Australian series of the same name. Premiering on Peacock on December 19, 2024, the show follows Ruby Yao (Academy Award nominee Stephanie Hsu), a 33-year-old party planner in Seattle, who finds herself facing an unusual and unsettling mystery: the people she’s had sexual relationships with are dying in the order she slept with them. With the help of her best friend AJ, Ruby embarks on a quest to trace her “sex timeline” and warn her past partners of impending danger. Combining humor, romance, and an intriguing supernatural twist, “Laid” offers a fresh take on love and mortality.

“Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” is a limited series that packs a punch, blending the gritty intensity of boxing with the thrilling suspense of a high-stakes heist. Set against the backdrop of Muhammad Ali’s legendary 1970 match, the series follows a daring robbery during a major fight night in Atlanta. With a cast of A-list stars including Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Taraji P. Henson, and Don Cheadle, the show promises action, drama, and a twisty plot full of secrets, ambition, and survival.

“Lockerbie: A Search for Truth” is a gripping British drama series based on the real-life story of Jim Swire’s search for justice following the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. Directed by Otto Bathurst and Jim Loach, the show stars Colin Firth as Swire, whose daughter, Flora, was among the 270 people killed when the flight was destroyed by a bomb over Lockerbie, Scotland.

The series recently premiered on January 2, 2025 on Peacock in the U.S. The show delves into Jim and his wife Jane’s relentless fight to uncover the truth behind the tragedy. With each episode running around 60 minutes, “Lockerbie” offers an emotional and tense exploration of loss, justice, and the search for answers. Colin Firth stars as Jim Swire and is receiving critical acclaim for his performance.

“Matlock” is a beloved legal drama that is a reboot from the 1996 starring Andy Griffith. Kathy Bates steps into the role of Madeline Matlock. This modern take combines sharp courtroom drama with a bit of humor as Matlock takes on impossible cases. Nostalgia meets fresh storytelling for a show that’s bound to win over a new generation of fans. Bates earned a Golden Globe and SAG Award nomination for her performance. The series returns on January 30 but the first seven episodes are available to binge now on Paramount+!

If you’re looking to dive into shows with top-tier talent, these star-studded series offer the perfect mix of gripping stories and unforgettable performances. From A-listers like Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender to Hollywood legends such as Kevin Hart and Samuel L. Jackson, these shows bring both star power and top-notch storytelling. So, whether you’re in the mood for drama, suspense, or comedy, these series are sure to keep you hooked from start to finish.