A short drama series can come in many formats. The first one that comes to mind is that of the mini series: a TV show that only unfolds over one season and tells a self-contained story over around 10 episodes. Then there’s the limited series, which is very similar to the mini series. A limited series’ episodes usually feature a longer runtime, and on rare occasions, the show can have more than just one season. And then there’s the latest trend that has been taking over the world: that of the micro-drama.
Micro-dramas are short drama series that cab be watched on a micro-drama short video app on your phone. They are usually shot in a vertical format and, though most unfold over many episodes, each episode usually lasts around 60–90 seconds. It’s their fast-pace and emotional focus that makes them so addictive, as they can deliver highly rewarding and intense content within minutes, making them perfect for us to take occasional breaks from our busy lives: that’s why they seem to be the trend of the moment.
In this article, we’ve listed 5 of the most watched short drama series, including a little bit of everything! Find them below in alphabetical order! Enjoy!
1. Adolescence
Limited Series
According to Imdb, the most watched limited series of 2025 is Netflix’s Adolescence, which unfolds over four very intense, addictive episodes during which your perception of every single character changes. The premise is simple: a 13-year-old boy named Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is accused of murdering a classmate. But is he actually guilty? During the series, we try to find out the truth together with the police – Inspector Bascombe (Ashley Walters) and Detective Frank (Faye Marsay) – and his therapist (Erin Doherty). But we also become more familiar with Jamie’s family – especially his father, Eddie, played by the superb Stephen Graham.
It’s best to leave it at that to avoid spoilers, but if you’re looking for an intense limited drama series that will keep you hooked with a subtle exploration of trauma and adolescence, introducing new elements with every episode, look no further than this Netflix gem.
2. My Secret Agent Husband
Micro-Drama
The first micro-drama series on our list is My Secret Agent Husband, which only came out last year and yet it’s already captivated audiences with its binge-worthy romance, cheesy tropes, and unique sense of humor – not to mention, the vertical, short-episode format that viewers are loving. What most audiences expect when watching a micro-drama series is a feel-good story they can be emotionally invested in, with a central romance and a hint of melodrama; My Secret Agent Husband delivers on all fronts, telling the tale of a CEO’s son (Andrei Prunila’s Lucas) who fakes a marriage with an undercover agent (Michael Naizu’s Wyatt) whom he knows is investigating the company.
Needless to say, the fake relationship may start out as such, but the feelings soon become real, complicating matters even further. Available on both micro-drama apps and their YouTube channels, My Secret Agent Husband is a binge-worthy queer romance series and one of the most watched micro-dramas out there.
3. Normal People
Mini Series
Adapted from Sally Rooney’s bestselling book of the same name, Normal People is slightly longer than the other series on this list, but if you’re looking for a slow-burning, nuanced teen romance that taps into psychological drama and has authentic, complex, characters, this is a must-watch. Our central characters are Connell (Paul Mescal) and Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones), whom we follow from their first meeting at school to later meetings that will further complicate their on-again/off-again romance.
Normal People isn’t just a love story – and a very convincing one at that – but also an exploration of both characters’ journeys as they grow into themselves. It will make you dream, break your heart, and pierce it together again. Both the novel and the 2020 TV adaptation – which you can watch on Hulu – are incredibly popular, and if you haven’t watched it yet, you’re in for a treat.
4. Second to None (Wuang)
Micro-Drama
This incredibly popular Chinese micro-drama series tells the story of a son-in-law who would appear to be completely inept, but who ends up saving his in-laws from financial ruin. If the premise seems simple and straightforward, think again: over the course of many very short episodes – shot in vertical format, in line with the new micro-drama trend – a series of subplots are revealed, including an interesting one involving our protagonist’s wife, who’s on a mission of her own. In the week of release, Second to None achieved millions of streams: expect plot twists and binge-worthy developments!
5. Tell Me Not to Love You
Micro-Drama
Our last micro-drama is a romance, and though it was released in 2025, it already boasts a 9 star rating on Imdb. Hannah Lowery and Lukas Max play the leads of this steamy romance between the daughter of a servant and the son of her mother’s wealthy employer. It contains most of the micro-drama romance tropes you’re used to, with plenty of fun content to binge-watch, and audiences are loving the chemistry between its protagonists. It’s out now on micro-drama apps!
Our list of most watched short drama series contains three micro-drama series, which only confirms how popular this trend has grown: there are tons out there, so if you keep exploring, you’re bound to find many more. There are also plenty more mini-series and limited series to discover, and if you need more recommendations, make sure to check out the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice, Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, HBO’s Task and Mare of Easttown, Disney+’s Pam & Tommy, and Bridgerton spin-off Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Happy watching!