This week on Netflix is absolutely massive! With nearly 60 new arrivals between November 17-23, 2025, subscribers have an incredible variety to choose from. The streaming giant is dropping a jaw-dropping 27 classic K-dramas from SBS, prestigious Sundance films, British medical comedies, and heartwarming holiday content. Whether you’re a K-drama fanatic, prestige film buff, or just looking for cozy November viewing, this week delivers something extraordinary.
Table of Contents
This Week’s Netflix Must-Watch Releases
| Title | Date | Genre | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 SBS K-Dramas | Nov 17 | Drama/Romance | Legendary Korean series arrive |
| Zodiac | Nov 17 | Thriller | David Fincher masterpiece |
| This Is Going To Hurt | Nov 19 | Medical Comedy | Ben Whishaw’s acclaimed series |
| Lilly | Nov 19 | Legal Drama | Patricia Clarkson’s powerful performance |
| Jurassic World: Chaos Theory S4 | Nov 20 | Animation | Dino adventures continue |
| A Man on the Inside S2 | Nov 20 | Comedy | Retirement home mystery returns |
| Train Dreams | Nov 21 | Drama | Sundance prestige film with Joel Edgerton |
| Sangre del Toro | Nov 21 | Documentary | Guillermo del Toro family story |
Monday, November 17: The K-Drama Avalanche
27 Classic SBS K-Dramas Land on Netflix
Get ready for a K-drama marathon like never before! Netflix just secured an incredible deal with South Korean broadcaster SBS, bringing 27 beloved series to American audiences. This isn’t just any collection—these are the shows that defined Korean television and created the Hallyu wave that’s sweeping global entertainment.
Top Picks from the Collection:
Dr. Romantic (Seasons 1-2): One of Korea’s most beloved medical dramas follows an eccentric genius surgeon who mentors young doctors at a small countryside hospital. It’s Grey’s Anatomy meets Korean storytelling brilliance, with emotional depth that’ll have you crying and cheering simultaneously.
The Penthouse: War in Life (Seasons 1-3): This addictive melodrama about wealthy families living in a luxury penthouse became a cultural phenomenon. Think Succession meets makjang (Korean extreme drama), complete with revenge plots, secret identities, and jaw-dropping twists every episode.
Secret Garden: A fantasy rom-com where a wealthy CEO and a stuntwoman mysteriously swap bodies. It’s the series that made Ha Ji-won and Hyun Bin superstars and invented several K-drama tropes still used today.
It’s Okay, That’s Love: A groundbreaking mental health drama starring Jo In-sung and Gong Hyo-jin. This series tackled psychiatric conditions with sensitivity and romance, changing how Korean television approached mental illness.
My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: A delightful fantasy romance about a nine-tailed fox who falls for a human. Lee Seung-gi and Shin Min-ah’s chemistry is legendary, making this a must-watch for rom-com lovers.
Hot Stove League: Baseball management meets workplace drama in this critically acclaimed series. Even non-sports fans love it for its smart writing about teamwork, strategy, and organizational politics.
Blue Beetle (2023)
DC’s first Latino superhero gets his standalone film! Xolo Maridueña stars as Jaime Reyes, a college graduate who bonds with an alien scarab that gives him a powerful exosuit. It’s a family-centered superhero origin story with heart, humor, and impressive visual effects. Perfect for Marvel/DC fans looking for something fresh.
Zodiac (2007)
David Fincher’s meticulous thriller about the hunt for San Francisco’s Zodiac Killer arrives just in time for those who love dark, atmospheric crime dramas. Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr. deliver career-best performances in this nearly three-hour masterpiece that’s more about obsession than resolution.
Wednesday, November 19: British Comedy Meets American Drama
This Is Going To Hurt (Season 1)
Ben Whishaw (Black Doves, Paddington) stars in this darkly comedic medical series based on Adam Kay’s bestselling memoir. Following junior doctors in an obstetrics and gynecology ward, the show brilliantly balances humor with the brutal reality of working in Britain’s National Health Service.
The series isn’t afraid to show the unglamorous truth about medical careers—the impossible hours, systemic failures, and emotional toll on healthcare workers. Whishaw’s performance earned widespread critical acclaim, and the show sparked real conversations about NHS conditions in the UK. It’s ER meets The Office with a distinctly British sensibility that makes it both hilarious and heartbreaking.
Lilly (2025)
Patricia Clarkson delivers an awards-worthy performance as Lilly Ledbetter, the Alabama factory supervisor whose fight for equal pay changed American labor law. After discovering she’d been paid significantly less than male colleagues doing identical work, Ledbetter’s legal battle went all the way to the Supreme Court and ultimately the White House.
This isn’t just a courtroom drama—it’s an inspiring true story about one woman’s determination to fight institutional inequality. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 was the first bill President Obama signed into law, making her story particularly relevant as conversations about workplace equity continue today.
The Carman Family Deaths (2025)
Netflix’s true crime documentary slate continues with this investigation into mysterious family deaths. The streaming service has mastered the true crime genre with series like Making a Murderer and Tiger King, and this promises another deep dive into a compelling case that raises more questions than answers.
Thursday, November 20: Family Fun and Holiday Cheer
A Man on the Inside (Season 2)
Ted Danson returns for another season of this charming comedy about a widowed retiree who goes undercover in a retirement home to solve a mystery. The first season balanced laughs with genuine emotion about aging, loneliness, and finding purpose in your golden years. Season 2 promises more shenanigans as our unlikely detective continues his investigations.
The show works because it treats its elderly characters with dignity while still finding humor in their situations. Danson’s natural charm and the ensemble cast of veteran actors make this feel like Schitt’s Creek for the retirement set.
Jurassic World: Chaos Theory (Season 4)
The animated continuation of the Jurassic franchise returns with more dinosaur adventures. Following a group of teenagers dealing with the aftermath of Jurassic World’s collapse, this series has surprisingly complex storytelling that appeals to both kids and adult Jurassic Park fans. The animation quality rivals theatrical releases, and the show respects the franchise’s mythology while carving its own path.
The Great British Baking Show: Holidays (Season 8)
Nothing says November like British people stress-baking festive treats! This holiday special brings back beloved GBBO contestants for friendly competition creating Christmas-themed baked goods. It’s the perfect background viewing while you start planning your own holiday cooking, complete with Paul Hollywood’s intense blue-eyed stare and Prue Leith’s colorful outfits.
Friday, November 21: Prestige Cinema Takes Center Stage
Train Dreams (2025)
This Sundance Film Festival acquisition is Netflix’s big prestige play for awards season. Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones star in this adaptation of Denis Johnson’s acclaimed novel about a logger in early 1900s America. As the country transforms into the modern industrial age, Robert Grainier spends long periods away from family building railroad infrastructure.
Director Clint Bentley crafts an intimate portrait of American masculinity, sacrifice, and the changing frontier. The film explores themes of loss, resilience, and the quiet heroism of ordinary working men. With supporting performances from William H. Macy and Kerry Condon, this is the kind of literary adaptation that generates Oscar buzz and thoughtful discussions about American history.
Sangre del Toro (2025)
Guillermo del Toro opens up about his family history in this deeply personal documentary. The legendary filmmaker behind The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth, and Pinocchio rarely discusses his personal life, making this intimate portrait particularly special. The documentary explores his Mexican heritage, artistic influences, and the family experiences that shaped his unique vision.
For fans of del Toro’s work, this offers unprecedented insight into the mind behind some of cinema’s most imaginative fantasy worlds. It’s part biography, part cultural history, and entirely fascinating.
Weekend Releases: Kids Content and Hidden Gems
I’m Mita, Your Housekeeper (Season 1) – Saturday
This Japanese drama about an unconventional housekeeper who solves family problems with unusual methods has a cult following in Asia. Think Mary Poppins meets Japanese workplace efficiency culture, with heartwarming lessons about family dynamics and personal growth.
Holiday Movie Arrivals
Several Christmas movies arrive Friday including Marry Christmas (2024) and Mistletoe Mixup (2021), perfect for those who start their holiday movie marathons the moment November hits. These feel-good rom-coms feature all the classic elements—small towns, family bakeries, unlikely romance, and that warm fuzzy feeling.
The Calm Before the Storm
Netflix describes this week as “the calm before the storm” because next week brings the highly anticipated return of Stranger Things Season 5. The final season’s first volume drops November 28th, so use this week to catch up on previous seasons or discover new favorites from this incredible lineup.
With 27 K-dramas alone, you could spend the entire week exploring Korean television excellence. Or dive into prestige films like Train Dreams and Zodiac for quality cinema. The variety this week ensures everyone finds something perfect for their November viewing mood.
For more streaming updates and entertainment news, check out our Netflix coverage and TV show reviews. Stay informed about upcoming releases through the official Netflix newsroom and explore trailers on Netflix’s YouTube channel.
FAQs
Q: Why is Netflix adding so many K-dramas at once?
Netflix secured a major licensing deal with SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System), one of South Korea’s three major television networks. This partnership brings 27 classic series that defined the Hallyu wave to American audiences. These aren’t random shows—they’re the most influential K-dramas that created international fandom for Korean content. Series like Secret Garden and The Penthouse were massive hits that shaped modern K-drama storytelling. Netflix is investing heavily in Korean content because it consistently outperforms in global markets and attracts dedicated subscribers.
Q: What should I watch first if I’m new to K-dramas?
Start with My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho for a fun fantasy rom-com introduction, or It’s Okay, That’s Love for mature romance with depth. If you prefer medical dramas, Dr. Romantic is perfect with its inspiring mentor storyline. For pure addictive entertainment, The Penthouse offers extreme melodrama that hooks viewers instantly. Each series is complete with satisfying endings, so you won’t be left hanging. Most importantly, embrace the Korean storytelling style—episodes are longer (60-80 minutes), pacing differs from American TV, and emotional moments hit harder.
