Almost any series can be called a winter one if it has at least one Christmas episode. But this selection is about something else. Here, snow, cold, short days, festive lights, or the life of a northern town become an important part of the atmosphere. Some series are truly cozy, while others only seem so in the first frames, hiding murders, family problems, or mafia disputes behind snowy streets.

The level of the series also varies: alongside recognized hits, there are simply pleasant seasonal stories.

Norwegian Johanne is tired of questions about her personal life and tells her family that she will come to Christmas dinner with a boyfriend. The only detail left is to find him in 24 days.

From the description, one might expect an ordinary Christmas rom-com, but “Home for Christmas” is a bit more mature and honest. The series speaks not only about dating but also about loneliness, societal expectations, and the strange feeling that by a certain age, one should have their life “properly” arranged. At the same time, there are plenty of snowy streets, warm sweaters, lights, and family gatherings.

The series has an IMDb rating of 7.7 out of 10 based on over 20,000 ratings. This is indeed a good result for a seasonal romantic comedy. The story is predictable in places, but the lively characters and Scandinavian atmosphere prevent it from turning into yet another sweet Christmas postcard.

Dash finds a red notebook with tasks from an unknown girl in a bookstore. Thus begins their long-distance acquaintance: the characters leave each other messages and riddles in various places around festive New York.

This is distinctly a teenage series — with corresponding problems, dialogues, and romantic conventions. If adult characters and complex relationships are more important than Christmas cuteness, “Dash & Lily” may seem too naive. However, the winter atmosphere here is just right: bookstores, markets, decorated streets, parties, and an almost fairytale-like New York.

On IMDb, the series has a rating of 7.4, and on Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts 100% positive reviews from critics. The latter figure looks impressive, but it doesn't mean that all reviewers gave the series top marks: it’s just a fraction of the generally favorable reviews. “Dash & Lily” is a quality and charming youth rom-com, but it is indeed a youth one.

Due to a winter storm, passengers get stuck at Oslo airport a day before Christmas. Over six short episodes, their stories intersect: some rush to family, some flee from problems, and some meet a person they wouldn’t have noticed under other circumstances.

This is an intimate ensemble dramedy that can be watched in one or two evenings. It is warm, likable, and not overloaded with events. However, there are indeed many coincidences, quick realizations, and predictable reconciliations. The series really wants to prove that Christmas Eve can change anyone, so at times it pushes characters to the necessary conclusions a bit too straightforwardly.

The IMDb rating is 7.1 based on approximately 5,500 ratings. This is the most modest result in the selection, but quite justified: it’s not an outstanding series, but a pleasant, complete story with a distinct winter atmosphere.

Young doctor Joel Fleischman arrives to work in a small town in Alaska and gradually gets to know its eccentric residents. This is a series where everyday stories easily transition into philosophical conversations, absurd humor, and almost magical realism.

“Northern Exposure” is not entirely winter-themed: over six seasons, the seasons change. However, Alaska, the cold, the remoteness from the big world, wooden houses, and a close-knit local community create the very mood that cozy series about small towns are usually sought for.

The IMDb rating is 8.4, and this is one of the strongest positions on the list. However, the series from the early 1990s has a leisurely pace, and its later seasons are rated lower than the first. If the old television picture doesn’t deter you, this is probably the best choice for extended winter viewing.

American gangster Frank Tagliano testifies against the mafia and moves to Norwegian Lillehammer under the witness protection program. He remembers the city from the 1994 Winter Olympics and imagines it as an almost perfect hideout. It quickly becomes clear that the peaceful Norwegian life is not quite suited to his methods of doing business.

Winter is truly everywhere here: snowy roads, skiing, dark evenings, sweaters with reindeer, and a leisurely provincial life. The series was deliberately filmed in winter so that the snow and Norway itself became integral parts of the story.

On IMDb, “Lilyhammer” has a rating of 7.9, but critics received it more reservedly — about 65% positive reviews. The series is uneven, and jokes about cultural differences can sometimes be crude or repetitive. It’s also not a good comedy about nice neighbors: there are crimes, threats, and dark humor. However, the combination of a mafia story with Norwegian bureaucracy is so unique that the series can easily be forgiven for some of its shortcomings.

Inspector Armand Gamache investigates murders in a remote Quebec village. Snow-covered houses, a local bistro, and a community where everyone knows their neighbors' secrets initially promise a classic cozy detective story. However, the series gradually becomes darker and tackles much heavier themes.

Alfred Molina is well-suited for the role of the calm and attentive Gamache, but the adaptation itself does not always find a balance between individual cases and the overarching plot. Fans of Louise Penny's novels may also disagree with some character changes and the overall tone.

On IMDb, the series has a rating of 7.2, and on Rotten Tomatoes, it has 72% positive reviews from critics with an average rating of about 5.6 out of 10. This means it’s not a must-see classic of the genre, but a decent atmospheric detective story over eight episodes.

Each season of “Fargo” tells a separate crime story about seemingly ordinary people who make one wrong move and set off a chain of violence, lies, and absurd coincidences. The events mostly unfold in snowy towns of the American Midwest.

This series can only be called cozy visually. Warm kitchens, heavy winter coats, and polite conversations constantly contrast with brutal crimes. If you need a light story to relax, “Fargo” is not suitable. However, if you want a truly good winter series with dark humor and a strong plot, this is the highest quality entry in the selection.

The IMDb rating is 8.8 based on approximately 475,000 ratings, and on Rotten Tomatoes, the series has about 93% positive reviews. The first two seasons are often praised; the fourth is considered weaker, while the fifth is seen as a successful return to form. Since the seasons tell separate stories, it’s not necessary to watch them strictly in order.

Clint Barton just wants to make it home for Christmas, but a meeting with young archer Kate Bishop pulls him into a criminal story. As a result, we have a light superhero action film set against the backdrop of festive New York — with a Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, garlands, a musical, and fights among Christmas decorations.

The series does not require deep knowledge of the entire Marvel cinematic universe, although familiarity with Clint's backstory will help better understand the character. The conspiracy plot is not too complicated, some villains are caricatured, and the finale tries to cram in too many events. However, the duo of Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld works wonderfully, and the low stakes make the story more enjoyable than yet another global world-saving mission.

IMDb — 7.4 based on nearly 250,000 ratings, and on Rotten Tomatoes, the series has 92% positive reviews from critics. This is not the pinnacle of superhero television, but a quite quality and genuinely Christmas adventure.