Netflix is a treasure trove of movies and TV shows that you can dip into at any time, but sometimes it’s just so difficult to know what to watch. While there’s a go-to selection of the best shows on Netflix, sometimes you’ll want to try out something new.
If you can gain access to it, American Netflix is a fantastic place to find new shows, but if you’re stuck for something new to watch, there’s a wonderful selection of original shows you can enjoy.
Here’s our pick of the best Netflix Original series.
The Best Netflix Originals on Netflix:
1. Best Netflix Originals: Stranger things
Show length: 2 seasons, 19 episodes
Stranger Things is the unexpected ’80s-soaked surrealist horror hit that Netflix dropped on us back in 2016. Following the tale of a young girl with psychokinetic powers who befriends a bunch of outcast young boys, this dark tale takes you to the dark world and beyond. Harking back to the days of Stephen Speilberg’s heyday, Stranger Things is an absolute must-watch, even if it doesn’t sound like it’s up your street.
2. Best Netflix Originals: Narcos
3 seasons, 30 episodes
https://youtube.com/watch?v=U7elNhHwgBU
Telling the true story of Colombia’s infamously violent and powerful drug lord Pablo Escobar as he rises to power through the production and distribution of cocaine. As you can imagine, this high-octane drama is a violent, gritty affair with Escobar having run-ins with rival cartels, the DEA and opposition powers.
While there are some concerns around glorifying a criminal, Narcos does a good job of portraying Escobar as the man he is believed to be – rather than painting him in a glamorous light. If you love the likes of The Sopranos, this is the show for you.
3. Best Netflix Originals: House of Cards
5 seasons, 65 episodes
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ULwUzF1q5w4
Based on the original UK TV series, House of Cards follows the story of Democrat party whip Frank Underwood on his journey to the presidency and all the people he has to step on to get there.
Kevin Spacey delivers one of his best performances in the role of Frank, and Robin Wright’s portrayal of his wife Claire Underwood creates a duo that rivals even Shakespeare’s Macbeth. If you’re looking for a gripping drama with political intrigue thrown in, this is it.
4. Best Netflix Originals: BoJack Horseman
4 seasons, 40 episodes
In a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals live side-by-side, washed up sitcom ‘90s sitcom star BoJack Horseman is planning his comeback via a warts-and-all autobiography. Obviously, things don’t turn out as they should and BoJack’s life is full of hilarious highs and sobering lows.
While BoJack’s animation style may make it look like a show made for kids, this is anything but. Not only is it filled with adult humour and piercing satire of Hollywood celebrity culture, but it’s also an incredibly true-to-life series that deals with sensitive issues around friendships, love and deep-set depression. It’s a credit to the writing staff that BoJack Horseman is so complex and yet easily digestible.
5. Best Netflix Originals: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
3 seasons, 39 episodes
https://youtube.com/watch?v=mNKEKlXY3Z4
Created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a critically acclaimed US sitcom that revolves around 29-year-old Kimmy Schmidt as she adjusts to New York City life.
This isn’t your average tale of country girl comes to the big city as, prior to moving to New York, Kimmy was rescued from a doomsday cult in Indiana. Thanks to her resolve and desire to not be seen as a victim by the rest of society, Kimmy is set to restart her life and make the most of the years that had been taken away from her.
6. Best Netflix Originals: Making a Murderer
Show length: 1 season, 13 episodes
Steven Avery, a man from Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, was wrongly imprisoned for 18 years for the rape and attempted murder of Penny Beernsten. Upon his release, he sues the Manitowoc police force for their negligence in the crime, it’s here that – after Teresa Halbach goes missing – Making a Murderer charts how the Manitowoc police department manipulated evidence to pin the blame on Avery. It may not be a completely fair and balanced documentary, but it provides a fantastic look into just how broken the US legal system can be.
7. Best Netflix Originals: Bloodline
3 season 33 episodes
https://youtube.com/watch?v=tRnS8FkcXNk
Bloodline follows the tale of the hotel-owning Rayburn family from Florida Keys and how their lives are turned upside down when their oldest son, Danny, returns to the family home. After causing a ruckus and revealing ties to the criminal world, the family’s dark past is dredged up from the depths and Danny isn’t afraid to expose his family’s legacy apart.
A second season is set to air at the end of May, and it’s certainly seems as if the Rayburn’s lives aren’t going to get any easier.
8. Best Netflix Originals: Master of None
2 season, 20 episodes
https://youtube.com/watch?v=1IHRVdRV4Ys
Dev is a 30-year-old actor still waiting for his big break. New York City life is great for him, and the royalties from his child-actor role are still letting him get by in the big city comfortably, but Dev want’s more from life.
Master of None shows that, despite all that Dev does and accomplishes, he just isn’t in control of his own destiny.
If you’re in the mood for something funny and dry with a cynical take on everyday life, Master of None is the show for you. It also helps that it’s currently sat on Rotten Tomatoes with a full 100% Fresh rating.
9. Best Netflix Originals: Daredevil
2 seasons, 26 episodes
Having already spawned a terrible film with Ben Affleck, the Daredevil series has had a rough time. Thankfully, now under the wing of Netflix, Daredevil is a fantastic superhero TV show that – despite its spandex-wearing hero – is a gritty crime drama with fantastic action set pieces.
Set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (so continuing on from Marvel’s big-budget films), Daredevil takes place in Hell’s Kitchen with blind lawyer Matt Murdoch taking on the criminal underworld as the Daredevil. This one’s not just for superhero fans, so get watching!
10. Best Netflix Originals: Orange is the new Black
5 seasons, 65 episodes
https://youtube.com/watch?v=zLyUlTu4KbI
We see plenty of prison dramas, usually ones centred around the uneasy life in male prisons. Orange is the new Black, however, looks at life in a women’s prison and all the troubles women face when incarcerated.
Not only is this Netflix’s most successful and most-watched show, it’s also swept up awards and become the only entry to win an Emmy in both a drama and comedy category.
11. Best Netflix Originals: American Vandal
Show length: 1 season, 8 episodes
From the creators of SNL, American Vandal takes the crime documentary that’s become so popular on TV and streaming services like Netflix and turns them on their head.Do. Here begins a journey to clear his name and uncover the truth.
12. Best Netflix Originals: Cooked
1 season, 4 episodes
Love food? Then you’ll love Cooked, the documentary series from food critic Michael Pollan as he travels the world exploring how cooking transforms food, brings people together and shapes our world.
Highly acclaimed, this Netflix original is all about giving you an understanding of just how important it is to have a connection to the food we cook and eat. It’s also really short, with just four episodes, so you shouldn’t get too hungry watching it in one big go.
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.
