To pick the best shows on Netflix, we monitor what’s new on Netflix, and you know, do the work of watching a lot of Netflix. Looking to the future, we’re wondering how Netflix’s Gears of War animated series will do. We also do periodical deep dives to re-examine things that fly under the radar, which is how one of our latest entries made the list. For a more-personal list, check our new guide to the 5 Netflix shows you need to watch right now. The biggest new Netflix show coming to the service is Emily in Paris season 3. This season finds Emily trying to work two jobs at once. It’s the biggest new show of what’s new on Netflix for the week of December 19. That said, there’s always a strong chance Netflix’s new arrivals land on our guide for what to watch this weekend, which has new shows and movies. Want to make the most of your account? You might want to check out our Netflix hacks: 7 tips and tricks for saving money if you’re feeling like Netflix costs too darn much after the price increase. You can also check out Netflix’s secret codes that can unlock new categories for you.
Latest Netflix shows news (updated Dec. 19)
The Recruit just took Wednesday’s space at the top of the charts.Wednesday isn’t just one of the best Netflix shows, but it’s one of the most popular as well.Netflix with ads is missing far fewer shows than movies
The 69 best shows on Netflix available right now
Wednesday
Yes, you may get extreme “The CW” vibes from this Addams Family show from Tim Burton, and that may not be what you want if the original Addams Family movies are parts of your childhood you wanted to go unsullied. That said? Jenna Ortega puts in a fantastic performance as high school-era Wednesday Addams, who’s been kicked out of the Nancy Reagan High School for protecting her brother by way of sending flesh-eating fish at his bullies. Now, at Nevermore Academy, she’s among other students who aren’t “normies” — while she deals with her nascent abilities. Oh, and you’ve got Luis Guzmán as Gomez, in and admittedly minor role. We can’t wait for Wednesday season 2. Stars: Jenna Ortega, Gwendoline Christie, Riki Lindhome, Jamie McShane, Hunter Doorhan Seasons: 1 Years: 2022 Genres: Young adult mystery, supernatural Rotten Tomatoes score: 70% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Dead to Me
As bleak as the dark comedy Dead to Me — which is about women who become friends over one of their husband’s death — gets, it’s still one of the best shows on Netflix. Yes, Jen (Applegate) begins the series in mourning over her husband Ted’s death. Fortunately, she soon meets Judy (Cardellini) at a support group. Unfortunately, their bond is rather complicated for reasons best kept secret until you watch. Stars: Christina Applegate, Linda Cardellini, James Marsden, Max Jenkins, Sam McCarthy, Luke Roessler Seasons: 3 Years: 2019-2023 Genre: Dark comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 90% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Crime Scene
Crime Scene closed out 2023 with its third season, “The Texas Killing Fields.” It tracks a series of cold cases that spanned decades and shared a patch of land consisting of a field and highway. Previously, Crime Scene delivered in the most on-the-nose way, delivering a second season, “The Times Square Killer”, just days before people celebrated the start of 2022 from the tourist attraction (and around the world). This series made its first splash in 2021, with “The Vanishing at The Cecil Hotel.” Director: Joe Berlinger Seasons: 3 seasons Year: 2021 - 2022 Genre: True Crime documentary Rotten Tomatoes score: n/a% Watch now (opens in new tab)
The Crown
Claire Foy and Matt Smith (Doctor Who) garnered praise from critics and audiences alike for their portrayals of Queen Elizabeth II and Philip the Duke of Edinburgh in the first two seasons of The Crown that made it a must for our list of best Netflix shows. The Crown season 5, which added Elizabeth Debicki and Dominic West as Diana and Charles, just arrived, and has us excited for The Crown season 6, its final run. Cast: Olivia Colman, Claire Foy, Vanessa Kirby Seasons: 5 Year: 2016–present Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 90% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Derry Girls
Derry Girls is yet another show that proves subtitles are worth the work. This comedy series focuses of a group of rebellious teenage girls in Derry (in Northern Ireland), and the background for the series is the tumultuous time in the early 1990’s known called The Troubles. These girls and their families may have thick accents, but you’ll come to love them once you get to know them. Stars: Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Ian McElhinney, Kathy Kiera Clarke, Nicola Coughlan Seasons: 3 Years: 2018-2022 Genre: Comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 94% Watch now (opens in new tab)
From Scratch
This cross-cultural love story is half cute, lighthearted romp and half serious, tear-jerking drama. Amy (Zoe Saldaña) is a college dropout pursuing her artistic dreams in Florence, Italy. There, she meets and falls in love with handsome Sicilian chef Lino (Eugenio Mastrandrea). After a whirlwind romance, Lino follows Amy to Los Angeles to turn their fling into a real relationship, with all the attendant complexities involving families and careers. Still, their passion for each other prevails — until a health crisis completely upends their lives. Cast: Zoe Saldaña, Eugenio Mastrandrea, Danielle Deadwyler, Keith David, Lucia Sardo Seasons: 1 (8 episodes) Year: 2022 Genre: Romantic drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 92% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Forget what you know about Cyberpunk 2077, the game that crashed out of the gates, resulting in rare refunds. Netflix’s Cyberpunk: Edgerunners may sit in the same world as that game, but it’s a much bigger success. It focuses on street kid David (Zach Aguilar), who seeks survival by way of being a mercenary known as an Edgerunner. This gorgeous series, which moves at a frenetic pace, will have you hanging on every moment waiting to see how David survives. Cast: Zach Aguilar, Kenichiro Ohashi, Emi Lo, Aoi Yûki, Stephie Wong, Takako Honda Seasons: 1 (10 episodes) Year: 2022 Genre: Animation/action Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Better Call Saul
Right now is the perfect time to start — if you haven’t already begun — Better Call Saul. This Breaking Bad prequel/spinoff focuses on slick, shady lawyer Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk), but it begins back when he’s small-time lawyer Jimmy McGill — who doesn’t work with or for the drug cartels yet. While the series takes its moments showing moments “after” Breaking Bad, it’s all about the moments that send McGill into the wrong side of the law. It’s not easy to stand up to the excellence of Breaking Bad, but Better Call Saul perhaps exceeds it. We eagerly await Netflix’s receipt of Better Call Saul season 6, which ended the series practically perfectly. Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Michael McKean, Jonathan Banks Seasons: 5 Year: 2015–2022 Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 97% Watch now (opens in new tab)
The Sandman
After the Cowboy Bebop adaptation, some may have wondered if Netflix still “had it.” Fortunately, all of the right notes have been hit with this adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s classic DC comic book series. Tom Sturridge is a pitch-perfect Dream (aka Morpheus), ad while the series may be a slow starter (matching the source material), critics agree it ramps up fantastically in the back half. Recent good news came in the form of a renewal, so stop worrying about the chances of The Sandman season 2! Cast: Tom Sturridge, David Thewlis, Gwendoline Christie, Kirby Howell-Baptiste Seasons: 1 (10 episodes) Year: 2022 Genre: Fantasy Rotten Tomatoes score: 89% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Formula 1: Drive to Survive
The wild world of Formula 1 racing may often take place at hours that makes it inaccessible to those in America, and that’s where the Drive to Survive show comes in. One of the best Netflix shows out there, this gripping documentary series brings you up close and personal with the best drivers in the world, including its biggest star, Lewis Hamilton. The third, and most recent, series showed how Covid-19 flipped F1 racing on its head, as Hamilton ascended to the top of the board. The most recent season of F1 live streams was a practically lopsided affair, where Max Verstappen kept winning — and alienated those around him. We can’t wait to see what we learn about him next season. Cast: Fernando Alonso, Valtteri Bottas, Marcus Ericsson, Lewis Hamilton Seasons: 5 Year: 2019 - 2022 (ongoing) Genre: Sports documentary Rotten Tomatoes score: N/A Watch now (opens in new tab)
Maid
Maid isn’t merely one of the best shows on Neflix: it’s one of the best things I’ve watched on TV in recent history. It features a career-making performance from Margaret Qualley, who plays Alex, a woman in an emotionally abusive relationship who needs to leave her husband Sean (Nick Robinson) with her young daughter (Rylea Neveah Whittet) in the middle of the night. Nobody takes her side for this decision, and her lack of a job and any money to speak of make her situation all the more bleak. Qualley’s real-life mother Andie MacDowell co-stars as Paula, Alex’s mother who is the most unstable character in the series. As brilliant as it is emotionally-draining, Maid is proof that Netflix still has it on occasion. Cast: Margaret Qualley, Andie MacDowell, Nick Robinson, Raymond Ablack, Billy Burke, Rylea Neveah Whittet, Anika Noni Rose, BJ Harrison Seasons: 1 (10 episodes) Year: 2021 Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 94% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Old Enough!
Old Enough! is a show that shouldn’t work, but is a triumph of low-stakes reality TV. In it, 2-4 year old children are given errands and accomplishable missions from their parents, while narrators provide play-by-play commentary. The kids range from easily-distracted types or mischievous ones who don’t really care about their goals. A big hit in Japanese TV from the last decades, Old Enough! is one of the best shows on Netflix because it’s a true gem for unwinding. It’s unique shows like Old Enough! that make Netflix one of the best streaming services, even while HBO Max has the top spot. Seasons: 1 Years: 2022 Genre: Reality TV Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Stranger Things
One of the biggest and best Netflix shows takes audiences to Hawkins, Indiana for the retro adventures of Dustin, Mike, Lucas, Will, Max and Eleven, who keep finding themselves in the center of supernatural predicaments. Laugh at the dry wit of police chief Jim Hopper, find the joy in Winona Ryder’s over-the-top performance. One of the best shows to watch on Netflix ever, Stranger Things is back with a super-sized season that goes from Hawkins to Russia to Utah and — of course — to the Upside Down. Stranger Things season 5 will be the end of the ride. Cast: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown Seasons: 4 Year: 2016 – ongoing Genre: Drama/Fantasy Rotten Tomatoes score: 93% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Archive 81
Earlier this year, we lauded Archive 81 as the one new show you had to watch on Netflix. And so it’s no surprise that it’s now landed a slot as one of the best shows on Netflix. Archive 81 provides a fresh mix of character-driven drama and jump-scare horror — two things that shouldn’t go together at all. It even manages to make a use of found-footage work, even though that should be played out by now. Unfortunately, it joined the ranks of Netflix’s canceled shows, as it was killed it off before we could get a second season. If you’re upset about Archive 81’s cancelation, maybe give Netflix a piece of your mind and call Netflix customer service. Stars: Mamoudou Athie, Dina Shihabi, Evan Jonigkeit, Matt McGorry, Martin Donovan Seasons: 1 season (8 episodes) Year: 2021 Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 84% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Seinfeld
What can you say about the show about nothing that hasn’t already been said before? Well, now that it’s on Netflix, you can yadda-yadda-yadda all you want while you re-discover one of the most loved television shows of all time. Sitting pretty in the Mt. Rushmore of sitcoms, these tales of four selfish New Yorkers are as influential as TV gets, with “sponge-worthy” coming back into conversations as we wonder if someone or an event is “rapid test-worthy.” Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, Michael Richards Seasons: 9 Year: 1989 – 1997 Genre: Sitcom Rotten Tomatoes score: 89% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Voir
Cinephiles need to stop what they’re raving about in Letterboxd right now and turn on the new Netflix series Voir. The mini-series allows filmmakers and cinephiles to analyze and examine works of film, that influenced them. Movies and shows discussed include Jaws, Lady Vengeance, Lawrence of Arabia and The Sopranos. A bit meta, Voir is easily one of the best shows on Netflix for folks who have a list of their favorite auteurs. Executive producer: David Fincher Season: 1 seasons (6 episodes) Year: 2021 Genre: Documentary Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Squid Game
Korean thriller/drama Squid Game has captured Netflix in a nine-episode run that has everyone asking questions left and right. The series revolves around chauffeur Seong Gi-hun, who is broke and finds himself involved in a mysterious series of children’s games run by masked guards, for a ₩45.6 billion prize. Squid Game is one of the best shows on Netflix not just for how well it’s made, but for how its intriguing cast of characters will send you rooting for people you might not have before. Squid Game season 2 is confirmed, and we can’t wait. Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su Seasons: 1 season (9 episodes) Year: 2021 – ongoing Genre: Thriller/drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 94% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Resident Evil (2022)
Divisive out the gate — you’d expect for a video adaptation that pivots to the Young Adult sector — Netflix’s Resident Evil is still a fantastic series. It tells its story in two halves: first, with young Jade and Billie Wesker accompanying their father Albert to New Raccoon City, where he’s to work for the rebuilding Umbrella Corporation. They’ve got a new drug to market to teens, called Joy. Unfortunately, the T-Virus is still in the picture, and everything goes haywire once the girls go on an ill-advised trip to dad’s office after hours. Resident Evil also tells its story years into the future, where Jade is surviving a world that’s far more dangerous than the one we saw her younger self in. Resident Evil will not have a second season, as Netflix canceled it on August 26, 2022. Cast: Ella Balinska, Tamara Smart, Lance Reddick, Siena Agudong, Adeline Rudolph Seasons: 1 (8 episodes) Year: 2022 Genre: Sci-fi Rotten Tomatoes score: 54% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
If you’re looking for an intense and action-packed crime series, check out the greatest heists this side of Danny Ocean. The beautifully-shot series tracks the crews led by The Professor, who aims to take rob the Royal Mint of Spain and the Bank of Spain. This Spanish-language show zigs and zags all over the place, with flash-backs and time jumps to keep you on your toes. You even have to be concerned with the ol’ “unreliable narrator” conceit, which adds even more intrigue. The series just ended, so you can binge it all now! Cast: Úrsula Corberó, Álvaro Morte, Itziar Ituño, Pedro Alonso Seasons: 2 seasons (in 5 parts) Year: 2017 - 2021 Genre: Crime Rotten Tomatoes score: 95% Watch now (opens in new tab)
I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson
You’ll never laugh or cringe as much as you do when watching this short-form series from Tim Robinson (Detroiters). One of the best Netflix shows (and one of the best Netflix comedies) ITYSL is one of those shows show that either your friends are demanding you watching now (so you can get the jokes) or folks have accepted you just won’t like because its humor is too much. Season 2 has some amazing moments (have you paid yet?) and while we’re not sure if the hot dog-shaped car’s crash has been topped, it doesn’t need to be. Not when you have no idea what to do behind the steering wheel. Editor’s note: I Think You Should Leave season 3 is confirmed! Cast: Tim Robinson, Andy Samberg, Ashleigh Nicole Johnson Seasons: 2 Year: 2019 - 2021 (ongoing) Genre: Comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 90% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Ginny and Georgia
Young parents often lead to dramatic lives, and such is the case with Georgia Miller, who’s ended her years of a nomadic lifestyle only to find more chaos. Her daughter, 15-year-old Ginny, can’t escape her mother’s past either. A second season of this popular series — often ranked in the top shows on Netflix — is inevitable, as it ended on a cliffhanger built for more stories. And Ginny and Georgia season 2 is coming in January 2023. Cast: Brianne Howey, Antonia Gentry, Diesel La Torraca, Scott Porter, Sara Waisglass Seasons: 1 (10 episodes) Year: 2021 – Present Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 68% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Lupin
Need a getaway and a thrill? Then it’s time to tag along with Assane Diop, a thief inspired by the fictional ‘gentleman thief’ Arsène Lupin. Diop’s whole life has been a series of moments where he saw his family being poorly treated by the rich. So he does what all daring menaces to high society do: set out for revenge. His target? The art and jewels owned by the wealthy. Cast: Omar Sy, Ludivine Sagnier, Clotilde Hesme Seasons: 2 Year: 2021 Genre: Crime drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 97% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Bridgerton
Even a casual soapy drama can be decadent if prepared properly. As is the case with Bridgerton, the first fruit of the deal that Netflix signed with show-runner Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy). The cleverly-written and beautifully-produced series tracks Daphne, a young socialite debuting in the London scene. Each episode has an ending that will leave you clicking “Play” again, so beware it’s not the longest season. The good news is that Bridgerton season 3 (and 4) are confirmed! Cast: Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Jonathan Bailey Seasons: 2 Year: 2020 - 2022 (ongoing Genre: Period drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 89% Watch now (opens in new tab)
The Queen’s Gambit
Believe it or not, chess is en vogue once more. In The Queen’s Gambit, Anya Taylor-Joy (Emma) stars as Beth Harmon, a prodigious master of the chessboard who wants to be the very best in the world. Not only does Taylor-Joy captivate on-screen, but this is a beautifully shot show that’s already earned think-pieces about its gorgeously designed spaces. Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Marielle Heller Seasons: 1 (7 episodes) Year: 2020 Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% Watch now (opens in new tab)
The Witcher
Henry Cavill stars as Geralt of Rivia: a roving monster hunter in a dark fantasy world. While Geralt wants nothing more than to ply his trade, he runs afoul of prejudiced townsfolk, ambitious wizards and even foreign royalty. And while The Witcher season 2 arguably suffers from a slightly padded middle section of episodes (aka The Netflix Problem), we loved it anyways. We just can’t wait for The Witcher season 3, but, sadly, it’s the end of the run for Henry Cavill, as Liam Hemsworth will take over as the Butcher of Blaviken. And some bad news: The Witcher: Blood Origin reviews are pretty bad. Cast: Henry Cavill, Joey Batey, Freya Allan, Anya Chalotra Seasons: 2 Year: 2019 - 2021 (ongoing) Genre: Action, drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 81% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Emily in Paris
If the eponymous heroine of Emily in Paris seems to talk, act and dress like a millennial Carrie Bradshaw, there’s a reason for that — series creator Darren Star also masterminded Sex and the City. Emily is a Chicago marketing manager who scores a sweet gig in her dream city. Unfortunately, her new boss, Sylvie, and co-workers are a nightmare. While Paris fashionistas are sneering at the rom-com’s take on Paris and fashion, both Emily and the show are irresistibly charming and fun. And we say “oui, oui” to the handsome eye candy who prove Paris really is the city of lust, er, love. Emily in Paris season 3 drops on Dec. 21. Cast: Lily Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo Seasons: 2 Year: 2020 - 2021 (ongoing) Genre: Romantic comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 73% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Cobra Kai
Yes, almost unbelievably, Cobra Kai — the Karate Kid spin-off show that debuted on YouTube Premium and is now on Netflix — is great. The series stays rooted to the original concept and characters, beginning with Johnny Lawrence re-opening the Cobra Kai dojo as a way to try and right his erring ways. Meanwhile, Daniel LaRusso may be thriving professionally, but he’s still dealing with the absence of Mr. Miyagi. We’re already looking forward to the un-confirmed Cobra Kai season 6. Cast: Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Courtney Henggeler, Xolo Maridueña Seasons: 5 Year: 2018 – 20222 (ongoing) Genre: Comedy/drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 95% Watch now (opens in new tab)
The Legend of Korra
Yes, now that you’ve finished Avatar: The Last Airbender, you can finally catch its follow-up series, The Legend of Korra on Netflix. Ambitious, and at times divisive, Korra deals with complex themes of identity and politics that you might not expect from an animated series. Cast: Janet Varney, David Faustino, P.J. Bryne Seasons: 4 Year: 2012–2014 Genre: Animated action adventure Rotten Tomatoes score: 93% Watch now (opens in new tab)
The Last Dance
ESPN’s Michael Jordan docuseries The Last Dance appeals to fans and non-fans alike thanks to personalities that jumped off the screen. The focus may primarily be on the battle of Jordan and Phil Jackson against the front office, but Dennis Rodman’s shocking personality (for that era) and disinterest in practice, and Scottie Pippen’s work in MJ’s shadow are both entertaining aspects of the series. Cast: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman Seasons: 1 (10 episodes) Year: 2020 Genre: Sports docuseries Rotten Tomatoes score: 96% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Lucifer
Sometimes the devil becomes his own advocate. Or at least he just needs a break from hell, as is the case here where Tom Ellis’ smoldering on-screen presence as Lucifer Morningstar, the literal devil, who is taking time off in Los Angeles. Not only does he open a nightclub in the city, but he also starts doing consultant work for the LAPD, where he hits it off with detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German). Cast: Tom Ellis, Lauren German, Kevin Alejandro, D. B. Woodside Seasons: 6 Year: 2016 – 2021 Genre: Police drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 85% Watch now (opens in new tab)
You
It’s time to meet You, your next guilty pleasure binge watch. A thrilling drama, You is the talk of social media these days thanks to how much the show plays with our own addictions to Instagram and other apps. It focuses on a bookstore manager named Joe, who falls in love with/stalks the heck out of Beck (Elizabeth Lail), a grad student. And, thankfully, we aren’t waiting on confirmation of You season 4: the streaming service knows that many people believe it’s one of the best shows on Netflix, and already confirmed we’re getting more. Part 1 arrives on February 10, 2023, with part 2 on March 10, 2023. Cast: Victoria Pedretti, Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail Seasons: 3 Year: 2018–2021 (ongoing) Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 90% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Unsolved Mysteries
Netflix’s reboot of the classic true crime docuseries puts a slick spin on the original. The narration may be gone, but the new episodes still tell fascinating, spine-tingling tales of missing persons, murder and even UFO sightings. In the new Unsolved Mysteries, each episode focuses on one case, which makes the narrative more compelling and the characters more fleshed-out. But warning: You may have trouble sleeping — either because you’re so creeped out or you fall down a Reddit theory hole. If that’s too creepy for your kids, check out our guide for how to set up Netflix parental controls. Cast: N/A Seasons: 3 Year: 2020-present Genre: True crime documentary Rotten Tomatoes score: 74% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Moesha
You don’t have to go to Portlandia to feel the spirit of the 1990’s on Netflix. R&B superstar Brandy Norwood starred in Moesha, a UPN series that was brought in mid-season and became one of the network’s biggest hits, and Netflix is finally giving it a streaming home for all to relive its great run. The series dealt with what seemed like the social issues of the day, including drug use, teen pregnancy and race relations, all of which are still relevant today. Cast: Brandy Norwood, Sheryl Lee Ralph, William Allen Young Seasons: 6 Year: 1996–2001 Genre: Comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: not available Watch now (opens in new tab)
Dark
At its end, Netflix’s Dark – a puzzling drama that rewards close watching – is now complete and a highly recommendable series to watch. It focuses on a story of two children that go missing in a small German town known as Winden. Dark is commended for how it built up momentum – instead of watching it dissolve like some show that started off hot and ended poorly (Hi, LOST). Cast: Louis Hofmann, Maja Schöne, Oliver Masucci Seasons: 3 Year: 2017–2020 Genre: Crime/Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 94% Watch now (opens in new tab)
The Umbrella Academy
At the end of The Umbrella Academy season 2’s first weekend on Netflix, I saw the same request up and down my timeline: “ok, where is season 3?” And it’s not hard to see why. A massive success for Netflix, The Umbrella Academy found riveting TV by adapting the comic books of the same name, where the seven adopted Hargreeves siblings are trying to survive their own catastrophic powers. Season 2 send the kids back to the 1960’s to prevent further calamity. Season 3 just dropped, with a new twist on the apocalypse! Cast: Aidan Gallagher, Elliot Page, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Justin H. Min Seasons: 3 Year: 2019-present (ongoing) Genre: Science fiction/drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 83% Watch now (opens in new tab)
The Baby-Sitters Club
This long-awaited series adaptation of the much loved YA book series is sweet, positive, heartwarming — without being cloying or mushy. It takes the familiar story of a group of young teens who start a babysitting service and adds modern elements like social media and smartphones. But the essential themes remain the same: friendship, compassion, loyalty, forgiveness and understanding. Sadly, Netflix canceled The Baby-Sitters Club, so we won’t get season 3. Cast: Sophie Grace, Malia Baker, Momona Tamada, Shay Rudolph Seasons: 2 Year: 2020 - 2021 Genre: Comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 94% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Dating Around
The dating show genre has gotten kind of stale and predictable. Dating Around puts a refreshing twist on the formula: each episode centers on one singleton who goes on five blind dates, edited to look as if they’re happening concurrently, so you watch all of them go through the various stages Cast: Justin Bigting, Ben Samuel, Deva Mahal Seasons: 2 Year: 2019–2020 (ongoing) Genre: Reality TV Rotten Tomatoes score: 94% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Avatar the Last Airbender
Avatar the Last Airbender arrived on Netflix with a ton of hype, instantly cementing itself as one of the best Netflix series. It follows the adventures of Aang, a tween destined to become the “Avatar” — a magical martial artist who can manipulate all four classical elements. Cast: Zach Tyler, Mae Whitman, Jack De Sena Seasons: 3 Year: 2005–2008 Genre: Animated action/adventure Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Never Have I Ever
This funny, sharp, heartwarming coming-of-age dramedy is what we need right now. Co-created by Mindy Kaling and inspired by her own upbringing, Never Have I Ever focuses on the very charming Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), an Indian-American high school sophomore who’s trying to have a normal American teen experience. Cast: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Ramona Young Seasons: 2 Year: 2020 - 2021 (ongoing) Genre: Comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 87% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Community
Community is the product of Dan Harmon (Rick & Morty), and focuses on a study group at Greendale Community College that’s founded by the slacker lawyer Jeff Winger (Joel McHale), who is disbarred from practicing law and trying to get laid. Allison Brie and Donald Glover thrive as Annie and Troy. Community is not just one of the best shows on Netflix right now, it’s one of the best sitcoms of its generation. Also, get ready to pop pop, the Community movie is real! Cast: Joel McHale, Alison Brie, Gillian Jacobs, Donald Glover Seasons: 6 Year: 2009–2015 Genre: Comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 88% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Dear White People
If you’ve wondered where the hilarious satire has gone, you may have let Dear White People fly under your radar. The series focuses on race relations in America, providing view points from a college campus that has a terrible history and is still not where it should be yet — much like this country itself. Cast: Tyler James Williams, Tessa Thompson, Dennis Haysbert Seasons: 4 Year: 2017–2021 (ongoing) Genre: Comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 91% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Ozark
For us, at first, Ozark suffered from what I like to call “Didn’t we just watch this?” Syndrome. Jason Bateman and Laura Linney star as “Marty” and Wendy Byrde, who get into the dark, seedy underworld to make ends meet. While early reviews were mixed, season 3 gives a giant stage for Laura Linney to thrive on screen. One of the biggest shows ending in 2022, Ozark is without a doubt one of the best shows on Netflix. Cast: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner Seasons: 4 Year: 2017–2022 Genre: Crime drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 81% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness
Tiger King centers on a wildcat collector known as Joe Exotic, an extremely outlandish character who runs a private zoo filled with tigers, who loathes his nemesis, Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist he allegedly put a hit out on. Too addictive to put down, Tiger King is one of the best shows to watch on Netflix if you don’t know the phrase “guilty pleasure.” Cast: Joe Exotic, Carole Baskin Seasons: 2 + a mini-season Year: 2020 - 2021 Genre: Documentary Rotten Tomatoes score: 86% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Love Is Blind
Not all of the best Netflix series are high-brow, award-winning fare. This buzzy dating reality show is the love child of The Bachelor and Married at First Sight. Fifteen men and 15 women go on dates with each other to find their match – sight unseen. You’ll find yourself addicted to following the engaged couples up to their tense weddings. And while Love Is Blind season 3 recently dropped, Love is Blind season 4 is already filmed! Cast: Nick Lachey and Vanessa Lachey (hosts) Seasons: 3 Year: 2020-2022 (ongoing) Genre: Reality TV Rotten Tomatoes score: 86% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Riverdale
Somehow, Riverdale defied expectations of audiences with reboot fatigue, and became a cult sensation during its first season. That section of episodes mixed high school drama with a noir-y murder mystery (think Veronica Mars with a campy vibe), and then the second season added a cult, the Gargoyle King. Cast: KJ Apa, Camila Mendes, Lili Reinhart Seasons: 6 Year: 2017–22022 (ongoing) Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 86% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Sex Education
Yes, somehow we’re still getting great shows about pubescent life. Gillian Anderson and a cast of excellent young actors shake up the format, with the former Scully co-starring as the Dr. Jean F. Milburn, a sex therapist and mother of Otis, who’s only surviving a sexually-charged high school with the help of his friends. Sex Education season 3 just dropped, and it’s a return to form — while Sex Education season 4 is already confirmed! Cast: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa Seasons: 3 Year: 2019–2021 (ongoing) Genre: Comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 90% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Big Mouth
Don’t sleep on Big Mouth. Born from the mind of comedian Nick Kroll (The League) and his cohorts, this raunchy animated series stands out by actually creating fuller, more fleshed-out characters than South Park ever did. Oh, and it even takes time to educate audiences on depression and other major issues. A sixth season is confirmed. Cast: Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Gina Rodriguez Seasons: 6 Year: 2017–2022 (ongoing) Genre: Raunchy comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Queer Eye
It’s practically too perfect that a makeover show got a makeover, and became one of the best reality programs on TV, but that’s where we stand with Queer Eye. And while Bobby, Jonathan and Tan all get a lot of credit, there’s entertaining moments from Antoni and Karamo, whose contributions are often debatable. A new season of the fab five’s life-changing work just dropped, so get at it, and see how the gang helps a honky tonk dance instructor/grandmother, a trans powerlifter and a … high school prom committee? Cast: Antoni Porowski, Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Jonathan Van Ness and Tan France Seasons: 6 Year: 2018–2021 (ongoing) Genre: Reality TV Rotten Tomatoes score: n/a Watch now (opens in new tab)
Russian Doll
The first thing you should know is that Russian Doll is the funny and emotional the series that Natasha Lyonne (its star, co-creator, writer, and director) has long since deserved, as she’s spent most of her career as a co-star and not a lead. Its twisting, tricky premise is so good that we won’t say anything else. Russian Doll’s originality makes it one of the best shows to watch on Netflix. And after a mind-bending second season, we’re eagerly awaiting news about Russian Doll season 3. Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Greta Lee, Yul Vázquez Seasons: 2 Year: 2019 – 2022 (ongoing) Genre: Comedy/Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 97% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Love, Death & Robots
What if you took the dystopic futurism of Black Mirror, but made it slightly less depressing and animated it? You’d get David Fincher’s Love, Death & Robots, a hidden-gem of a Netflix original anthology series that’s comprised of bite-sized episodes that run about 15 minutes a piece. For more oddball picks, check out the best Netflix alternatives. Cast: Topher Grace, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Gary Cole Seasons: 3 Year: 2019 - 2022 Genre: Sci-fi Rotten Tomatoes score: 79% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Supergirl
The cure for Zack Snyder’s dour and gritty murderverse of DCEU movies, Supergirl tells the tale of Kara Danvers, a plucky employee of the CatCo media empire. Of course, Kara’s got something in common with her cousin Clark Kent, as her real name is Kara Zor-El. Cast: Melissa Benoist, Calista Flockhart, Mehcad Brooks Seasons: 5 Year: 2015–2020 (ongoing) Genre: Comic book drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 86% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Grace and Frankie
An excellent odd-couple comedy, Grace and Frankie gives Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin starring roles with a lot of great one-liners. The series begins with a life-shattering moment as Frankie and Grace (Tomlin and Fonda) discover that their husbands are leaving them. Soon, the natural enemies slowly become friends. The series concluded after a long-awaited final set of season 7 episodes. Cast: Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen Seasons: 7 Year: 2015–2022 Genre: Comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 89% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Mindhunter
Thought we had enough crime dramas? Think again. Mindhunter brought cinema-quality visuals and strong character development to the genre, and took us back in crime to the 1970s as police began to track serial killers. Excellent acting and moody writing help make it one of the best Netflix series. Frustratingly, Mindhunter has apparently been put on an indefinite hiatus, so we don’t know if or when season 3 will happen. Cast: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv Seasons: 2 Year: 2017–2019 Genre: Crime drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 97% Watch now (opens in new tab)
The Great British Baking Show
Competitive reality TV doesn’t have to be a backstabbing mess. The Great British Baking Show (which is called The Great British Bake Off when it originally airs in the U.K.) subverts that trend with contestants who have a surprising amount of camaraderie as they produce plentiful amounts of pastries and cakes. Baking Show fans should check out how Roku’s got a ton of free Baking Show Universe content. Cast: Anna Beattie, Richard McKerrow, Letty Kavanagh Seasons: 10 (Netflix has 6 of those seasons) Year: 2010–2022 (ongoing) Genre: Cooking reality TV Rotten Tomatoes score: 89% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Peaky Blinders
The first five seasons of Peaky Blinders has spanned a decade of crime drama in Birmingham, England. The series, driven by Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later) starring as the upwardly criminal Tommy Shelby, started off slow but currently moves at a breakneck pace. And Peaky Blinders the show is finally over, as season 6 just hit Netflix. A movie is to follow. Cast: Cillian Murphy, Tom Harper, Iddo Goldberg Seasons: 6 Year: 2013–2022 Genre: Crime drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 92% Watch now (opens in new tab)
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
For once, a modernized update isn’t a lifeless, gritty reboot, as She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is the best new animated series on Netflix and a ton of fun. Sure, it might start in a dark place — as protagonists Adora and Catra did grow up as orphaned child soldiers — but it doesn’t live in that despair. Cast: Aimee Carrero, Amanda Michalka, Marcus Scribner Seasons: 5 Year: 2018–2020 Genre: Animated adventure Rotten Tomatoes score: 96% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
What if you took everything people love about the hit show Riverdale, but added horror sensibilities and made it funnier? That’s what you get with Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which has an excellent lead in Kiernan Shipka. Yes, Sally Draper’s taking everything she learned on Mad Men and bringing it to a weirder world. Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Miranda Otto, Chance Perdomo Seasons: 4 Year: 2018–2020 Genre: Drama/Fantasy Rotten Tomatoes score: 82% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Tuca & Bertie
Tuca & Bertie provided an animated take on the complications of adult friendships. A proper successor to Broad City, the show centers around a brash toucan named Tuca (voiced by Tiffany Haddish) and the anxiety-riddled songbird named Bertie (Ali Wong), who meet through living in the same apartment building. Tuca & Bertie is one of the best shows on Netflix right now, and I say “right now” because we’re not sure if Tuca & Bertie will wind up with Rick and Morty on HBO Max, as S2 is picked up by Adult Swim. Cast: Tiffany Haddish, Ali Wong, Steven Yeun Seasons: 1 (10 episodes) Year: 2019 Genre: Animated comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 98% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Glow
Women’s wrestling — heck, all pro wrestling — has historically been laughed at, and called a side-show. Netflix original Glow looks to flip the script on how this predetermined spectacle is viewed, by showing how a group of misfit actors and wanna-be celebrities went from nobodies to superstardom. Sadly, Glow has been cancelled, due to complications with the COVID-19 pandemic, and its fourth season shall not come to life. Cast: Alison Brie, Marc Maron, Betty Gilpin Seasons: 3 Years: 2017–2019 Genre: Comedy/Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 93% Watch now (opens in new tab)
The Good Place
What if you woke up in heaven, but knew you didn’t deserve to be there, and had to hide your imperfections? That case of impostor syndrome is at the root of the critically-praised The Good Place, which has crackling chemistry, sharp and clever jokes and an existential education that make it is one of the best Netflix shows. The final season of The Good Place was recently added to Netflix, so make sure to get a hankie for the emotional conclusion. It’s one of the best shows to watch while you wait for Ted Lasso season 3. Cast: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper Seasons: 4 Year: 2016–2020 Genre: Comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 97% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Master of None
While Aziz Ansari got famous for being a tonedeaf wanna-be lothario on Parks & Rec, his Netflix original series takes a much more grounded approach at the insanity that is dating in the era of apps. The series has brought Dev and his friend Arnold (Eric Wareheim) from New York to Italy, to repeated success. A third season of five episodes arrived in May 2021 — taking the focus off Dev. Cast: Aziz Ansari, H. Jon Benjamin, Eric Wareheim Seasons: 3 Year: 2015–2021 Genre: Comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 100% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Musical comedy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend stars Rachel Bloom as Rebecca Nora Bunch: a NY lawyer who moves to California, only to find her first love living nearby. The songs aren’t just hilarious, they have real emotional depth, turning what seems like a silly rom-com much more and making this one of the best Netflix shows. Cast: Rachel Bloom, Santino Fontana, Michael McDonald Seasons: 4 Year: 2015–2019 Genre: Musical comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 98% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Arrested Development
We all love to see rich people fall, and Arrested Development scratched this itch well, while showing us how dumb the 1% can be. Of course, you might find a way to sympathise with Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) and his son George Michael Bluth (Michael Cera), who are trying their best to fix the business. Arrested Development is inarguably one of the best shows to watch on Netflix, provided you stop after season 3. Cast: Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Jessica Walter, Jeffrey Tambor Seasons: 5 Year: 2003–2006; 2013–2019 Genre: Comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 75% Watch now (opens in new tab)
BoJack Horseman
BoJack Horseman is a hilarious and profound meditation on the nature of depression that just happens to be about an anthropomorphic horse. BoJack (Will Arnett) is a washed-up Hollywood TV star with plenty of money but no real goals or joy left in his life. Cast: Will Arnett, Aaron Paul, Amy Sedaris Seasons: 6 (plus a Christmas special) Year: 2014–2020 Genre: Animated comedy/drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 93% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Orange Is the New Black
Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) realizes she can’t escape the mistakes of her past when she winds up in a minimum-security women’s prison on a drug smuggling charge. Granted, it’s not all bad, as she befriends the quirky inmates and reflects on the bizarre backstory that brought her there. Cast: Taylor Schilling, Laura Prepon, Kate Mulgrew Seasons: 7 Year: 2013–2019 Genre: Comedy/Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 90% Watch now (opens in new tab)
House of Cards
A remake of the popular UK series of the same name, House of Cards is all about the inner workings of federal politics and just how dirty and deceitful they can get. Kevin Spacey stars as Frank Underwood: an amoral American congressman who will do absolutely anything to gain political power. Cast: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Sebastian Arcelus Seasons: 6 Year: 2013–2018 Genre: Drama Rotten Tomatoes score: 78% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Black Mirror
Black Mirror plays with all of our worst fears about technology and privacy. While its first episode, the sexually explicit “The National Anthem” pushed at social networks, later episodes — such as “Fifty Million Merits” and “White Christmas” — rip apart future advances in in-app purchases, reality TV and privacy filters. Its movie Bandersnatch is one of the best Netflix movies. Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Alice Eve, Michael Kelly Seasons: 5 Year: 2011–2019 (ongoing) Genre: Drama/Sci-Fi Rotten Tomatoes score: 83% Watch now (opens in new tab)
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is a story about disease, drugs, family, profit, power and much, much more. High school chemistry teacher Walter White needs money for his cancer treatment, and realizes he can profit from scientific know-how by cooking meth. Breaking Bad is not just one of the best Netflix shows, but one of the top series ever. Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, RJ Mitte Seasons: 5 Year: 2008–2013 Genre: Drama/Crime Rotten Tomatoes score: 96% Watch now (opens in new tab)
The IT Crowd
If you’ve ever tried to explain a simple piece of technology to someone who just doesn’t get it, you know how Roy Trenneman and Maurice Moss feel. On The IT Crowd, the two best friends work in the IT department of a big company under their clueless boss, Jen Barber, with hilariously bad results. Cast: Chris O’Dowd, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Parkinson Seasons: 5 Year: 2006–2013 Genre: Comedy Rotten Tomatoes score: 86% Watch now (opens in new tab)
How to access blocked shows on Netflix
Wherever you are in the world, Netflix offers a huge range of top-quality shows like the ones we’ve listed above. However, due to something called geo-blocking, you may find that your favorite binge-watch isn’t available. This is especially noticeable if you’ve traveled abroad – a series you had your eye on back at home may well now not be available. The easiest way around this is to use a Netflix VPN. By using a VPN to change your virtual location, you can trick Netflix into showing you that country’s catalog of shows. Perfect if you’re in need of a quick fix to fill your vacation downtime, or even if you fancy globetrotting from the comfort of your sofa. Next: These are the 7 best Netflix shows you are not watching.
