Netflix has revolutionized the television industry, changing the way people consume and enjoy their favorite shows. With the rise of streaming services, the entertainment landscape has undergone a major shift, and Netflix has emerged as a major player in the market. The company has invested heavily in producing original content, and their efforts have paid off in spades. From critically acclaimed dramas to binge-worthy comedies, Netflix has created a library of original series that have captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the globe.
In this article, we will explore the very best of what Netflix has to offer, highlighting some of the most innovative, groundbreaking, and entertaining shows in the streaming giant’s history. We will delve into the world of dark and gritty dramas, hilarious and heartwarming comedies, and everything in between, showcasing the diverse range of content that has made Netflix the go-to destination for quality television programming. Whether you’re a fan of nail-biting thrillers or quirky coming-of-age stories, there’s something for everyone on this list of the best Netflix original series of all time.
Drama
Stranger Things
“Stranger Things” is a science fiction horror series set in the 1980s that follows a group of friends in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. When one of their own goes missing, the group embarks on a mission to find their friend and uncover the supernatural secrets that their town is hiding. The show has been praised for its compelling characters, nostalgic setting, and thrilling storyline.
The Crown
“The Crown” is a historical drama that tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family. The show covers the early years of Elizabeth’s reign and explores the personal and political struggles she faces as she tries to balance her role as a monarch with her duties as a wife and mother. The show has received critical acclaim for its outstanding performances, stunning visuals, and accurate portrayal of historical events.
Narcos
“Narcos” is a crime drama series that explores the rise and fall of infamous drug kingpins in Colombia. The show is based on real-life events and focuses on the efforts of law enforcement to bring down the drug cartels that were terrorizing the country in the late 20th century. The show is known for its intense action sequences, complex characters, and immersive storytelling.
House of Cards
“House of Cards” is a political drama that follows the ruthless and ambitious politician Frank Underwood as he climbs the ranks of power in Washington D.C. The show explores themes of corruption, power, and morality, and has been praised for its sharp writing, compelling performances, and cinematic visuals.
Mindhunter
“Mindhunter” is a crime drama series that follows two FBI agents in the 1970s as they interview serial killers to gain insight into their psychology and motives. The show is based on real-life events and is known for its intense and thought-provoking exploration of the criminal mind. The show has been praised for its exceptional performances, sharp writing, and immersive atmosphere.
Comedy
Master of None
Aziz Ansari created and stars in “Master of None,” a television series that combines elements of comedy and drama. The show follows the life of Dev Shah, a 30-year-old actor living in New York City, as he navigates his personal and professional life. The show is known for its witty writing, engaging performances, and exploration of themes such as love, friendship, and cultural identity.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” is a sitcom about a woman who was held captive in a bunker for 15 years and her life after being rescued. The show is known for its upbeat tone, catchy theme song, and quirky characters. It tackles serious topics such as trauma and mental health with a lighthearted and humorous approach.
The Good Place
“The Good Place” is a fantasy-comedy series that explores the afterlife and morality. The show follows the story of Eleanor Shellstrop, a woman who mistakenly ends up in the “Good Place” after she dies. The show is known for its clever writing, inventive world-building, and strong performances from its cast.
Bojack Horseman
“Bojack Horseman” is an animated series that follows the life of Bojack, a washed-up actor who happens to be a horse. The show tackles issues such as depression, addiction, and fame through its unique and sometimes surreal storytelling. The show has been praised for its exceptional voice acting, stunning animation, and emotionally resonant themes.
Russian Doll
“Russian Doll” is a dark comedy series about a woman named Nadia who finds herself stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again. The show explores themes such as trauma, mental health, and personal growth through its surreal and imaginative storytelling. The show has been praised for its inventive premise, strong performances, and sharp writing.
Limited Series
When They See Us
“When They See Us” is a true crime miniseries that tells the story of the Central Park Five, a group of five teenagers who were wrongfully convicted of a brutal assault in New York City in 1989. The show explores themes such as racism, corruption, and the criminal justice system through its powerful and emotional storytelling.
Maniac
“Maniac” is a dark comedy limited series that follows the lives of two strangers who participate in a pharmaceutical trial that promises to solve all their problems. The show explores themes such as mental health, relationships, and the nature of reality through its surreal and mind-bending storytelling. The show has been praised for its exceptional acting, stunning visuals, and unique approach to storytelling.
Godless
“Godless” is a Western miniseries set in the 1880s that tells the story of a town made up entirely of women after a mining accident claims the lives of most of the men. The show explores themes such as gender roles, violence, and redemption through its gripping and suspenseful storytelling. The show has been praised for its stunning cinematography, strong performances, and authentic portrayal of the Wild West.
Alias Grace
“Alias Grace” is a historical drama miniseries based on the novel by Margaret Atwood. The show tells the story of Grace Marks, a woman who was convicted of a double murder in 19th-century Canada. The show explores themes such as class, gender, and power through its complex and nuanced storytelling. The show has been praised for its strong performances, stunning cinematography, and faithful adaptation of the novel.
The Queen’s Gambit
“The Queen’s Gambit” is a period drama miniseries set in the 1950s and 1960s that tells the story of Beth Harmon, a young orphan who discovers she has a talent for chess. The show explores themes such as addiction, ambition, and gender roles through its engaging and emotional storytelling. The show has been praised for its strong performances, stylish production design, and compelling storytelling. “The Queen’s Gambit” has earned a spot on the IMDB Best TV Shows of 2022 list, solidifying its status as a critically acclaimed and beloved series among audiences.
Conclusion
Netflix has produced a plethora of original series that have captured the hearts and minds of viewers all around the world. From captivating dramas to hilarious comedies and thought-provoking limited series, there’s truly something for everyone on the platform.
Whether it’s the supernatural thrills of “Stranger Things,” the royal drama of “The Crown,” or the gripping true crime story of “When They See Us,” Netflix has consistently delivered quality programming that has earned critical acclaim and captured the attention of audiences.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that Netflix will remain a major player in the industry, continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling and bring us some of the best original series of all time.
