The best original TV shows to watch on Netflix
The 75 Best Netflix Shows and Original Series to Watch Right Now
Editor's note: This article was last updated on February 18 to add "The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window."ow
Editor's note: This article was last updated on February 18 to add "The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window."ow
The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window
Created by: Rachel Ramras & Hugh Davidson & Larry Dorf
Cast: Kristen Bell, Michael Ealy, Tom Riley, Mary Holland, Cameron Britton, Samsara Yett
Just judging from the title, you can probably guess what you're in for when it comes to Netflix's latest original series — a parody meant for those of us who avidly devour thriller paperbacks from the airport bookstore that have some derivative of the show's title on the front cover. From the jump, The Woman in the House... is a series that doesn't take itself seriously at all (Kristen Bell literally hosing wine is another big clue on that front), but it's a throughline that continues all the way through to findyou out exactly who the killer is. Come for the obvious wink at thriller movies (and the resulting hilarious deadpanning through dark comedy), stay for the absolutely bonkers celebrity cameo at the very end. - Carly Lane
Created by: Rachel Ramras & Hugh Davidson & Larry Dorf
Cast: Kristen Bell, Michael Ealy, Tom Riley, Mary Holland, Cameron Britton, Samsara Yett
Just judging from the title, you can probably guess what you're in for when it comes to Netflix's latest original series — a parody meant for those of us who avidly devour thriller paperbacks from the airport bookstore that have some derivative of the show's title on the front cover. From the jump, The Woman in the House... is a series that doesn't take itself seriously at all (Kristen Bell literally hosing wine is another big clue on that front), but it's a throughline that continues all the way through to findyou out exactly who the killer is. Come for the obvious wink at thriller movies (and the resulting hilarious deadpanning through dark comedy), stay for the absolutely bonkers celebrity cameo at the very end. - Carly Lane
All of Us Are Dead
Created by: Lee Jae-kyoo, Chun Sung-il, Kim Nam-Su
Cast: Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-Hyun, Lomon, Yoo In-soo, Lee Yoo-mi, Kim Byung-Chul, Lee Kyu-Hyung, Jeon Bae-soo
Let's face it: high school is already tough, but when you throw in an unexpected zombie apocalypse on top of all the other hell that we know can happen, it ratchets everything up to an honestly unparalleled levelhideoutpoints of viewon-screen. Themes like the traumatic effects of bullying, the pervasiveness of social media, and the confining aspects of that happen when you end up trapped in school surrounded by a deadly threat. There's a reason All of Us Are Dead has quickly ascended to the streamer's Top 10 list in the wake of other successful Korean series like Squid Game; it's laden with the same kind of deft social commentary beneath its genre trappings that makes this title a must-watch. - Carly Lane
Created by: Lee Jae-kyoo, Chun Sung-il, Kim Nam-Su
Cast: Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-Hyun, Lomon, Yoo In-soo, Lee Yoo-mi, Kim Byung-Chul, Lee Kyu-Hyung, Jeon Bae-soo
Let's face it: high school is already tough, but when you throw in an unexpected zombie apocalypse on top of all the other hell that we know can happen, it ratchets everything up to an honestly unparalleled levelhideoutpoints of viewon-screen. Themes like the traumatic effects of bullying, the pervasiveness of social media, and the confining aspects of that happen when you end up trapped in school surrounded by a deadly threat. There's a reason All of Us Are Dead has quickly ascended to the streamer's Top 10 list in the wake of other successful Korean series like Squid Game; it's laden with the same kind of deft social commentary beneath its genre trappings that makes this title a must-watch. - Carly Lane
Queer Eye
Created by: David Collins
Cast: Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, Bobby Berk, Jonathan Van Ness
Since its premiere back in 2018, this Netflix reality makeover show (itself a revamping of the Bravo series of a similar name) has rarely left a dry eye in its wake — and it's all thanks to a title that takes what came before and builds upon its foundations. No longer are the newest Fab Five merely helping "the straight guy," but in search of heroes who range from older women to trans men to a high school's entire prom committee. From a freshly tailored wardrobe to revamped digs to a new outlook on life, this show is about helping people find the best versions of themselves within as it is about redecorating the outer layers. - Carly Lane
Created by: David Collins
Cast: Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, Bobby Berk, Jonathan Van Ness
Since its premiere back in 2018, this Netflix reality makeover show (itself a revamping of the Bravo series of a similar name) has rarely left a dry eye in its wake — and it's all thanks to a title that takes what came before and builds upon its foundations. No longer are the newest Fab Five merely helping "the straight guy," but in search of heroes who range from older women to trans men to a high school's entire prom committee. From a freshly tailored wardrobe to revamped digs to a new outlook on life, this show is about helping people find the best versions of themselves within as it is about redecorating the outer layers. - Carly Lane
Virgin River
Created by: Sue Tenney (based on the books by Robyn Carr)
Cast: Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Colin Lawrence, Jenny Cooper, Lauren Hammersley, Annette O'Toole, Tim Matheson, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Grayson Gurnsey, Sarah Dugdale, Zibby Allen, Marco Grazzini
I might be telling on myself a little with this pick, but Virgin River arguably showed up on Netflix at a time when I needed it most, with its small-town sensibilities providing a perfect antidote to pandemic doldrums. Plus there's the bonus injection of romance, which this devotee of the genre always enjoys. Breckenridge plays Mel Monroe, a city-bred doctor who accepts a job in the remote mountain town of Virgin River after a personal tragedy, although when she shows up, the current doc-in-residence (Matheson) isn't expecting her. Combine that with handsome local bar owner Jack Sheridan (Henderson) and a lot of memorable locals rounding out the supporting cast, and you've got a recipe for comfort-food viewing practically baked into the very premise. - Carly Lane
Created by: Sue Tenney (based on the books by Robyn Carr)
Cast: Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Colin Lawrence, Jenny Cooper, Lauren Hammersley, Annette O'Toole, Tim Matheson, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Grayson Gurnsey, Sarah Dugdale, Zibby Allen, Marco Grazzini
I might be telling on myself a little with this pick, but Virgin River arguably showed up on Netflix at a time when I needed it most, with its small-town sensibilities providing a perfect antidote to pandemic doldrums. Plus there's the bonus injection of romance, which this devotee of the genre always enjoys. Breckenridge plays Mel Monroe, a city-bred doctor who accepts a job in the remote mountain town of Virgin River after a personal tragedy, although when she shows up, the current doc-in-residence (Matheson) isn't expecting her. Combine that with handsome local bar owner Jack Sheridan (Henderson) and a lot of memorable locals rounding out the supporting cast, and you've got a recipe for comfort-food viewing practically baked into the very premise. - Carly Lane
Midnight Mass
Created by: Mike Flanagan
Cast: Kate Siegel, Zach Gilford, Kristin Lehman, Samantha Sloyan, Igby Rigney, Rahul Kohli, Annarah Cymone, Annabeth Gish, Alex Essoe, Rahul Abburi, Matt Biedel, Michael Trucco, Crystal Balint, Louis Oliver, Henry Thomas, Hamish Linklater
It seems impossible to say that Mike Flanagan has done the damn thing yet again, but with Midnight Mass, a project that the writer-director describes as his most personal and longest-running plan in the works, he's probably crafted the closest thing to an original magnum opus. Like his previous adaptations of Hill House and Bly Manor, there are plenty of monsters to provide frights, but similarly, there's just as much emotional heartbreak wrapped up in the human story, not to mention characters who can be as terrifying as any ghost or as menacing as any vampire. Midnight Mass is a series that's more likely to make you weep than gasp, but that doesn't diminish its impact — or its staying power, not only on Netflix but in the annals of horror storytelling, period. - Carly Lane
Created by: Mike Flanagan
Cast: Kate Siegel, Zach Gilford, Kristin Lehman, Samantha Sloyan, Igby Rigney, Rahul Kohli, Annarah Cymone, Annabeth Gish, Alex Essoe, Rahul Abburi, Matt Biedel, Michael Trucco, Crystal Balint, Louis Oliver, Henry Thomas, Hamish Linklater
It seems impossible to say that Mike Flanagan has done the damn thing yet again, but with Midnight Mass, a project that the writer-director describes as his most personal and longest-running plan in the works, he's probably crafted the closest thing to an original magnum opus. Like his previous adaptations of Hill House and Bly Manor, there are plenty of monsters to provide frights, but similarly, there's just as much emotional heartbreak wrapped up in the human story, not to mention characters who can be as terrifying as any ghost or as menacing as any vampire. Midnight Mass is a series that's more likely to make you weep than gasp, but that doesn't diminish its impact — or its staying power, not only on Netflix but in the annals of horror storytelling, period. - Carly Lane
Crash Landing on You
Created by: Park Ji-eun
Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Kim Jung-hyun, Seo Ji-hye
It's a tale as old as time — a successful South Korean businesswoman and heiress goes paragliding and winds up crashing in the North Korean section of the DMZ, where she ultimately crosses paths with a North Korean army captain. Rather than turn her in, however, he decides to help her hide out, and if you've seen any kind of romantic TV before, you know where this is going. A lot of Netflix viewers found this K-drama over the COVID lockdown period because, as it turns out, some of us really want to follow along with not only one of the best romantic K-dramas out there but one of the most epic love stories you'll ever see on TV, period. - Carly Lane
Created by: Park Ji-eun
Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Kim Jung-hyun, Seo Ji-hye
It's a tale as old as time — a successful South Korean businesswoman and heiress goes paragliding and winds up crashing in the North Korean section of the DMZ, where she ultimately crosses paths with a North Korean army captain. Rather than turn her in, however, he decides to help her hide out, and if you've seen any kind of romantic TV before, you know where this is going. A lot of Netflix viewers found this K-drama over the COVID lockdown period because, as it turns out, some of us really want to follow along with not only one of the best romantic K-dramas out there but one of the most epic love stories you'll ever see on TV, period. - Carly Lane
You
Created by: Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble (developed from the books by Caroline Kepnes)
Cast: Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, Ambyr Childers, Victoria Pedretti, James Scully, Saffron Burrows, Tati Gabrielle, Shalita Grant, Travis Van Winkle, Dylan Arnold, Scott Speedman
After Badgley's very memorable curtain call on Gossip Girl, the question of his next TV project was definitely circling around — but thanks to being cast as the sociopathic lead of You, he may have just found his true calling (not to mention cornered the market on a rather pleasing talent at voiceovers). As Joe Goldberg, Badgley has to walk the line between seduction and obsession, with the audience privy to every single one of his most intimate thoughts about his latest romantic fixation — no matter how disturbing. Initially enjoying a brief stint on Lifetime, You found new life on Netflix, where it has remained ever since and continues to remain one of the streamer's most popular titles; it was renewed for a fourth season before the third even aired this year. - Carly Lane
Created by: Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble (developed from the books by Caroline Kepnes)
Cast: Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, Ambyr Childers, Victoria Pedretti, James Scully, Saffron Burrows, Tati Gabrielle, Shalita Grant, Travis Van Winkle, Dylan Arnold, Scott Speedman
After Badgley's very memorable curtain call on Gossip Girl, the question of his next TV project was definitely circling around — but thanks to being cast as the sociopathic lead of You, he may have just found his true calling (not to mention cornered the market on a rather pleasing talent at voiceovers). As Joe Goldberg, Badgley has to walk the line between seduction and obsession, with the audience privy to every single one of his most intimate thoughts about his latest romantic fixation — no matter how disturbing. Initially enjoying a brief stint on Lifetime, You found new life on Netflix, where it has remained ever since and continues to remain one of the streamer's most popular titles; it was renewed for a fourth season before the third even aired this year. - Carly Lane
Dear White People
Created by: Justin Simien
Cast: Logan Browning, Brandon P. Bell, DeRon Horton, Antoinette Robertson, John Patrick Amedori, Ashley Blaine Featherson, Marque Richardson, Jemar Michael, Courtney Sauls
From its deeply felt, character-driven stories to its hilarious pop culture parodies, Dear White People might have originally inspired controversy thanks to the title, but it represents a smart and unique voice in the TV space that goes well beyond the conversations about race it inspires. But those conversations are welcome and valid and nuanced in how they approach the topic from individual points-of-view, which combined with the occasional deviation into alternate realities or other genre-bending escapades makes for sometimes heartfelt, sometimes hilarious viewing. - Liz Shannon Miller
Created by: Justin Simien
Cast: Logan Browning, Brandon P. Bell, DeRon Horton, Antoinette Robertson, John Patrick Amedori, Ashley Blaine Featherson, Marque Richardson, Jemar Michael, Courtney Sauls
From its deeply felt, character-driven stories to its hilarious pop culture parodies, Dear White People might have originally inspired controversy thanks to the title, but it represents a smart and unique voice in the TV space that goes well beyond the conversations about race it inspires. But those conversations are welcome and valid and nuanced in how they approach the topic from individual points-of-view, which combined with the occasional deviation into alternate realities or other genre-bending escapades makes for sometimes heartfelt, sometimes hilarious viewing. - Liz Shannon Miller
One Day at a Time
Developed by: Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce
Cast: Justina Machado, Todd Grinnell, Isabella Gomez, Marcel Ruiz, Stephen Tobolowsky, Rita Moreno
One of the best examples yet of why sitcom reboots aren't automatically the worst, this 21st century reimagining of a Norman Lear favorite was a topical, heartfelt, progressive, and hilarious addition to the Netflix line-up that Netflix sadly canceled after three seasons. (A fourth was aired by PopTV.) Focused on a struggling Cuban-American family living in East Los Angeles, the series soared thanks to rock-solid lead Justine Machado, with of course Rita Moreno stealing hearts and minds and scenes with every moment she's on screen. Plus, future stars Isabella Gomez and Marcel Ruiz proved that young people in sitcoms can be just as whip-smart and compelling as their adult counterparts. We might never get more of One Day at a Time, but it's the kind of show that taught us to appreciate what we got. - Liz Shannon Miller
Developed by: Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce
Cast: Justina Machado, Todd Grinnell, Isabella Gomez, Marcel Ruiz, Stephen Tobolowsky, Rita Moreno
One of the best examples yet of why sitcom reboots aren't automatically the worst, this 21st century reimagining of a Norman Lear favorite was a topical, heartfelt, progressive, and hilarious addition to the Netflix line-up that Netflix sadly canceled after three seasons. (A fourth was aired by PopTV.) Focused on a struggling Cuban-American family living in East Los Angeles, the series soared thanks to rock-solid lead Justine Machado, with of course Rita Moreno stealing hearts and minds and scenes with every moment she's on screen. Plus, future stars Isabella Gomez and Marcel Ruiz proved that young people in sitcoms can be just as whip-smart and compelling as their adult counterparts. We might never get more of One Day at a Time, but it's the kind of show that taught us to appreciate what we got. - Liz Shannon Miller
The Baby-Sitters Club
Created by: Rachel Shukert
Cast: Sophie Grace, Momona Tamada, Shay Rudolph, Malia Baker, Alicia Silverstone, Mark Feuerstein, Xochitl Gomez, Vivian Watson, Kyndra Sanchez, Anais Lee
Based on the iconic books by Ann M. Martin, The Baby-Sitters Club offers up a fresh and smart look at the lives of young women that never felt pandering or false, anchored by the dynamite casting that brought together a brilliant ensemble who felt real, engaged, and unique. Those who grew up reading about the adventures of Kristy, Mary-Anne, Stacey, Dawn, and Claudia have no reason to feel disappointed by showrunner Rachel Shukert's take on their stories, while an entirely new generation gets to know these wonderful girls, with their stories going even deeper in Season 2. - Liz Shannon Miller
Created by: Rachel Shukert
Cast: Sophie Grace, Momona Tamada, Shay Rudolph, Malia Baker, Alicia Silverstone, Mark Feuerstein, Xochitl Gomez, Vivian Watson, Kyndra Sanchez, Anais Lee
Based on the iconic books by Ann M. Martin, The Baby-Sitters Club offers up a fresh and smart look at the lives of young women that never felt pandering or false, anchored by the dynamite casting that brought together a brilliant ensemble who felt real, engaged, and unique. Those who grew up reading about the adventures of Kristy, Mary-Anne, Stacey, Dawn, and Claudia have no reason to feel disappointed by showrunner Rachel Shukert's take on their stories, while an entirely new generation gets to know these wonderful girls, with their stories going even deeper in Season 2. - Liz Shannon Miller
Maid
Created by: Molly Smith Metzler
Cast: Margaret Qualley, Nick Robinson, Anika Noni Rose, Tracy Vilar, Billy Burke, Andie MacDowell
A deeply emotional drama that does feature surprising bursts of comedy, Maid features Margaret Qualley as a young woman struggling to reclaim her life after finally deciding to leave her abusive ex (Nick Robinson). Creator Molly Smith Metzler manages to make Alex's difficulties with the intense bureaucracy of the American welfare system relatable and engaging, and Qualley's performance is truly remarkable, especially when she bounces off her real-life mother Andie MacDowell. It's a short, cathartic, and ultimately uplifting narrative — a binge you'll feel good about afterwards. - Liz Shannon Miller
Created by: Molly Smith Metzler
Cast: Margaret Qualley, Nick Robinson, Anika Noni Rose, Tracy Vilar, Billy Burke, Andie MacDowell
A deeply emotional drama that does feature surprising bursts of comedy, Maid features Margaret Qualley as a young woman struggling to reclaim her life after finally deciding to leave her abusive ex (Nick Robinson). Creator Molly Smith Metzler manages to make Alex's difficulties with the intense bureaucracy of the American welfare system relatable and engaging, and Qualley's performance is truly remarkable, especially when she bounces off her real-life mother Andie MacDowell. It's a short, cathartic, and ultimately uplifting narrative — a binge you'll feel good about afterwards. - Liz Shannon Miller
Seinfeld
Created by: Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld
Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, Jason Alexander
What's it about? The long answer is, well, soup puffy shirts answering machines sandwiches the sponge Festivus a festivus for the rest of us buttons boobs that are real and spectactular parking garages the glue on wedding invitation envelopes pez dispensers junior mints Schindler's List muffin tops NBC sitcom development Serenity Now...
The short version: Nothing. - Liz Shannon Miller
Created by: Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld
Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, Jason Alexander
What's it about? The long answer is, well, soup puffy shirts answering machines sandwiches the sponge Festivus a festivus for the rest of us buttons boobs that are real and spectactular parking garages the glue on wedding invitation envelopes pez dispensers junior mints Schindler's List muffin tops NBC sitcom development Serenity Now...
The short version: Nothing. - Liz Shannon Miller
Broadchurch
Created by: Chris Chibnall
Cast: David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan, Arthur Darvill, Carolyn Pickles, Matthew Gravelle, Charlotte Beaumont
If you're a fan of gloomy British murder shows, there's never a bad time to either discover or rewatch Broadchurch, one of the 21st century's platonic ideals of the genre. Featuring a cast that was considered great at the time but now dazzles with star power (Olivia Colman deserves, not to mention Jodie Whittaker!), the first season tracks the investigation of a young man's mysterious death, which manages to implicate everyone living in this small coastal British town as big secrets get discovered, all building up to a shocking revelation. Subsequent seasons follow the aftermath of the investigation, which aren't quite as gripping, but that first season is a cracking and compelling binge — one that stays with you. - Liz Shannon Miller
Created by: Chris Chibnall
Cast: David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan, Arthur Darvill, Carolyn Pickles, Matthew Gravelle, Charlotte Beaumont
If you're a fan of gloomy British murder shows, there's never a bad time to either discover or rewatch Broadchurch, one of the 21st century's platonic ideals of the genre. Featuring a cast that was considered great at the time but now dazzles with star power (Olivia Colman deserves, not to mention Jodie Whittaker!), the first season tracks the investigation of a young man's mysterious death, which manages to implicate everyone living in this small coastal British town as big secrets get discovered, all building up to a shocking revelation. Subsequent seasons follow the aftermath of the investigation, which aren't quite as gripping, but that first season is a cracking and compelling binge — one that stays with you. - Liz Shannon Miller
Q-Force
Created by: Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner, Gabe Liedman
Cast: Sean Hayes, Gary Cole, David Harbour, Patti Harrison, Laurie Metcalf, Matt Rogers, Wanda Sykes, Gabe Liedman
What makes Q-Force an enjoyable viewing experience is just how much fun showrunner Gabe Liedman is clearly having with the premise, about a team of LGBTQ+ secret agents trying to save the world despite the prejudices of their parent agency. With a voice cast features legends like Laurie Metcalf, Wanda Sykes, and Gary Cole alongside rising comedy talents like Patti Harrison and Matt Rogers, a metric ton of pop culture references, and an attention to detail for the world of West Hollywood that made this 20-year resident of the city sit up and applaud, Q-Force has a very specific point-of-view, and if you can tap into it a lot of fun is in store. - Liz Shannon Miller
Created by: Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner, Gabe Liedman
Cast: Sean Hayes, Gary Cole, David Harbour, Patti Harrison, Laurie Metcalf, Matt Rogers, Wanda Sykes, Gabe Liedman
What makes Q-Force an enjoyable viewing experience is just how much fun showrunner Gabe Liedman is clearly having with the premise, about a team of LGBTQ+ secret agents trying to save the world despite the prejudices of their parent agency. With a voice cast features legends like Laurie Metcalf, Wanda Sykes, and Gary Cole alongside rising comedy talents like Patti Harrison and Matt Rogers, a metric ton of pop culture references, and an attention to detail for the world of West Hollywood that made this 20-year resident of the city sit up and applaud, Q-Force has a very specific point-of-view, and if you can tap into it a lot of fun is in store. - Liz Shannon Miller
Lucifer
Showrunners: Joe Henderson and Ildy Modrovich
Cast: Tom Ellis, Lauren German, Kevin Alejandro, D. B. Woodside, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Scarlett Estevez, Rachael Harris, Kevin Rankin, Tricia Helfer, Aimee Garcia, Tom Welling, Inbar Lavi, Brianna Hildebrand
The most impressive thing about Lucifer, which began as a supernatural procedural on Fox before Netflix revived it for what ended up being three additional seasons, is how the show has managed to not just survive but thrive, developing a passionate fanbase who genuinely loves the titular crime-solving devil and his friends. The newly released Season 6 officially brings the story to a close, but not before providing said fanbase with plenty of answers and some wild creative swings, including a partially-animated episode and an episode which reveals just how Lucifer (Tom Ellis) sees those who surround him. If you've never watched before, get ready to enjoy the binge — and if you're already a fan, get ready to shed a few tears. - Liz Shannon Miller
Showrunners: Joe Henderson and Ildy Modrovich
Cast: Tom Ellis, Lauren German, Kevin Alejandro, D. B. Woodside, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Scarlett Estevez, Rachael Harris, Kevin Rankin, Tricia Helfer, Aimee Garcia, Tom Welling, Inbar Lavi, Brianna Hildebrand
The most impressive thing about Lucifer, which began as a supernatural procedural on Fox before Netflix revived it for what ended up being three additional seasons, is how the show has managed to not just survive but thrive, developing a passionate fanbase who genuinely loves the titular crime-solving devil and his friends. The newly released Season 6 officially brings the story to a close, but not before providing said fanbase with plenty of answers and some wild creative swings, including a partially-animated episode and an episode which reveals just how Lucifer (Tom Ellis) sees those who surround him. If you've never watched before, get ready to enjoy the binge — and if you're already a fan, get ready to shed a few tears. - Liz Shannon Miller
Money Heist
Created by: Álex Pina
Cast: Úrsula Corberó, Álvaro Morte, Itziar Ituño, Pedro Alonso, Paco Tous, Alba Flores, Miguel Herrán, Jaime Lorente, Esther Acebo, Enrique Arce, María Pedraza, Darko Perić, Kiti Mánver, Hovik Keuchkerian, Rodrigo de la Serna, Najwa Nimri, Luka Peroš, Belén Cuesta, Fernando Cayo
What began as a Spanish TV production has become one of the planet's biggest series thanks to Netflix — and also thanks to its incredibly compelling tale of a well-trained group of thieves who commit a truly audacious heist with the whole country watching. Originally titled La Casa de Papel, Money Heist is full of exciting intrigue and sexy twists, with a solid cast of local actors who seem destined for international stardom. Part 5, which will be released in two parts over the course of Fall 2021, features our beloved red-jumpsuit-ed heroes fighting a war for their lives. Hopefully, a happy ending is in store. - Liz Shannon Miller
Created by: Álex Pina
Cast: Úrsula Corberó, Álvaro Morte, Itziar Ituño, Pedro Alonso, Paco Tous, Alba Flores, Miguel Herrán, Jaime Lorente, Esther Acebo, Enrique Arce, María Pedraza, Darko Perić, Kiti Mánver, Hovik Keuchkerian, Rodrigo de la Serna, Najwa Nimri, Luka Peroš, Belén Cuesta, Fernando Cayo
What began as a Spanish TV production has become one of the planet's biggest series thanks to Netflix — and also thanks to its incredibly compelling tale of a well-trained group of thieves who commit a truly audacious heist with the whole country watching. Originally titled La Casa de Papel, Money Heist is full of exciting intrigue and sexy twists, with a solid cast of local actors who seem destined for international stardom. Part 5, which will be released in two parts over the course of Fall 2021, features our beloved red-jumpsuit-ed heroes fighting a war for their lives. Hopefully, a happy ending is in store. - Liz Shannon Miller
The Chair
Created by: Amanda Peet
Cast: Sandra Oh, Jay Duplass, Nana Mensah, Everly Carganilla, David Morse, Holland Taylor, and Bob Balaban
We've seen countless TV shows about college students, but how about one focused on the faculty? That's the crux of The Chair, a Netflix original series created by Amanda Peet. The half-hour series stars Sandra Oh as a professor who's just been promoted to chair of the English department, and must juggle the new role with chaos left and right at the school as she tries to set a dwindling department up for success. Throw in a romantic subplot and the fact that the character is also a single mother, and The Chair is a meal of a half-hour dramedy that's sure to get you in that "fall season" spirit. — Adam Chitwood
Created by: Amanda Peet
Cast: Sandra Oh, Jay Duplass, Nana Mensah, Everly Carganilla, David Morse, Holland Taylor, and Bob Balaban
We've seen countless TV shows about college students, but how about one focused on the faculty? That's the crux of The Chair, a Netflix original series created by Amanda Peet. The half-hour series stars Sandra Oh as a professor who's just been promoted to chair of the English department, and must juggle the new role with chaos left and right at the school as she tries to set a dwindling department up for success. Throw in a romantic subplot and the fact that the character is also a single mother, and The Chair is a meal of a half-hour dramedy that's sure to get you in that "fall season" spirit. — Adam Chitwood
Manifest
Created by: Jeff Rake
Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas, Athena Karkanis, J.R. Ramirez, Luna Blaise, Jack Messina, Parveen Kaur, Matt Long, and Holly Taylor
You’ve not doubt heard the buzz, now see what all the fuss is about. Manifest first premiered on NBC in 2018, and while it earned some solid praise, ratings were steady enough that the network cancelled the series after three seasons. But right around that time the show hit Netflix, and has been lighting up the Top 10 ever since – to the point that Netflix is now in talks to pick the show up for a fourth season to continue the story. Oh yeah, the story. The show begins with passengers on a flight experiencing a bit of turbulence, only to touch down and discover that for everyone else on Earth, the flight has been missing for five years. The show delves into the mystery behind this strange occurrence, and the changes these passengers have gone through during their flight. Intrigue, sci-fi, and drama coalesce into a binge-worthy show. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Jeff Rake
Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas, Athena Karkanis, J.R. Ramirez, Luna Blaise, Jack Messina, Parveen Kaur, Matt Long, and Holly Taylor
You’ve not doubt heard the buzz, now see what all the fuss is about. Manifest first premiered on NBC in 2018, and while it earned some solid praise, ratings were steady enough that the network cancelled the series after three seasons. But right around that time the show hit Netflix, and has been lighting up the Top 10 ever since – to the point that Netflix is now in talks to pick the show up for a fourth season to continue the story. Oh yeah, the story. The show begins with passengers on a flight experiencing a bit of turbulence, only to touch down and discover that for everyone else on Earth, the flight has been missing for five years. The show delves into the mystery behind this strange occurrence, and the changes these passengers have gone through during their flight. Intrigue, sci-fi, and drama coalesce into a binge-worthy show. – Adam Chitwood
30 Rock
Creator: Tina Fey
Cast: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Scott Adsit, and Jack McBrayer
30 Rock is one of the greatest television shows ever made, and also one of the funniest. All seven seasons of the NBC series are now streaming on Netflix, and what set this Emmy-winning show apart from the rest of the pack was the sheer number of jokes that Fey and co-showrunner Robert Carlock were able to pack into each episode. The series stars Fey as Liz Lemon, a comedy writer who's the showrunner on an SNL-like sketch series that's failing in the raitings. She's forced to add an outlandish famous comedian, played by Tracy Morgan, to the cast and spends most of the show's run becoming the unlikely protege to her conservative, corporate boss played by Alec Baldwin. This show is silly and delights in the absurd, which is preceisely what makes it so great. — Adam Chitwood
Creator: Tina Fey
Cast: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Scott Adsit, and Jack McBrayer
30 Rock is one of the greatest television shows ever made, and also one of the funniest. All seven seasons of the NBC series are now streaming on Netflix, and what set this Emmy-winning show apart from the rest of the pack was the sheer number of jokes that Fey and co-showrunner Robert Carlock were able to pack into each episode. The series stars Fey as Liz Lemon, a comedy writer who's the showrunner on an SNL-like sketch series that's failing in the raitings. She's forced to add an outlandish famous comedian, played by Tracy Morgan, to the cast and spends most of the show's run becoming the unlikely protege to her conservative, corporate boss played by Alec Baldwin. This show is silly and delights in the absurd, which is preceisely what makes it so great. — Adam Chitwood
Friday Night Lights
Developed by: Peter Berg
Cast: Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Taylor Kitsch, Adrianne Palicki, Minka Kelly, Zach Gilford, Jesse Plemons, Gaius Charles, Scott Porter, Aimee Teegarden, Jurnee Smollett, and Michael B. Jordan
If you’ve never seen Friday Night Lights, you’re about to discover your new favorite show. This hourlong drama series takes place in Dillon, Texas where a fairly new head coach (Kyle Chandler) has been brought in to spearhead one of the most successful high school football teams in the country. This is a town where Friday night football is the be-all, end-all, and the story follows the trials and tribulations of the coach and his family, as well as the lives of his players and other high school students. The series largely eschews teen soap drama for more relatable, grounded, and emotional stories – and it’s all the better for it. Season 2 has one storyline that’s pretty shaky, but beyond that this five-season run is near-perfect and stands as one of the best TV shows of the 21st century. – Adam Chitwood
Developed by: Peter Berg
Cast: Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Taylor Kitsch, Adrianne Palicki, Minka Kelly, Zach Gilford, Jesse Plemons, Gaius Charles, Scott Porter, Aimee Teegarden, Jurnee Smollett, and Michael B. Jordan
If you’ve never seen Friday Night Lights, you’re about to discover your new favorite show. This hourlong drama series takes place in Dillon, Texas where a fairly new head coach (Kyle Chandler) has been brought in to spearhead one of the most successful high school football teams in the country. This is a town where Friday night football is the be-all, end-all, and the story follows the trials and tribulations of the coach and his family, as well as the lives of his players and other high school students. The series largely eschews teen soap drama for more relatable, grounded, and emotional stories – and it’s all the better for it. Season 2 has one storyline that’s pretty shaky, but beyond that this five-season run is near-perfect and stands as one of the best TV shows of the 21st century. – Adam Chitwood
Dead to Me
Created by: Liz Feldman
Cast: Christina Applegate, Linda Cardellini, James Marsden, Max Jenkins, and Sam McCarthy
Dead to Me is a hard show to explain. It’s a comedy but also a drama; a relationship-focused series but also super dark at times. But really the main selling point is this: it’s Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini being charming and sharp and devious and funny. Without delving into spoilers, the story begins when two strangers played by Applegate and Cardellini meet and bond during therapy over their shared grief. They become close confidants, but slowly secrets are revealed that change the dynamic of their relationship. The first two seasons are currently streaming, with a third and final season on the way. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Liz Feldman
Cast: Christina Applegate, Linda Cardellini, James Marsden, Max Jenkins, and Sam McCarthy
Dead to Me is a hard show to explain. It’s a comedy but also a drama; a relationship-focused series but also super dark at times. But really the main selling point is this: it’s Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini being charming and sharp and devious and funny. Without delving into spoilers, the story begins when two strangers played by Applegate and Cardellini meet and bond during therapy over their shared grief. They become close confidants, but slowly secrets are revealed that change the dynamic of their relationship. The first two seasons are currently streaming, with a third and final season on the way. – Adam Chitwood
The Chef Show
If you like cooking shows but hate the facade of cooking shows, it doesn't get more genuine than The Chef Show. The brainchild of Jon Favreau, the series came about because of Favreau's apprenticeship under chef Roy Choi while doing research for his indie movie Chef. Each episode of The Chef Show finds Favreau and Choi cooking with a chef or friend, but what sets this series apart is Favreau's curiosity — he wants to know why each person is doing what they're doing, and then wants to try it himself to become a better cook. Highlights include episodes with Dave Filoni, Sam Raimi, David Chang, and Wolfgang Puck. - Adam Chitwood
If you like cooking shows but hate the facade of cooking shows, it doesn't get more genuine than The Chef Show. The brainchild of Jon Favreau, the series came about because of Favreau's apprenticeship under chef Roy Choi while doing research for his indie movie Chef. Each episode of The Chef Show finds Favreau and Choi cooking with a chef or friend, but what sets this series apart is Favreau's curiosity — he wants to know why each person is doing what they're doing, and then wants to try it himself to become a better cook. Highlights include episodes with Dave Filoni, Sam Raimi, David Chang, and Wolfgang Puck. - Adam Chitwood
Pretend It's a City
If the idea of watching Martin Scorsese and Fran Liebowitz crack each other up for half an hour sounds appealing, you'll love Pretend It's a City. While technically a docuseries, this is really more just a series of conversations with Liebowitz, a renowned author and public speaker who has lived her whole life in New York City. The two discuss their love of NYC, their hatred of tourists, and various other gripes and complaints about, well, life. It's hilarious and insightful all at once, and you'll come away eager for Liebowitz to have her own talk show. - Adam Chitwood
If the idea of watching Martin Scorsese and Fran Liebowitz crack each other up for half an hour sounds appealing, you'll love Pretend It's a City. While technically a docuseries, this is really more just a series of conversations with Liebowitz, a renowned author and public speaker who has lived her whole life in New York City. The two discuss their love of NYC, their hatred of tourists, and various other gripes and complaints about, well, life. It's hilarious and insightful all at once, and you'll come away eager for Liebowitz to have her own talk show. - Adam Chitwood
American Horror Story
Created by: Ryan Murphy
Cast: Sarah Paulson, Jessica Lange, Taissa Farmiga, Evan Peters, Dylan McDermott, and many more
If you’re in the mood for something binge-able without a huge time commitment, American Horror Story is a solid pick. Each season of the FX series is a brand new story with new characters and a new setting, and while the show is wildly inconsistent in quality, that diversity pays off in offering something for everyone. If you like haunted house stories, start with Season 1 Murder House. Into vampires? Go with Season 5 Hotel. Psychological thrillers more your speed? Season 2’s Asylum is one of the best. Choose wisely, and happy viewing! – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Ryan Murphy
Cast: Sarah Paulson, Jessica Lange, Taissa Farmiga, Evan Peters, Dylan McDermott, and many more
If you’re in the mood for something binge-able without a huge time commitment, American Horror Story is a solid pick. Each season of the FX series is a brand new story with new characters and a new setting, and while the show is wildly inconsistent in quality, that diversity pays off in offering something for everyone. If you like haunted house stories, start with Season 1 Murder House. Into vampires? Go with Season 5 Hotel. Psychological thrillers more your speed? Season 2’s Asylum is one of the best. Choose wisely, and happy viewing! – Adam Chitwood
Happy Endings
Created by: David Caspe
Cast: Elisha Cuthbert, Eliza Coupe, Damon Wayans Jr., Zachary Knighton, Adam Pally, and Casey Wilson
If you’re looking for a light, fun comedy to binge that’s about friendship with a bit of a meanspirited slant, check out Happy Endings. This ABC series ran for three seasons and follows the misadventures of a group of friends living in Chicago. While this sounds like a show you’ve seen before, the ensemble cast each differentiate themselves extremely well, and the show has a bit of a New Girl meets Friends feel to it as the relationships inside the group are complicated and compelling. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: David Caspe
Cast: Elisha Cuthbert, Eliza Coupe, Damon Wayans Jr., Zachary Knighton, Adam Pally, and Casey Wilson
If you’re looking for a light, fun comedy to binge that’s about friendship with a bit of a meanspirited slant, check out Happy Endings. This ABC series ran for three seasons and follows the misadventures of a group of friends living in Chicago. While this sounds like a show you’ve seen before, the ensemble cast each differentiate themselves extremely well, and the show has a bit of a New Girl meets Friends feel to it as the relationships inside the group are complicated and compelling. – Adam Chitwood
Downton Abbey
Created by: Julian Fellowes
Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith, Dan Stevens, Jessica Brown Findlay, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Lily James and Penelope Wilson
There’s something kind of magical about Downton Abbey that’s hard to describe. The show is an instant balm, transporting you to a time and place far, far way that is somehow incredibly calming and compelling all at once. The six-season series is set at a fictional Yorkshire country estate between the years 1912 and 1926, and chronicles the many goings-on at said estate involving its inhabitants – both highborn and the house staff who live in the basement. Most of the big “problems” in the show revolve around some big dinner or a surprise guest, which makes the stakes delightfully low. That’s not to say the series doesn’t get dramatic – some big stuff happens as the seasons wear on – but by and large the best word to described the act of watching Downton Abbey is “pleasant.” - Adam Chitwood
Created by: Julian Fellowes
Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith, Dan Stevens, Jessica Brown Findlay, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Lily James and Penelope Wilson
There’s something kind of magical about Downton Abbey that’s hard to describe. The show is an instant balm, transporting you to a time and place far, far way that is somehow incredibly calming and compelling all at once. The six-season series is set at a fictional Yorkshire country estate between the years 1912 and 1926, and chronicles the many goings-on at said estate involving its inhabitants – both highborn and the house staff who live in the basement. Most of the big “problems” in the show revolve around some big dinner or a surprise guest, which makes the stakes delightfully low. That’s not to say the series doesn’t get dramatic – some big stuff happens as the seasons wear on – but by and large the best word to described the act of watching Downton Abbey is “pleasant.” - Adam Chitwood
Chef's Table
Created by: David Gelb
If you’re into cooking and have never seen Chef’s Table, prioritize it in your queue ASAP. In contrast to other cooking shows that serve as tutorials or how-to’s, each episode of Chef’s Table is a deep-dive into a particular chef. Not just their food but their life, and how their life informs the kind of food they make and the path that has led them to becoming a professional chef. In truth, Chef’s Table is a proper documentary series, with each episode serving as a chef-specific documentary. Creator David Gelb also kind of revolutionized the way these shows look by opting for cinematic cinematography versus the overlit way that most cooking shows are presented. As a result, the food comes to life before your very eyes. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: David Gelb
If you’re into cooking and have never seen Chef’s Table, prioritize it in your queue ASAP. In contrast to other cooking shows that serve as tutorials or how-to’s, each episode of Chef’s Table is a deep-dive into a particular chef. Not just their food but their life, and how their life informs the kind of food they make and the path that has led them to becoming a professional chef. In truth, Chef’s Table is a proper documentary series, with each episode serving as a chef-specific documentary. Creator David Gelb also kind of revolutionized the way these shows look by opting for cinematic cinematography versus the overlit way that most cooking shows are presented. As a result, the food comes to life before your very eyes. – Adam Chitwood
Shadow and Bone
Created by: Eric Heisserer
Cast: Jessie Mei Li, Ben Barnes, Archie Renaux, Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, and Kit Young
If The Witcher and Game of Thrones had a baby and that baby grew up to be a YA series, you’d have something along the lines of Shadow and Bone. But even that feels reductive, because this fantasy series based on the novels by Leigh Bardugo is far deeper and complex than you might be expecting. The show takes place in a fantasy world that is populated mostly by humans, but also has magic-folk known as “Grisha.” Grisha are a somewhatostracized group, so when an unassuming mapmaker not only terns out to be Grisha but a being known as the “Sun Summoner,” the world is upended. Mixed into this “Chosen One” narrative is a cadre of charming, compelling, and frankly sexy characters all of whom are just trying to make it through a harsh and unforgiving world. Give this one a couple of episodes and you’ll be hooked. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Eric Heisserer
Cast: Jessie Mei Li, Ben Barnes, Archie Renaux, Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, and Kit Young
If The Witcher and Game of Thrones had a baby and that baby grew up to be a YA series, you’d have something along the lines of Shadow and Bone. But even that feels reductive, because this fantasy series based on the novels by Leigh Bardugo is far deeper and complex than you might be expecting. The show takes place in a fantasy world that is populated mostly by humans, but also has magic-folk known as “Grisha.” Grisha are a somewhatostracized group, so when an unassuming mapmaker not only terns out to be Grisha but a being known as the “Sun Summoner,” the world is upended. Mixed into this “Chosen One” narrative is a cadre of charming, compelling, and frankly sexy characters all of whom are just trying to make it through a harsh and unforgiving world. Give this one a couple of episodes and you’ll be hooked. – Adam Chitwood
Bridgerton
Created by: Chris Van Dusen
Cast: Regé-Jean Page, Phoebe Dynevor, Adjoa Andoh, Jonathan Bailey, Harriet Cains, Bessie Carter, Ruth Gemmell, Claudia Jessie, Ben Miller, Luke Newton, Golda Rosheuvel, Polly Walker, and Julie Andrews
If Gossip Girl meets Downton Abbey meets Pride and Prejudice sounds intriguing to you, the Netflix original series Bridgerton will absolutely be your jam. Based on the series of novels by Julia Quinn, the drama-romance takes place in the competitive world of Regency London’s high society, where a number of young girls are presented and tasked with finding a suitor. The stakes are raised when a mysterious woman named “Lady Whistledown” begins writing a column about the goings-on of the day, complete with gossip and preferences for specific pairings. Dramatic twists, intense love scenes, and even some hijinks ensue. This very well could be your next obsession. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Chris Van Dusen
Cast: Regé-Jean Page, Phoebe Dynevor, Adjoa Andoh, Jonathan Bailey, Harriet Cains, Bessie Carter, Ruth Gemmell, Claudia Jessie, Ben Miller, Luke Newton, Golda Rosheuvel, Polly Walker, and Julie Andrews
If Gossip Girl meets Downton Abbey meets Pride and Prejudice sounds intriguing to you, the Netflix original series Bridgerton will absolutely be your jam. Based on the series of novels by Julia Quinn, the drama-romance takes place in the competitive world of Regency London’s high society, where a number of young girls are presented and tasked with finding a suitor. The stakes are raised when a mysterious woman named “Lady Whistledown” begins writing a column about the goings-on of the day, complete with gossip and preferences for specific pairings. Dramatic twists, intense love scenes, and even some hijinks ensue. This very well could be your next obsession. – Adam Chitwood
The Queen's Gambit
Created by: Scott Frank
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Marielle Heller, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Harry Melling, Bill Camp, and Moses Ingram
You don’t have to be interested in chess to fall for the seven-episode limited series The Queen’s Gambit, because at heart the show isn’t really about chess at all. It’s an intensely dramatic story about a young orphan working through her trauma to find some semblance of joy anywhere she can, and the people she meets along the way. Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch) is revelatory in the lead role of Beth Harmon, a young chess prodigy, bringing a cool confidence to the character while also nailing the nuances of her emotional complexity. Scott Frank, who writes and directs every episode, brings the 1950s and 60s to life in vivid fashion with stunning production design and gorgeous costumes, but it’s the way he captures the chess matches that really makes this thing soar. They’re thrilling and captivating not because of the specific moves, but because the show does such a great job of making you so invested in Beth’s story. And with seven episodes and a full-on ending, you don’t have to worry about this show being cancelled – it’s a complete story from beginning to end. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Scott Frank
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Marielle Heller, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Harry Melling, Bill Camp, and Moses Ingram
You don’t have to be interested in chess to fall for the seven-episode limited series The Queen’s Gambit, because at heart the show isn’t really about chess at all. It’s an intensely dramatic story about a young orphan working through her trauma to find some semblance of joy anywhere she can, and the people she meets along the way. Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch) is revelatory in the lead role of Beth Harmon, a young chess prodigy, bringing a cool confidence to the character while also nailing the nuances of her emotional complexity. Scott Frank, who writes and directs every episode, brings the 1950s and 60s to life in vivid fashion with stunning production design and gorgeous costumes, but it’s the way he captures the chess matches that really makes this thing soar. They’re thrilling and captivating not because of the specific moves, but because the show does such a great job of making you so invested in Beth’s story. And with seven episodes and a full-on ending, you don’t have to worry about this show being cancelled – it’s a complete story from beginning to end. – Adam Chitwood
GLOW
Created by: Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch
Cast: Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Sydelle Noel, Brittney Young, Marc Maron, Britt Baron, Kate Nash, Gayle Rankin, Kia Stevens, Jackie Tohn, and Chris Lowell
The Netflix original series GLOW has one of the more original premises in recent TV history: It chronicles the life of a fledgling professional wrestling promotion called the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, as various aspiring actresses and generally women down on their luck audition and agree to take a stab at a wholly new field. Marc Maron plays the schlock B-movie director tasked with turning GLOW into a show, Alison Brie plays a theater nerd and aspiring actress taking it all way too seriously, and Betty Gilpin plays Brie’s former friend and soap opera star who becomes the centerpiece of the wrestling event. Season 1 is delightful, but Season 2 is one of the best seasons of a Netflix TV show ever made. It’s purely joyous, focused, character-rich, and wildly entertaining, and did I mention the bangin’ 80s soundtrack? – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch
Cast: Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Sydelle Noel, Brittney Young, Marc Maron, Britt Baron, Kate Nash, Gayle Rankin, Kia Stevens, Jackie Tohn, and Chris Lowell
The Netflix original series GLOW has one of the more original premises in recent TV history: It chronicles the life of a fledgling professional wrestling promotion called the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, as various aspiring actresses and generally women down on their luck audition and agree to take a stab at a wholly new field. Marc Maron plays the schlock B-movie director tasked with turning GLOW into a show, Alison Brie plays a theater nerd and aspiring actress taking it all way too seriously, and Betty Gilpin plays Brie’s former friend and soap opera star who becomes the centerpiece of the wrestling event. Season 1 is delightful, but Season 2 is one of the best seasons of a Netflix TV show ever made. It’s purely joyous, focused, character-rich, and wildly entertaining, and did I mention the bangin’ 80s soundtrack? – Adam Chitwood
Julie and the Phantoms
Created by: Dan Cross, Dave Hoge
Cast: Madison Reyes, Charlie Gillespie, Owen Patrick Joyner, Jeremy Shada, Booboo Stewart, Cheyenne Jackson, Carlos Ponce, Sonny Bustamante, Jadah Marie, Sacha Carlson, Savannah Lee May
You can always count on Kenny Ortega for a dose of feel-good fun. The filmmaker and choreographer behind beloved kids classics like Newsies, Hocus Pocus, and High School Musical flexes his always entertaining musical muscles once again with Julie and the Phantoms. Inspired by the Brazilian hit series Julie e os Fantasmas, the new Netflix Family original stars Madison Reyes as Julie and Charlie Gillespie, Owen Patrick Joyner, and Jeremy Shada as her titular trio of phantoms. Members of an up-and-coming band that had their dreams dashed when they died after eating some bad hot dogs (which should give you a sense of how the show treads lightly while dealing in the dark matters of death), the ghosts appear to Julie in her garage 25 years later, and through their shared love of music, they team up for a new and improved, if mostly ghostly band. Every episode features legit bangin' earworm songs and pop performances, tender coming-of-age drama, and that signature Ortega touch. The feel-good ghost musical is a must-watch for anyone looking for an instant mood-boost, as long as you're ok with having the songs stuck in your head. --Haleigh Foutch
Created by: Dan Cross, Dave Hoge
Cast: Madison Reyes, Charlie Gillespie, Owen Patrick Joyner, Jeremy Shada, Booboo Stewart, Cheyenne Jackson, Carlos Ponce, Sonny Bustamante, Jadah Marie, Sacha Carlson, Savannah Lee May
You can always count on Kenny Ortega for a dose of feel-good fun. The filmmaker and choreographer behind beloved kids classics like Newsies, Hocus Pocus, and High School Musical flexes his always entertaining musical muscles once again with Julie and the Phantoms. Inspired by the Brazilian hit series Julie e os Fantasmas, the new Netflix Family original stars Madison Reyes as Julie and Charlie Gillespie, Owen Patrick Joyner, and Jeremy Shada as her titular trio of phantoms. Members of an up-and-coming band that had their dreams dashed when they died after eating some bad hot dogs (which should give you a sense of how the show treads lightly while dealing in the dark matters of death), the ghosts appear to Julie in her garage 25 years later, and through their shared love of music, they team up for a new and improved, if mostly ghostly band. Every episode features legit bangin' earworm songs and pop performances, tender coming-of-age drama, and that signature Ortega touch. The feel-good ghost musical is a must-watch for anyone looking for an instant mood-boost, as long as you're ok with having the songs stuck in your head. --Haleigh Foutch
Ozark
Created by: Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams
Cast: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner, Peter Mullan, and Janet McTeer
The Netflix original series Ozark is frequently one of the streaming service’s most popular shows, and for good reason. Almost like a backwoods version of Breaking Bad, the series opens with Jason Bateman’s life falling apart. He and his family are forced to move from Chicago to the Ozarks to start a money laundering business after he discovers his longtime business partner has been dealing with Mexican drug cartels, and they owe an inordinate amount of money. Bateman’s life is spared when he promises to recoup by opening a vacation destination in the Ozarks, but as he and his family enmesh themselves deeper and deeper into the criminal underworld, the line between good and bad becomes further blurred. It’s pretty thrilling, packed with twists, and the performances are solid. It’s not as tight or as emotionally satisfying as Breaking Bad, but then again what is? As far as substitutes go, Ozark is solid. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams
Cast: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner, Peter Mullan, and Janet McTeer
The Netflix original series Ozark is frequently one of the streaming service’s most popular shows, and for good reason. Almost like a backwoods version of Breaking Bad, the series opens with Jason Bateman’s life falling apart. He and his family are forced to move from Chicago to the Ozarks to start a money laundering business after he discovers his longtime business partner has been dealing with Mexican drug cartels, and they owe an inordinate amount of money. Bateman’s life is spared when he promises to recoup by opening a vacation destination in the Ozarks, but as he and his family enmesh themselves deeper and deeper into the criminal underworld, the line between good and bad becomes further blurred. It’s pretty thrilling, packed with twists, and the performances are solid. It’s not as tight or as emotionally satisfying as Breaking Bad, but then again what is? As far as substitutes go, Ozark is solid. – Adam Chitwood
Schitt's Creek
Created by: Daniel Levy and Eugene Levy
Cast: Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Daniel Levy, Annie Murphy, Emily Hampshire, Chris Elliott, and Jenn Robertson
Imagine a less cynical Arrested Development crossed with an inverted Beverly Hillbillies, and you’re close to Schitt’s Creek—one of the most joyful shows on all of television. The Canadian sitcom tells the story of a wealthy family who loses everything when they’re defrauded by their business manager. The only thing they do own is a tiny, backwoods town the patriarch (Eugene Levy) bought for his son (Daniel Levy) as a joke gift back in 1991, and they’re then forced to move there and live out of a motel. They slowly begin to accept their new lives and even love their new town, despite their many, many quirks. The comedy is delightful, anchored by a phenomenal performance from Catherine O’Hara as the family matriarch, a former soap actress in denial about her social status. It’s also a delightfully forward-thinking series, as the son’s pansexuality is met not with scorn or judgment, but with full loving embrace. Hilarious, witty, and oh-so-sweet, Schitt’s Creek is the perfect show for when you need a pick-me-up. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Daniel Levy and Eugene Levy
Cast: Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Daniel Levy, Annie Murphy, Emily Hampshire, Chris Elliott, and Jenn Robertson
Imagine a less cynical Arrested Development crossed with an inverted Beverly Hillbillies, and you’re close to Schitt’s Creek—one of the most joyful shows on all of television. The Canadian sitcom tells the story of a wealthy family who loses everything when they’re defrauded by their business manager. The only thing they do own is a tiny, backwoods town the patriarch (Eugene Levy) bought for his son (Daniel Levy) as a joke gift back in 1991, and they’re then forced to move there and live out of a motel. They slowly begin to accept their new lives and even love their new town, despite their many, many quirks. The comedy is delightful, anchored by a phenomenal performance from Catherine O’Hara as the family matriarch, a former soap actress in denial about her social status. It’s also a delightfully forward-thinking series, as the son’s pansexuality is met not with scorn or judgment, but with full loving embrace. Hilarious, witty, and oh-so-sweet, Schitt’s Creek is the perfect show for when you need a pick-me-up. – Adam Chitwood
The Haunting of Hill House
Creator: Mike Flanagan
Cast: Carla Gugino, Michael Huisman, Kate Siegel, Mckenna Grace, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Elizabeth Reaser, Victoria Pedretti, Lulu Wilson, Timothy Hutton, Violet McGraw, Julian Hilliard,
Hush and Gerald's Game filmmaker Mike Flanagan delivers his most ambitious Netflix project yet (and that'sreally saying something whenyou're talking about someone who successfullyadapted Gerald's Game) with The Haunting of Hill House. Inspired by Shirley Jackson's seminal ghost story, the series carries over almost none of Jackson's narrative (though occasionally too much of her prose), and focuses instead on the haunted lives of the withering Crain family. Bouncing back and forth between the summer the Crain's spent in the titular haunted mansion and the years ofgriefand family trauma they endured in the aftermath. Flanagan has proven in previous works that he's got a knack for upsetting visuals and well-composed scares, but his great success inThe Haunting of Hill Houseis the way he ties the scares into a rich, intertwining tale of family tinged with tragedy. Led by a spectacular ensemble, the series veers between emotional revelation and moments of horror that give you full-body chills. It'sthe most moving and honest portrayal of mortality and grief this side ofSix Feet Under, but it'll give you a whole lot more nightmares. — Haleigh Foutch
Creator: Mike Flanagan
Cast: Carla Gugino, Michael Huisman, Kate Siegel, Mckenna Grace, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Elizabeth Reaser, Victoria Pedretti, Lulu Wilson, Timothy Hutton, Violet McGraw, Julian Hilliard,
Hush and Gerald's Game filmmaker Mike Flanagan delivers his most ambitious Netflix project yet (and that'sreally saying something whenyou're talking about someone who successfullyadapted Gerald's Game) with The Haunting of Hill House. Inspired by Shirley Jackson's seminal ghost story, the series carries over almost none of Jackson's narrative (though occasionally too much of her prose), and focuses instead on the haunted lives of the withering Crain family. Bouncing back and forth between the summer the Crain's spent in the titular haunted mansion and the years ofgriefand family trauma they endured in the aftermath. Flanagan has proven in previous works that he's got a knack for upsetting visuals and well-composed scares, but his great success inThe Haunting of Hill Houseis the way he ties the scares into a rich, intertwining tale of family tinged with tragedy. Led by a spectacular ensemble, the series veers between emotional revelation and moments of horror that give you full-body chills. It'sthe most moving and honest portrayal of mortality and grief this side ofSix Feet Under, but it'll give you a whole lot more nightmares. — Haleigh Foutch
The Haunting of Bly Manor
Creator: Mike Flanagan
Cast: Victoria Pedretti, T’Nia Miller, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Amelia Eve, Rahul Kohli, Tahirah Sharif, Amelia Bea Smith, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel, and Carla Gugino
The follow-up to The Haunting of Hill House is a new story with new characters and a new setting, but it’s just as emotionally devastating as that Netflix original series. Based on the works of author Henry James, most prominently Turn of the Screw, this terrific new season takes place in the 1980s and follows a young American woman with an enigmatic past who is hired on as an au pair for two young children at the titular Bly Manor. But all is not what it appears to be at Bly, and horrors ensue. While Hill House was extremely scary, The Haunting of Bly Manor is not – nor is it trying to be. This is Gothic romance ghost story, and in that way it’s actually quite romantic and emotional, but definitely still spooky. And you will definitely be an emotional mess by the time you reach the end. – Adam Chitwood
Creator: Mike Flanagan
Cast: Victoria Pedretti, T’Nia Miller, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Amelia Eve, Rahul Kohli, Tahirah Sharif, Amelia Bea Smith, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel, and Carla Gugino
The follow-up to The Haunting of Hill House is a new story with new characters and a new setting, but it’s just as emotionally devastating as that Netflix original series. Based on the works of author Henry James, most prominently Turn of the Screw, this terrific new season takes place in the 1980s and follows a young American woman with an enigmatic past who is hired on as an au pair for two young children at the titular Bly Manor. But all is not what it appears to be at Bly, and horrors ensue. While Hill House was extremely scary, The Haunting of Bly Manor is not – nor is it trying to be. This is Gothic romance ghost story, and in that way it’s actually quite romantic and emotional, but definitely still spooky. And you will definitely be an emotional mess by the time you reach the end. – Adam Chitwood
The Umbrella Academy
Created by: Steve Blackman and Jeremy Slater
Cast: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher, Cameron Britton, Mary J. Blige, Colm Feore, and Justin H. Min
The Netflix original series The Umbrella Academy is the perfect antidote to those fatigued by the glut of superhero movies and TV shows. Based on the graphic novel series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba, the story revolves around seven children with extraordinary powers who were adopted by a strange (and very rich) man who trained them to be heroes. Their troubled upbringing drove them apart, but they reunite at the beginning of the first season when their estranged father turns up mysteriously dead. Not only that, but their brother — who's been missing since they were children — appears via time travel and warns them the apocalypse is coming in a matter of days. This show is extremely joyful and funky and weird, giving weight each of its disparate characters while carrying on a compelling serial mystery all its own. If you want a show that's fun and mysterious and a little spooky, check this one out. - Adam Chitwood
Created by: Steve Blackman and Jeremy Slater
Cast: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher, Cameron Britton, Mary J. Blige, Colm Feore, and Justin H. Min
The Netflix original series The Umbrella Academy is the perfect antidote to those fatigued by the glut of superhero movies and TV shows. Based on the graphic novel series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba, the story revolves around seven children with extraordinary powers who were adopted by a strange (and very rich) man who trained them to be heroes. Their troubled upbringing drove them apart, but they reunite at the beginning of the first season when their estranged father turns up mysteriously dead. Not only that, but their brother — who's been missing since they were children — appears via time travel and warns them the apocalypse is coming in a matter of days. This show is extremely joyful and funky and weird, giving weight each of its disparate characters while carrying on a compelling serial mystery all its own. If you want a show that's fun and mysterious and a little spooky, check this one out. - Adam Chitwood
Community
Creator: Dan Harmon
Cast: Joel McHale, Donald Glover, Alison Brie, Chevy Chase, Danny Pudi, Yvette Nicole Brown, Gillian Jacobs, Jim Rash, Ken Jeong, John Oliver
One of the best comedy shows of the 21st century, Dan Harmon’s Community is an inventive, emotional act of meta sitcom storytelling that defies any easy categorizing and qualification. The basic set-up follows the odd-ensemble students of Greendale, an increasingly ridiculous community college, where the study group bonds and embarks on increasingly ridiculous misadventures. But it’s so much funnier, weirder, and more heartfelt than you’d expect, the the genre-bending meta-narratives that made Harmon’s animated sci-fi Rick and Morty such a celebrated success on full display. It’s one of the most touching shows out there about finding yourpeople, delivers some of the highest laugh-a-minute payoff in comedy TV, and it embraces the full range of its talented team to skip from genre-to-genre without flinching.Communityhad the Russo Brothers before the MCU, Community did Meow-Meow beans beforeBlack Mirrordid ‘Downfall’, and it highlighted Donald Glover’s polymath gifts long before Childish Gambino became a household name. Fortunately, Netflix now has all six seasons so it’s the perfect time to catch up (or re-watch for the umpteenth time). But if six seasons is too big of a commitment and you don’t know where to start, head over to Greg’s fantastic rundown of the best Community episodes. –Haleigh Foutch
Creator: Dan Harmon
Cast: Joel McHale, Donald Glover, Alison Brie, Chevy Chase, Danny Pudi, Yvette Nicole Brown, Gillian Jacobs, Jim Rash, Ken Jeong, John Oliver
One of the best comedy shows of the 21st century, Dan Harmon’s Community is an inventive, emotional act of meta sitcom storytelling that defies any easy categorizing and qualification. The basic set-up follows the odd-ensemble students of Greendale, an increasingly ridiculous community college, where the study group bonds and embarks on increasingly ridiculous misadventures. But it’s so much funnier, weirder, and more heartfelt than you’d expect, the the genre-bending meta-narratives that made Harmon’s animated sci-fi Rick and Morty such a celebrated success on full display. It’s one of the most touching shows out there about finding yourpeople, delivers some of the highest laugh-a-minute payoff in comedy TV, and it embraces the full range of its talented team to skip from genre-to-genre without flinching.Communityhad the Russo Brothers before the MCU, Community did Meow-Meow beans beforeBlack Mirrordid ‘Downfall’, and it highlighted Donald Glover’s polymath gifts long before Childish Gambino became a household name. Fortunately, Netflix now has all six seasons so it’s the perfect time to catch up (or re-watch for the umpteenth time). But if six seasons is too big of a commitment and you don’t know where to start, head over to Greg’s fantastic rundown of the best Community episodes. –Haleigh Foutch
The Witcher
Created by: Lauren Schmidt Hissrich
Cast: Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, Eamon Farren, and Anya Chalotra
The Witcher is an absolute blast and a half. The fantasy series is indeed very fantasy—it’s more Lord of the Rings than Game of Thrones—but it also doesn’t take itself too seriously and whole-heartedly embraces all aspects of fantasy storytelling and gaming, including fun side-quests, POV battles, and even a bard who follows Henry Cavill’s titular human/creature hybrid around singing songs about his glories. The show’s first season follows three stories destined to converge: Cavill’s Witcher is a muscle-for-hire monster hunter who begins to question why so many princesses have been turning into creatures; Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra) is a powerful sorceress in training who struggles to keep her emotions in check; and princess Ciri (Freya Allan) is on the run after the sacking of her city, but harbors secrets of her own. Steeped in lore and world building but always engaging, The Witcher is a perfect kind of binge-viewing show. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Lauren Schmidt Hissrich
Cast: Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, Eamon Farren, and Anya Chalotra
The Witcher is an absolute blast and a half. The fantasy series is indeed very fantasy—it’s more Lord of the Rings than Game of Thrones—but it also doesn’t take itself too seriously and whole-heartedly embraces all aspects of fantasy storytelling and gaming, including fun side-quests, POV battles, and even a bard who follows Henry Cavill’s titular human/creature hybrid around singing songs about his glories. The show’s first season follows three stories destined to converge: Cavill’s Witcher is a muscle-for-hire monster hunter who begins to question why so many princesses have been turning into creatures; Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra) is a powerful sorceress in training who struggles to keep her emotions in check; and princess Ciri (Freya Allan) is on the run after the sacking of her city, but harbors secrets of her own. Steeped in lore and world building but always engaging, The Witcher is a perfect kind of binge-viewing show. – Adam Chitwood
Breaking Bad
Created by: Vince Gilligan
Cast: Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, RJ Mitte, Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, and Giancarlo Esposito
It’s entirely possible that Breaking Bad will go down in history as the most influential TV drama ever. Creator Vince Gilligan makes good on a single story arc over the course of five seasons: Taking chemistry teacher Walter White (Bryan Cranston) from Mr. Chips to Scarface. That arc tracks, but along the way we get an engaging, twisty, character-rich story that can vacillate between deeply emotional and edge-of-your-seat thrilling. The show begins with the mild-mannered White receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis and opting to go into the crystal meth trade to put together some money to leave behind to his family. But as the story wears on and obstacles arise, Walter White morphs into something far more dangerous and terrifying—or was it always there, bubbling under the surface? – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Vince Gilligan
Cast: Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, RJ Mitte, Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, and Giancarlo Esposito
It’s entirely possible that Breaking Bad will go down in history as the most influential TV drama ever. Creator Vince Gilligan makes good on a single story arc over the course of five seasons: Taking chemistry teacher Walter White (Bryan Cranston) from Mr. Chips to Scarface. That arc tracks, but along the way we get an engaging, twisty, character-rich story that can vacillate between deeply emotional and edge-of-your-seat thrilling. The show begins with the mild-mannered White receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis and opting to go into the crystal meth trade to put together some money to leave behind to his family. But as the story wears on and obstacles arise, Walter White morphs into something far more dangerous and terrifying—or was it always there, bubbling under the surface? – Adam Chitwood
Love, Death and Robots
Created by: Tim Miller
Executive produced by Tim Miller (Deadpool) and legendary filmmaker David Fincher, the animated anthology series Love, Death & Robots is kind of the perfect catch-all for sci-fi fans. Each episode hails from a different writer and director, and the theme holding them all together is the idea of sci-fi technology. As a result you get a wide range of tone from uber-violent to romantic to hysterically funny. All in all, though, there’s just some really great sci-fi storytelling in here. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Tim Miller
Executive produced by Tim Miller (Deadpool) and legendary filmmaker David Fincher, the animated anthology series Love, Death & Robots is kind of the perfect catch-all for sci-fi fans. Each episode hails from a different writer and director, and the theme holding them all together is the idea of sci-fi technology. As a result you get a wide range of tone from uber-violent to romantic to hysterically funny. All in all, though, there’s just some really great sci-fi storytelling in here. – Adam Chitwood
Maniac
Created by: Patrick Somerville
Cast: Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, Justin Theroux, Sally Field, Sonoya Mizuno, Gabriel Byrne, Julia Garner and Billy Magnussen
The limited series Maniac is unlike anything else on television, made all the better by the fact that True Detective and Bond 25 helmer Cary Fukunaga directed all 10 episodes. The series takes place in a slightly more advanced version of Earth in which two depressed and despondent individuals—played by Emma Stone and Jonah Hill—take part in a mind-bending pharmaceutical trial meant to cure them of their ills. The trial sees them mentally living out various different fantasies and scenarios, which then gives Fukunaga the opportunity to traffic in various genres as Stone and Hill play different versions of themselves in everything from a Coen Brothers-esque crime story to a Lord of the Rings-like fantasy world. It’s admittedly a little uneven, but the performances are fantastic and it’s a truly unique spin on a sci-fi drama. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Patrick Somerville
Cast: Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, Justin Theroux, Sally Field, Sonoya Mizuno, Gabriel Byrne, Julia Garner and Billy Magnussen
The limited series Maniac is unlike anything else on television, made all the better by the fact that True Detective and Bond 25 helmer Cary Fukunaga directed all 10 episodes. The series takes place in a slightly more advanced version of Earth in which two depressed and despondent individuals—played by Emma Stone and Jonah Hill—take part in a mind-bending pharmaceutical trial meant to cure them of their ills. The trial sees them mentally living out various different fantasies and scenarios, which then gives Fukunaga the opportunity to traffic in various genres as Stone and Hill play different versions of themselves in everything from a Coen Brothers-esque crime story to a Lord of the Rings-like fantasy world. It’s admittedly a little uneven, but the performances are fantastic and it’s a truly unique spin on a sci-fi drama. – Adam Chitwood
The Great British Baking Show
If only all reality TV was this good.Rather than stuff the competition with people who “aren’t here to make friends” and cut each others throats for a cash prize, The Great British Baking Show is all about people being nice to each other as they attempt various baking challenges to win the title of Britain’s best amateur baker.With the help of charming lead hostsMel GiedroycandSue Perkinsand thoughtful judgesMary BerryandPaul Hollywood, there’s plenty of humor and a surprising level of intensity as you anxiously hope the contestants' baked goods can come to fruition.My fiancée introduced me to this show, and while I was hesitant at first, I’m obsessed with it now.Try not to devour the series all at once. –Matt Goldberg
If only all reality TV was this good.Rather than stuff the competition with people who “aren’t here to make friends” and cut each others throats for a cash prize, The Great British Baking Show is all about people being nice to each other as they attempt various baking challenges to win the title of Britain’s best amateur baker.With the help of charming lead hostsMel GiedroycandSue Perkinsand thoughtful judgesMary BerryandPaul Hollywood, there’s plenty of humor and a surprising level of intensity as you anxiously hope the contestants' baked goods can come to fruition.My fiancée introduced me to this show, and while I was hesitant at first, I’m obsessed with it now.Try not to devour the series all at once. –Matt Goldberg
Russian Doll
Created by: Leslye Headland, Natasha Lyonne, and Amy Poehler
Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Greta Lee, Yul Vasquez, Charlie Barnett, and Elizabeth Ashley
Netflix’s next great binge-worthy show has arrived, and it’s a brash, bracing series with just the right amount of heart.Russian Doll, the propulsive new series from Natasha Lyonne, Amy Poehler, and Leslye Headland, is a brilliant tale of morality and mortality that finds an expert balance between sincerity, cutting comedy, and wild genre flourish. In the first episode, we meet Nadia (Lyonne); an acerbic, chain-smoking software designer in rockstar duds gets trapped a time loop that film fans will quickly recognize; a Groundhog Day rinse-repeat format, where the protagonist is forced to learn a life lesson to break the loop. If you think the time-loop concept is over-familiar,Russian Dollis way ahead of you. It’s a show that recognizes what it owes to Groundhog Day and tips its hat all along the way. From the release date — the series dropped on Netflix one day before the actual Groundhog Day — to the ear-worm song waiting for Nadia every time she reboots. Not “I Got You, Babe,” but Harry Nilsson‘s absurdly peppy “Gotta Get Up.” Tightly constructed with a brief eight-episode run, each episode coming in at 30 minutes or under,Russian Dolltakes a tight grip and never lets go. It moves fast and, the first few episodes especially, makes you feel like you’re experiencing the insanity in real-time with Nadia. It’s pure binge-watching magic; a show that’s not only expertly designed to compel viewers to the next episode but invests just as much in the integrity of story and character. Try to space out the delights of Russian Doll if you can, but if you blow through all eight episodes (as I did), don’t worry. Like Nadia, you’ll probably just go back to the beginning and start it all over again.—Haleigh Foutch
Created by: Leslye Headland, Natasha Lyonne, and Amy Poehler
Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Greta Lee, Yul Vasquez, Charlie Barnett, and Elizabeth Ashley
Netflix’s next great binge-worthy show has arrived, and it’s a brash, bracing series with just the right amount of heart.Russian Doll, the propulsive new series from Natasha Lyonne, Amy Poehler, and Leslye Headland, is a brilliant tale of morality and mortality that finds an expert balance between sincerity, cutting comedy, and wild genre flourish. In the first episode, we meet Nadia (Lyonne); an acerbic, chain-smoking software designer in rockstar duds gets trapped a time loop that film fans will quickly recognize; a Groundhog Day rinse-repeat format, where the protagonist is forced to learn a life lesson to break the loop. If you think the time-loop concept is over-familiar,Russian Dollis way ahead of you. It’s a show that recognizes what it owes to Groundhog Day and tips its hat all along the way. From the release date — the series dropped on Netflix one day before the actual Groundhog Day — to the ear-worm song waiting for Nadia every time she reboots. Not “I Got You, Babe,” but Harry Nilsson‘s absurdly peppy “Gotta Get Up.” Tightly constructed with a brief eight-episode run, each episode coming in at 30 minutes or under,Russian Dolltakes a tight grip and never lets go. It moves fast and, the first few episodes especially, makes you feel like you’re experiencing the insanity in real-time with Nadia. It’s pure binge-watching magic; a show that’s not only expertly designed to compel viewers to the next episode but invests just as much in the integrity of story and character. Try to space out the delights of Russian Doll if you can, but if you blow through all eight episodes (as I did), don’t worry. Like Nadia, you’ll probably just go back to the beginning and start it all over again.—Haleigh Foutch
I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson
Creators: Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin
Cast: Tim Robinson
Netflix is so perfect for sketch comedy that I’m a little shocked it’s taken this long for a sketch comedy program to finally break out, especially one as weird and unique as I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. Because the series doesn’t have to worry about commercial breaks or sponsors or really anything, it’s free to be deeply weird and bizarre in the most wonderful of ways. Robinson, a former writer on Saturday Night Live, brings his unique comic voice to a series of unforgettable sketches that may be hit or miss, but when they hit, they’re unbelievably funny. If you like your comedy bizarre, twisted, and off-kilter, you’ll easily binge I Think You Should Leave in a single sitting. - Matt Goldberg
Creators: Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin
Cast: Tim Robinson
Netflix is so perfect for sketch comedy that I’m a little shocked it’s taken this long for a sketch comedy program to finally break out, especially one as weird and unique as I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. Because the series doesn’t have to worry about commercial breaks or sponsors or really anything, it’s free to be deeply weird and bizarre in the most wonderful of ways. Robinson, a former writer on Saturday Night Live, brings his unique comic voice to a series of unforgettable sketches that may be hit or miss, but when they hit, they’re unbelievably funny. If you like your comedy bizarre, twisted, and off-kilter, you’ll easily binge I Think You Should Leave in a single sitting. - Matt Goldberg
Sex Education
Created by: Laurie Nunn
Cast: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, Connor Swindells, Kedar Williams-Stirling, Alistair Petrie
For most people, being a teenager is awkward, weird, random, and confusing. Netflix’s 8-episode seriesSex Education, created by Laurie Nunn, not only understands that but leans into it completely. The show stars Asa Butterfield as Otis, a sixth former (high schooler, for Americans — the series is set in the UK) who starts an underground therapy clinic for his peers. Or, as one classmate describes him, he is “that weird sex kid who looks like a Victorian ghost.” If it wasn’t already clear,Sex Educationis very explicit. There are plenty of frank discussions about sex and anatomy, as well as full nudity. Most episodes revolve around a kind of Case of the Week that’s teased in a cold open, although the show uses that to evolve its major narratives, and doesn’t always end the hour with the problem being solved. Otis’ advice for his classmates is also usually more about their psyche and expectations than sexual positions. “What makes you feel like you have to give your boyfriend a blowjob?” he asks one “client,” and tells another to name five things she likes about herself. The show is careful to normalize an array of preferences, including not having sex at all. Sex Educationis, perhaps like Otis, more charming than it has any right to be, making it extremely easy to feel emotionally invested in the lives of these kids (and choice few adults) who are all just trying to figure themselves out. Its upfront inclusion of sex in a real and grounded way (rather than just for comedic effect) also makes it different from other coming-of-age stories or teen comediesTrue to life, not everything is resolved immediately, and Otis’ advice isn’t always solid. People hold grudges, hearts are broken, and not all stories of unrequited love get a happy ending. ButSex Educationis just as much about the triumphs, the times things do go right, and the consequences of emotional vulnerability that ultimately make it a happy and satisfying watch.-- Allison Keene
Created by: Laurie Nunn
Cast: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, Connor Swindells, Kedar Williams-Stirling, Alistair Petrie
For most people, being a teenager is awkward, weird, random, and confusing. Netflix’s 8-episode seriesSex Education, created by Laurie Nunn, not only understands that but leans into it completely. The show stars Asa Butterfield as Otis, a sixth former (high schooler, for Americans — the series is set in the UK) who starts an underground therapy clinic for his peers. Or, as one classmate describes him, he is “that weird sex kid who looks like a Victorian ghost.” If it wasn’t already clear,Sex Educationis very explicit. There are plenty of frank discussions about sex and anatomy, as well as full nudity. Most episodes revolve around a kind of Case of the Week that’s teased in a cold open, although the show uses that to evolve its major narratives, and doesn’t always end the hour with the problem being solved. Otis’ advice for his classmates is also usually more about their psyche and expectations than sexual positions. “What makes you feel like you have to give your boyfriend a blowjob?” he asks one “client,” and tells another to name five things she likes about herself. The show is careful to normalize an array of preferences, including not having sex at all. Sex Educationis, perhaps like Otis, more charming than it has any right to be, making it extremely easy to feel emotionally invested in the lives of these kids (and choice few adults) who are all just trying to figure themselves out. Its upfront inclusion of sex in a real and grounded way (rather than just for comedic effect) also makes it different from other coming-of-age stories or teen comediesTrue to life, not everything is resolved immediately, and Otis’ advice isn’t always solid. People hold grudges, hearts are broken, and not all stories of unrequited love get a happy ending. ButSex Educationis just as much about the triumphs, the times things do go right, and the consequences of emotional vulnerability that ultimately make it a happy and satisfying watch.-- Allison Keene
The Hollow
Created by: Vito Viscomi
Cast: Ashleigh Ball, Connor Parnall, Adrian Petriw, Diana Kaarina, Jesse Moss
Taking a page out of the mystery-focused hook-books like The Maze Runner and just about anything J.J. Abrams slaps his name on, The Hollow getsyou invested from the get-go by quickly establishing that Mira, Kai, and Adam are strangers who must work together if they want to stay alive. There’s not a lot of time to question anything, meaning that by the time you’ve seen whether or not the trio can cooperate and escape the immediate threat, you’ve likely already become attached to their characters. The Hollowreally succeeds by rewarding viewers who tune in for all 10 episodes to see how the mystery finally gets solved; no cliffhangers here. For the mystery and the payoff alone,The Hollow is worth a watch. – Dave Trumbore
Created by: Vito Viscomi
Cast: Ashleigh Ball, Connor Parnall, Adrian Petriw, Diana Kaarina, Jesse Moss
Taking a page out of the mystery-focused hook-books like The Maze Runner and just about anything J.J. Abrams slaps his name on, The Hollow getsyou invested from the get-go by quickly establishing that Mira, Kai, and Adam are strangers who must work together if they want to stay alive. There’s not a lot of time to question anything, meaning that by the time you’ve seen whether or not the trio can cooperate and escape the immediate threat, you’ve likely already become attached to their characters. The Hollowreally succeeds by rewarding viewers who tune in for all 10 episodes to see how the mystery finally gets solved; no cliffhangers here. For the mystery and the payoff alone,The Hollow is worth a watch. – Dave Trumbore
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Created by: Ryan Murphy
Cast: Darren Criss, Edgar Ramirez, Penelope Cruz, Ricky Martin, Cody Fern, Finn Wittrock, Judith Light, and Jon Jon Briones
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story is not the show you think it is. The limited series was marketed as a show about glitz, gamour, and fame, but in reality it’s an American Psycho-esque portrait of a spree killer that hones in on issues relating to homophobia and self-hate. In 1997, fashion designer Gianni Versace (Edgar Ramirez) was shot dead by a man named Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss). As it turns out this was only part of the story, and The Assassination of Gianni Versace unfolds backwards in time (each episode is set before the events of the previous one—think Memento, but as a TV series) as it tracks Cunanan’s other murders and delves into his personal life, trying to understand just what made this young man turn so violent in such a public way. It’s every bit as engrossing and enlightening as People v. O.J. Simpson, and you’ve no doubt noticed it sweeping every TV awards ceremony over the last year. Now see for yourself. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Ryan Murphy
Cast: Darren Criss, Edgar Ramirez, Penelope Cruz, Ricky Martin, Cody Fern, Finn Wittrock, Judith Light, and Jon Jon Briones
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story is not the show you think it is. The limited series was marketed as a show about glitz, gamour, and fame, but in reality it’s an American Psycho-esque portrait of a spree killer that hones in on issues relating to homophobia and self-hate. In 1997, fashion designer Gianni Versace (Edgar Ramirez) was shot dead by a man named Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss). As it turns out this was only part of the story, and The Assassination of Gianni Versace unfolds backwards in time (each episode is set before the events of the previous one—think Memento, but as a TV series) as it tracks Cunanan’s other murders and delves into his personal life, trying to understand just what made this young man turn so violent in such a public way. It’s every bit as engrossing and enlightening as People v. O.J. Simpson, and you’ve no doubt noticed it sweeping every TV awards ceremony over the last year. Now see for yourself. – Adam Chitwood
Bodyguard
Creator: Jed Mercurio
Cast: Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, Gina McKee, Sophe Rundle, and Paul Ready
Fair warning, if you start one episode of Bodyguard you might watch the whole six-episode story in a single sitting. The series follows a metropolitan police officer named David Budd (Richard Madden) who is tasked with guarding the life of Conservative Home Secretary Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes) in the midst of a political crisis—namely the debate over how to deal with terrorism. Budd’s personal life and background are slowly revealed throughout the show, forcing the audience to consistently question whether he’s a true hero or a potential villain. – Adam Chitwood
Creator: Jed Mercurio
Cast: Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, Gina McKee, Sophe Rundle, and Paul Ready
Fair warning, if you start one episode of Bodyguard you might watch the whole six-episode story in a single sitting. The series follows a metropolitan police officer named David Budd (Richard Madden) who is tasked with guarding the life of Conservative Home Secretary Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes) in the midst of a political crisis—namely the debate over how to deal with terrorism. Budd’s personal life and background are slowly revealed throughout the show, forcing the audience to consistently question whether he’s a true hero or a potential villain. – Adam Chitwood
Documentary Now!
Created by: Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Seth Meyers, and Rhys Thomas
Cast: Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, and Helen Mirren
If you're a fan of the humor of Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, and Seth Meyers and you are also a fan of documentaries (I know, weird vinn diagram), then Documentary Now! just might be your next favorite show. The conceit of the series is something of a mockumentary anthology, in which each half-hour episode takes on the format of a famous or groundbreaking documentary genre and is given the comedy treatment. Specific documentaries tackled include Grey Gardens, Wild Wild Country, and Jiro Dreams of Sushi, and while the show is incredible funny, what makes it truly special is the fact that each episode is also actually compelling in and of itself — they take the plots and characters seriously, even while providing laughs, so you're always engaged in the storytelling. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Seth Meyers, and Rhys Thomas
Cast: Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, and Helen Mirren
If you're a fan of the humor of Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, and Seth Meyers and you are also a fan of documentaries (I know, weird vinn diagram), then Documentary Now! just might be your next favorite show. The conceit of the series is something of a mockumentary anthology, in which each half-hour episode takes on the format of a famous or groundbreaking documentary genre and is given the comedy treatment. Specific documentaries tackled include Grey Gardens, Wild Wild Country, and Jiro Dreams of Sushi, and while the show is incredible funny, what makes it truly special is the fact that each episode is also actually compelling in and of itself — they take the plots and characters seriously, even while providing laughs, so you're always engaged in the storytelling. – Adam Chitwood
Mindhunter
Created by: Joe Penhall
Cast: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Hannah Gross, and Cotter Smith
Executive produced and essentially run by David Fincher, Mindhunter is one of TV’s best new shows of 2017. The series is based on true events and follows the early days of the FBI’s criminal profiling unit in the late 1970s. Two FBI agents from the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit—Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany)—set out to interview imprisoned serial killers to see if they can understand why they did what they did, to help create a profile for the FBI to catch these kinds of killers. The show is methodical, wildly engrossing, and surprisingly funny, and Fincher himself directs four of the first season’s 10 episodes (and three from Season 2), resulting in terrific piece of filmmaking as well. It’s an addictive series that refuses to go down easy or well-worn paths, instead finding brand new ways to chronicle stories that have been told countless times, and as a result offering wholly new insight into human behavior. Oh yeah, and it’s deliciously entertaining. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Joe Penhall
Cast: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Hannah Gross, and Cotter Smith
Executive produced and essentially run by David Fincher, Mindhunter is one of TV’s best new shows of 2017. The series is based on true events and follows the early days of the FBI’s criminal profiling unit in the late 1970s. Two FBI agents from the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit—Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany)—set out to interview imprisoned serial killers to see if they can understand why they did what they did, to help create a profile for the FBI to catch these kinds of killers. The show is methodical, wildly engrossing, and surprisingly funny, and Fincher himself directs four of the first season’s 10 episodes (and three from Season 2), resulting in terrific piece of filmmaking as well. It’s an addictive series that refuses to go down easy or well-worn paths, instead finding brand new ways to chronicle stories that have been told countless times, and as a result offering wholly new insight into human behavior. Oh yeah, and it’s deliciously entertaining. – Adam Chitwood
Trollhunters
Created by: Guillermo del Toro
Cast: Anton Yelchin, Charlie Saxton, Jonathan Hyde, Kelsey Grammer, Ron Perlman, Amy Landecker, Steven Yeun, Clancy Brown, Mark Hamill, and Angelica Huston
Guillermo del Toro’s original animated series Trollhunters is an absolute delight. The DreamWorks Animation production takes place in the quiet town of Arcadia, where a young boy named Jim not only stumbled upon an amulet that makes him a “Trollhunter,” but who also discovers that there’s an entire world full of trolls living in secret underground. The show combines the classic Saturday morning cartoon vibe with the serialized narrative drive of something like Breaking Bad, resulting in a series that’s as delightful as it is addicting. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Guillermo del Toro
Cast: Anton Yelchin, Charlie Saxton, Jonathan Hyde, Kelsey Grammer, Ron Perlman, Amy Landecker, Steven Yeun, Clancy Brown, Mark Hamill, and Angelica Huston
Guillermo del Toro’s original animated series Trollhunters is an absolute delight. The DreamWorks Animation production takes place in the quiet town of Arcadia, where a young boy named Jim not only stumbled upon an amulet that makes him a “Trollhunter,” but who also discovers that there’s an entire world full of trolls living in secret underground. The show combines the classic Saturday morning cartoon vibe with the serialized narrative drive of something like Breaking Bad, resulting in a series that’s as delightful as it is addicting. – Adam Chitwood
Legends of Tomorrow
Creators: Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, Phil Klemmer
Cast: Victor Garber, Brandon Routh, Arthur Darvill, Caity Lotz, Franz Drameh, Dominic Purcell, Wentworth Miller, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Nick Zano, Tala Ashe
Two years ago you could not have convinced me that one of the best shows on television would be The CW’s Legends of Tomorrow, but by God it is. The series has truly come into its own in its third season (after a still very good second season), finding a wonderful rhythm in both weekly adventures an overarching villains — including the rehabilitation of Damian Darhk from his time on Arrow, as well as the introduction of magical creatures where time travel isn’t always a cure-all. Plus, it’s opened the door for Constantine! The series focuses on a group of time-traveling rogues, mostly cobbled together from elsewhere in the Arrow-verse. The first season isn’t great, but it lays the groundwork for the friendships that define the show. But if you need to skip ahead and start with Season 2 or even 3, I don’t blame you. Another thing that has made the series so successful is its willingness to change up its storylines and its cast. If something doesn’t work, or a dynamic doesn’t take, they scrap it and try something else. And meanwhile, the show also brings back what does work — like Beebo, everyone’s favorite fuzzy blue savior. There were so many fantastic episodes and moments inLegends’ third season, which was also just fun. Grodd vs Barack Obama! Time loops! Pirates! Mick Rory’s book! Themyscira! John Noble! That’s what a superhero show about a ragtag bunch of time travelers should be about: bonkers fun. And yet, the series also has great emotional arcs that really resonate. It does it all, folks. — Allison Keene
Creators: Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, Phil Klemmer
Cast: Victor Garber, Brandon Routh, Arthur Darvill, Caity Lotz, Franz Drameh, Dominic Purcell, Wentworth Miller, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Nick Zano, Tala Ashe
Two years ago you could not have convinced me that one of the best shows on television would be The CW’s Legends of Tomorrow, but by God it is. The series has truly come into its own in its third season (after a still very good second season), finding a wonderful rhythm in both weekly adventures an overarching villains — including the rehabilitation of Damian Darhk from his time on Arrow, as well as the introduction of magical creatures where time travel isn’t always a cure-all. Plus, it’s opened the door for Constantine! The series focuses on a group of time-traveling rogues, mostly cobbled together from elsewhere in the Arrow-verse. The first season isn’t great, but it lays the groundwork for the friendships that define the show. But if you need to skip ahead and start with Season 2 or even 3, I don’t blame you. Another thing that has made the series so successful is its willingness to change up its storylines and its cast. If something doesn’t work, or a dynamic doesn’t take, they scrap it and try something else. And meanwhile, the show also brings back what does work — like Beebo, everyone’s favorite fuzzy blue savior. There were so many fantastic episodes and moments inLegends’ third season, which was also just fun. Grodd vs Barack Obama! Time loops! Pirates! Mick Rory’s book! Themyscira! John Noble! That’s what a superhero show about a ragtag bunch of time travelers should be about: bonkers fun. And yet, the series also has great emotional arcs that really resonate. It does it all, folks. — Allison Keene
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Creator: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Ross Lynch, Lucy Davis, Chance Perdomo, Michelle Gomez, Jaz Sinclair, Richard Coyle, and Miranda Otto
There is no trick to the treat that is Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Netflix’s adaptation of Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s comic of the same name, starring Kiernan Shipka as the titular teen. The updated story is a far cry from the days of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and yet, it encompasses many of the same themes of the original Archie comics and other iterations. It’s just that this time, the story is wrapped up in a moody, dark, funny, and stylishly atmospheric package that could be not be a better herald of fall and the Halloween season. The series picks up just before Sabrina’s sixteenth birthday, which will be marked not by a traditional celebration, but anold tradition: a Dark Baptism under a blood moon where Sabrina will sign over her soul to the Dark Lord. Except, Sabrina isn’t so sure she wants to do that. She’s only half a witch (on her father’s side), and she’s spent her entire life living at home with witches and going to school with mortals.But that baptism — and whether or not she’s ready to tether herself to the Dark Lord — is just the start of Sabrina’s adventures, not the end, as she finds a way to honor both her mortal and supernatural heritage. Ultimately, it’s a delight and an obsession, and the scariest thing about it is just how good it is. [Full Review] — Allison Keene
Creator: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Ross Lynch, Lucy Davis, Chance Perdomo, Michelle Gomez, Jaz Sinclair, Richard Coyle, and Miranda Otto
There is no trick to the treat that is Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Netflix’s adaptation of Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s comic of the same name, starring Kiernan Shipka as the titular teen. The updated story is a far cry from the days of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and yet, it encompasses many of the same themes of the original Archie comics and other iterations. It’s just that this time, the story is wrapped up in a moody, dark, funny, and stylishly atmospheric package that could be not be a better herald of fall and the Halloween season. The series picks up just before Sabrina’s sixteenth birthday, which will be marked not by a traditional celebration, but anold tradition: a Dark Baptism under a blood moon where Sabrina will sign over her soul to the Dark Lord. Except, Sabrina isn’t so sure she wants to do that. She’s only half a witch (on her father’s side), and she’s spent her entire life living at home with witches and going to school with mortals.But that baptism — and whether or not she’s ready to tether herself to the Dark Lord — is just the start of Sabrina’s adventures, not the end, as she finds a way to honor both her mortal and supernatural heritage. Ultimately, it’s a delight and an obsession, and the scariest thing about it is just how good it is. [Full Review] — Allison Keene
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
Created by: Jerry Seinfeld
If you’re a comedy nerd, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is a must-watch. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld puts his own spin on the late night TV format by cutting out the monologue and fluff, filming during broad daylight, and taking his interview subjects on rides in classic cars. The result is insightful, hilarious, and sometimes emotional conversations with guests that range from Larry David to Tina Fey to Chris Rock to Barack Obama. Some of the best episodes, however, are the ones devoted to late night TV hosts past and present, as you can watch David Letterman and Jay Leno separately get incredibly candid about their histories and legacy, while newcomers like Trevor Noah and John Oliver are somewhat subjected to a test of sorts by Seinfeld. This show is about as good as cuddling up with a warm cup of coffee and a book—a soothing, enjoyable experience from start to finish. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Jerry Seinfeld
If you’re a comedy nerd, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is a must-watch. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld puts his own spin on the late night TV format by cutting out the monologue and fluff, filming during broad daylight, and taking his interview subjects on rides in classic cars. The result is insightful, hilarious, and sometimes emotional conversations with guests that range from Larry David to Tina Fey to Chris Rock to Barack Obama. Some of the best episodes, however, are the ones devoted to late night TV hosts past and present, as you can watch David Letterman and Jay Leno separately get incredibly candid about their histories and legacy, while newcomers like Trevor Noah and John Oliver are somewhat subjected to a test of sorts by Seinfeld. This show is about as good as cuddling up with a warm cup of coffee and a book—a soothing, enjoyable experience from start to finish. – Adam Chitwood
The Magicians
Created by: Sera Gamble and John McNamara
Cast: Jason Ralph, Olivia Taylor Dudley, Stella Maeve, Arjun Gupta, Hale Appleman, and Summer Bishil
Based on the terrific book trilogy by Lev Grossman, Syfy’s The Magicians could be crudely described as an R-rated Harry Potter. Jason Ralph stars as Quentin Coldwater, a melancholic late-twentysomething who discovers that not only is magic actually real, but he’s a magician. He goes to Brakebills, a graduate school for magicians of sorts, and soon discovers there’s an even bigger twist involved. The show, like the books, tackles issues of depression, sexual assault, and mental illness in a realistic but entertaining way. Its darkly funny sense of humor keeps things from getting too dark, and the performances are great. The show really comes into its own in Season 2 and only gets better as it goes on, but the first season is an entertaining introduction into the fucked up world of The Magicians. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Sera Gamble and John McNamara
Cast: Jason Ralph, Olivia Taylor Dudley, Stella Maeve, Arjun Gupta, Hale Appleman, and Summer Bishil
Based on the terrific book trilogy by Lev Grossman, Syfy’s The Magicians could be crudely described as an R-rated Harry Potter. Jason Ralph stars as Quentin Coldwater, a melancholic late-twentysomething who discovers that not only is magic actually real, but he’s a magician. He goes to Brakebills, a graduate school for magicians of sorts, and soon discovers there’s an even bigger twist involved. The show, like the books, tackles issues of depression, sexual assault, and mental illness in a realistic but entertaining way. Its darkly funny sense of humor keeps things from getting too dark, and the performances are great. The show really comes into its own in Season 2 and only gets better as it goes on, but the first season is an entertaining introduction into the fucked up world of The Magicians. – Adam Chitwood
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous
Created by: Scott Kreamer, Aaron Hammersley
Voice Cast: Paul-Mikél Williams, Jenna Ortega, Ryan Potter, Raini Rodriguez, Sean Giambrone, Kausar Mohammed, Jameela Jamil, Glen Powell
You know when you’re a kid and you love a movie so much you make up fantasy versions in your head where you were also there, just off-camera? That’s the energy Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous is bringing. The new animated series reimagines the events of Jurassic World from the perspective of a group of teenagers in the midst of an exclusive stay at a neighboring youth-oriented camp who wind up having to fend for themselves when the dinos do what Jurassic dinos always do (read: havoc and destruction) inside the main park. The 2019 surprise short Battle at Big Rock proved there’s a lot of potential in apply the short-form episodic approach to the Jurassic thrills we know and love, andCamp Cretaceousdelivers on that promise with tightly-wound, energetic episodes that translate those edge-of-your-seat Jurassicthrills into a family-friendly adventure without sacrificing their bite. --Haleigh Foutch
Created by: Scott Kreamer, Aaron Hammersley
Voice Cast: Paul-Mikél Williams, Jenna Ortega, Ryan Potter, Raini Rodriguez, Sean Giambrone, Kausar Mohammed, Jameela Jamil, Glen Powell
You know when you’re a kid and you love a movie so much you make up fantasy versions in your head where you were also there, just off-camera? That’s the energy Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous is bringing. The new animated series reimagines the events of Jurassic World from the perspective of a group of teenagers in the midst of an exclusive stay at a neighboring youth-oriented camp who wind up having to fend for themselves when the dinos do what Jurassic dinos always do (read: havoc and destruction) inside the main park. The 2019 surprise short Battle at Big Rock proved there’s a lot of potential in apply the short-form episodic approach to the Jurassic thrills we know and love, andCamp Cretaceousdelivers on that promise with tightly-wound, energetic episodes that translate those edge-of-your-seat Jurassicthrills into a family-friendly adventure without sacrificing their bite. --Haleigh Foutch
The Good Place
Created by: Michael Schur
Cast: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, Manny Jacinto, and D’Arcy Carden
Try to imagine Lost as a sitcom plus some more philosophical depth and a lot more humor, and you’re on your way to The Good Place. Parks and Recreation showrunner Michael Schur’s new sitcom is set in an afterlife where Eleanor Shellstrop (Bell), a recently deceased woman who lived a selfish, spiteful life, has ended up in the “good place” by mistake. With the help of her soulmate Chidi (Harper), she tries to learn how to be a better person as we get flashbacks to Eleanor’s life and the lives of those around her. Meanwhile, the architect of the good place, Michael (Danson), tries to figure out why everything in this utopia is going haywire. It’s a sweet, funny, brilliant bit of television, and when I finally caught up with it, I was angry that I hadn’t watched it sooner. Watch it as soon as possible. – Matt Goldberg
Created by: Michael Schur
Cast: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, Manny Jacinto, and D’Arcy Carden
Try to imagine Lost as a sitcom plus some more philosophical depth and a lot more humor, and you’re on your way to The Good Place. Parks and Recreation showrunner Michael Schur’s new sitcom is set in an afterlife where Eleanor Shellstrop (Bell), a recently deceased woman who lived a selfish, spiteful life, has ended up in the “good place” by mistake. With the help of her soulmate Chidi (Harper), she tries to learn how to be a better person as we get flashbacks to Eleanor’s life and the lives of those around her. Meanwhile, the architect of the good place, Michael (Danson), tries to figure out why everything in this utopia is going haywire. It’s a sweet, funny, brilliant bit of television, and when I finally caught up with it, I was angry that I hadn’t watched it sooner. Watch it as soon as possible. – Matt Goldberg
Black Lightning
Developed By: Salim Akil
Cast: Cress Williams, China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams, Christine Adams, Marvin "Krondon" Jones III, Damon Gupton, James Remar
Just when I was starting to think we had reached peak superhero fatigue, Black Lightning hit the scene and shook things up. The CW’s dynamic series is laudable for a number of reasons, the most obvious one being that it focuses on a black family, and the second most obvious one being that its lead character isn’t a teenager. But the series also might be the superhero genre’s most intelligent; it knows what it wants to say about race and politics without ever being preachy. The first season also made a lot of smart choices about when to introduce the powers of characters other than Jefferson Pierce (a charming Cress Williams), and also didn’t feel the need to dispatch of its Big Bad by the season’s end (though it did take care of a host of more minor villains throughout). The story of a vigilante-turned-principal looking to get back into the game because of drug violence on his streets is a refreshing one, and helped keepBlack Lightninggrounded and relevant throughout its run. This is a hero to unequivocally root for. — Allison Keene
Developed By: Salim Akil
Cast: Cress Williams, China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams, Christine Adams, Marvin "Krondon" Jones III, Damon Gupton, James Remar
Just when I was starting to think we had reached peak superhero fatigue, Black Lightning hit the scene and shook things up. The CW’s dynamic series is laudable for a number of reasons, the most obvious one being that it focuses on a black family, and the second most obvious one being that its lead character isn’t a teenager. But the series also might be the superhero genre’s most intelligent; it knows what it wants to say about race and politics without ever being preachy. The first season also made a lot of smart choices about when to introduce the powers of characters other than Jefferson Pierce (a charming Cress Williams), and also didn’t feel the need to dispatch of its Big Bad by the season’s end (though it did take care of a host of more minor villains throughout). The story of a vigilante-turned-principal looking to get back into the game because of drug violence on his streets is a refreshing one, and helped keepBlack Lightninggrounded and relevant throughout its run. This is a hero to unequivocally root for. — Allison Keene
Better Call Saul
Created by: Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould
Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Michael McKean
AMC’s Breaking Bad spinoff goes back to find Saul Goodman (Odenkirk) at a time when he was known as Jimmy McGill (or “Slippin’ Jimmy”), a hustler with courtroom ambitions, whose life had yet to be turned upside down by Walter White. Though as comedically quirky as expected, the languid and artistically rendered Saul also proved to also be very dark, affecting, and dramatic, thanks to Odenkirk’s outstandingly nuanced performance. Jimmy’s complicated relationship with his brother Chuck (McKean) drives the emotional undercurrent of the show's first couple seasons, alongside his being thwarted in his ambitions to join a real law firm. When he opens up his own business (in the closet of a nail salon), a revolving door of crazy clients appear, but it’s the selfless work that Jimmy does on behalf of an elderly contingent in town that imbues his journey with meaning, and gives the series truly dramatic stakes. Still, at every step, Jimmy finds himself running into walls, and his frustration with the misfires and betrayals that litter his life eventually start adding up to his transformation as the slick Saul Goodman. The show is at its best when it distances itself from Breaking Bad, and though it starts off slow with some curious digressions, Better Call Saul picks up tremendously towards the end of the first season and becomes a series that may even technically be better than Breaking Bad. Ultimately, being swept along in the chaos, hilarity, and sadness of Jimmy’s rise and fall (and eventual resurrection as Saul) is an immersive experience.
Created by: Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould
Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Michael McKean
AMC’s Breaking Bad spinoff goes back to find Saul Goodman (Odenkirk) at a time when he was known as Jimmy McGill (or “Slippin’ Jimmy”), a hustler with courtroom ambitions, whose life had yet to be turned upside down by Walter White. Though as comedically quirky as expected, the languid and artistically rendered Saul also proved to also be very dark, affecting, and dramatic, thanks to Odenkirk’s outstandingly nuanced performance. Jimmy’s complicated relationship with his brother Chuck (McKean) drives the emotional undercurrent of the show's first couple seasons, alongside his being thwarted in his ambitions to join a real law firm. When he opens up his own business (in the closet of a nail salon), a revolving door of crazy clients appear, but it’s the selfless work that Jimmy does on behalf of an elderly contingent in town that imbues his journey with meaning, and gives the series truly dramatic stakes. Still, at every step, Jimmy finds himself running into walls, and his frustration with the misfires and betrayals that litter his life eventually start adding up to his transformation as the slick Saul Goodman. The show is at its best when it distances itself from Breaking Bad, and though it starts off slow with some curious digressions, Better Call Saul picks up tremendously towards the end of the first season and becomes a series that may even technically be better than Breaking Bad. Ultimately, being swept along in the chaos, hilarity, and sadness of Jimmy’s rise and fall (and eventual resurrection as Saul) is an immersive experience.
Stranger Things
Created by: The Duffer Brothers
Cast: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, and Matthew Modine
You’ve no doubt heard the hype, so let us set you straight: believe it. Stranger Things popped up almost out of nowhere as a new Netflix original series that had little buzz surrounding its pre-release. But the 80s-set mystery thriller is equal parts It, Stand by Me, and The Goonies as it mashes up the creepy atmosphere of a Stephen King novel with compelling characters and a strong narrative drive. The true test of Stranger Things is whether the show works without the nostalgia-inducing 80s setting, and the answer is yes. There’s a government mystery, impressive effects, and most of all memorable characters that are a joy to watch, and creators/writers/directors Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer craft each season like one long movie divided into chapters. Indeed, one could easily watchan entireseason in one day without feeling like it’s dragging or hitting upon an easy “stopping point,” as this is more television as novel than episodic TV. Which makes it a delightful binge. So have at it! – Adam Chitwood
Created by: The Duffer Brothers
Cast: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, and Matthew Modine
You’ve no doubt heard the hype, so let us set you straight: believe it. Stranger Things popped up almost out of nowhere as a new Netflix original series that had little buzz surrounding its pre-release. But the 80s-set mystery thriller is equal parts It, Stand by Me, and The Goonies as it mashes up the creepy atmosphere of a Stephen King novel with compelling characters and a strong narrative drive. The true test of Stranger Things is whether the show works without the nostalgia-inducing 80s setting, and the answer is yes. There’s a government mystery, impressive effects, and most of all memorable characters that are a joy to watch, and creators/writers/directors Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer craft each season like one long movie divided into chapters. Indeed, one could easily watchan entireseason in one day without feeling like it’s dragging or hitting upon an easy “stopping point,” as this is more television as novel than episodic TV. Which makes it a delightful binge. So have at it! – Adam Chitwood
Black Mirror
Created By: Charlie Brooker
Cast: Mackenzie Davis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Bryce Dallas Howard, Kelly Macdonald, Hayley Atwell,Domhnall Gleeson,Michael Smiley,Rory Kinnear,Toby Kebbell, Daniel Kaluuya, Jesse Plemons, Rosemarie DeWitt, Letitia Wright
American audiences were a bit late to the Channel 4 anthology series, but when Netflix released the first six episodes of Black Mirror to streaming, the internet collectively lost its mind over Charlie Brooker's dark, unsettling spin on contemporary culture. Often described a modern-day Twilight Zone, Black Mirror tackles subjects like politics, technology,fame, and griefthrough the lensof genre fiction, leading to self-contained episodes that are engrossing, terrifying, wrenching and occasionally revolting (Looking at you,The National Anthem). A touch ofKurt Vonnegut, a splash ofWilliam Gibson,and yes, a hint of The Twilight Zone, Black Mirror is its own beast entirely, but like all the best sci-fi, it rattles your perceptions and leaves you wanting more. And now, with brand new episodes produced exclusively for Netflix, there's even more Black Mirror to enjoy.Have fun debating your favorite episodes with your friends. -- Haleigh Foutch
Created By: Charlie Brooker
Cast: Mackenzie Davis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Bryce Dallas Howard, Kelly Macdonald, Hayley Atwell,Domhnall Gleeson,Michael Smiley,Rory Kinnear,Toby Kebbell, Daniel Kaluuya, Jesse Plemons, Rosemarie DeWitt, Letitia Wright
American audiences were a bit late to the Channel 4 anthology series, but when Netflix released the first six episodes of Black Mirror to streaming, the internet collectively lost its mind over Charlie Brooker's dark, unsettling spin on contemporary culture. Often described a modern-day Twilight Zone, Black Mirror tackles subjects like politics, technology,fame, and griefthrough the lensof genre fiction, leading to self-contained episodes that are engrossing, terrifying, wrenching and occasionally revolting (Looking at you,The National Anthem). A touch ofKurt Vonnegut, a splash ofWilliam Gibson,and yes, a hint of The Twilight Zone, Black Mirror is its own beast entirely, but like all the best sci-fi, it rattles your perceptions and leaves you wanting more. And now, with brand new episodes produced exclusively for Netflix, there's even more Black Mirror to enjoy.Have fun debating your favorite episodes with your friends. -- Haleigh Foutch
Gilmore Girls
Created by: Amy Sherman-Palladino
Cast: Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Melissa McCarthy, Scott Patterson, Kelly Bishop, Edward Hermann, Liza Weil
With the 4-part reunion available on Netflix as well, now is the perfect time to catch up on Amy Sherman-Palladino’s fast-talking, pop culture-laded comfort TV. Gilmore Girls is about three generations of brilliant women: grandmother Emily, a wealthy socialite, her rebellious daughter Lorelai, and Lorelai’s studious daughter Rory, who spends the series finding out her place between her mother’s and grandmother’s worlds. The series’ dialogue moves at a manic pace, contrasting with the sleepy town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, which serves as a cozy backdrop for the series. While romances dominate most of the plot lines, the series meanwhile introduces a wealth of unforgettable characters as it explores the importance of family, friends, and honest relationships. After showrunner Palladino left in the final season, the series hit a major stumbling block, but the full series is worth a watch regardless. (If you only have a limited time to watch, be sure to use our handy Gilmore Girls Essential Episodes Guide). — Allison Keene
Created by: Amy Sherman-Palladino
Cast: Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Melissa McCarthy, Scott Patterson, Kelly Bishop, Edward Hermann, Liza Weil
With the 4-part reunion available on Netflix as well, now is the perfect time to catch up on Amy Sherman-Palladino’s fast-talking, pop culture-laded comfort TV. Gilmore Girls is about three generations of brilliant women: grandmother Emily, a wealthy socialite, her rebellious daughter Lorelai, and Lorelai’s studious daughter Rory, who spends the series finding out her place between her mother’s and grandmother’s worlds. The series’ dialogue moves at a manic pace, contrasting with the sleepy town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, which serves as a cozy backdrop for the series. While romances dominate most of the plot lines, the series meanwhile introduces a wealth of unforgettable characters as it explores the importance of family, friends, and honest relationships. After showrunner Palladino left in the final season, the series hit a major stumbling block, but the full series is worth a watch regardless. (If you only have a limited time to watch, be sure to use our handy Gilmore Girls Essential Episodes Guide). — Allison Keene
The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Created by: Ryan Murphy
Cast: Sarah Paulson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Sterling K. Brown, Bruce Greenwood, Kennth Choi, Nathan Lane, David Schwimmer, Courtney B. Vance, and John Travolta
Few could have predicted not only how big of a deal The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story would be,but also how genuinely great the show is. The first installment of a new anthology series from American Horror Story and Glee creator Ryan Murphy, O.J. takes a unique look at this seminal moment in history by revealing new truths not just about the case, but the environment surrounding it. How issues of sexism, racism, and class played heavy roles in the outcome, and how little-known facts changed the course of history forever. The show is tremendously well acted, especially by Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark, Sterling K. Brown as Christopher Darden, and Courtney B. Vance as Johnnie Cochran. Trust me, this is not the show you think, and as a 10-episode piece of storytelling it’s one of the best things that’s aired on TV in the past decade. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Ryan Murphy
Cast: Sarah Paulson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Sterling K. Brown, Bruce Greenwood, Kennth Choi, Nathan Lane, David Schwimmer, Courtney B. Vance, and John Travolta
Few could have predicted not only how big of a deal The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story would be,but also how genuinely great the show is. The first installment of a new anthology series from American Horror Story and Glee creator Ryan Murphy, O.J. takes a unique look at this seminal moment in history by revealing new truths not just about the case, but the environment surrounding it. How issues of sexism, racism, and class played heavy roles in the outcome, and how little-known facts changed the course of history forever. The show is tremendously well acted, especially by Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark, Sterling K. Brown as Christopher Darden, and Courtney B. Vance as Johnnie Cochran. Trust me, this is not the show you think, and as a 10-episode piece of storytelling it’s one of the best things that’s aired on TV in the past decade. – Adam Chitwood
The Flash
Created by: Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg, Geoff Johns
Cast: Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Rick Cosnett, Carlos Valdes, Tom Cavanagh, Jesse L. Martin
If you aren’t ready for the entirely crazy, true comic book fever of The Flash, then the CW’s superhero show may not be for you. But for those willing to work with its full embrace of its comic origins — including time travel, alternate universes, and Gorilla Grodd — will be rewarded. The Flash deals with many dark and difficult themes, and yet, more often feels like a light and fun romp through Central City’s chaotic world. It follows the story of Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) as he comes to terms with his newly-bestowed super speed, and his city’s need to fight off a myriad of superpowered villains. But, he still has time for dating and unrequited love, as well as some crossover time spent with Team Arrow (the same creative team is responsible for both shows). The Flash has a instantly lovable cast, a never-ending supply of great hooks, and a myriad of long-form arcs that help anchor its Villain of the Week plots. It’s wholly accessible to non-comic readers (or to those not typically superhero genre fans), but also hasplenty of insider references to keep comic fans happy. Above all, it never loses its heart or its mirth — even in the midst of saving the world. - Allison Keene
Created by: Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg, Geoff Johns
Cast: Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Rick Cosnett, Carlos Valdes, Tom Cavanagh, Jesse L. Martin
If you aren’t ready for the entirely crazy, true comic book fever of The Flash, then the CW’s superhero show may not be for you. But for those willing to work with its full embrace of its comic origins — including time travel, alternate universes, and Gorilla Grodd — will be rewarded. The Flash deals with many dark and difficult themes, and yet, more often feels like a light and fun romp through Central City’s chaotic world. It follows the story of Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) as he comes to terms with his newly-bestowed super speed, and his city’s need to fight off a myriad of superpowered villains. But, he still has time for dating and unrequited love, as well as some crossover time spent with Team Arrow (the same creative team is responsible for both shows). The Flash has a instantly lovable cast, a never-ending supply of great hooks, and a myriad of long-form arcs that help anchor its Villain of the Week plots. It’s wholly accessible to non-comic readers (or to those not typically superhero genre fans), but also hasplenty of insider references to keep comic fans happy. Above all, it never loses its heart or its mirth — even in the midst of saving the world. - Allison Keene
The Crown
Created By: Peter Morgan
Cast: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Jared Harris, John Lithgow
In the mood for a period drama? The Crown has you covered. This extremey expensive TV series follows the early reign of England’s Queen Elizabeth II, changing the cast every two seasons to account for the aging of the characters. Claire Foy plays young Elizabeth as the first two seasons chart her being thrust into the role of Queen and learning the ropes, followed by Oscar-winner Olivia Colman and eventually Imelda Staunton in the upcoming final two seasons. The show is a delight to take in, but also deals with the weight of the royal crown in a compelling manner. And did I mention it's one of Netflix's most expensive shows? The production value is jaw-dropping. - Adam Chitwood
Created By: Peter Morgan
Cast: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Jared Harris, John Lithgow
In the mood for a period drama? The Crown has you covered. This extremey expensive TV series follows the early reign of England’s Queen Elizabeth II, changing the cast every two seasons to account for the aging of the characters. Claire Foy plays young Elizabeth as the first two seasons chart her being thrust into the role of Queen and learning the ropes, followed by Oscar-winner Olivia Colman and eventually Imelda Staunton in the upcoming final two seasons. The show is a delight to take in, but also deals with the weight of the royal crown in a compelling manner. And did I mention it's one of Netflix's most expensive shows? The production value is jaw-dropping. - Adam Chitwood
Jessica Jones
Created By: Melissa Rosenberg
Cast: Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, Rachael Taylor, David Tennant, Eka Darville, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Wil Travail
It’s now quite clear that Jessica Jones isone of the best things to come out of a Marvel adaptation to date, beating out notable frontrunners such as Netflix’s Daredevil series, the first and third Iron Man films, and Peyton Reed's rowdy, joyous Ant-Man. Unlike its brethren, Jessica Jones has a sturdy thematic backbone of survival, one that keeps each exchange in the narrative, whether verbal or physical, teeming with insight and sly fascination. It’s not just the titular hardened super heroine (a fantastic Krysten Ritter) who has the wounds of survival on her, but also Mike Colter’s similarly indestructible Luke Cage, making a daily wage as a bar owner, and Rachael Taylor’s Trish Walker, Jessica’s best friend and well-known radio personality. Their interactions are startlingly, subtly expressive in the way they evoke their barely healed pain and their collective desire to live on, but the show becomes all the more enveloping in its final stretch, when its revealed that their great nemesis, Kilgrave, played by a superbly egomaniacal David Tennant, is also a survivor of sorts. This gives the series its final kick of empathy that no one had expected yet adds an entire new dimension to what could have been a simple, enjoyable entertainment, like Age of Ultron or The Winter Soldier. The show’s tremendous triumph is seeing the roots and messy impulses of pain that at once exemplify and push beyond that old saying: hurt people hurt people. -- Chris Cabin
Created By: Melissa Rosenberg
Cast: Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, Rachael Taylor, David Tennant, Eka Darville, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Wil Travail
It’s now quite clear that Jessica Jones isone of the best things to come out of a Marvel adaptation to date, beating out notable frontrunners such as Netflix’s Daredevil series, the first and third Iron Man films, and Peyton Reed's rowdy, joyous Ant-Man. Unlike its brethren, Jessica Jones has a sturdy thematic backbone of survival, one that keeps each exchange in the narrative, whether verbal or physical, teeming with insight and sly fascination. It’s not just the titular hardened super heroine (a fantastic Krysten Ritter) who has the wounds of survival on her, but also Mike Colter’s similarly indestructible Luke Cage, making a daily wage as a bar owner, and Rachael Taylor’s Trish Walker, Jessica’s best friend and well-known radio personality. Their interactions are startlingly, subtly expressive in the way they evoke their barely healed pain and their collective desire to live on, but the show becomes all the more enveloping in its final stretch, when its revealed that their great nemesis, Kilgrave, played by a superbly egomaniacal David Tennant, is also a survivor of sorts. This gives the series its final kick of empathy that no one had expected yet adds an entire new dimension to what could have been a simple, enjoyable entertainment, like Age of Ultron or The Winter Soldier. The show’s tremendous triumph is seeing the roots and messy impulses of pain that at once exemplify and push beyond that old saying: hurt people hurt people. -- Chris Cabin
Luke Cage
Created by: Cheo Hodari Coker
Cast: Mike Colter, Frankie Faison, Mahershala Ali, Alfre Woodard, Simone Missick
Taking place several months after Jessica Jones, Luke Cage finds its titular hero(Colter)relocating himself to Harlem from Hell’s Kitchen, and attempting to keep a low profile. He’s barely making ends meet as he sweeps hair at a local barbershop (owned by Faison’s Pops) and cleans dishes at a nightclub owned by the crime boss Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes (Ali). But it doesn’t take very long for those stories to connect, as young regulars at the barbershop see an opportunity for quick cash that soon turns bloody. The fallout from this is what pushes Cage to finally move forward with his life and embrace his strengths for the protection of those who need it. Luke Cage is a story that’s about more than being a vigilante, as the series deals with difficult real-world issues that go beyond metahumans and cartoon villains. Race also matters in Luke Cage, but most especially in the way that the show fully embraces its Harlem location with style and substance. There’s an intimacy of place, and it extends to all corners of the series in cultural specificity and details. The idea of Luke Cage not just as a hero, but as a black superhero, is important here. Colter gives Cage a sense of reticence mixed with righteous defiance that hits all the right notes for the reluctant hero, and does so in low tones and with a casual confidence. Though he may struggle to define his heroism and what it means for himself and Harlem, there are no complications for viewers. He is the hero we’ve been waiting for.— Allison Keene
Created by: Cheo Hodari Coker
Cast: Mike Colter, Frankie Faison, Mahershala Ali, Alfre Woodard, Simone Missick
Taking place several months after Jessica Jones, Luke Cage finds its titular hero(Colter)relocating himself to Harlem from Hell’s Kitchen, and attempting to keep a low profile. He’s barely making ends meet as he sweeps hair at a local barbershop (owned by Faison’s Pops) and cleans dishes at a nightclub owned by the crime boss Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes (Ali). But it doesn’t take very long for those stories to connect, as young regulars at the barbershop see an opportunity for quick cash that soon turns bloody. The fallout from this is what pushes Cage to finally move forward with his life and embrace his strengths for the protection of those who need it. Luke Cage is a story that’s about more than being a vigilante, as the series deals with difficult real-world issues that go beyond metahumans and cartoon villains. Race also matters in Luke Cage, but most especially in the way that the show fully embraces its Harlem location with style and substance. There’s an intimacy of place, and it extends to all corners of the series in cultural specificity and details. The idea of Luke Cage not just as a hero, but as a black superhero, is important here. Colter gives Cage a sense of reticence mixed with righteous defiance that hits all the right notes for the reluctant hero, and does so in low tones and with a casual confidence. Though he may struggle to define his heroism and what it means for himself and Harlem, there are no complications for viewers. He is the hero we’ve been waiting for.— Allison Keene
Deep Space Nine
Created By: Rick Berman, Michael Piller
Cast: Avery Brooks, Rene Aberjonois, Terry Farrell, Cirroc Lofton, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor, Michael Dorn, Nicole de Boer
Fair warning: You’re going to have to tough out two seasons of this series as the show fought to find its own identity. Although it already stands apart from other Star Trek series by being based on a space station rather than exploring the cosmos, many of the episodes from the first two seasons feel like leftover scripts from Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation. It wasn’t until the show started interacting with the Dominion and moving towards war that Deep Space Nine created an absolutely captivating identity. Seasons 3 – 5 are great Star Trek, and the final two seasons are great television, period. The show gets surprisingly dark, but it’s always mature in its approach to warfare and the sacrifices that must be made during wartime. —Matt Goldberg
Created By: Rick Berman, Michael Piller
Cast: Avery Brooks, Rene Aberjonois, Terry Farrell, Cirroc Lofton, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor, Michael Dorn, Nicole de Boer
Fair warning: You’re going to have to tough out two seasons of this series as the show fought to find its own identity. Although it already stands apart from other Star Trek series by being based on a space station rather than exploring the cosmos, many of the episodes from the first two seasons feel like leftover scripts from Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation. It wasn’t until the show started interacting with the Dominion and moving towards war that Deep Space Nine created an absolutely captivating identity. Seasons 3 – 5 are great Star Trek, and the final two seasons are great television, period. The show gets surprisingly dark, but it’s always mature in its approach to warfare and the sacrifices that must be made during wartime. —Matt Goldberg
Bloodline
Created By: Glenn Kessler, Todd A. Kessler, Daniel Zelman
Cast: Kyle Chandler, Ben Mendelsohn, Linda Cardellini, Norbert Leo Butz, Jacinda Barrett, Jamie McShane, Enrique Murciano, Sissy Spacek
As far as crime dramas go, Bloodline rivals Rectify for the most engrossing mystery and engaging exploration of family relationships on TV—at least in its first season. The crux ofBloodline centers on Ben Mendelsohn's Danny Rayburn, the oldest son and Black Sheep of a prestigious Florida Keys' family. Danny brings a black cloud and plenty of intrigue with him, and Mendelsohn's layered performance is as good as any you're likely to encounter. That being said, the supporting cast is just as talented at bringing their duplicitous and dynamic characters to life. Everyone has a secret in Bloodline, but only some are willing to kill to keep it that way. - Dave Trumbore Watch Bloodline Here
Created By: Glenn Kessler, Todd A. Kessler, Daniel Zelman
Cast: Kyle Chandler, Ben Mendelsohn, Linda Cardellini, Norbert Leo Butz, Jacinda Barrett, Jamie McShane, Enrique Murciano, Sissy Spacek
As far as crime dramas go, Bloodline rivals Rectify for the most engrossing mystery and engaging exploration of family relationships on TV—at least in its first season. The crux ofBloodline centers on Ben Mendelsohn's Danny Rayburn, the oldest son and Black Sheep of a prestigious Florida Keys' family. Danny brings a black cloud and plenty of intrigue with him, and Mendelsohn's layered performance is as good as any you're likely to encounter. That being said, the supporting cast is just as talented at bringing their duplicitous and dynamic characters to life. Everyone has a secret in Bloodline, but only some are willing to kill to keep it that way. - Dave Trumbore Watch Bloodline Here
iZombie
Created By: Rob Thomas and Dianne Ruggiero
Cast: Rose McIver, Malcolm Goodwin, Rahul Kohli, Robert Buckley, David Anders
Loosely based on the comic by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, iZombie stars Rose McIver as Liz, a medical resident with the perfect job, perfect fiancee, and perfect life, who loses it all one night when she's transformed into a zombie. But this isn't a Walking Dead situation. Her hair may be chalk white, and her heart may only beat twice a minute, but shecan still walk, talk, act, think and feel like a human – as long as she regularly feeds on human brains. The goodnews is that Liz uses her medical degree to land a job at the local morgue where she has a regular supply. Bad news is she temporarily inherits the memories, personality, and skills of anybody she eats, which puts her on thescent of a series of murders enacted by some less morally-sound zombies. Working under the guise of a psychic, she uses her visions towork with a local detective (Malcolm Goodwin) in order to solve the murders and give her new life a sense of purpose. From Rob Thomas and Dianne Ruggiero, the minds that brought us Veronica Mars, iZombie is often oversimplified as "Veronica Mars with zombies", but that description does a disservice to the originality of both series. To be clear, there is one and only one Veronica Mars, and while there are similarities,Liz is another witty blonde sleuth, for one, they're largely different shows. Despite dealing in death, the first season ofiZombie is mostly lighter fare that leans in on the procedural element. Fortunately, the cases of the week are infinitely fun thanks to McIver's consistently likable but wonderfully variable performance as she adopts the personality traits of the victims. -Haleigh Foutch
Created By: Rob Thomas and Dianne Ruggiero
Cast: Rose McIver, Malcolm Goodwin, Rahul Kohli, Robert Buckley, David Anders
Loosely based on the comic by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, iZombie stars Rose McIver as Liz, a medical resident with the perfect job, perfect fiancee, and perfect life, who loses it all one night when she's transformed into a zombie. But this isn't a Walking Dead situation. Her hair may be chalk white, and her heart may only beat twice a minute, but shecan still walk, talk, act, think and feel like a human – as long as she regularly feeds on human brains. The goodnews is that Liz uses her medical degree to land a job at the local morgue where she has a regular supply. Bad news is she temporarily inherits the memories, personality, and skills of anybody she eats, which puts her on thescent of a series of murders enacted by some less morally-sound zombies. Working under the guise of a psychic, she uses her visions towork with a local detective (Malcolm Goodwin) in order to solve the murders and give her new life a sense of purpose. From Rob Thomas and Dianne Ruggiero, the minds that brought us Veronica Mars, iZombie is often oversimplified as "Veronica Mars with zombies", but that description does a disservice to the originality of both series. To be clear, there is one and only one Veronica Mars, and while there are similarities,Liz is another witty blonde sleuth, for one, they're largely different shows. Despite dealing in death, the first season ofiZombie is mostly lighter fare that leans in on the procedural element. Fortunately, the cases of the week are infinitely fun thanks to McIver's consistently likable but wonderfully variable performance as she adopts the personality traits of the victims. -Haleigh Foutch
Halt and Catch Fire
Created by: Christopher Cantwell, Christopher C. Rogers
Cast: Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy, Mackenzie Davis, Kerry Bishé, Toby Huss It’s such a shame that more people didn't watch Halt and Catch Fire. It premiered on AMC back in the summer of 2014 and wound up running for four seasons. Even though critical praise has been sky high—especially for seasons two, three, and four—the ratings were not, so I must insist that you take to Netflix to watch this underrated gem. The show begins in Dallas in 1983, covering the dawn of the personal computer. If you are at all intrigued by technology and how the machines we’ve become so attached to came to be, the premise alone should be enough of a draw, but then Cantwell and Rogers also populate the world with five extremely driven and destructive main characters who are absolutely fascinating to track. – Perri Nemiroff
Created by: Christopher Cantwell, Christopher C. Rogers
Cast: Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy, Mackenzie Davis, Kerry Bishé, Toby Huss It’s such a shame that more people didn't watch Halt and Catch Fire. It premiered on AMC back in the summer of 2014 and wound up running for four seasons. Even though critical praise has been sky high—especially for seasons two, three, and four—the ratings were not, so I must insist that you take to Netflix to watch this underrated gem. The show begins in Dallas in 1983, covering the dawn of the personal computer. If you are at all intrigued by technology and how the machines we’ve become so attached to came to be, the premise alone should be enough of a draw, but then Cantwell and Rogers also populate the world with five extremely driven and destructive main characters who are absolutely fascinating to track. – Perri Nemiroff
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Created by: Gene Roddenberry
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Denise Crosby, Michael Dorn, Marina Sirtis, Gates McFadden, Brent Spiner, Wil Wheaton, and Whoopi Goldberg
You can’t argue against this series. One of the most iconic shows in the history of television, this long-running award winner picked up decades after the original series captained by William Shatner. Well Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) makes a strong case for best Enterprise captain in the franchise with his performance in Star Trek: The Next Generation. One of the few shows in history to run this long and never “jump the shark,” The Next Generation followed the crew of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D as they explored strange new worlds, sought out new life and civilizations, and boldly went where no space crew had gone before. For fans of cerebral, philosophical, and slow-burn type shows, TNG is the gold standard. There’s plenty of action to be found, but it’s not the first order of business to fire photon torpedoes as soon as the Enterprise runs up against an obstacle. In fact, there are many instances in which the Galaxy Class Starship is outmatched in terms of weapons and defense, so it’s up to the crew’s cleverness and cooperative abilities to keep them alive, and maybe earn a new ally along the way. Modern TV has yet to see its equal, so it’s a good thing that all 178 episodes are available to assimilate online. – Dave Trumbore
Created by: Gene Roddenberry
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Denise Crosby, Michael Dorn, Marina Sirtis, Gates McFadden, Brent Spiner, Wil Wheaton, and Whoopi Goldberg
You can’t argue against this series. One of the most iconic shows in the history of television, this long-running award winner picked up decades after the original series captained by William Shatner. Well Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) makes a strong case for best Enterprise captain in the franchise with his performance in Star Trek: The Next Generation. One of the few shows in history to run this long and never “jump the shark,” The Next Generation followed the crew of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D as they explored strange new worlds, sought out new life and civilizations, and boldly went where no space crew had gone before. For fans of cerebral, philosophical, and slow-burn type shows, TNG is the gold standard. There’s plenty of action to be found, but it’s not the first order of business to fire photon torpedoes as soon as the Enterprise runs up against an obstacle. In fact, there are many instances in which the Galaxy Class Starship is outmatched in terms of weapons and defense, so it’s up to the crew’s cleverness and cooperative abilities to keep them alive, and maybe earn a new ally along the way. Modern TV has yet to see its equal, so it’s a good thing that all 178 episodes are available to assimilate online. – Dave Trumbore
Daredevil
Created By: Drew Goddard
Cast: Charlie Cox, Rosario Dawson, Vincent D'Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson
After conquering the world of Superhero cinema, Marvel Studios branched into serialized storytelling (more serialized, anyway) with their first Netflix collaboration, Daredevil. Lovingly crafted by mega-fan Drew Goddard (before he departed to direct the defunct Sinister Six), and carried to fruition by showrunner Steven S. DeKnight in its first season, the series satisfies comic book fans and casual viewers alike.Daredevil boasts some of the most exceptional fight choreography ever seen on TV, and a fantastic performance from lead actor Charlie Cox, who nails the dual roles of Matt Murdoch and his titular heroic counterpart.Vincent D'Onofrio is also on point as the villainous Wilson Fisk, and delivers an all-time great monologue of reckoning. The series loses a little momentum toward the middle of the first season, but when it's good, it's great. -- Haleigh Foutch
Created By: Drew Goddard
Cast: Charlie Cox, Rosario Dawson, Vincent D'Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson
After conquering the world of Superhero cinema, Marvel Studios branched into serialized storytelling (more serialized, anyway) with their first Netflix collaboration, Daredevil. Lovingly crafted by mega-fan Drew Goddard (before he departed to direct the defunct Sinister Six), and carried to fruition by showrunner Steven S. DeKnight in its first season, the series satisfies comic book fans and casual viewers alike.Daredevil boasts some of the most exceptional fight choreography ever seen on TV, and a fantastic performance from lead actor Charlie Cox, who nails the dual roles of Matt Murdoch and his titular heroic counterpart.Vincent D'Onofrio is also on point as the villainous Wilson Fisk, and delivers an all-time great monologue of reckoning. The series loses a little momentum toward the middle of the first season, but when it's good, it's great. -- Haleigh Foutch
House of Cards
Created by: Beau Willimon
Cast: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Kate Mara, Corey Stoll, Michael Kelly, Sakin Jaffrey, Constance Zimmer, Rachel Brosnahan, and Mahershala Ali
As the show that first put Netflix on the map as a game-changer in the original series department, House of Cards is a wickedly dark, sharp political thriller/satire with style to spare. It’s tough to beat the show’s spectacular first season, which David Fincher kicked off in terrific fashion by announcing the series as director-driven, not necessarily writer-driven. But there’s plenty toadmire about subsequent seasons, particularlythe show’s secret weapon: Robin Wright. The actress truly shines in the “Lady Macbeth” role and, as the series progresses, turns in some career best work. – Adam Chitwood
Created by: Beau Willimon
Cast: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Kate Mara, Corey Stoll, Michael Kelly, Sakin Jaffrey, Constance Zimmer, Rachel Brosnahan, and Mahershala Ali
As the show that first put Netflix on the map as a game-changer in the original series department, House of Cards is a wickedly dark, sharp political thriller/satire with style to spare. It’s tough to beat the show’s spectacular first season, which David Fincher kicked off in terrific fashion by announcing the series as director-driven, not necessarily writer-driven. But there’s plenty toadmire about subsequent seasons, particularlythe show’s secret weapon: Robin Wright. The actress truly shines in the “Lady Macbeth” role and, as the series progresses, turns in some career best work. – Adam Chitwood
BoJack Horseman
Created By: Raphael Bob-Waksberg
Cast: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins, Aaron Paul
The washed-up celebrity, as a character, has never felt quite so potently empathetic as it has in the animated personage of BoJack Horseman, the erstwhile star of 1980s sitcom Horsin’ Around, voiced with stinging desperation and cynicism by Will Arnett. Horseman’s attempt at a comeback is the focus of the first two seasons of one of Netflix’s most ambitious series, and creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg makes the quite literal horse-man’s addiction to fame, attention, and self-involvement into a melancholic vision of a depleted life. The series also doubles as a scathing indictment of Hollywood and its shallow machinations, but Bob-Waksberg, along with his writers and animators, balances these blue, painful thematic concerns with a vibrant animation style and varied sense of character design, to say nothing of the bounty of dry witticisms. Visually and tonally,Bojack Horseman toes a strange line, but even its oddest moments and creations hide an endearing undercurrent of visceral feeling, evoking a landscape of wounded egos, calcified obsessions, and a few artists trying frantically to make something worth a damn. -- Chris Cabin
Created By: Raphael Bob-Waksberg
Cast: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins, Aaron Paul
The washed-up celebrity, as a character, has never felt quite so potently empathetic as it has in the animated personage of BoJack Horseman, the erstwhile star of 1980s sitcom Horsin’ Around, voiced with stinging desperation and cynicism by Will Arnett. Horseman’s attempt at a comeback is the focus of the first two seasons of one of Netflix’s most ambitious series, and creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg makes the quite literal horse-man’s addiction to fame, attention, and self-involvement into a melancholic vision of a depleted life. The series also doubles as a scathing indictment of Hollywood and its shallow machinations, but Bob-Waksberg, along with his writers and animators, balances these blue, painful thematic concerns with a vibrant animation style and varied sense of character design, to say nothing of the bounty of dry witticisms. Visually and tonally,Bojack Horseman toes a strange line, but even its oddest moments and creations hide an endearing undercurrent of visceral feeling, evoking a landscape of wounded egos, calcified obsessions, and a few artists trying frantically to make something worth a damn. -- Chris Cabin
Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp
Creator: David Wain and Michael Showalter
Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Showalter, Marguerite Moreau, Lake Bell, Christopher Meloni, Jon Hamm, Elizabeth Banks, John Slattery, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, Ken Marino
In the sprite spirit of dumb summer comedies, Wet Hot American Summer became one of the greatest dumb comedies ever. Back in 2001 the cast was already hilariously too old to play high school camp counselors and in this series (filmed 14 years later) they hilariously play even younger versions of themselves. It's a boombox blast — sometimes hilarious, sometimes cringe-inducing— and the new series is an easy binge-watch thanks mostly tothe intense wackiness of Christopher Meloni as the camp chef who fought in Vietnam, is about to be married, and briefly had a functional sexual relationship before becoming the fridge-humper we now know and love. These are the origin stories younever knew you needed. Camp Firewood 4ever. - Brian Formo
Creator: David Wain and Michael Showalter
Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Showalter, Marguerite Moreau, Lake Bell, Christopher Meloni, Jon Hamm, Elizabeth Banks, John Slattery, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, Ken Marino
In the sprite spirit of dumb summer comedies, Wet Hot American Summer became one of the greatest dumb comedies ever. Back in 2001 the cast was already hilariously too old to play high school camp counselors and in this series (filmed 14 years later) they hilariously play even younger versions of themselves. It's a boombox blast — sometimes hilarious, sometimes cringe-inducing— and the new series is an easy binge-watch thanks mostly tothe intense wackiness of Christopher Meloni as the camp chef who fought in Vietnam, is about to be married, and briefly had a functional sexual relationship before becoming the fridge-humper we now know and love. These are the origin stories younever knew you needed. Camp Firewood 4ever. - Brian Formo
Making a Murderer
Created By: Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos
Cast: Steven Avery
With true-crime documentaries like the Serial podcast and the HBO miniseries The Jinx capturing the attention of the public in new and innovative ways that reach beyond the tabloids in the checkout aisle, Netflix got onboard with this exploration of the various cases involving Steven Avery. Guilty or not, the legally beleaguered Wisconsin man quickly became a household name as couch-sitters consumed every facet of his life. The ability to binge-watch the entire documentary led to some interesting outcomes, namely concentrated rage released over social media and through various petitions. Unlike Serial and The Jinx, which were released episodically in a more traditional format allowing frustrations to be metered out over time, Making a Murderer compounded the rage feels by the hour. While Avery’s case is anything but open-and-shut, just as this documentary is anything but objective, it’s worth a watch if only to stay up to date and engaged with the current social consciousness.—Dave Trumbore
Created By: Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos
Cast: Steven Avery
With true-crime documentaries like the Serial podcast and the HBO miniseries The Jinx capturing the attention of the public in new and innovative ways that reach beyond the tabloids in the checkout aisle, Netflix got onboard with this exploration of the various cases involving Steven Avery. Guilty or not, the legally beleaguered Wisconsin man quickly became a household name as couch-sitters consumed every facet of his life. The ability to binge-watch the entire documentary led to some interesting outcomes, namely concentrated rage released over social media and through various petitions. Unlike Serial and The Jinx, which were released episodically in a more traditional format allowing frustrations to be metered out over time, Making a Murderer compounded the rage feels by the hour. While Avery’s case is anything but open-and-shut, just as this documentary is anything but objective, it’s worth a watch if only to stay up to date and engaged with the current social consciousness.—Dave Trumbore
Supernatural
Created By:Eric Kripe
Cast:Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, Mark Sheppard
Supernatural is a mainstay of The CW’s programming, having debuted in 2005 and concluding with its 15th season in 2020. The fandom surrounding Sam and Dean Winchester’s battles against otherworldly foes is strong, but rarely reaches out to grab general audience members unless they happen to come across the show at a convention, a random news story, or a Netflix suggestion. I managed to get pulled into the whole thing by an unlikely combination of all three. Supernatural has maintained a roughly procedural format throughout its 11-season run but has always had an overlaying story arc for each season. Horrific creatures, demons, and ghosts abound, and there is more lore, mysticism, and mythology in each episode than you can recall from the whole of your Sunday School classes. The characters – main and supporting - run the moral spectrum from angels and gods to witches and demons. (It doesn’t hurt that the cast is also very attractive.) So if it’s a weekend’s worth of easy binge-watching you’re looking for, turn your gaze on 14 seasons of Supernatural waiting for you right now. – Dave Trumbore
Created By:Eric Kripe
Cast:Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, Mark Sheppard
Supernatural is a mainstay of The CW’s programming, having debuted in 2005 and concluding with its 15th season in 2020. The fandom surrounding Sam and Dean Winchester’s battles against otherworldly foes is strong, but rarely reaches out to grab general audience members unless they happen to come across the show at a convention, a random news story, or a Netflix suggestion. I managed to get pulled into the whole thing by an unlikely combination of all three. Supernatural has maintained a roughly procedural format throughout its 11-season run but has always had an overlaying story arc for each season. Horrific creatures, demons, and ghosts abound, and there is more lore, mysticism, and mythology in each episode than you can recall from the whole of your Sunday School classes. The characters – main and supporting - run the moral spectrum from angels and gods to witches and demons. (It doesn’t hurt that the cast is also very attractive.) So if it’s a weekend’s worth of easy binge-watching you’re looking for, turn your gaze on 14 seasons of Supernatural waiting for you right now. – Dave Trumbore
Arrow
Created by: Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg
Cast: Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Willa Holland, Colton Haynes, Emily Bett Rickards, Caity Lotz, Paul Blackthorne, John Barrowman
The herald of a new generation of superhero television, The CW's Arrow brought one of DC Comics' most underused heroes to life thanks to the very capable Stephen Amell. The show was constructed around Amell's character, Oliver Queen, a spoiled brat of a billionaire playboy whose wicked ways were tamed when a violent shipwreck claimed the life of his father and left him stranded on a primitive island. Upon returning to Starling City, Queen took a vigilante approach to cleaning up his hometown, a tactic which put him at odds with law enforcement, the city's criminal underworld, and his unsuspecting friends and family. Arrowhas seen its ups and downs over the years, and even within its seasons, but it's a solid action show full of fun stunt sequences, characters you'll fall in love with, and enough Easter eggs to keep comic book fans satisfied. It's a darker side of The CW's DC TV-verse and even acts as a decent stand-in for those of you looking for a Batman live-action series who are disappointed by Fox's Gotham.- Dave Trumbore WatchArrow Here
Created by: Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg
Cast: Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Willa Holland, Colton Haynes, Emily Bett Rickards, Caity Lotz, Paul Blackthorne, John Barrowman
The herald of a new generation of superhero television, The CW's Arrow brought one of DC Comics' most underused heroes to life thanks to the very capable Stephen Amell. The show was constructed around Amell's character, Oliver Queen, a spoiled brat of a billionaire playboy whose wicked ways were tamed when a violent shipwreck claimed the life of his father and left him stranded on a primitive island. Upon returning to Starling City, Queen took a vigilante approach to cleaning up his hometown, a tactic which put him at odds with law enforcement, the city's criminal underworld, and his unsuspecting friends and family. Arrowhas seen its ups and downs over the years, and even within its seasons, but it's a solid action show full of fun stunt sequences, characters you'll fall in love with, and enough Easter eggs to keep comic book fans satisfied. It's a darker side of The CW's DC TV-verse and even acts as a decent stand-in for those of you looking for a Batman live-action series who are disappointed by Fox's Gotham.- Dave Trumbore WatchArrow Here
The Walking Dead
Developed By:Frank Darabont
Starring:Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Jeffrey DeMunn, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs, Norman Reedus, Danai Gurira, Michael Rooker, Melissa McBride, Scott Wilson, Michael Cudlitz,Chad L. Coleman, Lennie James, Sonequa Martin-Green
The strangest thing about The Walking Dead isn't so much how it's survived for so long with such a repetitive narrative, but rather how the series got incrementally better every season for those first five or six years. The show's central tenet is faith, and how much you can have in the post-apocalypse, a world where those you love could be and likely will become a mid-day nosh for a cadre of rotting zombies. And, of course, the walkers and biters are not nearly as dangerous as the people, the survivors, those who no longer have society to curb their violent behavior and darker impulses. At the center of it all, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) becomes a symbol of that corroding faith in others and in society, having faced untold horror and loss from Herschel's home to the prison to his face-off with the Governor to the so-called Alexandria Safe-Zone. And as such, Rick has become an increasingly brutal man, and the emotional toll that takes on him and the few people he still trusts is not lost on the show's writers and creators. The Walking Dead is equal parts ingenious horror film, family melodrama, and Western, replacing bandits, outlaws, and, well, Native Americans with the hungry undead and people who have let the instinct to survive curdle into an eerie comfort toward the torture and murder of others. - Chris Cabin
Developed By:Frank Darabont
Starring:Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Jeffrey DeMunn, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs, Norman Reedus, Danai Gurira, Michael Rooker, Melissa McBride, Scott Wilson, Michael Cudlitz,Chad L. Coleman, Lennie James, Sonequa Martin-Green
The strangest thing about The Walking Dead isn't so much how it's survived for so long with such a repetitive narrative, but rather how the series got incrementally better every season for those first five or six years. The show's central tenet is faith, and how much you can have in the post-apocalypse, a world where those you love could be and likely will become a mid-day nosh for a cadre of rotting zombies. And, of course, the walkers and biters are not nearly as dangerous as the people, the survivors, those who no longer have society to curb their violent behavior and darker impulses. At the center of it all, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) becomes a symbol of that corroding faith in others and in society, having faced untold horror and loss from Herschel's home to the prison to his face-off with the Governor to the so-called Alexandria Safe-Zone. And as such, Rick has become an increasingly brutal man, and the emotional toll that takes on him and the few people he still trusts is not lost on the show's writers and creators. The Walking Dead is equal parts ingenious horror film, family melodrama, and Western, replacing bandits, outlaws, and, well, Native Americans with the hungry undead and people who have let the instinct to survive curdle into an eerie comfort toward the torture and murder of others. - Chris Cabin
The 100
Developed By:Jason Rothenberg, based on the novel by Kass Morgan).
Cast: Eliza Taylor, Paige Turco, Bob Morley, Marie Avgeropoulos
The CW’s post-apocalyptic sci-fi series takes a few episodes to find its footing, but once it does, The 100 ratchets up the stakes and tension to the maximum and never lets up again. The series ostensibly follows a group of 100 juvenile delinquents, sent down from a dying spaceship to the surface of a post-nuclear earth to determine if the land has become habitable again. But the show’s title quickly becomes a misnomer when a huge chunk of the kids are quickly dispatched and the scope of the series expands breathlessly, introducing a host of new settings and characters, each bringing with them a different microcosmic world and culture. Indeed, what makes The 100 one of the best genre series on TV is the way it careens through sci-fi subgenres, pulling them together in a single narrative that has infinite room to grow and explore. The series also sets itself apart by never giving its characters an easy out. As the stakes continue to escalate, the young survivors are wrapped up in politics and warfare far beyond their realm of knowledge and experience. They are consistently presented with horrifying life or death choices, and they are made to suffer the consequences of their actions. At the center of this is Clarke, the purported hero of the show, who is one of the most ruthless, strategically-minded characters on television, capable of handling morally bleak survival scenarios with a self-assuredness that puts Jack Bauer to shame. There is no other character like Clarke on television -- a pragmatic, unyielding, bisexual warrior woman who wields her power unapologetically without becoming an unfeeling "tough chick." That unique quality expands to the show as a whole in its resolute exploration of the moral contradictions of governing, warfare, and survival. -- Haleigh Foutch
Developed By:Jason Rothenberg, based on the novel by Kass Morgan).
Cast: Eliza Taylor, Paige Turco, Bob Morley, Marie Avgeropoulos
The CW’s post-apocalyptic sci-fi series takes a few episodes to find its footing, but once it does, The 100 ratchets up the stakes and tension to the maximum and never lets up again. The series ostensibly follows a group of 100 juvenile delinquents, sent down from a dying spaceship to the surface of a post-nuclear earth to determine if the land has become habitable again. But the show’s title quickly becomes a misnomer when a huge chunk of the kids are quickly dispatched and the scope of the series expands breathlessly, introducing a host of new settings and characters, each bringing with them a different microcosmic world and culture. Indeed, what makes The 100 one of the best genre series on TV is the way it careens through sci-fi subgenres, pulling them together in a single narrative that has infinite room to grow and explore. The series also sets itself apart by never giving its characters an easy out. As the stakes continue to escalate, the young survivors are wrapped up in politics and warfare far beyond their realm of knowledge and experience. They are consistently presented with horrifying life or death choices, and they are made to suffer the consequences of their actions. At the center of this is Clarke, the purported hero of the show, who is one of the most ruthless, strategically-minded characters on television, capable of handling morally bleak survival scenarios with a self-assuredness that puts Jack Bauer to shame. There is no other character like Clarke on television -- a pragmatic, unyielding, bisexual warrior woman who wields her power unapologetically without becoming an unfeeling "tough chick." That unique quality expands to the show as a whole in its resolute exploration of the moral contradictions of governing, warfare, and survival. -- Haleigh Foutch
