Bridgerton
Netflix didn’t have much of a reputation for period dramas, but that changed in the lockdown Christmas of 2020. Just in time for the holidays, Bridgerton arrived on December 25th and quickly became a favorite. Based on Julia Quinn’s novels, it centers around the Bridgerton family, consisting of eight siblings looking for love in Regency London.
The first season follows Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and her fake romance with the dashing Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page). Season two shifts to Anthony Bridgerton and his relationship with Kate Sharma. Now, the spotlight is on Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). The series boasts brilliant performances, lavish costumes, and a modern soundtrack. It’s a fun, fresh, and joyous distraction from everyday life.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar
For those who haven’t explored Netflix’s Hindi-language section, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is a great place to start. Set against India’s fight for independence, this series delves into the lives of Lahore’s courtesans. It’s a tale of women striving for recognition in politics, business, and love, featuring stunning Bollywood-style performances, love stories, and tragedy.
Kin
This Irish crime drama quickly captured attention when it first aired on RTÉ and later on BBC One. With a stellar cast including Charlie Cox, Aidan Gillen, and Ciarán Hinds, Kin focuses on the Kinsella crime family in Dublin. It’s a gripping series with complex characters and intense plot twists, leaving viewers eager for more.
The Asunta Case
Netflix is known for its true crime series, and The Asunta Case is a must-watch. This dramatized series delves into the investigation of Asunta Basterra’s murder, focusing on her adoptive parents, Rosario Porto and Alfonso Basterra. The series shines a light on the police work involved in seeking justice, making it a compelling and intense watch.
Dead Boy Detectives
Set in the universe of The Sandman, Dead Boy Detectives follows two teenage ghosts, Charles and George, who solve supernatural mysteries on Earth. Based on Neil Gaiman’s comics, this series is darker and more adventurous than you might expect, featuring terrific performances and emotional storylines.
Baby Reindeer
Baby Reindeer is a seven-part drama based on comedian Richard Gadd’s real-life experiences. Gadd stars as Donny Dunn, who becomes the target of an unhealthy obsession by a woman named Martha. This series explores themes of trauma and is deeply reflective, making it a powerful and lingering watch.
Our Living World
Narrated by Cate Blanchett, Our Living World is a nature documentary that explores different ecosystems and their interconnectedness. While it might not be the most extraordinary docuseries, it offers striking visuals and compelling storytelling, highlighting the urgency of the climate crisis.
Ripley
This new adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s Ripley novels stars Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley. Set in black and white, the series captures the essence of the novels with style, tension, and phenomenal performances. It’s a masterful, tense series that will keep you guessing.
3 Body Problem
From the creators of Game of Thrones, 3 Body Problem is based on Liu Cixin’s sci-fi novel. The series follows a group of scientists and a detective as they uncover a threat to Earth. With a glossy production and familiar faces, this series is a must-watch for sci-fi fans.
The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping
This documentary series immerses viewers in the world of The Academy at Ivy Ridge, a disciplinary boarding school. Filmmaker Katherine Kubler revisits her experiences and gathers emotional testimonies from former students, making this a distressing but important watch.
The Gentlemen
Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen returns as an eight-part series. It follows Eddie Horniman (Theo James) who inherits a country manor only to discover it’s a cannabis empire. The series features familiar faces like Vinnie Jones and Ray Winstone and is filled with humor, action, and intriguing characters.
One Day
One Day is a romantic drama spanning two decades and two lives. Emma and Dexter navigate the ‘right person, wrong time’ trope, pulling at viewers’ heartstrings with impressive performances and emotional depth.
Deadwater Fell
David Tennant stars as Tom Kendrick, a beloved GP suspected of arson after the tragic death of his family. This dark series features a haunting performance by Tennant and a gripping storyline that keeps viewers on edge.
Chimp Empire
Narrated by Mahershala Ali, Chimp Empire explores the largest chimpanzee society in Uganda’s Ngogo Forest. The series captures the drama and dynamics within the chimp community, making for a gripping and fascinating watch.
Friday Night Dinner
This Channel 4 sitcom follows the Goodman family as they gather for dinner every Friday night. With hilarious performances by Tamsin Greig, Simon Bird, and Tom Rosenthal, the series is a charming and consistently funny watch.
The Brothers Sun
The Brothers Sun is a must-watch for action fans. It follows Charles (Justin Chien), who must protect his family from mysterious enemies. The series features stellar martial arts sequences and an engaging storyline about family dynamics and expectations.
Boy Swallows Universe
This series follows young Eli Bell as he navigates life with a drug-addicted mother and a drug-dealing stepfather. Despite the bleak story, the series brings touches of humor and heart, making it a compelling watch.
Beef
Starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, Beef is a comedy-drama about the aftermath of a road rage incident. The series balances dark themes with whip-sharp comic dialogue and delivers a powerful message about opening up and talking about feelings.
The Crown
The Crown offers a tantalizing glimpse behind palace doors into the lives of the British royal family. With stunning portrayals by Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton, the series is beautifully acted and lavishly produced.
Bodies
Stephen Graham stars in Bodies, a genre-defying series blending dystopian, drama, and mystery elements. With a stellar cast and twisted storyline, it’s a refreshing and compelling watch.
Squid Game
This South Korean series follows indebted individuals competing in deadly children’s games for a huge cash prize. Squid Game is a wild, violent, and thought-provoking ride that has become one of Netflix’s biggest shows.
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
This animated series retells the story of Scott Pilgrim, who must battle the seven evil exes of Ramona Flowers. With eye-popping visuals and a faithful adaptation of the graphic novels, it’s a fun and zany watch.
Friends
Friends is the iconic ’90s sitcom following the lives of six friends in New York City. With timeless themes and hilarious performances, it remains a beloved show that continues to captivate new audiences.
Taskmaster
This comedy competition show features celebrities taking on bizarre tasks set by Greg Davies and Alex Horne. With 16 seasons, Taskmaster is addictive and consistently hilarious.
Lupin
Assane Diop (Omar Sy) returns in the third installment of Lupin, a series about a gentleman thief inspired by Arsène Lupin. With twists and unwelcome villains, this series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as Assane navigates Paris while on the run.
Sex Education
Sex Education returns for its final season, continuing to explore important themes with perfect comedic timing. Follow Otis and Eric as they navigate new challenges in their sixth form while Otis deals with being an older sibling and maintaining a long-distance relationship with Maeve.
Top Boy
Originally a Channel 4 series, Top Boy was revived by Netflix thanks to Drake’s interest. The show follows drug bosses Dushane (Ashley Walters) and Sully (Kane Robinson) as they face the consequences of their actions. The final season delivers an absorbing, gritty conclusion.
One Piece
Based on Japan’s highest-selling manga series, One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew on a high-seas adventure to find the ultimate treasure known as ‘One Piece’. This live-action series is a must-watch for anime fans.
Heartstopper
Heartstopper captures the hearts of viewers with its sweet LGBTQ+ romance. Follow schoolboys Charlie and Nick as they go from friends to boyfriends, navigating the ups and downs of teenage life. The second season dives into deeper material, making it a more complex and confident show.
The Witcher
The Witcher follows mutant monster-hunter Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) on his adventures with sorcerer Yennefer and Princess Ciri. The third season continues the action-packed journey with bizarre creatures and compelling characters.
Black Mirror
Black Mirror returned for its sixth season, offering dark and twisted tales that explore human nature. This anthology series remains a talking point, delivering compelling character studies through fantastical lenses.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
This spin-off of Bridgerton focuses on Queen Charlotte’s rise to power and her marriage to King George. The series tackles real-world issues around race and social attitudes while delivering a sweet, endearing love story.
Narcos
Narcos chronicles the life of notorious kingpin Pablo Escobar and the DEA’s efforts to bring him down. With thrilling storytelling and standout performances by Wagner Moura and Pedro Pascal, this series is a must-watch for crime drama fans.
You
You follows Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) and his obsessive tendencies as he navigates new relationships and identities. Each season brings new twists and dark themes, making it a gripping psychological thriller.
Wednesday
Tim Burton’s Wednesday breathes new life into the Addams Family saga. Starring Jenna Ortega as the deadpan teenager, the series follows her at Nevermore Academy, where she uncovers mysteries and hones her psychic abilities.
The Sandman
Based on Neil Gaiman’s comics, The Sandman follows the cosmic being Dream as he navigates different worlds and timelines. The series is a magical, often grim tale with a complex plot and captivating characters.
Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul stands on its own while honoring Breaking Bad. Bob Odenkirk stars as Jimmy McGill, a character whose transformation into Saul Goodman is both heartbreaking and compelling. The series delivers nuanced storytelling and a satisfying conclusion.
Stranger Things
Stranger Things combines ’80s nostalgia with sci-fi horror, following the adventures of kids in Hawkins, Indiana. With terrifying monsters, endearing characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, it’s a pop culture touchstone that keeps getting better.
Mindhunter
David Fincher’s Mindhunter follows FBI agents as they interview serial killers to understand their psyche. Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, and Anna Torv deliver stellar performances in this dark and intriguing series.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is widely regarded as one of the best series of all time. Follow Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) as they navigate the dangerous world of methamphetamine production. The series delivers a satisfying and intense journey.
Peep Show
Peep Show is a hilarious sitcom following the lives of flatmates Mark and Jeremy. With razor-sharp writing and memorable characters, this mockumentary-style series remains a beloved classic.
Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders follows the Shelby crime family in post-World War I Birmingham. Led by Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), the series explores gang warfare, politics, and personal demons. It’s stylish, intense, and utterly captivating.
The Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdom is an action-packed drama inspired by real British history. Follow Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon) as he navigates the war for England. With compelling quests and complex characters, it’s a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.
Ozark
Ozark follows Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) and his family’s entanglement with a Mexican drug cartel. The series is intense, gripping, and filled with stellar performances by Bateman and Laura Linney.
Midnight Mass
Midnight Mass, created by Mike Flanagan, is set on the isolated Crockett Island and explores themes of faith and miracles. With great frights and intriguing discussions, this series is a challenging and unique watch.
Money Heist
Money Heist follows The Professor and his team as they execute elaborate heists. With twists, emotional dynamics, and high-stakes drama, this Spanish series is a worldwide phenomenon and a must-watch.
Seinfeld
Seinfeld, a show about nothing, follows Jerry Seinfeld and his friends as they navigate life’s trivial concerns. With its unique style and memorable catchphrases, it remains an enduring piece of pop culture.
The Queen’s Gambit
The Queen’s Gambit tells the story of chess prodigy Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) as she rises to the top of the game while battling addiction. The series is beautifully produced and captivating from start to finish.
BoJack Horseman
BoJack Horseman is an animated series about an alcoholic humanoid horse navigating fame and personal demons. It blends humor and deep subject matter effortlessly, making it one of the best Netflix originals.
Orange is the New Black
Orange Is the New Black follows Piper Chapman as she navigates life in a minimum-security prison. With unique stories and hard-hitting topics, this series is essential viewing.
Schitt’s Creek
Schitt’s Creek follows the wealthy Rose family as they adjust to life in a small town after losing their fortune. With hilarious moments and heartfelt performances, this series is a delight to watch.
These Netflix series offer a wide range of genres and stories, ensuring there’s something for everyone and here are some of the best true crime documentaries on netflix right now. Grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy these binge-worthy shows!