Netflix has more and more good shows to compete with from other streaming services. However, Netflix is still making its own exciting shows in every type, like dramas, thrillers, documentaries, and sitcoms. Some shows were unexpectedly popular, while others are ending, but overall, there are a lot of interesting shows to watch on Netflix original series this year.
What shows were really good? Well, they have famous actors like Aaron Paul, Keri Russell, and Michael Cera, and also some newer actors like Gabriel Basso. The shows cover different genres like documentaries, scary movies, futuristic stories, and political dramas. If you haven’t seen any of these nine shows yet, you should check them out—they’re all worth watching!
9. The Crown (2016-2023)
The Crown is finishing after six seasons. The last part, Season 6, talks about the Royal Family and Queen Elizabeth II from 1997 to 2005. It shows important events like Princess Diana’s love story with Dodi Fayed and her sad death. It also covers Prince William and Catherine Middleton starting their relationship, and Prince Charles (now King Charles) marrying Camilla.
The series is ending, and it brings both happy and sad feelings. The show has been praised for its costumes, acting, writing, and more. Even if you’re not into the Royal Family, The Crown is interesting. Season 6 doesn’t talk about recent events like Prince Harry leaving England and the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Still, many think it’s one of the best TV shows of the 21st Century.
Stream The Crown on Netflix.
8. The Diplomat (2023-)
Keri Russell is back on TV with “The Diplomat.” It’s a political thriller, a mix of “The West Wing” and “The Night Agent.” In the show, she is Kate Wyler, a diplomat who is asked to be the U.S. ambassador to the U.K. She gets this important job because there’s a big international problem, and the president and his team think she’s the right person to handle it.
The show has a lot of complicated conversations as Kate faces challenges in her new job. She discovers there are even bigger plans for her. Her husband, Hal, played by Rufus Sewell, used to be a U.S. ambassador and has upset some people. He tries to stay out of the spotlight while his wife shines, but it’s hard for him. The creator, Debora Cahn, who worked on The West Wing, made The Diplomat a fast-paced, politically charged story. It might not be exactly like a real-world crisis, but the interesting characters and surprising turns have made it popular.
Stream The Diplomat on Netflix.
7. YOU (2018-)
The TV show “YOU” is a delightful guilty pleasure. It follows serial killer Joe Goldberg, played by Penn Badgley, through different stories in its first few seasons. In the fourth season, the plot goes to London. Joe has a new identity and works as an English professor at a fancy school. He makes friends with high-society people, even though he doesn’t like their lifestyle, focus on material things, and what he sees as a lack of intelligence.
In the latest season of “YOU,” Joe’s disturbing desire to control and obsess over something or someone new is portrayed really well. The season has big surprises and changes, released in two parts one month apart, making it even more intense when it first came out. The upcoming Season 5 of YOU, set to release in 2024, has been confirmed as the final season of the show.
Stream YOU on Netflix.
6. The Night Agent (2023-)
“The Night Agent” turned out to be a surprising hit this year. It could have been just another typical action thriller, but there’s something special about it that caught people’s attention. Gabriel Basso plays Peter, an FBI agent who gets a job at the White House as a Night Action telephone operator. Even though it sounds exciting, his job is quite dull—he sits in a dark room, pushing papers, and waiting for the phone to ring. Finally, one day it does. On the other end is Rose, a scared young woman whose aunt and uncle were killed, and she thinks the assassin is after her too.
The story kicks off with Peter and Rose, who is also a cybersecurity entrepreneur, discovering a government conspiracy. They must figure out who they can trust and if they can survive it all. “The Night Agent” has a complex plot with many layers, but it’s still easy to follow. At times, it becomes a bit melodramatic, keeping you guessing throughout. It’s the kind of show that you’ll likely find almost impossible not to watch all at once.
Stream The Night Agent on Netflix.
5. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023)
Released at the end of the year, “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” is a treat for fans of the movie “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” and the graphic novel series by Lee O’Malley. The animated series has met the high expectations and hype, receiving very positive reviews.
It presents an alternate version of the events from both the books and the 2010 movie. The main story remains the same: Scott Pilgrim (played by Michael Cera, Finn Wolfhard as a teen, and Will Forte as an older version) is in an indie band and falls for the mysterious Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead).
To date her, he must defeat her seven evil exes. However, in this version, Scott loses the first battle. Ramona later discovers he might still be alive and is determined to find out what happened to him. The lives of each of her exes also undergo significant changes due to these events.
What really resonates with devoted fans of the cult classic “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” is that many of the original cast members came back to voice their characters. This adds an authentic touch to the story.
The show is appreciated for maintaining the heart and humor of the movie while bringing a fresh twist to the animated format, avoiding a simple retelling of the same story. Fans, especially those who were kids when “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” came out in 2010, will feel a nostalgic connection when watching “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.”
Stream Scott Pilgrim Takes Off on Netflix.
4. Beckham (2023)
Every week, there seems to be a new celebrity docuseries on one streaming service or another. However, Beckham’s docuseries stood out and became a major talking point upon its release. What’s most interesting is that it appeals not only to English football and David Beckham fans but to just about anyone.
Even if you didn’t know who Beckham was before, you’ll find him surprisingly down-to-earth and relatable. Those unaware of the hate and criticism Beckham faced in his home country after a single mistake will be shocked to learn about it. What’s even more impressive is his resilience and strength despite facing these challenges.
The series doesn’t rely on sensational reveals or scandals, and even David Beckham’s alleged affairs are only briefly discussed with him and his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham. However, that doesn’t diminish its impact.
“Beckham” is fundamentally a candid and sincere exploration of a man’s love for football, his life journey, intense career dedication, and his commitment to being a good family man, husband, and father. You might currently see him as just another athlete and her as a faded pop star, but this docuseries has the power to change how you perceive both of them entirely.
Stream Beckham on Netflix.
3. Beef (2023)
Steven Yeun and Ali Wong showcase their impressive talents in this multi-Emmy-winning comedy-drama. They portray two angry individuals caught up in a road rage incident that spirals into a revenge obsession. Titled “Beef,” the show earned 13 Primetime Emmy nominations and won 8, including Best Actress for Wong, Best Actor for Yeun, and Best Limited or Anthology series.
Even though “Beef” is a comedy, it tells a touching and emotionally charged story about two people going through tough times who end up taking it out on each other. It’s an exaggerated version of a situation many can relate to. Both characters aren’t exactly good people, but they are trying in their own way. “Beef” serves as a cautionary tale about letting pettiness take control. The ending will surprise you by making you sympathize with two characters you probably disliked throughout the entire story.
Stream Beef on Netflix.
2. Black Mirror (2011-)
Fans had to wait four years for the sixth season of Black Mirror. Starting from season 3, Netflix took over the series from British network Channel 4. While the streaming service provided some incredible episodes and stories that kept fans excited, a few weren’t as popular. The same holds true for the much-anticipated sixth season, but the thought-provoking episodes more than compensate for the less impressive ones.
The standout episode is “Beyond the Sea,” the third episode featuring Aaron Paul, Josh Hartnett, and Kata Mara. It tells a chilling story about two astronauts working on a ship thousands of miles away. During their off hours, their consciousness travels home in artificial replicas to spend time with their families. It’s emotionally intense, heart-wrenching, and beautifully acted. The other four episodes in the season vary from must-watch to not bad. However, driven by the strength of its standout episodes, Black Mirror easily earns its place on this list.
Stream Black Mirror on Netflix.
1. The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)
This gothic horror drama miniseries holds the potential to become the next “American Horror Story.” Loosely based on Edgar Allan Poe’s stories, it intriguingly weaves together fictional characters from his works into a unified narrative. At its core is Roderick Usher (played by Bruce Greenwood and Zach Gilford), the CEO of a corrupt pharmaceutical company, and his twin sister Madeline (played by Mary McDonnell and Willa Fitzgerald), who serves as COO. When all six of Roderick’s children die, it becomes evident that something suspicious is at play. Carla Gugino portrays Verna, a woman from the twins’ past who can assume various forms, most notably that of a raven.
Earning positive reviews, “The Fall of the House of Usher” offers a unique take on 19th-century classics presented through a dark lens on the small screen. Ideal for enthusiasts of horror and allegorical tales, it stands out as an intelligent and highly creative show.
Stream The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix.