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The 9 Best Netflix Original Series to Watch

August 1, 2022 • April Miller

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Netflix is one of the best streaming services for bingeing your favorite flicks. But did you know that Netflix is also home to some amazing original productions? From comedy to crime drama and everything in between, here are ten of the best Netflix Original series.

1. Stranger Things

Stranger Things is one of the most popular Netflix Original series. Created by The Duffer Brothers, Netflix ordered the series in July 2014, and it premiered on July 15, 2016.

Set in 1980s Indiana, Stranger Things follows a group of young people and members of a small town as they confront “strange” happenings.

In season one, Millie Bobby Brown plays a young girl named Eleven with psychokinetic abilities. When she escapes from Hawkins National Laboratory, 12-year-old Mike Wheeler, played by Finn Wolfhard, and his friends find her. The discovery of her abilities kickstarts exciting adventures for the kids and adults of the town.

The first season received positive reviews and was praised for its storyline, characters, acting, soundtrack, directing and writing. You can stream all three seasons on Netflix, so be sure to add it to your Watch List!

2. Altered Carbon

Altered Carbon is a new sci-fi noir show that has a lot of people talking due to its interesting story and complex characters. This show is exciting, violent and full of twists, and it’s based on the cyberpunk noir novel by Richard K. Morgan.

Set in the distant future, the series follows a former warrior whose mind has been imprisoned for centuries. A wealthy businessman, Laurens Bancroft, brings him back so he can solve Bancroft’s own murder. You can stream both seasons of Altered Carbon on Netflix.

3. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Based on the Archie comic of the same name, Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a different take on the witchy character. This version is a darker, more twisted view of Sabrina’s life as a half-mortal, half-witch. Sabrina’s aunts are her teachers as she struggles to reconcile both sides of her true nature and protect the world from evil.

While darker than the sitcom of the 90s, it’s not just murder, mayhem and malevolent spellcasting from beginning to end. You’ll also find some light-hearted, funny moments throughout the series.

As with Riverdale, this very adult show is so binge-worthy that you’ll be chomping at the bit to see what will happen next.

4. Bridgerton

While some period dramas may seem slow, this Netflix original is anything but. Bridgerton quickly became the most-watched series when its first season premiered due to the brilliant cast, performances, costumes and storyline.

As you watch Bridgerton, you’ll follow the drama and intrigue of upper-middle-class families in Regency London — with a twist. This alternate history features a racially integrated London and standout performances from new faces like Regé-Jean Page.

Critics also commend the show for its stellar soundtrack — composer Kris Bowers was nominated for a 2022 Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.

5. House of Cards

Netflix put its own twist on this 90s British series with the 2013 release of the American version of House of Cards. Starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright as Frank Underwood and Claire Underwood, its success resulted in the creation of six total seasons, with the final season premiering in 2018.

House of Cards racked up a total of 218 award nominations and 35 wins across its 6 seasons.

6. Ozark

Ozark is an original series on Netflix that premiered on July 21, 2017. The show, created by Bill Dubuque, revolves around the trials of Marty Byrde, played by Jason Bateman. Byrde is a financial advisor who relocates with his wife and children to the Ozarks, a territory in Missouri, to pay off a debt to a powerful Mexican drug lord.

Jason Bateman and Julia Garner offer award-winning performances, racking up two Screen Actors Guild Awards and three Emmys. Ozark was renewed for a fourth and final season, premiering in two parts in 2022.

7. Lost in Space

Lost in Space is an original series on Netflix that began with its premiere on April 13, 2018. The show was created by Matt Sazama, and it is a remake of the original series that aired between 1965 and 1968. The plot centers around the Robinson family, who must work together as they are stranded in outer space.

The family is forced to encounter and overcome a slew of threats from outside and deal with damage to their ship, the Jupiter 2. Along their journey, the family is forced to work together to fight for survival. This is a great show to binge-watch with the kids!

8. Bojack Horseman

Created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, this adult animated comedy series is rife with inappropriate jokes and dark humor. The show features the misadventures of horse-human hybrid Bojack Horseman, a washed-up TV star from the 90s.

The series showcases voice talent from actors like Will Arnett, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul and Amy Sedaris. If you like surreal, irreverent comedies, Bojack Horseman will definitely provide some great laughs.

9. The Crown

The Crown is an original Netflix series produced by Left Bank Pictures. First airing in December 2016, the show is based on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, following her from her first years as queen through later years.

The series is praised for its incredible cast, which changes as the characters age throughout the series. The Crown features Claire Foy as the young queen and Olivia Coleman as her aged counterpart for the later years of Elizabeth’s reign. Matt Smith plays Prince Philip for the first two seasons, and Tobias Menzies follows his performance for seasons three and four.

Binge a New Show With These Exciting Options

Now that you’ve refreshed your watch list, the only thing left to do is clear your schedule and get to watching. Get those snacks and refreshments ready because once you start watching, you will not want to stop!

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