It's raining, or hot, or dark, or cold - and you are bored. Time for some Netflix, but what to watch? Not to worry my friend, I have a me-approved list of acceptable shows made by Netflix for your to binge. Here are my top 10 Netflix Originals.
Disclaimer: If your favorite shows aren't on here, it is likely because I haven't seen them. Don't come for me, ok? I'm sure they're very good.
10.) Orange is the New Black
Everybody knows this one - it pretty much single-handedly made Netflix a real contender with traditional TV networks. In case you don't know, this show follows Piper Chapman as she serves her sentence in prison. Over its 7 seasons the series provides commentary on the prison system, abuse of authority, and the dynamics of the culture behind bars. It is also very dramatic, well written, and has great characters. Even the side-villains who are only there for one season get a backstory. My only critique is that the main character (Piper) is rather unlikable and I couldn't care less about what she's up to. Luckily she is only front and center for the first and the last season. Starting with season 2 there is a lot more focus on the side characters and their dynamics, which I see as a total win.
9.) Aggretsuko
Have you ever wanted to watch a cartoon red panda scream her lungs out to death metal? Well now's your chance! Aggretsuko is about a red panda named Retsuko living in Japan and hating her office job. The original character is also known as "Aggressive Retsuko," hence Agg-retsuko. This one is a real winner, and both my sister and husband love it. Funny, relatable, and proving that the modern struggle is real - Aggretsuko is worth giving a watch (especially now that season 3 is coming out).
8.) Umbrella Academy
A twist on the classic superhero/mutant story, "Umbrella Academy" follows 7 adopted siblings born under highly mysterious circumstances. Each of the 7 (with the exception of Vanya) have a unique super-human power that they can either use to save the world or potentially destroy it. It's a refreshing new coat of paint on the classic "super hero" story, and takes a much more character-focused approach than most other forms of the genre. It also has a massive plot twist that is so dramatic it should get its own soap opera. I love this one and am super excited to watch season 2.
7.) Queer Eye
Fashionable, funny, and full of heart - Queer Eye follows the new "fab 5" as they seek to boost the self-confidence of undeserved members of American communities. Based off of the 2000s show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," Netflix's reboot takes a different approach. Instead of solely accepting straight men as their beneficiaries, the new fab 5 includes everyone - women, transgender people, and even other gay men. I'm not going to lie, some of these episodes brought a tear to my eye with the unbelievable levels of compassion and understanding that the "fab 5" would build with their clients. I love this series, and I think that the openness that it promotes is wonderful.
6.) F is for Family
Created by Bill Burr (one of the greatest comedians of all time), "F is for Family" follows Frank Murphy as he tries to accept the realities of financial strain, dreams deferred, and the political atmosphere of the 70's. Even thought this show is marketed at a comedy, it's really more of a tragic comedy. Believe me when I say there is plenty of soul-crushing going on in this series (if you're into that sort of thing). There are a lot of great lines in this show, and it has given me fodder to yell at my husband with. I think this show is really brilliant, and I highly recommend it.
5.) The End of the F***ing World
This series has a very artistic feel to it that you wouldn't grasp from looking solely at the name. The cinematography and soundtrack give it the same sort of feel as an indie film. The plot itself is genius, and I would prefer not to give too much away because it is so unique. All of the characters are deeply introspective, and most of the dialogue occurs non-verbally as inner-thought. This is the crux of the greatest conflict in the series - a lack of emotional vulnerability and communication. Maybe that's why one of the main characters is so deeply homicidal. But alas, I have already said too much. Give it a watch - it is highly binge-able.
4.) Stranger Things
This series was one of the first of its kind in the serious "horror series" genre. Set in the 1980s, "Stranger Things" follows a little town in the middle of Indiana where things are not quite right. Full of great characters, awesome fight-scenes, and spooky noises - "Stranger Things" had me screaming "HE'S IN THE LIGHTS!" at my TV. All of my friends love this series, and we have now had 2 separate viewing parties for it. It is definitely a Halloween favorite and does a great job at building suspense.
3.) Grace and Frankie
This show is one of my husband's personal favorites. It follows two women, Grace and Frankie (I know, what a coincidence), as they begin living together after learning that their husbands were having an affair with each other. One of the things that makes this show a unique treasure is that it tackles the issue of aging and allows two vintage ladies to be the protagonists without portraying them as feeble or incapable. Funny, smart, and sassy - this series reminds us that Ms. Frizzle and Jane Fonda are amazing actresses.
2.) Russian Doll
This series has a similar plot to "Groundhog Day," but with an updated set of circumstances and characters. You follow two New Yorkers, Nadia and Alan, as they try to discover the reason why they both seem to be caught in an endless time-loop.The writing for this series is just phenomenal, it's no wonder that it was nominated for an Emmy! I also loved Natasha Lyonne in "Orange is the New Black," and relished getting to see her in a central role.
Honorable Mentions:
1.) BoJack Horseman
My husband and I binged this series over one week in quarantine. Don't be thrown off by the anthropomorphic horse - this show is a true masterpiece. It's easy to write a likable main character, but it takes true genius to write one that you simultaneously despise, pity, and root for as much as BoJack Horseman. The true golden arrow in this show's quiver is the character development, which is off the charts. The relationships between characters gives the series a richness that makes the story progression even more engaging. Showing the dark side of Hollywood, the reality of living a "party lifestyle," and the dangers of pushing people out of your life - I believe that "BoJack Horseman" has undoubtedly earned the top spot on this list by a landslide.
Did you agree or disagree with my list? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, along with your favorite Netflix Originals. I hope that you could find a great series or two two start this summer. Happy viewing!