As a total cinema and TV devotee, I remember when Netflix really started to change the game. It wasn’t enough for them to be the biggest streaming service – they started making their own shows back in 2013. Things like House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, and Hemlock Grove were huge hits right away, and honestly, they really put Netflix on the map as a content creator. Since then, it’s just exploded! They’ve got thousands of original shows and movies now, and some of the most popular and critically-acclaimed series ever are Netflix originals.
Many excellent TV shows don’t hit their stride immediately, needing time to find their footing. Some start strong but lose quality over time, drifting away from what initially made them good. We’re highlighting a different kind of Netflix show, though – the truly exceptional ones that remain consistently excellent throughout their entire run, with no weak seasons.
‘Narcos’ (2014 – 2017)
Netflix
Shows about drug trafficking aren’t new, and there are already several series focusing on Pablo Escobar. However, Narcos stands out. It’s known for its realistic portrayal, stylish visuals, and strong acting. The show started strong and consistently improved over its three seasons, delivering gripping, character-focused drama. Remarkably, its spin-off, Narcos: Mexico, which explores the rise of the drug trade in Mexico, is just as good. Over three seasons, it’s received critical acclaim and many viewers believe it’s even better than the original Narcos.
‘Arcane’ (2021 – 2024)
Netflix
Netflix’s Arcane is visually stunning, with beautifully crafted steampunk animation. But it’s the compelling story of sisters Vi and Powder, caught in the escalating tensions between the prosperous city of Piltover and the troubled, neglected district of Zaun, that truly makes it stand out as one of the most celebrated adult animated series on the platform.
Both seasons received a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and Arcane made history as the first video game adaptation to win both Annie and Primetime Emmy Awards. It topped Netflix’s Top 10 list in 52 countries and is widely considered the best video game adaptation ever made. Critics and fans alike praise its inclusive LGBTQ+ representation, exciting fantasy action, compelling story, fantastic music, and richly detailed world.
‘Mindhunter’ (2017 – 2019)
Netflix
As a critic, I found Mindhunter utterly gripping. It drops you right into the late 70s and early 80s, a fascinating time when the FBI was just starting to explore criminal psychology and profiling. The show centers on the newly formed Behavioral Science Unit – specifically, agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, and psychologist Wendy Carr. What really sets it apart is how they try to understand what makes criminals tick. They do this by actually interviewing imprisoned killers, hoping to apply those insights to current, unsolved cases. It’s less about flashy police work and more about getting inside the minds of these dangerous individuals – and it’s brilliantly done.
Beyond a standard crime show, Mindhunter presents complex and disturbing cases while also exploring the emotional impact on the FBI agents who investigate them. The series excels at developing its characters, drawing viewers into the unsettling world of serial killers and the dedicated unit trying to understand them. Over its two seasons, it’s a deliberately paced, psychological thriller that makes you question the roots of morality, what drives human behavior, and the very nature of evil.
‘Dark’ (2017 – 2020)
Netflix
If you enjoy shows like Stranger Things, Twin Peaks, or Lost, you’ll likely be captivated by Dark. This German science fiction thriller centers around the mysterious disappearance of children and the discovery of a time portal in the town of Winden. These events unravel the town’s complex relationships, hidden secrets, and troubling history.
With a complex and captivating story, stunning visuals, and a memorable score, Dark creates a truly unsettling and immersive experience. The show delves into thought-provoking ideas about destiny, choice, and the repeating patterns of human hardship, staying with viewers long after it ends. All three seasons have received critical acclaim – each boasting a ‘fresh’ rating of 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes – and it’s frequently hailed as one of the best TV series of the 21st century.
‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014 – 2020)
Netflix
BoJack Horseman stands out as truly original. While animated sitcoms are common, this show breaks the mold visually. Instead of the vibrant, bold colors seen in shows like The Simpsons, Futurama, and Family Guy, BoJack Horseman uses a softer, more muted color scheme. The show’s characters include animals with remarkably stoic expressions, which perfectly complements its dry and subtle sense of humor.
Shows like American Dad, South Park, and Family Guy often use dark humor, but BoJack Horseman takes a different approach. While those shows rely on quick jokes and shocking moments, BoJack Horseman uses darker satire, thoughtful wit, and focuses on the flaws of its characters. This makes BoJack Horseman significantly darker overall, as it seriously explores difficult topics like depression, addiction, and the downsides of fame. This gives the show a uniquely sad and poignant sense of humor that you don’t usually find in typical animated sitcoms.
‘GLOW’ (2017 – 2019)
Netflix
GLOW is a show that tells the stories of the people – actors and crew – behind the 1980s women’s wrestling phenomenon, ‘Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.’ It captures the fun and unusual energy of the real-life wrestling league, mixing lighthearted comedy with compelling character development to create a show that’s both funny and insightful.
The show GLOW, starring Alison Brie, Kate Nash, Kia Stevens, and Betty Gilpin, was celebrated for its original idea and realistic, complex characters, particularly its diverse female cast. Despite three seasons of strong reviews, the show was canceled after its third season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant the story wasn’t fully resolved and many questions remained unanswered.
‘Dead to Me’ (2019 – 2022)
Netflix
Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini play Jen and Judy, two women who connect through therapy. Jen is dealing with the loss of her husband, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident, while Judy pretends to be a grieving fiancée. However, Judy is actually the driver who caused the accident that killed Jen’s husband. As Jen starts to suspect Judy isn’t being honest, her secrets are revealed, putting their friendship and Jen’s emotional well-being at risk.
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The series Dead to Me was consistently praised throughout its three seasons, each one being as emotionally powerful, captivating, and darkly humorous as the last. It’s a twisty crime thriller that keeps you guessing, but what truly sets it apart is its deeply moving portrayal of a friendship built on shared grief, brought to life by incredible performances from the two main actors.
‘Bridgerton’ (2020 – Present)
Netflix
Bridgerton, a hugely popular TV show of the 21st century, quickly became a sensation after its 2020 debut on Netflix. Viewers were drawn in by its beautiful historical setting and dramatic love stories. It’s become one of Netflix’s most-watched shows, earning numerous awards, including Primetime Emmys and an AFI award recognizing it as a top television program.
This incredibly addictive show expertly mixes historical accuracy with a modern feel. It uses current language, features fresh takes on popular songs with classical arrangements, and includes a diverse cast – all within a beautifully realized period setting.
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