Note: This list consists of original programs from the online streaming service Netflix; it's important to remember that I have not seen every original show from the service, so this list is made up of the ones I have seen.
Runner-UP: Stranger Things
"Stranger
Things" is the youngest show on this list, coming out July, 15 of this
year. The story revolves around a young boy from a small town, who suddenly
disappears. His friends and family do all they can to try and locate him, but
have little luck; and while all this is happening, several unexplainable things
begin to happen in the town. And they all seem to lead back to a young girl. I
consider myself fairly in the loop when it comes to upcoming shows, but this
was one that flew completely under my radar; the first time I noticed this show
existed was when I saw it advertised the day it was released on Netflix. The
best way I can describe this series is that it's a mix of "Super 8,"
"The Goonies," and "Goosebumps;" with a little "Twin
Peaks" and "The X-Files" thrown in there. "Stranger
Things" might have been the break out show of 2016, and it has already
gained a strong following. Netflix recently confirmed that a second season is
coming in 2017, and I promise I'll be there day one to watch it all.
5. Narcos
When
"Narcos" first premiered, I completely missed it; despite the good
things I had heard, I just didn't have time. It wasn't until fairly recently
that I've been able to sit down and watch it, and I have been blown away by
this show. "Narcos" takes place in Columbia in the 80s and 90s, at
the height of cocaine exportation for the country. The show primarily revolves
around the drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, as well as his associates and the cops
trying to take him down. Based off of true events, this is one of the most
entertaining shows I've seen in years. Every episode is a thrill ride; I know
that a lot of the material is dramatized, but it's amazing to think that even
of a fraction of the stuff from the show actually happened. Praised by critics
and audiences since its release, "Narcos" has quickly become a
favorite by many of Netflix's users. With a third and fourth season recently
confirmed, "Narcos" doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon.
4. Daredevil
"Daredevil"
has become one of the most important series in Netflix's catalog. This show was
proof that Netflix could handle Marvel properties. The show follows Matthew
Murdock, a lawyer who was blinded in a freak accident when he was a child. And
because of the accident, all of his other senses have been heightened. So by
day he's just an average layer, but by night he takes to the street and fights
crime as the Devil of Hell's Kitchen. The first season of this series aired
last year, and it blew people away with its compelling story lines, over the
top action, and a darker take on the current Marvel Cinematic Universe. The
second season aired earlier this year, and despite receive more lukewarm
reviews, it's still a fan favorite. It also set the way for future Marvel
Netflix shows, such as the exceptional "Jessica Jones" and the
"Luke Cage" and "Iron Fist" series. By this point I have
the up most confidence in Netflix's ability to create these Marvel shows, and I
can't wait to see what comes from all of them in the future.
3. Bojack Horseman
When
this show first premiered, I never thought it would become as good as it has.
"Bojack Horseman" follows the character of the same name, an actor
most well known for his role in a 90s sitcom, as he tries to reassemble his
career while fighting his personal demon. The first season was good, but at the
end of the day was nothing more than another shallow animated sitcom. But
starting with the second season, it became one of the most thematically deep
shows on TV. Tackling themes of depression, self-loathing, self-destruction,
substance abuse, and the compulsive need to be loved, "Bojack
Horseman" ascended to a new level. Filled with a colorful array of
characters, and highlighted by smart and entertaining writing, this show has
separated from the pack and become one of the best animated shows we've seen in
years.
2. House of Cards
I'm
sure there are a few people out there who now want to fight me, due to the fact
that I put "House of Cards" at the number two spot; but until they
write their own blog they can hold their tongue. That being said, I still think
"House of Cards" is a truly amazing show. The show primarily revolves
around Frank Underwood, a congressman who would work his way up the latter to
the highest position in the land; and he's willing to do anything to get
himself to the top. HOC was Netflix's first major hit; it was the show that
proved that Netflix could be a major player when it came to original series.
The first two seasons were met with critical acclaim, with both garnering
numerous award nominations. The third season received much harsher criticism,
but the fourth season brought the series back to old form. HOC is one of the
most compelling political dramas of all time; almost every episode manages to
keep you on the edge of your seat. With a fifth season on its way, I have no
doubt that this show will go down as one of the greatest ever made.
1. Orange is the New Black
When
I first heard about "Orange is the New Black," I was not interested
in it. When I saw the first trailer right before its premier, I was not
interested. But after the first season was released I heard nothing but great
things about it, so I gave it a try; I proceeded to binge watch it that same
day. OITNB revolves around Piper Chapman, an upper class young woman who is
sentenced to 14 months in prison for a crime she committed several years prior;
and as the series goes on, we're introduced to a wide variety of unique and
layered characters. As this series has gone on, it's evolved from being
primarily based around Chapman, to being a complete orchestra of a dozen or two
important characters. From the very first episode, I fell in love with this
show; the characters, the writing, the subject matter, and much more. OITNB is
one of my all time favorite shows, and I truly believe it's Netflix's best show
so far.
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