Overwhelmed by the sheer number of TV shows available on Netflix? Here are our top 22 to get you started.
If you still haven't check out what Netflix has to offer in Australia, you've already waited too long. While early criticisms of Netflix's content line-up were fair, the state of Netflix's library of television shows in August 2018 is a much different story. Some of the best shows on television at the moment, such as Stranger Things and House of Cards, are Netflix Originals.
From political drama to 80s inspired sci-fi to the best superhero TV shows around, Netflix has been consistently knocking it out of the park since launching globally.
Need more TV?
Here are our top 22 picks from Netflix's current line-up.
1. Stranger Things
It's rare to see a show so lovingly dedicated to the 80s. Often TV shows, movies and books lean on nostalgia without weaving them into the narrative in any meaningful way. That's far from the case in Stranger Things. The Duffer Brothers' sci-fi/thriller/horror isn't just a love letter, it stands alone as one of the greatest television shows today, thanks to its talented and diverse cast and its gripping season arc. When a young D&D nerd Will Byers vanishes from a quiet, rural town, his family, friends and community band together to bring him back from a mysterious and terrifying world. Each character has a hand to play in finding Will, but they're individual journeys are just as important and entertaining to watch.
Year of release: 2016
Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin
Season two is coming this October and if the trailer below is anything to go by, it's going to live up to the first and then some.
2. House of Cards
All the hype you've heard about House of Cards is true. The Primetime Emmy Award-winning Netflix-produced show about the devious machinations of US politics is television at its best. It's conniving, it's clever and it will change the way you watch the news. Oh, and Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) is the anti-hero you've been waiting for since Walter White left our screens. With five seasons under its belt, House of Cards is no doubt one of the most bingeable shows on Netflix.
Year of release: 2013
Cast: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Kate Mara
Want to buy House of Cards to keep forever? Check out these download options instead:
Buy House of Cards Season One
Apple Store
Buy House of Cards Season Two
Apple Store
Buy House of Cards Season Three
Apple Store
Buy House of Cards Season Four
Apple Store
3. Master of None
Master of None is the kind of show that might turn people off in its first few episodes. In place of a traditional, run-of-the-mill season arc, Aziz Ansari's comedy/drama often runs off in tangents focused on minor characters (and sometimes characters that aren't even part of the recurring cast). While this might seem a little off-track to begin with, some of these episodes are Master of None's best. Ansari's Dev runs the gamut of work and relationship troubles many have experienced firsthand with hilarious and sometimes devastating accuracy. But where Master of None truly shines is during the episodes that are less about the characters and more about an issue, place or celebration.
If you haven't checked it out yet (or tried and put it down) we wholeheartedly recommend sticking it out. Ansari's musings on love, work and life in the city are hilarious, poetic and brimming with heart.
Year of release: 2015
Cast: Aziz Ansari, Eric Wareheim, Lena Waithe, Noël Wells
4. Black Mirror
The fact that a third season of Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror series wasn't picked up sooner is criminal. Thankfully, Netflix is in the business of righting the entertainment industry's wrongs and worked with Brooker to create season three of Black Mirror. Brooker's clever writing and biting satire are complemented by Netflix's fat stacks of cash, which has helped bring on some huge talent, like Bryce Dallas Howard and Jerome Flynn in leading roles as well as big-name directors like Joe Wright and Dan Trachtenberg.
Season three isn't just a revival. It brought us some of the best episodes the show has ever seen (San Juniperois some of the best television out there, hands down).
Year of release: 2011
Cast: Hannah John-Kamen, Jon Hamm, Hayley Atwell, Daniel Kaluuya
Want to buy Black Mirror to keep forever? Check out these download options instead:
Buy Black Mirror Season One
Apple Store
Buy Black Mirror Season Two
Apple Store
5. Rick and Morty
While it's not a Netflix Original, Rick and Morty more or less calls Netflix home in Australia. It is without a doubt the most popular animation on television at the moment (and for good reason). Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland's Rick and Morty is an absurd, offbeat comedy that follows the misadventures of the shy youngster Morty and his diabolical and perpetually drunk grandfather, Rick Sanchez.
Rick and Morty rockets between risky and gut-busting hilarity to some surprisingly meaningful and touching life lessons (though Rick has a habit of shooting down anything hopeful).
Rick and Morty is now up to its hugely successful and highly anticipated third season, which you can catch on Netflix the week after it airs in the US.
Year of release: 2013
Cast: Justin Roiland, Spencer Grammer, Chris Parnell, Sarah Chalke
Want to buy Rick and Morty to keep forever? Check out these download options instead:
Buy Rick and Morty Season One
Apple Store
Buy Rick and Morty Season Two
Apple Store
6. Orange is the New Black
OITNB, as it's affectionately called, is loosely based on the real-life prison experiences of Piper Kerman. Basically, the show can be summarized as follows: WASP goes to prison, thinks it will be fine because she's white and middle class, turns out she was very much mistaken. The exceptional ensemble cast is what really drives this show, and it's attracted praise for telling the stories of African-American and Hispanic women, while at the same time criticism for needing a white woman leading the show to do it.
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll vaguely wonder about committing a minor crime so you too can go to prison and write about it.
Orange is the New Black is up to its fifth season and if insane popularity is anything to go off, it's not stopping anytime soon.
Year of release: 2013
Cast: Taylor Schilling, Uzo Aduba, Laura Prepon, Danielle Brooks
Want to buy Orange is the New Black to keep forever? Check out these download options instead:
Buy Orange is the New Black Season One
Apple Store
Buy Orange is the New Black Season Two
Apple Store
Buy Orange is the New Black Season Three
Apple Store
Buy Orange is the New Black Season Four
Apple Store
7. Bojack Horseman
Imagine every live-action character Will Arnett has ever played blended together in one anthropomorphic horse and you have Bojack Horseman. This story of a washed up equine actor seemed at first to be Netflix's Family Guy or American Dad. However, it's so much more than that. Bojack is eternally chauvinistic and narcissistic, but unlike most sitcoms or cartoons, Bojack's character actually goes through a lot of growth and characterisation over its three seasons, thanks to a strong cast of supporting characters like Alison Brie's Diane, Lisa Kudrow's Wanda and Paul F. Tompkins's Mr. Peanutbutter.
It's not exactly what you would expect from a bizarre comedy about talking animals, but that's what you get with Bojack.
Year of release: 2014
Cast: Will Arnett, Aaron Paul, Alison Brie, Amy Sedaris
8. The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Tina Fey's new show follows the tale of titular character Kimmy (Ellie Kemper), who spent 15 years in an underground bunker thanks to a doomsday cult and is now living in New York City. Her mission? To pursue a normal life. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt might have its hits and misses in the name of making controversial jokes for the sake of it, but its two leads, Ellie Kemper and Tituss Burgess make the watch worth it.
9. Marvel's Daredevil
While Marvel's Jessica Jones and Luke Cage come in at a close second, Marvel's Daredevil is still the strongest of all Netflix's superhero shows. That's thanks firstly to an incredibly strong origin story in its first season and an explosive second season that introduces two of the most interesting characters in the small-screen universe, Punisher and Elektra.
Sure, Jessica Jones is the stronger character here and deserves a good mention on this list, but Daredevil's perfectly choreographed fight scenes and high-stakes story arcs make it the most engaging out of The Defenders' respective shows.
Year of release: 2015
Cast: Charlie Cox, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Rosario Dawson
Want to buy Marvel's Daredevil to keep forever? Check out these download options instead:
Buy Marvel's Daredevil Season One
Apple Store
Buy Marvel's Daredevil Season Two
Apple Store
10. Sense8
Vale Sense8. One of Netflix's first victims (we're not really counting Marco Polo here), Sense8's compelling story of eight mentally connected individuals from across the globe was cancelled after its second season, despite growing a large cult following.
It seems as popular as it was, Netflix just couldn't keep up with globetrotting sensates and cancelled the series in 2017. Regardless, the Wachowskis have promised the Sense8 story will wrap up with a once-off movie-length episode, so you've got time to catch up with season one and two before it officially wraps up.
Year of release: 2015
Cast: Jamie Clayton, Max Riemelt, Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Brian J. Smith
11. Making a Murderer
This groundbreaking Netflix documentary series was filmed over the course of 10 years. It examines the complicated life of Steven Avery, who spent 18 years in prison despite being wrongfully convicted of sexual assault. He was fully exonerated in 2003 by DNA evidence. However, a few years after his release, he was accused of murder and found guilty, being sent back to prison.
The series was a huge success among true-crime enthusiasts, encouraging numerous debates about the US criminal justice system. It also left viewers keen to find out more about Steven Avery. Is he a psychopath or the victim of corrupt authority figures? Netflix announced a second season, but there’s no word yet on when it will premiere or what events it will cover. Until then, if you’re a fan of complex legal issues, this one is a must. Who knew documentaries can be so gripping?
Year of release: 2015
Cast: Steven Avery, Dolores Avery, Ken Kratz, Brendan Dassey
12. Narcos
Raw and gritty, this acclaimed series chronicles the real-life stories of the drug kingpins of the late 1980s. At the same time, it focuses on the efforts of law enforcement to meet them head on in brutal, bloody conflict. The first two seasons follow the infamous Pablo Escobar, who made billions from the production and sale of cocaine. Season 3, meanwhile, picks up after the fall of the kingpin and sees the DEA take on the Cali Cartel.
Narcos doesn’t give you too many characters to root for, but it’s definitely addictive and illuminating, even if you’re already familiar with much of Escobar’s life. The series is stylish and action-packed, with top-notch performances and intense storytelling. Not recommended for the faint of heart.
Year of release: 2015
Cast: Wagner Moura, Pedro Pascal, Boyd Holbrook, Alberto Ammann, Paulina Gaitan
13. Jessica Jones
In a television landscape overfilled with superhero shows, Jessica Jones stands out from the crowd due to its focus on the more human aspects of being a super-human. The show follows the titular heroine as she struggles to make it as a private investigator and deals with severe repercussions after being controlled by a villain. It’s more aftermath than origin story, which is a nice change for the Marvel universe.
Jessica Jones is dark and captivating, boasting brilliant performances from both Krysten Ritter and David Tennant. You won’t be blown back by the special effects – instead, you’ll be pulled in thanks to rich character drama and clever storytelling. At its core, the show is a tale of woman confronting the abuser who almost ruined her life, which always makes for compelling television.
Year of release: 2015
Cast: Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, Rachael Taylor, David Tennant, Eka Darville, Carrie-Anne Moss
14. Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp
This glorious series is actually a prequel to the 2001 satirical film with the same name, following the counselors and campers at a summer camp in Maine in 1981. With a tremendous ensemble cast and slightly ridiculous premise, the show is absurd and funny. Thankfully, the spot-on jokes appeal to both fans of the original film and newbies looking for an enjoyable weekend binge.
What’s great about the series is that it doesn’t rely solely on nostalgia to draw in viewers. It stands on its own and embraces the silliness that made the original became a cult classic. At the same time, it infuses new life into the premise, by offering answers to questions the film raised and seamlessly juggling all members of the huge cast. All in all, it’s a must-watch for any serious comedy fan.
Cast: Marguerite Moreau, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Rudd, Zak Orth, Michael Showalter, Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler, Lake Bell
15. Easy
An anthology series, Easy explores several Chicago characters as they fumble through the modern maze of sex, technology and culture. It’s a refreshing take on love in the modern age, featuring a diverse cast and strong performances from everyone involved.
Utterly charming overall, the show paints a comprehensive picture of city life, as it focuses on characters of various ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and professions. Moreover, they all have different problems, so it’s likely you’ll find yourself in someone over the course of the series. If you don’t, at least you’ll gain some much-needed insight into the human psyche.
Year of release: 2016
Cast: Orlando Bloom, Malin Akerman, Jake Johnson, Marc Maron, Dave Franco, Hannibal Buress, Emily Ratajkowski, Michael Chernus, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Aya Cash
16. The Get Down
One of the most ambitious projects to land at Netflix in recent years, The Get Down is a musical drama set in the South Bronx region of New York in the late ‘70s. The show follows a bunch of kids who find themselves at the nexus of the hip-hop, punk and disco scenes. It was very expensive to make, which is probably why Netflix decided not to go forward with Season 2. However, the first season of the series is available to stream in all its glory.
The story is universal, and the series as a whole very cinematic. The Get Down is energetic and vibrant. It also benefits from a strong cast and powerful depiction of the political and social environment of the 70s. The tone can be uneven at time, but it makes for a very enjoyable ride. If you’re into musical numbers, you shouldn’t miss this one.
Year of release: 2016
Cast: Justice Smith, Shameik Moore, Herizen F. Guardiola, Skylan Brooks, Tremaine Brown Jr., Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jimmy Smits
17. American Vandal
American Vandal is an odd little show, but one’s that’s totally worthy of your attention. A satirical true crime mystery, the series centres on a high school rocked by an act of vandalism. But when the main suspect pleads innocence, an aspiring sophomore documentarian decides to help him out. It’s ridiculous, thought-provoking, and ultimately brilliant.
You’ll go into the series expecting to laugh and end up moved by the short, 8-episode first season. The premise may be absurd, but you’ll soon find yourself immersed in the narrative. Moreover, the fact that American Vandal offers a realistic and nuanced portrayal of high school life doesn’t hurt either. It’s both funny and heartbreaking, and that’s a true feat.
Year of release: 2017
Cast: Tyler Alvarez, Griffin Gluck, Jimmy Tatro
18. She's Gotta Have It
This quirky dramedy created by Spike Lee is based on the 1986 film with the same name. She's Gotta Have It follows Nola, a passionate and outspoken woman in her late twenties who divides her time between three lovers. The show’s fierce female lead is like a breath of fresh air, with Wise delivering a memorable performance. Nola might be juggling a lot, but she’s confident and complex, gifting viewers everywhere with a well-crafted portrayal of a woman who follows her own rules.
Not only that, but She’s Gotta Have It is also sexy and fun. Plus, the series addresses some important issues women face on a day-to-day basis. It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen the original movie or not. Its TV adaptation raises the bar and works well in the new era.
Year of release: 2017
Cast: DeWanda Wise, Anthony Ramos, Lyriq Bent, Cleo Anthony, Chyna Layne
19. The End of the F***ing World
Based on a graphic novel with the same name, The End of the F***ing World follows two teenagers, James and Alyssa. James is pretty sure he’s a psychopath, while Alyssa is simply looking to escape her home life. She proposes they run away together and he accepts, hoping this will give him a chance to kill her. Not your typical coming-of-age story.
The End of the F***ing World is bleak and addictive, ultimately delivering a very human and sweet story. You might not like the two leads at first, but you’d be surprised with how fast you’ll start caring about them. A highly recommended show for black humor enthusiasts.
Year of release: 2017
Cast: Alex Lawther, Jessica Barden, Gemma Whelan, Wunmi Mosaku, Steve Oram, Christine Bottomley
20. Altered Carbon
Set in the future, this sci-fi series received mixed reviews upon its release, despite being well-received by the public. Which proves once again that critical acclaim and mass appeal don’t always go hand in hand. That being said, Altered Carbon is a whole lot of fun as long as you don’t ask too many questions. Simply bask in all that cyberpunk goodness and enjoy the powerful visuals.
In a society where death is no longer permanent, Takeshi Kovacs is offered a chance to live again, as long as he’s willing to solve an intricate murder. The plot is complex and there are a lot of big ideas floating around, so there’s little chance you’ll be bored during your binge. All in all, Altered Carbon may not be a masterpiece, but it’s a delight for any hardcore sci-fi fan.
Year of release: 2018
Cast: Joel Kinnaman, James Purefoy, Martha Higareda, Chris Conner, Dichen Lachman, Ato Essandoh
21. Star Trek Discovery
A prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series, this new instalment in the popular franchise follows the voyages of Starfleet on their quest to explore new planets and new life forms. With the Klingons waging war against the United Federation of Planets, Science Specialist Michael Burnham finally realizes that in order to understand all things alien she has to first figure out how to understand herself.
The series is ambitious and comforting at the same time, with limitless potential and some fresh ideas. Not only will it appeal to veteran fans, but it might also catch the eye of those completely new to the Stark Trek universe. The characters are strong, there are a few twists along the way, and the show great overall. We can’t help but look forward to future episodes.
Year of release: 2017
Cast: Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Shazad Latif, Anthony Rapp, Mary Wiseman, Jason Isaacs
22. The Good Place
Once in a blue moon, a show so whimsical comes along that you have to drop everything and tune in immediately. The Good Place is just that kind of show. Hilarious, original, and forking fun. The premise? Eleanor wakes up and finds out that she has died and ended up in an afterlife called the Good Place. Problem is she wasn’t what you’d call a good person, so she was probably sent there by mistake. As a result, she has to hide her naturally bad habits from those around in order to avoid being kicked out.
The Good Place is a charming comedy about the afterlife. It’s hilarious and lively, it’s weird and subversive, it’s well-written and brilliantly casted. You’ll be hooked from episode one.
Year of release: 2016
Cast: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, Manny Jacinto
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