Netflix has a rich library of TV shows, and with new content coming out every week, it becomes an exercise to sift through the best of the bunch. Short on time? No worries. We’ve done the hard work for you.
Below, you’ll find highlights of the new content, as well as CNET’s full list of the best TV originals on Netflix.
What’s new this week (June 27-July 3)
Check out this week’s highlights. Read also : There’s a new movie to watch on Netflix.
Read more: The absolute best movies on Netflix
Best Netflix original TV shows
At the time of writing, all of these TV shows have a score of at least 70 on Metacritic.
Thriller
If you enjoyed Money Heist, then check out Lupin, another non-English language show with an action story. This time we are in France, where professional thief Assane Diop takes revenge on the man responsible for his father’s death. This may interest you : 60 Best Movies of the Past (June 2022). Inspired by a book about the master thief Arsène Lupin, Assane uses disguises, thieving skills and a good dose of charisma to uncover the crimes of the wealthy and powerful Hubert Pellegrini.
The bodyguard broke records when it first aired in Britain as it climbed from cliff to cliff at a relentless pace. This could be the definition of binge drinking, which isn’t surprising considering it comes from the mind of Line of Duty’s Jed Mercurio. Game of Thrones’ Richard Madden plays a head bodyguard who suffers from PTSD after serving in the Afghanistan war. In addition, he is assigned the protection of the Home Secretary (Keeley Hawes), whose politics he despises. Taking provocative turns and creating one of the best 20-minute opening scenes ever, The Bodyguard is an expert at managing tension.
House of Cards (2013-2018)
While Kevin Spacey’s sexual-harassment allegations ultimately soured this sophisticated, fourth-wall-breaking piece on the dark side of politics, it’s still worth a watch if you’re into power plays and the occasional backstabbing. Read also : ‘The Umbrella Academy’ dethroned on Netflix’s top 10 list of a new show. Initially following Spacey’s Frank Underwood, the sixth and final season of House of Cards turns to his wife Claire (Robin Wright) as she assumes more and more power in the Oval Office.
Horror
From the author who brought us The Haunting of Hill House and Bly Manor comes another slow-burn horror that will haunt you for days. Midnight Mass is Mike Flanagan’s latest creation, a meticulously crafted mystery spanning seven hour-long episodes. Still paying the price for a drunken accident four years ago, Riley Flynn returns home to Crockett Island, where the arrival of a charismatic new priest coincides with astonishing miracles around town. Infused with foreboding and dread, Midnight Mass is an eloquent interrogation of faith with terrifying supernatural monsters along the way.
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Mike Flanagan’s The Haunting of Hill House, loosely based on Shirley Jackson’s novel of the same name, weaves its horror into a deeply moving tale of a broken family. Broken after growing up in a haunted house, the Crains can’t ignore their past and must do what you never want to do: go back down these dark corridors. The impressive scenes will delight horror fans, but the sad story of the Crains will, yes, haunt you for days. The good news: The anthology’s second chapter, The Haunting of Bly Manor, is a similarly engaging gothic romance.
If you were a fan of Howard Overman’s wildly entertaining Misfits, Crazyhead is where you might want to go. Overman’s next show, which first aired in the UK in 2016, is a horror comedy starring Cara Theobold (voice of Tracer in Overwatch) and Susan Wokoma as unlikely friends who bond over being able to see demons that they run rampant in normal society. . Their brilliant double act is at the heart of this thrillingly entertaining series featuring exorcisms, random housemate murders and demonic fathers. Yes, you have to watch it yourself.
Sci-fi
Do you enjoy sci-fi series that play with two timelines? Do you have a special place for cults and mysteries? Meet Archive 81. The genre-bending show stars Mamoudou Athie as Dan Turner, an archivist who sets out to restore a collection of damaged videotapes from the 1990s. He gets a lot more than he bargained for when he becomes involved in an investigation into a mysterious cult and a young woman who may or may not be dead. A supernatural thriller with horror, mystery, noir and sci-fi infused with an eerie atmosphere, Archive 81 has it all.
Germany’s answer to Stranger Things purposely takes its time before stepping into completely compelling and original places. A sci-fi noir, Dark folds time travel, conspiracies, and estranged families into a multi-generational story set in motion by the disappearance of a child. If you’re looking for these kinds of finely crafted layers in your storytelling, you’re in for a treat. All three seasons of Darko’s meditative look at time travel and its effect on human nature are waiting to hit you full force.
This wouldn’t be the best list without Stranger Things. If you somehow missed the Duffer Brothers’ ode to ’80s horror and Steven Spielberg, things are about to get tubular. We follow El, a nearly mute girl who has been the subject of scientific experiments. He develops telekinetic powers, which he uses to defend himself against monsters invading from a terrifying alternate dimension. The world of Indiana, Hawkins, is lovingly detailed for anyone in need of a nostalgic 80s hit, and the misfit characters played by a young star-studded cast are part of everything that makes this show a tour de force.
Full disclosure: Netflix unfortunately canceled Passengers after its third season, but this meticulously crafted Canadian sci-fi manages to end with an ambitious bang. We begin with Marcy, a disabled woman who was beaten after helping a friend escape from thugs. Dies — then revives. Driven by strong characters, this sci-fi unravels its secrets in cunning ways, following operatives from the future tasked with preventing society from collapsing while navigating the complex territory of a double life.
While Charlie Brooker’s dark tech anthology series can be hit and miss, Black Mirror at its best contains its mini-movies by exploring futuristic technological ideas through painful human stories. One of these is San Junipero, which follows two women in the 1980s (a cracking soundtrack) as they fall for each other in ways they couldn’t in their “real” lives outside of a coastal town. The technical side is revealed with genius timing, and overall the show explores the implications of our connected lives in disturbing and occasionally uplifting ways.
Drama
Denmark’s darker answer to The West Wing. Borgen is the epitome of sophisticated political drama, telling the inspiring fictional story of how Birgitte Nyborg Christensen (Sidse Babett Knudsen) becomes Denmark’s first female prime minister against all odds. Produced by the same company behind The Killing, Borgen is four impactful seasons of one woman’s complex and complicated rise to power.
Margaret Qualley is the heart of this memoir-based miniseries. The Maid follows Alex, a young mother trying to support her daughter by working as a cleaner. Alex’s task is made a bit more difficult by an abusive relationship, poverty, homelessness and more. But it’s not all heavy subject matter, with light and charming moments that give Maid that extra shine. More than just a moving story that is expertly crafted, The Handmaiden solidifies Qualley as a major star.
The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
How to make chess the exciting center of a coming-of-age story? You mix it up with a cocktail of stylish visuals, a haunting 60s soundtrack, and the magnetic Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon, one of the world’s youngest (and rarest) female chess players. Named after the chess intro, the fictional story in The Queen’s Gambit follows her rise from an orphanage to overthrowing the world’s best players—if only her drug addiction and sacks of wine bottles don’t get in the way.
This miniseries is based on a memoir and is told primarily in Yiddish with meticulous detail. The near-thriller Unorthodox follows 19-year-old Esty Shapiro, who runs away from her arranged marriage in an ultra-Orthodox community in Brooklyn. She ends up in Berlin, where she explores a new life outside of the strict beliefs she grew up in, but her community doesn’t let her go so easily. With a stunning performance by Shire Haas, Unorthodox lets you step into a relentlessly compelling world.
This miniseries places itself firmly in the Western genre with an all-female cast that boasts Merritt Weaver and Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery. With vistas of 1880s New Mexico swirling around him, Godless draws violence in a story that sees an outlaw on the run from his boss seeking refuge with an outcast widower. Oh, Jeff Daniels is in it too, if the show wasn’t enticing enough.
Lavish is one word to describe the production values of The Crown, a drama about the British monarchy. Following the life of Queen Elizabeth II, beginning in her twenties with a powerful performance by Claire Foy, The Crown captures the majestic workings of historic events deep within Buckingham Palace. Characters such as Winston Churchill, Princess Margaret, Margaret Thatcher and others are treated with the highest cinematic sophistication. Seasons five and six are on their way to round out your knowledge of the Queen’s reign in the early 21st century.
Fantasy
One of the best TV shows of 2021 was an animated series. That’s right – if you’re averse to animation, Arcane is a show that will change your mind. The action adventure introduces us to the steampunk world of Piltover and Zaun, two cities grinding on opposing values and wealth. Then there’s Violet (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell), two sisters torn apart by tragedy and struggling to survive. Arcane is the kind of moving portrait that gets under your skin, just like Pixar. The characters will bring you to tears. A must see.
Based on the comic by Jeff Lemire, this fantasy is the definition of weird and wonderful. Sweet Tooth follows Gus (a stellar Christian Convery), a half-deer, half-human child who lives in a sheltered forest with his father, Pubba (Will Forte). The events surrounding The Great Crumble, a viral pandemic, take Gus on an adventure that branches off down mysterious, action-packed, and highly entertaining paths. Echoes of real-world struggles can be heard in the treetops of this immersive, immersive fantasy world. Fans of the genre, settle in for this fantastic ride.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
We weren’t prepared for The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. The fantasy series that was canceled after one season is a true gem. A prequel to Jim Henson’s 1982 film, the series returns to the planet Thra, where three Gelflings instigate a rebellion against the utterly diabolical Skeksis. The puppetry and the performances – a stunning cast including Taron Edgerton, Anya Taylor-Joy and Nathalie Emmanuel – creep up on you. You’ll find yourself deeply involved in the lives of the poor, downtrodden Gelflings, and you’ll be just as hurt as the puppets whenever one of them is hurt. A complete fantasy epic, built with love, care and stunning detail.
Crime
Based on a true rape story, this miniseries deftly navigates its disturbing and complex subject matter with the help of Kaitlyn Dever’s outstanding performance. She plays Marie, a teenager who is accused of lying about being raped, but of course it gets more complicated. Toni Collette and Merritt Wever team up as skilled detectives who see what others can’t, adding another layer to the sensitive, powerfully moving triumph of The Incredibles.
Ave DuVernay’s When They See Us is one of those demanding but essential viewings. It depicts the true events of the 1989 Central Park Jogger case involving five black men who were falsely accused of rape and assault. Not just a sensitive emphasis on the boys’ humanity, When They See Us demands outrage at the injustice of systemic racism.
Four fascinating seasons of The Sinner await, each focusing on a murder committed by an unlikely perpetrator under even stranger circumstances. The first season follows Jessica Biel’s Cora, who stabs a man to death on the beach in a sudden frenzy, but doesn’t know why. Bill Pullman’s detective Ambrose must unravel the shockingly disturbing events embedded in her psyche that have triggered her.
This series is loved by many (and Netflix loves you for it), but if you haven’t heard what all the fuss is about, Money Heist is, yes, a heist. The mastermind doing the preparatory work on Ocean’s Eleven Levels with equally satisfying revelations is the Professor. He has banks in his sights and we see how his complicated plans come together with flashbacks, time jumps and even an unreliable narrator. This is compelling television with a distinctly Spanish identity — don’t let the subtitles put you off.
American Vandal (2017-2018)
The first two seasons of this mockumentary series broke out on Netflix with a strong combination of bad humor and social commentary. A parody of true crime documentaries like Netflix’s Making a Murderer, American Vandal follows the aftermath of a high school prank gone wrong. After 27 college cars are fatally vandalized with gruesome phallic imagery, a few sophomores must solve the crime before the wrong person is expelled forever. Yes, this is satire. But he weaves a surprisingly engrossing mystery that creates an accurate larger picture of modern high school life. A great achievement.
This miniseries is from a few years ago, but if you missed it, it’s definitely worth watching. In the spirit of The Sinner, Alias Grace returns to the past of its young protagonist to find out why she committed a murder she does not remember. The adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel stars the mesmerizing Sarah Gadon as Irish immigrant Grace, who navigates a turbulent life as a family servant in colonial Toronto. Partly based on a true story, this is not a simple mystery with easy answers, and that makes it all the more appealing.
David Fincher directs a bunch of episodes in this psychological crime thriller that spans two seasons (a third is on hold indefinitely), so precise visuals and captivating stories are a given. Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) is an FBI special agent sent to interview serial killers in prison to build a profile of what makes them tick. Cameron Britton as real-life serial killer Ed Kemper is downright creepy. Mindhunter is smarter and richer than your average crime show, somehow growing with its complex characters. It would be a shame if there wasn’t a third season (although it seems like there is).
Drug kingpin Pablo Escobar is the subject of this yes, addictive series that races through his rise to infamous cocaine distributor and billionaire. A true story mixed with archival footage, Narcos manages to present Escobar’s sympathetic side without undermining the weight of its material. Additionally, the DEA’s hunt to take down Escobar adds to the tension. After completing the three series, head to Narcos: Mexico, a companion series that focuses on the illegal drug trade in Mexico.
Netflix has wisely acquired the rights to Peaky Blinders and there are five seasons, with the upcoming sixth being the last to cross the astonishing rise of Birmingham gang leader Thomas Shelby in 1900. Get ready for a captivating performance by Cillian Murphy in this family saga that has a fantastic amount of fun and flair showing Shelby’s dealings with other gangs, the police and the occasional lover.
Romance
If you’re looking for a flawless new happy place to move to, look no further. Heartstopper is a bright spark of a coming-of-age series that tells an LGBTQ+ love story with compassion and grace (and nobody dies). Charlie falls in love with Nick, but Nick is still figuring out his sexuality. With real teenagers playing teenagers, fleshed-out characters and little animations reminiscent of Alice Oseman’s graphic novel of the same name, Heartstopper is a safe, joyful, life-affirming queer romance. A must see.
Known as Jane Austen but with sex, this period piece offers a different take on the early 19th century dating scene. With sumptuous production designs and colorful costumes, this is Regency London like you’ve rarely seen. The amorous adventures of the Bridgerton siblings are captured in a scandalous newsletter written by Regency London’s version of Gossip Girl, voiced by none other than Julie Andrews. Settle in for this gorge worth a visit.
This Judd Apatow creation brings out the best in the talented Gillian Jacobs (Community’s Britta) and Paul Rust. They play Mickey and Gus, respectively, a pair of opposites attracted to messy, frustrating and endearingly down-to-earth places that make this an honest look at a relationship that builds over time. Iris Apatow stands out as the hapless kid, Gus the Instructors actress, who gets away with almost everything.
Easy, enjoyable viewing with a premise ripe for embarrassing humor. Helplessly in love, Dylan discovers he has chlamydia, so he must track down past relationships and inform them that they might have it too. The backstory keeps us on our toes, especially when we focus on Dylan and best friend Evie’s feelings for each other. It never strays into bland territory, with an eccentric but endearing supporting cast playing English housemates in a Glasgow setting.
Comedy
Comedy-drama with Sandra Oh? The chair is elevated due to Oh’s flawless charm. Set in the fictional Pembroke University, The Chair follows Oh’s professor Ji-Yoon Kim, the newly appointed head of the English language department. She is the first woman to be chosen for the position and faces an uphill battle to move the antiquated department along with the changing times. With astute observations about academia, stunning performances by Holland Taylor as a senior faculty member, and ambitious social commentary, The Chair reaches worthy heights.
Never Have I Ever (2020—)
Devi is an average high school girl who wants nothing more than to be cool and have a boyfriend. But after his father’s death, it’s hard to stay diligent. Mindy Kaling’s coming-of-age story covers familiar ground, but still stands out from the crowd in several ways. Get this: Its narrator is John McEnroe. The sports connection is just one layer of this surprising show about a Native American family living in California. You’ve seen these stories before, but not with these unique characters.
Julie and the Phantoms (2020—)
Before any judgement, stick with the silly premise of Juliet and the Phantoms. Julie is a teenager who accidentally calls a boy band from the 90s — The Phantoms. While Julie helps the band realize their potential, they help her enjoy music and life again after her mother’s death. As usual in music, the catchy tunes will carry you through the happy, hilariously fun and of course romance filled first season. Ghost jokes included.
Comedian Mae Martin’s Feel Good really tries to do what it says on the tin. It follows repressed George (Charlotte Ritchie) who falls in love with Martin’s Mae after seeing her stand-up show. In their London romance, George struggles to come out to his middle-class friends and family, while Canadian Mae has a drug problem, making their love even more difficult. A confidently told story with a sense of humor that’s there from the get-go, Feel Good oozes sweetness and grace.
Binging Sex Education is a no-brainer: the self-aware, John Hughes-obsessed mix of American and British high school culture is a joy to watch. We follow Otis (Asa Butterfield), the son of a sex therapist (Gillian Anderson), as he embarks on his own sexual awakening. Explicit speech and scenes about sexuality are handled in refreshingly wholesome and honest ways. Built around a diverse cast of pure charisma, the show gets even bigger in Season 3.
Russian Doll takes its Groundhog Day premise and rips it apart in the most unpredictable of ways. Natasha Lyonne is the crackling spark at the center of his time loop, playing Nadia, a game developer who keeps dying on her 36th birthday party night. Co-created by Amy Poehler, the show uses time travel to explore self-reflection on a whole new level, making this a one-of-a-kind date for sure.
At first, Cobra Kai, the series based on the Karate Kid movies, might sound like a cynical spinoff of a money-making martial arts franchise. But it’s become one of Netflix’s most popular shows, thanks to well-written characters and a good dose of nostalgia. The series follows Johnny Lawrence, 34 years after Daniel LaRusso jumped in his face. From this subversive perspective, Cobra Kai is four seasons of self-aware, lighthearted, and heartfelt fun.
Another unmissable show, Derry Girls follows the misadventures of Erin and her friends in 1990s Derry, Ireland. Their teenage troubles are linked to the antics of their equally funny parents, and the action takes place against the backdrop of the conflict in Northern Ireland. While you may draw comparisons to The Inbetweeners, Derry Girls draws from its own well of sweet charm, and the historical context paves the way for surprisingly dark humor.
This dark comedy miniseries stars Emma Stone and Jonah Hill as two strangers, Annie and Owen, who sign up for a mysterious pharmaceutical trial (because it’s a good idea) that results in wild, often harrowing dreams. Anchored in stunningly crafted visuals, Maniac is a multi-layered dive into the subconscious. Which means it’s dark and unpredictable, with a surprising touch of warm sentimental stuff.
A show inspired by the true story of the first women’s professional wrestling union in the 1980s? Is Alison Brie playing? Produced by Jenji Kohan? Dreams do come true. A thoroughly entertaining comedy from GLOW, full of eccentric female characters, triumphant team-camping and leapfrogging. The third season progresses deeper into the lives of its diverse group and moves the series to Las Vegas. A fourth and final season was in the works, but unfortunately the production fell victim to the pandemic and Netflix canceled the show.
Dear White People (2017-2021)
This provocatively titled show offers a timely look at modern race relations through the eyes of a different character each episode. Following several black students at Winchester, an Ivy League institution, Dear White People manages to combine its social commentary with a sharp sense of humor. With its fourth and final season now in the books, it’s still a big eye-opener.
The End of The F***ing World (2017-2019)
If you like your dark British humour, look no further than The End of The F***ing World. Psychopath James (Alex Lawther) comes up with a plan to kill Alyssa (Jessica Barden) while on the run from his sleazy parents. But when they cross the open road and commit some violent crimes, their callous hearts soften and they develop feelings for each other. Surprising, fast-paced and surreal, both seasons of this deadpan teen show will blow your mind with the best sad doo-wop from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Before electrifying everyone with the literally perfect Fleabag, Phoebe Waller-Bridge wrote a six-part comedy that showcased the early stages of her astonishing talent. Crashing follows six twenty-somethings who live in an abandoned hospital and casually follow the strict rules in exchange for cheap rent. The quirky characters subvert expectations wherever hilariously possible, with Waller-Bridge appearing as the ukulele-playing Lulu. Not only does she disrupt the set-up of Friends, but she occasionally finds herself in stunningly dark situations (see overly sensitive Aunt Gladys).
At first glance a comedy about a 30-year-old New Yorker who loves his pasta, Master of None incidentally adds nuanced and touching episodes about immigrant families and their second generation of children. Then he drops the whole Tinder episode. Dev’s relatable experiences are interwoven with the wit and charm of creator and star Aziz Ansari, and personal controversies aside, the romantic and cultural themes he explores are remarkably mature. Season 3 takes things down a different path again, starring Lena Waithe and Naomi Ackie. Ansari makes an appearance in the episode to let us know where Dev stands in his love life.
Call My Agent! (2015-2020)
Thinking of diving into more of Netflix’s international content? French comedy Call my agent! hosts an ever-growing list of famous actors playing themselves, from French stars to Americans like Sigourney Weaver (!) in recent seasons. But we see the world of show business from the perspective of long-time agents, including Camille Cottin’s scene-stealing agent Andréa Martel, who dismisses male colleagues by saying things like: “When I went from boys to girls, it was like graduating from the sandbox to the football field .” A brilliant four-season series that pokes fun at the entertainment industry (a fifth season and a TV movie are on the way).
BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
When it comes to cartoons that let your guard down before surprising you with thoughts on mental health, BoJack Horseman takes the cake. Set in LA, full of anthropomorphic animals, it follows a washed-up ex-sitcom star who tries to climb back to his former glory by publishing an autobiography. While it may take you a while to digest this unconventional cocktail at first, BoJack Horseman soon surprises you with its truths about battling depression and addiction on the way to getting your life back on track.
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