The 30 best Netflix shows to stream in the US – your casino guide

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Working out what the best Netflix shows are can be a daunting task. There’s so much choice on the world’s biggest streamer these days, so your head might be in a spin over what’s worth watching this weekend.

That’s where we come in. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 30 best TV series on Netflix, with a wide range of genres catered for. No matter what type of show you’re craving, then, you’ll find something worth streaming after the long work week.

The latest entry in our best Netflix shows article is The Watcher, another thriller series from the creative mind of Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story). If it’s even half as popular as Murphy’s other recent Netflix hit – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story – it’ll be another fantastic win for the streaming giant, which has been hit by multiple issues throughout 2022.

Without further ado, then, here are the 30 best Netflix shows for US viewers as of October 14, 2022.

The 30 best Netflix shows for UK audiences

The Watcher

The titular Watcher stares at the Brannock family's home in their Netflix thriller series

The Watcher is inspired by true events. (Image credit: Eric Liebowtiz/Netflix)

From acclaimed creator Ryan Murphy, The Watcher is the latest addition to Netflix’s burgeoning thriller-centric back catalog.

Inspired by true events, The Watcher tells the story of the Brannock family, who begin receiving regular, ominous letters from someone calling themselves The Watcher after they move into their new New Jersey home. As the Brannocks become increasingly concerned about the anonymous individual, sinister neighborhood secrets start to make themselves known, threatening the Brannocks’ safety and sanity.

With a cast including Naomi Watts, Bobby Cannavale, and Jennifer Coolidge, The Watcher is packed with star power to go alongside its spooky jump scares, taut thriller moments, and foreboding and creeping sense of terror. It’s arguably not as strong as some of Murphy’s other TV offerings, but its unsettling nature makes for a pleasing rollercoaster of emotions.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

The Midnight Club

The members of The Midnight Club stand in a circle next to a roaring fire in Netflix's TV adaptation of the mystery-thriller novel

The Midnight Club is Mike Flanagan’s latest thrilling Netflix offering. (Image credit: Eike Schroter/Netflix)

The Midnight Club is the latest Netflix offering from horror-thriller director Mike Flanagan, and it’s certainly packed with jump scares and spooky goings on.

The tale of seven terminally ill children, who convent every midnight to tell each other ghostly stories inside Rotterdam House amid a wider mystery surrounding the hospice, does what Flanagan’s works do best, too. In our Midnight Club review, we said it “doesn’t aim to dazzle with twists, turns, or insomnia-inducing frights. Its message boasts a more straightforward alchemy – the relevance of storytelling in our mortality.” A thrilling, horror-imbued show packaged with a bout of existentialism? Sign us up.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Entergalactic

Kid Cudi's Jabari and Jessica Williams' Meadow take a photo together in Netflix's Entergalactic

Entergalactic is another stunning example of how Netflix is reshaping animated TV shows. (Image credit: Netflix)

This adult-oriented musical drama might be viewed as a corporate cash-grab-style show that’s been made to sell numerous copies of Kid Cudi’s most recent album.

However, it’s anything but. Entergalactic is a gorgeous, eye-popping series that, like Arcane, sets Netflix’s animated offerings apart from its streaming competitors. It’s a celebration of Black culture, music, and fashion, and packages them altogether in a tightly woven, multi-genre, and musically-led story that audiences will be able to relate to in some form.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

Evan Peters' Jeffrey Dahmer stands up in court in Netflix's horrifying drama series Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is a truly unsettling watch. (Image credit: Netflix)

Based on true events, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is a truly unsettling watch that many Netflix subscribers have been shocked by. That hasn’t stopped it dominating the charts in a similar vein to Stranger Things 4, though.

The shocking crime biopic dramatizes events where infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer gruesomely murdered 17 innocent victims – and got away with doing so for nearly 15 years, despite the increasingly desperate and vociferous pleas of those who knew what he had done.

Unsurprisingly, it’s a very grim and deeply disturbing watch. Evan Peters delivers a discomforting performance as Dahmer, with the show’s supporting cast equally captivating as the individuals swept up in this macabre tale of human cruelty, dereliction of duty, and broken sociopolitical systems.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

The main characters in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners walk in a line towards the camera

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners delivers gratuitous violence and other adult material in this Netflix anime series. (Image credit: Netflix)

Based on CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 videogame, Edgerunners is an anime spin-off series that delivers gratuitous violence, high-octane action, and mature themes in spades. The 10-episode series comes from Studio Trigger, a Tokyo-based studio whose other fan favorite works include Little Witch Academia, Star Wars: Visions, and Kill la Kill.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a majestic looking show packed with fraught relationships, frenetic and brutally gory set-pieces, and thought provoking material that ask what it means to be human in a sci-fi dystopia riddled with immeasurable sociopolitical issues. Fans of animation, Cyberpunk, or both will want to catch this one as soon as possible.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Cobra Kai

Daniel, William, Chozen, and Amanda stand in a line staring at something off screen in Cobra Kai season 5

Cobra Kai has become one of Netflix’s most beloved TV shows. (Image credit: Netflix)

Once a YouTube original, Netflix snapped up the rights to Karate Kid continuation TV show Cobra Kai and turned it into a smash hit. Set 34 years after Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) was defeated by Danny LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), the former opens the Cobra Kai dojo once more to teach a new generation of kids how to fight. This sparks Johnny and Danny’s old rivalry, and the action spins out from there.

If you love Karate Kid, this show is a lot of fun, and both its leads are in surprisingly great condition considering they’re each performing fight stunts in their fifties. The show’s fifth season is available now and, as one of the best Netflix shows around, you won’t want to miss it.

Seasons on Netflix: 5

The Sandman

Dream and Johanna Constantine share a private conversation in episode 3 of Netflix's The Sandman

The Sandman is a perfect example of making a faithful TV adaptation of a beloved comic book series. (Image credit: Netflix)

The Sandman is a stunning example of how a legendary comic book series – or any reading-based material – should be adapted. Based on Neil Gaiman’s iconic dark fantasy works, The Sandman tells the tale of Morpheus (Tom Sturridge), aka Dream/the titular Sandman, one of seven immortal beings called the Endless and ruler of the Dream Dimension, who sets out to retrieve his magical items and restore his kingdom to its former glory after 100 years of captivity on Earth.

The Sandman’s story may sound pretty simplistic, but it’s so much more than that. It weaves a multi-narrative tapestry full of thrilling drama, captivating characters, fantasy-based horror, and rich thematic resonance. Check out our spoiler-free season 1 review and exclusive chat with its cast and crew for more.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

The Umbrella Academy

The Hargreeves family prepare to fight in The Umbrella Academy season 3 on Netflix

The Umbrella Academy is a great superhero series on Netflix. (Image credit: Netflix)

Based on the comic books written by My Chemical Romance’s Gerard Way and illustrated by Gabriel Bá, The Umbrella Academy is Netflix’s self-developed superhero original. And it’s a fantastic watch to boot.

After 43 babies are born to women who showed no signs of pregnancy, seven are adopted by billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves, who trains them to save the world using their powers. After the family becomes estranged, they are reunited once more when their father dies and are forced to come to terms with their past and the danger that lurks in their future. 

Starring Elliot Page and an amazing ensemble, The Umbrella Academy is flamboyant, dark, and gratifyingly violent: all the ingredients you need for a great superhero series. Read our spoiler-free review on the show’s third season before finding out why one of the best Netflix shows is only returning for one final season.

Seasons on Netflix: 3

Peaky Blinders

Tommy Shelby with glasses looking afar from side angle in Peaky Blinders season 6

Peaking Blinders’ final season has landed on Netflix US. (Image credit: BBC)

Loosely based on the real-life Peaky Blinders gang that menacingly patrolled the UK’s streets in the late 19th and early 20th century, the show largely follows the exploits of Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), the ambitious and cunning leader of the Shelby family. The series charts the rise and fall of the Shelbys as they navigate the changing landscape at home and abroad, trying to stay one step ahead of the authorities while simultaneously tackling global issues including the prohibition era and the rise of fascism in the 1930s.

The sixth season holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (opens in new tab) – the same as seasons 2 and 3 do – so expect a rip-roaring finale to one of the best British shows of recent years. A movie is thought to be in its pre-production phase, so we won’t be saying goodbye to Tommy and the gang just yet.

Seasons on Netflix: 6

Stranger Things

Max levitates in the air to the shock of her friends in Stranger Things season 4

Stranger Things is one of the best Netflix shows of all time. (Image credit: Netflix)

Stranger Things is a brilliant homage to ’80s pop culture. Leaning heavily on Spielberg, John Carpenter and Stephen King – so much King, in fact – the story revolves around a small town, a group of friends, a missing person and a dodgy science lab. Writing anything else would give away the myriad twists in a show that is full of creepy fun, superhero-esque action, thrilling mysteries, and devilishly gruesome horror.

In our spoiler-free Stranger Things 4 review, we called it “a hugely ambitious gamble” that’s full of “absorbing, action-packed, and horror-fuelled entry that’s bursting with revelations aplenty”. Read our season 4 part 2 ending explainer to find out how Stranger Things’ latest entry sets up its fifth and final season, too. It’s one of the best Netflix shows ever and, once you’re hooked, we’re sure you’ll agree.

Seasons on Netflix: 4

Love, Death & Robots

A screenshot of the Jibaro episode in Love, Death and Robots volume 3

Love, Death and Robots is a great R-rated anthology series to stream on Netflix. (Image credit: Netflix)

Like most (if not all) anthologies, the quality of Adult CG animated anthology Love, Death and Robots varies between episodes. But taken as a larger work, this show has a lot to give. The ideas vary wildly between comedy, horror, action, and drama, with a dark touch at the heart of the series – what happens if a home-cleaning unit starts trying to kill its owner? What happens if a yoghurt tries to secure world domination? Sometimes, an episode is as simple as a woman being on the run from a killer after witnessing a horrible murder.

The episodes are super short, so you’ll fire through it in a weekend if you can stomach the good and bad (though mostly bad) things that happen to its eclectic cast of characters. Love, Death and Robots offers some of the best sci-fi thrills on Netflix. And, if you wish to weigh up your opinion of every episode against ours, this handy ranked list of every Love, Death and Robots story should be top of your agenda.

Seasons on Netflix: 3

Heartstopper

Joe Locke's Charlie scowls as he heads to school in Heartstopper on Netflix

Heartstopper is a wonderful teen romance show available now on Netflix. (Image credit: Netflix)

Based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novel series of the same name, Heartstopper is a romantic coming-of-age tale that’s been hailed as one of the best Netflix shows of recent times.

Heartstopper stars Joe Locke as Charlie Spring, a gentle schoolboy who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Kit Connor’s rugby-obsessed Nick Nelson. It isn’t long before the pair realize that a blossoming romance is developing between them, however, forcing them to confront (and accept) who they are and what they want out of life and a relationship.

It’s an empathetic, sweet, relatable, and emotional tale about self-discovery, friendship, teen love, and queerness. Based on its immense popularity, it seems that Heartstopper is worth the hype. Good job that two more seasons are on the way.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Russian Doll

Nadia looks uneasy as she stands on a subway train in Russian Doll season 2

Russian Doll is one of the best Netflix shows we’ve ever seen. (Image credit: Netflix)

Orange Is The New Black’s Natasha Lyonne stars in this dark comedy as Nadia, a wisecracking New Yorker who keeps dying and reliving her 36th birthday party in a surreal time loop – much like Groundhog Day. 

The show’s second season sees Nadia and fellow time-traveler Alan (Charlie Barnett) finding themselves able to travel through time, rather than being endlessly trapped in the past experiencing the same day over and over again.

With its cynical and witty examination of living and dying, Russian Doll switches rapidly between laugh-out-loud hilarity and devastating sadness, all the while exploring such an existential topic through a sci-fi lens. It’s a must-watch and one of the best Netflix shows to date.

Seasons on Netflix: 2

Better Call Saul

Bob Odenkirk's Saul struggles with the heat in Better Call Saul on Netflix

Better Call Saul is a worthy spin-off to Vince Gilligan’s acclaimed Breaking Bad series. (Image credit: Netflix)

How do you follow up on one of the biggest shows in history? This is how. Better Call Saul is a prequel masterclass to the famous Breaking Bad, filling in the murky backstory of the garishly-dressed hustler lawyer, Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman, and gradually crafting characters engrossing, unpredictable, and engaging enough to justify its existence in its own right.

This tale of Jimmy’s descent into the criminal, drug-infested circles of Albuquerque takes place eight years before that of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, and is often slower and less action-packed than Breaking Bad. All six seasons are available now, so catch it while it’s a hot topic of conversation among your peers.

Seasons on Netflix: 6

Bridgerton

Best Netflix shows: Golda Rosheuvel's Queen Charlotte stands proud in Bridgerton season 2

Bridgerton is one of Netflix’s most popular TV series of all-time. (Image credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix)

This bold and sexually-charged Netflix period drama, based on Julia Quinn’s romance novels, follows a coterie of young socialites as they navigate a season of balls, betrothals, and betrayals in 1813 London. Oh, and they attempt to outmanoeuvre the mysterious Lady Whistledown, whose ‘gossip sheets’ are able to make or break a debutante’s reputation overnight.

It’s largely a blast, with sharp screenwriting, costumes, and backdrops bursting with colour, as well as playful covers of Taylor Swift or Ariana Grande on period-appropriate instruments. Its diverse casting is a relief, too, underlining Bridgerton’s willingness to modernise and shake up an often stuffy genre. It’s not all smooth sailing, particularly in its troublesome treatment of sexual assault in one unfortunately memorable episode in season 1. Still, is inclusion in our best Netflix shows list is a necessity. 

Seasons on Netflix: 2

Vikings Valhalla

Harald Hardrada battles some Anglo-Saxons in Vikings Valhalla season 1 on Netflix

Vikings Valhalla is a decent historical drama available to stream on Netflix (Image credit: Netflix/Bernard Walsh)

Set 100 years after the events depicted in the joint History Channel-Prime Video series, Vikings Valhalla focuses on the final decades of the Viking era, which will culminate in their final defeat during the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066.

Netflix’s quasi-sequel doesn’t reinvent much of what viewers will have previously seen. But, if you were a fan of Vikings’ historical drama, regular clashing of metal, and study of character and sociopolitics, Valhalla is worth checking out. And so is our chat with the show’s cast, which contains some intriguing information about how Valhalla differentiates itself from its predecessor.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Ozark

The Byrde family looking menacing in Ozark on Netflix

Ozark is one of the best Netflix crime drama shows around. (Image credit: Netflix)

Netflix’s Breaking Bad-esque family crime thriller was popular before the pandemic – then the arrival of a new season in 2020 seemed to supercharge interest in the show. Jason Bateman plays Marty Byrde, a financial advisor who drags his family to the Missouri Ozarks in order to launder hundreds of millions of dollars, and keep a cartel boss off his back. Laura Linney plays his wife, Wendy, who arguably develops more than any other character over the course of its twist-heavy run.

It’s not always an easy viewing experience, but Ozark is a solid prestige drama with a great ensemble cast. Season 4, divided into two parts, officially closed out the series.

Seasons on Netflix: 4

The Witcher

Geralt of Rivia stares menacingly into the camera in The Witcher season 2

The Witcher is still one of the best Netflix fantasy shows around. (Image credit: Jay Maidment/Netflix)

The Witcher is a TV adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s best-selling books, which have also been adapted into a series of popular games. Henry Cavill plays monster hunter Geralt of Rivia in a story that spans decades and wars between nations. And with season 2 uniting him with other fan favorite characters from the novels, the show’s second outing is even better than the first.

The Witcher doesn’t quite feel like ‘prestige’ TV in the way Game of Thrones tried to be, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s an enjoyable, funny, action-packed and dramatic fantasy series that’ll delight Witcher fans and more casual viewers. Season 3 has finished filming and will launch on Netflix in summer 2023. Spin-off show Blood Origin arrives on December 25, 2022, too.

Seasons on Netflix: 2

Arcane

Vi punches an enemy in Arcane season 1 on Netflix

Arcane was a surprise hit among Netflix subscribers in late 2021. (Image credit: Netflix/Riot Games)

Developed by Riot Games, Arcane is a prequel story set in the beloved world of League of Legends (LoL). Set before the events of the fan favorite MOBA, Arcane follows the likes of Vi (Hailee Steinfeld), Jinx (Ella Purnell) and Jayce (Kevin Alejandro) as they embark on their respective journeys towards becoming the heroes and villains of Riot’s multiplayer game.

With its all-star cast, beautifully unique visuals from French studio Fortiche Productions, and a tale that’s built on explosive action and heart breaking narratives, Arcane isn’t just a show that services LoL fans. No matter if you’re a diehard fan or a relative newcomer to the franchise, Arcane will wow you in equal measure. And, with a second season on the way, there’ll be more awesome animation and story content to come from one of the best Netflix shows ever.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

You

Penn Badgley's Joe looks out of a window in You on Netflix

You is a thriller show that’s worth streaming on Netflix. (Image credit: JOHN P. FLEENOR/NETFLIX)

You tells the story of Joe Goldberg, a New York bookstore manager who becomes infatuated with aspiring writer Guinevere Beck. What ensues is a toxic behavioral journey where Goldberg removes any obstacle in his way in his pursuit of Beck – a chase that winds up turning Goldberg into a city-jumping, identity-changing individual who constantly tries to escape his past, only to find himself falling into old habits.

Just know that this knotty, twist-heavy and sometimes outrageous show is perfect if you’re in the right frame of mind for it. Somehow, despite focusing on a character that’s so toxic on paper, it manages to keep you engaged with every beat – no wonder Netflix renewed it for a fourth season, which was announced to be coming in two parts at Tudum 2022.

Seasons on Netflix: 3

Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld wears a weird looking white shirt in Seinfeld

Seinfeld is one of the most popular third-party shows on Netflix. (Image credit: Screengrab)

Seinfeld is a show about friends Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer, and the various preposterous social situations and awkward encounters that make up their lives. Famously known as a sitcom about nothing, it goes against the feel-good underpinning of its ’90s contemporaries and insists its characters never learn any lessons.

That means it’s still wickedly funny years later. The first two seasons of Seinfeld are a bumpy ride, but from season 4 onwards there’s never a bad episode. Check out our best Seinfeld episodes for recommendations on our favorites. The only disappointment about streaming the show on Netflix is the fact it streams solely in widescreen – but for most people that won’t make a big difference.

Seasons on Netflix: 9

Squid Game

A screenshot of the competitors lining up for the next challenge in Squid Game on Netflix

We had to include Squid Game on our best Netflix shows list. (Image credit: Netflix)

Squid Game is Netflix’s biggest TV show ever, breaking all kinds of records that even Stranger Things can’t beat. This South Korean drama comes from the mind of director Hwang Dong-hyuk, and follows a group of indebted citizens invited to risk their lives in a mysterious survival game. 

Given the excited furore that has erupted around the show, though, you probably knew that already. Like Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite before it, Squid Game plays on the concept of class division as a catalyst for violence, satirizing reality television by having 456 contestants duke it out in a series of child-friendly games with deadly twists. It definitely leans on tropes first established by Battle Royale (which itself inspired The Hunger Games series), but this show is nonetheless an original and exhilarating way to while away your evenings.

A second season in currently in development, as is a satirical series (from original creator Hwang Song-hyuk) about Squid Game’s actual development, so one of the best Netflix shows of all-time will return in multiple capacities soon.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Squid Game

8/10

83%

Midnight Mass

Rahul Kohli's Sheriff Hassan explains something in Midnight Mass on Netflix

Midnight Mass is a superb psychological thriller show on Netflix. (Image credit: EIKE SCHROTER/NETFLIX)

Midnight Mass is about a young man (Zach Gilford) who returns to his secluded island home of Crockett to serve a parole sentence. At the same time, a new priest (Hamish Linklater) arrives just as miraculous events start occurring across the island – leading the whole community to embrace religion in an unprecedented fashion. Something dark, however, lurks beneath the surface of this place.

There’s a touch of Wicker Man-esque folk horror to this series, which honestly takes a little too long to start getting scary (three episodes, in fact), but it’s well worth binging this 7 episode miniseries. Even though some of its discussions around religion are entirely played out, the characterization here is sharp – and Linklater absolutely steals scenes as a new community leader who you don’t feel like you can trust. 

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Sex Education

Three members of the Sex Education cast looking shocked during an episode of the hit Netflix series

Sex Education was another big hit among Netflix’s global audience when it first launched. (Image credit: Netflix)

Sex Education feels like a beautiful culmination of Netflix’s push for progressive and diverse programming. Set in the picturesque British countryside, Sex Education follows the misadventures of the students, faculty and parents of Moordale Secondary School as they navigate the turbulent waters of sexuality. The show has resonated deeply with fans thanks to its balance of heart warming character work and informative approach to topical issues such as varied sexual identities, gendered power structures, family dynamics, and much more. 

Gillian Anderson and Asa Butterfield lead a stellar cast of fresh faces in this unmissable deep dive into the various ways we express ourselves as sexual beings. Season 4 is currently in development, so we’ll be seeing more of one of the best Netflix shows again soon.

Seasons on Netflix: 3

Money Heist

The crew prepare to rob another bank in Money Heist on Netflix

Money Heist is one of the biggest TV series to air on Netflix. (Image credit: Netflix)

Don’t let the strangely goofy name put you off. Money Heist, or La Casa del Papel as it’s known in Spanish-speaking countries, is a thrilling heist drama about a group of criminals. 

Brought together by an enigmatic figure called The Professor to rob the Royal Mint of Spain, Money Heist is full of dense characterization, big twists and career-making performances in an unusual and clever heist show that’ll grip you right away. 

While it’s been a huge hit with Spanish-speaking viewers, Money Heist has found a big audience in English-speaking nations, too. Whatever you do, though, make sure you switch the default dub off and listen to the original Spanish audio with subtitles. It’ll add to the viewing experience, trust us.

Seasons on Netflix: 3 (divided into five parts)

I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson

Tim Robinson shouts while lying on a couch in I Think You Should Leave

I Think You Should Leave is a well made sketch comedy show on Netflix. (Image credit: Netflix/screengrab)

It won’t take you long to binge both seasons of Tim Robinson’s latest sketch comedy series – each episode is only 15 minutes long. The basic setup of a lot of its sketches is the same: someone performs a faux pas, then takes that awkward moment to such extremes that it escalates in its strangeness. It’s definitely an acquired taste, but then so many of the best things are. 

Episode titles like ‘They have a cake shop there Susan where the cakes just look stunning’ and ‘I need a wet paper towel’ only underline the strangeness. 

Seasons on Netflix: 2

Shadow and Bone

The Grisha prepare to fight in Shadow and Bone season 1 on Netflix

Shadow and Bone is one of the best fantasy shows on Netflix. (Image credit: Netflix)

Netflix has enjoyed plenty of success with its fantasy TV offerings in recent times. Shadow and Bone, then, had plenty to live up to in a genre that also contains The Witcher, but it more than holds its own with an adventurous and twisting plot, investable characters and lots of drama.

It can take a couple of episodes to get into Shadow and Bone, and there could have been a bit more in the way of action. Once you’re invested in its story and characters, though, Shadow and Bone is a world you can easily get lost in – and one you’ll want to. Filming has wrapped on season 2 of Shadow and Bone, with Netflix revealing a first-look teaser at Tudum 2022.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

The Crown

Josh O'Connor's Prince Charles and Emma Corrin's Diana engage in conversation in The Crown season 4

The Crown is another popular period drama that’s exclusive to Netflix. (Image credit: Netflix/Des Willie)

Charting the early years of the Royal Family, particularly the relationship between the Queen (Claire Foy) and Prince Philip (former Doctor Who Matt Smith), the show was written by Peter Morgan and, at £100 million for its first two seasons, is one of the most expensive TV series ever made. Which means there’s enough pomp and ceremony to keep those pining for a Downton Abbey replacement happy.

Season 3 recast the Queen as Olivia Colman and Prince Philip as Tobias Menzies, and season 4 focuses on the growing relationship between Prince Charles (Josh O’Connor) and Diana (Emma Corrin). It’s as engrossing as ever, and six seasons are planned total, with Imelda Staunton playing the Queen in its final two years. We can’t wait for The Crown season 5, which will be with us in November 2022.

Seasons on Netflix: 4

The Queen’s Gambit

The Queen’s Gambit is a thrilling sports drama that all Netflix subscribers should watch. (Image credit: PHIL BRAY/NETFLIX)

This miniseries is a real treat. While the subject of chess might not sound exciting, The Queen’s Gambit manages to weave it together with a tale of self-actualization, romance, and drug abuse. Anya Taylor-Joy stars as Beth Harmon, an orphan trained to play chess by a talented janitor, before she challenges the very male-dominated chess scene with her skills. Essentially, her talents land her a slightly better life, but not without a price. 

Even if you don’t really know how to play chess, these competitive scenes are exciting to watch, and Taylor-Joy does a great job of bringing to life a character whose exceptional talents hide the fact that she’s constantly grappling with addiction. Based on the novel of the same name, this adaptation counts Scott Frank as one of its co-creators, who previously made another of the best Netflix shows – the Western drama Godless. 

This is a great Netflix binge watch: seven episodes is just the right number. Well worth watching, and now a genuine contender among debates surrounding the best Netflix shows ever made.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Mindhunter

A screenshot of two detectives interrogating a witness in Mindhunter on Netflix

Mindhunter is a superb psychological crime thriller that everyone should stream on Netflix. (Image credit: Courtesy of Netflix)

David Fincher is no stranger to Netflix, since he directed the first ever episode of House of Cards, but Mindhunter is Fincher going … well, full Fincher. It’s based on John Douglas’ book of the same name and charts the life of an FBI profiler whose job it is to track serial killers. It’s set in the ’70s and, later, the early ’80s, and sees its trifecta of lead characters interviewing famous serial killers in often tense encounters.

Fincher is extremely hands-on, too, directing four episodes of season one and three of season two. Unfortunately, season 3 is on “indefinite hold”.

Seasons on Netflix: 2

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Author: Logan Hughes