It's becoming apparent that we live in an internet world where the web television series format is thriving over traditional television. Netflix allows for people to watch what they want whenever they want. Just like how streaming films took over renting DVDs, the Netflix binge-watching model is taking over the TV format. No more waiting a week for new episodes and best of all, no commercials. This list is in no order. Just some great Netflix originals that every person should see.
1. Stranger Things
This show exploded when the first season premiered on Netflix in the summer of 2016 and has been gaining momentum ever since. Set in Indiana during the 1980's, the heavy 80's aesthetic gives it an almost nostalgic like sense. The plot adapts season to season with the initial premise being the search for a missing child but gradually evolves into dealing with supernatural events and paranormal circumstances, such as alternate universes.
The dramatic science fiction horror series captivated audiences everywhere with stunning performances by several child actors such as Millie Bobbie Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and Caleb Mclaughlin, as well as the adult actors such as Winona Ryder and David Harbour. If you haven't gotten the chance to hop on the Stranger Things bandwagon, the whole world strongly urges you to do so.
2. Atypical
This coming of age comedy follows Sam Gardener (Keir Gilchrist), a teenage boy who struggles with autism and is beginning to seek independence and date. The show also follows his family and how his condition affects those around him.
There are background plots and layers to the show that includes the rest of his family dealing with change and their own journeys of self-discovery as well. What the show lacks in, like maybe a better understanding of autism, it makes up for with charm, comedy, and pure intentions that result in a heartwarming story.
3. Master of None
Loosely based on Ansaris real-life experiences, Master of None follows Dev Shah (Aziz Ansari) who is a 30-year-old actor, and his eclectic group of friends getting into shenanigans while Dev tries to figure out what he wants romantically, professionally, and personally.The show's refreshing sense of humor and insightful commentary on a variety of topics such as politics, representation, sexuality, feminism, and stereotypes make it one of the best contemporary comedies.
The show has received critical acclaim and has won three Emmy awards, as well as Aziz Ansari winning a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a television series. Although the show is this successful and is only two seasons in, the future of the show is now in jeopardy with recent sexual misconduct allegations against Aziz Ansari, not to mention fans questioning his true intentions.
4. Black Mirror
Black Mirror is another Netflix series that has exploded onto the scene in recent years. Similar to The Twilight Zone, each episode is a standalone drama with its own unique plot and cast of characters. Black Mirror has gained acclaim for its creative storytelling and shocking twist endings.
It is also known for its tendency to explore themes of techno-paranoia in most episodes and how technology has transformed every aspect of our lives and can control us in a sense.
However, the "San Junipero" episode, which is perhaps the most acclaimed episode of Black Mirror yet, is radically different in tone in which it shows a future where the implications of technology are extremely beneficial.
5. The End of the F***cking World
The British dark comedy series, which is based on the comic series Charles S. Forsman, centers around 2 outcasts embarking on a road trip following a strange chain of events. James (Alex Lawther) is a 17-year-old boy who thinks he is a psychopath. Alyssa (Jessica Barden) is a classmate of James that he initially plans on murdering but their relationship gradually evolves into them becoming each-others love interests.Their road trip snowballs into a series of incidents that include robbery, murder, will inevitably catch up to them as the show goes on.
The pair have great chemistry and strong performances but the subject matter, character development, and writing is what really shines through with the show addressing teenage angst, identity, repressed childhood trauma, and love.
