Welcome to 2017, where cable television is dying while our lord and savior Netflix thrives. At almost 94 million subscribers, it isn’t unreasonable to make a statement like that. With so many people watching, so many differents tastes, and so many shows saturating the website, it can be hard to find something to watch. Follow me as I count down some of my all time favorite shows you can find on Netflix so you can watch them with your crew, your dog or maybe just by yourself. I don’t judge.
Honorable Mention: Stand-Up Specials
As you’ll soon be able to tell, I’m a big fan of comedy. Netflix happens to be one of the best places for comedy, whether you’re a Jeff Dunham (*shudder*) kind of person or a Dave Chappelle, there’s something for you. Some of my personal favorites (in no particular order) are: Jim Gaffigan, John Mulaney, Aziz Ansari, Bo Burnham, Louis C.K., Bill Burr and Hannibal Burress. The best part? Each of these comedians has at least two one-hour specials on Netflix. So pop a squat, grab your buddies and prepare to laugh.
10) The OA
I won’t lie to you, “The OA” is a weird one, but one of the most original concepts I’ve seen in awhile. “The OA” a mystery show so the less you know the better, I’ll be brief with a summary:
-Blind woman goes missing
-Seven years pass
-She comes home
-She’s not blind
9) Criminal Minds
If you haven’t heard of “Criminal Minds”, get out from under the rock. “Criminal Minds” is a dark crime show about a group of FBI profilers solving a variety of murders across the country. Based on true stories, “Criminal Minds” episodes are always interesting to watch, especially for those interested in criminal justice and its process.
The only downside to the show would be the repetitive nature. The structure of each episode goes exactly the same: scene with someone dead, scene with exposition about the criminal, scene where the team goes to the scene of the crime and then chases the bad guy, scene where some mix up or twist happens, scene where bad guy gets caught or killed, roll credits. Despite this, “Criminal Minds” redeems itself with the background lore between the main characters that progresses as the show continues. If you love crime shows and interesting characters, watch “Criminal Minds”.
8) Dear White People
I already wrote a full review of DWP that you can read here, but I have to mention the show again. “Dear White People” is a beautiful, funny show about social injustice, uncomfortable subjects and culture. I believe everyone should watch this show at least once.
7) Archer
With bad influences and secret agent action abound, “Archer,” a hilariously clever spy show, follows Sterling Archer, the world’s best secret agent, as he maneuvers through his misadventures with friends, family and alcoholism. He may be good at completing missions but he’s bad at about everything else.
With appealing and fun to watch characters and stories, in addition to a unique and comical animation style, Archer shouldn’t be passed up.
6) Sherlock
One of the trophy shows of BBC, “Sherlock” is a clever show about a current day Sherlock Holmes with incredible mental abilities solving crimes around Great Britain. Each season consists of only three episodes, each of which take about a movie length long so it feels like you watch a movie trilogy every season. Each story and mystery is very entertaining and witty. Even though “Sherlock” couldn’t be described as realistic, watching Sherlock Holmes solve mysteries is top tier.
Additionally, I adore the characters and the cheeky and clever interactions to boot. “Sherlock” is easily one of the best shows to binge watch.
5) Stranger Things
“Stranger Things” took America by storm last Halloween. Filled with 80s Nostalgia, rad music and unique stories, the sensation came at no surprise. There’s great characters, dialogue, story, and more. I won’t say any more (to avoid spoilers) but “Stranger Things” will make your mind go Upside Down.
4) Arrested Development
Whenever I’m asked to describe or compare “Arrested Development” against other comedy shows, there’s always one thing that makes it stand out: the writing. I can confidently say that Arrested Development has the best writing I’ve ever seen in any show I’ve ever watched. “Arrested Development” is so clever and funny in multiple ways. Every time there’s a joke, it nails it. Every time there’s a pun, it nails it. Every time I watch “Arrested Development”, it nails it. Just watch it.
3) Parks and Recreation
“Parks and Recreation” will always hold a special place in my heart. P&R is hands down one of the funniest and most compelling comedy shows I’ve ever watched. With amazing actors and actresses like Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, Chris Pratt and Nick Offerman I had never cared so much about fictional characters as much as I cared about Ron Swanson, Leslie Knope, Tom Haverford, Ben Wyatt, Andy Dwyer and more. The story is so adorable and ends perfectly.
(Also it’s better than the Office)
2) Breaking Bad
As I get to second and first, I’m struggling to describe the beauty of these shows because the perfect words to describe them don’t exist. “Breaking Bad” deserves that difficulty because it’s that good. I love this show. I can’t emphasize how much I love “Breaking Bad”. Everything just works, even the ending that some people dislike. “Breaking Bad” deals with morality, evil and humanity. Definitely one of the best examples of top tier character development. Following Walter White and Jesse Pinkman was one of the most beautiful journeys I’ve ever been on. If there’s any thriller/drama you should watch, it’s “Breaking Bad”.
1) Black Mirror
Another show I’ve already written a review for due to its fantastic quality. “Black Mirror” is a satirical anthology that really makes you think. Mostly focused on technology, the show covers a variety of topics like virtual reality, social media or virtual vigilantes in a fictional world not to different from ours. Being the most intriguing show that I’ve ever watched, I recommend it in the highest regard. Season four please come faster.
