Adam Gunton
As the evenings draw in, our nights would be well spent snuggled up on the sofa with a drink, some snacks and getting lost in some stories. I’ve selected what I think are some of the best original shows on Netflix. If they’ve been sitting on your watch list for a while it’s time to take the plunge and get caught up!
Best Dramas
Mindhunter
Created by Gone Girl’s David Fincher, this series set in the late seventies has two FBI agents interview serial killers in an attempt to solve open cases. Tense and addictive.
Better Call Saul
This is the spin-off to Breaking Bad and many consider it to be the better series, which is high praise indeed. We watch the journey of Jimmy McGill as he becomes crooked lawyer; Saul Goodman.
YOU
Joe thinks he’s a hopeless romantic. He’s actually a twisted, psyopath who beceomes obsessed with and stalks women. A horribly likeable lead makes for an engaging story.
Godless
A murderous out-law leader hunts his ex-protégé who has found refuge in a town, which after a mining disaster, is almost entirely inhabited by women.
American Vandal
This crime mockumentary is so good and so well made, it had many believe it was real. Two teenage filmmakers try to find the true culprit of some “phallic” graffiti.
Ozark
Jason Bateman and Laura Linney effortlessly play against type as a family trying to find their way out of money laundering for a seriously dangerous criminal.
Best Comedies
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
From 30 Rock’s Tina Fey comes a show so weird and wonderful – Kimmy spent years trapped in a bunker and is now living her best quirky life in New York having zany adventures.
The Good Place
Who would have thought a show that focuses on death and philosophy could be this funny? A complete gem that’s as though-provoking as it is hilarious. Ted Danson is on top form as heaven architecht Michael.
Arrested Development
I’m cheating here – this show found a new home on Netflix after season three. It’s comedy gold with jokes planted seasons earlier paying off in spades and delivered by a five star cast. It’s worth a watch for Jessica Walter alone. “I don’t criticise you, and if you’re worried about criticism, sometimes a diet is the best defense.”
Best Period Pieces
The Crown
The history of the Royal Family, told with some creative license.It follows all the big events in the Queen’s life and is likely to be high on people’s watch list following her sad passing.
Bridgerton
The classic period style genre gets a much needed modern refresh. This show stars a diverse cast and it’s full of drama, lust and intrigue. Pride and Predjudice dialled to eleven
Best Reality Show
Best Feel-Good
Queer Eye
More than just a make-over show; the Fab 5 help well deserving people become their best selves from the ground up. It’s powerful, honest and up-lifting. Brace yourself; even the cold-hearted can’t help but shed tears watching this show!
Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life
A special revival; these four feature-length episodes follow the Gilmore Girls as they reach new stages of their lives. The wit and charm of this extended cast will make you dream of a home in Stars Hollow.
Best Scares
Stranger Things
The popularity of this show is well deserved. The quiet town of Hawkins is propelled into mystery when a young boy goes missing. It’s up to his friends and a strange girl with powers to find him.
The Haunting of Hill House
Hill House left a family traumatised after a paranormal encounter. Now the children are grown up and have to deal with the ghosts of their past. Terrifyingly well made.
Best Comedy Dramas
GLOW
Based on a true story, this hilarious and uplifting show is about a group of women who perform as wrestlers during the 1980s. Alison Brie and Marc Maron lead a five star cast.
Master of None
Aziz Ansari, from Parks & Recreation created and starred in this series which addresses issues from race to dating in hilarious and refreshingly honest ways.
Afterlife
Ricky Gervais plays a widower sturggling to live once his soul-mate has passed away. A heartbreaking and honest portryal of grief that still brings the classic Gervais humour.
Russian Doll
Natasha Lyonne plays Nadia,a woman living in New York stuck in a death-loop. She dies and keeps returning to the same point. It’s full of dark humour and very addictive.
Best Fantasies
The Witcher
Based on the popular series of books, Henry Cavill plays Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter. This is like Game of Thrones but wihout the soap-opera drama. Pure fantasy fun with big action.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
A prequal to the 80’s classic. You’ll soon forget you’re watching puppets and find yourself enthralled by the story and characters, staring in disbelief at how they managed to craft this.
Best Animations
BoJack Horseman
BoJack is a washed up actor living in Hollywood. A show about a talking horse and other animals might seem strange but it wears its heart and soul on its sleeve and you’ll find yourself unexpectedly moved more than once.
Love Death + Robots
If you’re looking for something different then look no further. These short stories are strange and addictive and span all sorts of genres, while being beautifully animated.