Welcome to TechRadar's best Netflix shows guide. In this article, we've compiled a list of the 45 best TV series to watch on Netflix, with a number of licensed shows finding a home among a large swathe of the streaming giant's most acclaimed TV Originals.
Netflix is constantly adding new titles to its ever-expanding library, which you can check out in our everything new on Netflix in August 2024 guide. It's also worth reading our everything leaving Netflix in August 2024 list as you might go to watch a show that could be finding a new home on another platform soon.
The streaming giant is filled with new movies and TV shows every month, but to save you from endlessly scrolling through the content mines, have a look at our best Netflix movies to watch in August 2024. In the meantime, if you've got a broad TV palette, you can scroll through our selection to find something new and/or random to stream.
Genre fans can simply navigate to their favorite type of content, too, using the quick-links bar on the left hand side of the page. So, if you're after a brand-new superhero series, such as Supacell or a critically acclaimed romance like One Day to watch, you're only a couple of mouse clicks away from finding your next binge-worthy series on Netflix. Happy streaming!
Best action shows on Netflix
Vikings: Valhalla
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Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 3
Runtime: ~49 minute episodes
Main cast: Sam Corlett, Frida Gustavsson, Leo Suter, Bradley Freegard, Laura Berlin, and David Oakes
Creator: Jeb Stuart
RT score: 95%
Set 100 years after events depicted in Vikings, 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. However, if you were a fan of Vikings' historical drama, regular clashing of metal, and study of character and sociopolitics, Vikings: Valhalla is worth checking out. And so is our season one chat with the show's cast, as well as our exclusive season two talks with showrunner Jeb Stuart and the series' main actors. The third and final season aired in July.
The Flash
Age rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 9
Runtime: ~45 minute episodes
Main cast: Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, and Carlos Valdes
Creators: Greg Berlanti, Geoff Johns, and Andrew Kreisberg
RT score: 89%
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) was been a hot mess before it was consigned to the history books, but it's hoped that new DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU reboot can put it on a firmer footing. While they attempt to turn those fortunes around, the DCEU's defunct TV universe quietly went about their business being a worthwhile watch. The best of that contingent was The Flash, which starred Grant Gustin as Barry Allen/the superpowered speedster and originally aired on The CW channel. Across nine seasons, The Flash proved that superhero TV shows can be popular. It's superbly written, expertly cast, light-hearted in tone, and strikes a pleasing balance between being accessible to newcomers and giving diehard DC fans a series worth streaming. Oh, and it also did the whole multiverse thing earlier (and thousands of times better) than Marvel is currently doing or its DCEU flick of the same name did.
The Umbrella Academy
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 3
Runtime: ~50 minute episodes
Main cast: Aidan Gallagher, Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, Robert Sheehan, David Castañeda, Justin H. Min, and Emmy Raver-Lampman
Creator: Gerard Way
RT score: 86%
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.
The Umbrella Academy is flamboyant, dark, and gratifyingly violent: all the ingredients you need for a great superhero series. Read our review of The Umbrella Academy season two and our review of The Umbrella Academy season three before learning everything we know about The Umbrella Academy season four – the show's final season that's due out in August. While the series has been met with huge success, David Castañeda, who plays Diego Hargreeves, told TechRadar that he expected the series to be a complete failure.
Supacell
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~52 minute episodes
Main cast: Tosin Cole, Nadine Mills, Josh Tedeku, Adelayo Adedayo, Calvin Demba, and Eric Kofi-Abrefa
Creator: Rapman
RT score: 100%
Supacell spent five weeks in Netflix's top ten most-watched shows upon its release and it certainly deserves it. The superhero series follows a group of black south Londoners who suddenly develop superpowers out of nowhere. As they grapple with the affect of their powers on their everyday lives, Michael Lasaki (Tosin Cole) goes on a mission to find the group and save his fiancé. Supacell instantly had me hooked with its refreshing take on the superhero genre as it confronts important issues such as gang violence, knife crime and sickle cell disease. To top it all off, the realistic characters, catchy soundtrack and exciting premise makes it a stand-out show that I'm happy to see added to Netflix's superpowered library. Meanwhile, if you've already delved into the world of Supacell, check out these three sci-fi shows to watch next.
Best animated shows on Netflix
Arcane
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~41 minute episodes
Main cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Mia Sinclair Jenness, Kevin Alejandro, and Katie Leung
Creators: Christian Linke and Alex Yee
RT score: 100%
Developed by Riot Games, Arcane is set in the beloved world of League of Legends (LoL). Set before the events of the fan-favorite MOBA, Arcane follows Vi, Jinx, Jayce, and other characters as they embark on their respective journeys towards becoming the heroes and villains of Riot's popular 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, it'll wow you in equal measure. Arcane season two is set to land in November – and, as Netflix confirmed when it debuted season two's first trailer, it'll be the wildly popular series' final entry.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Age rating: TV-Y7
Seasons: 3 (7 if you include The Legend of Korra)
Runtime: ~24 minute episodes
Main cast: Dee Bradley Baker, Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack De Sena, and Dante Basco
Creators: Michael Dante DiMartino and Brian Konietzko
RT score: 100%
Avatar: The Last Airbender's (A:TLA) Netflix remake didn't wow us, with our reviewer calling it a “gutsy but frustrating remake that blows hot and cold”. With that in mind, I suggest you stream the original Nickelodeon show instead. Michael Dante DiMartino and Brian Konietzko’s classic tale follows Aang, the sole survivor of the Air Nomads who also happens to be the reincarnation of the titular Avatar. The latter is an immensely powerful individual with mastery the four classic elements – earth, wind, fire, and water – and whose job it is to maintain among the world's various tribes. Unfortunately for Aang, the tyrannical Fire Nation has seen fit to disrupt the balance of play, meaning he'll have to go on a treacherous quest to put them back in their place and bring equilibrium to the world once more. An animated titan that earned rave reviews for its exploration of themes that are regularly overlooked in child-friendly shows, the original A:TLA series is a must-see powerhouse. Sequel series The Legend of Korra is also a top-tier anime, and it's available on Netflix now, too.
Blue Eye Samurai
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~47 minute episodes
Main cast: Maya Erskine, Masi Oka, Darren Barnet, Brenda Song, George Takei, and Randall Park
Creators: Amber Noizumi and Michael Green
RT score: 96%
Blue Eye Samurai stars Maya Erskine (Obi-Wan Kenobi) as Mizu, a half-Japanese, half-white swordsmaster who embarks on a quest for revenge in 17th century Japan. I could elaborate further on its plot, but that would spoil some of the show's best surprises before you watch it. And you'll want to stream it, too – Blue Eye Samurai is a gorgeous animated series to look at, with a compelling, twisty-turny narrative that proves it has the required substance to go with its absolutely stunning stylized visuals. An absolute treat for the senses, it's easily one of the best Netflix shows we've seen in ages. Netflix announced Blue Eye Samurai season two was in development in December 2023.
BoJack Horseman
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 6
Runtime: ~26 minute episodes
Main cast: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul, and Paul F. Tompkins
Creator: Raphael Bob-Waksberg
RT score: 93%
Yes, BoJack Horseman is hilarious. Yes, it’s the best thing Will Arnett has done since Arrested Development. And yes, it should be the next thing you watch if you are into anthropomorphic comedy about a once great TV star who has fallen on hard times. Its authentic and sensitive portrayal of depression and other mental illnesses, however, is what sets this apart from traditional animated comedies. For those who are worried it may be too dark for them, fear not – there's loads of slapstick humor, word play, and stunning animation to keep everything balanced.
Scavengers Reign
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~25 minute episodes
Main cast: Sunita Mani, Wunmi Mosaku, Alia Shawkat, Bob Stephenson, and Ted Travelstead
Creators: Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner
RT score: 100%
Initially released on Max, this criminally under-watched series is another gorgeous looking, incredibly imaginative, and emotionally impactful show that deserves more recognition among general audiences. In Scavengers Reign, a damaged space freighter's crew find themselves marooned on an alien planet. Initially charmed by their temporary abode, it quickly becomes apparent that said world isn't as perfect as they initially thought. I've enjoyed my fair share of animated series down the years, including the ones listed above – and, honestly, I'd recommend Scavengers Reign as much as all of them. A soul-crushing watch with a deep narrative fuelled by existential horror and eye-popping imagery.
Best comedy shows on Netflix
Beef
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~35 minute episodes
Main cast: Ali Wong, Steven Yeun, David Choe, Young Mazino, Joseph Lee, and Patti Yasutake
Creator: Lee Sung Jin
RT score: 98%
This comedy-drama masterpiece stars Steven Yeun (Invincible, The Walking Dead) and Ali Wong (Paper Girls) as Danny and Amy, two strangers who clash during a road rage incident. Rather than settle their feud amicably, the duo crank up the stakes in hilarious, shocking, and tension-fuelled fashion – a dispute that threatens to spiral out of control, and inadvertently pulls their friends and family into the equation. Beef has been hailed by critics as one of the best Netflix shows in years, with its edgy and adult comedy, wildly amusing set-pieces, and surprisingly moving narrative. Be sure to watch these five vengeful thrillers after you've checked out Beef and then get the lowdown on who's reportedly starring in Beef season two.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 8
Runtime: ~22 minute episodes
Main cast: Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero, Joe Lo Truglio, Chelsea Peretti, Andre Braugher, Dirk Blocker, and Joel McKinnon Miller
Creators: Dan Goor and Michael Schur
RT score: 95%
With one of this show's stars Andre Braugher passing away before 2023 ended, it feels fitting to re-add Brooklyn Nine-Nine to this guide. Following the brilliant but immature NYPD detective Jake Peralta, this Golden Globe-winning police procedural series is a laugh-a-minute sitcom, with plenty of deadpan jokes, physical comedy, and crackpot characters. It's probably the closest ongoing equivalent to a joke-generation, easy-to-watch NBC comedy in the vein of The Office and 30 Rock on TV. With around 20 episodes per season, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is ideal for bingeing. One of the best Netflix shows – from a third-party standpoint – around.
Russian Doll
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Runtime: ~28 minute episodes
Main cast: Natasha Lyonne, Greta Lee, Yul Vazquez, Elizabeth Ashley, Charlie Barnett, and Chloë Sevigny
Creators: Natasha Lyonne, Leslye Headland, and Amy Poehler
RT score: 97%
Orange Is The New Black and Poker Face'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 Groundhog Day-like time loop. 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.
Seinfeld
Age rating: TV-12
Seasons: 9
Runtime: ~24 minute episodes
Main cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Michael Richards
Creators: Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld
RT score: 89%
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 four onwards there's never a bad episode. Check out our best Seinfeld episodes for recommendations on our favorites.
Sex Education
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 4
Runtime: ~54 minute episodes
Main cast: Asa Butterfield, Emma Mackey, Ncuti Gatwa, Gillian Anderson, Connor Swindells, and Aimee Lou Wood
Creator: Laurie Nunn
RT score: 94%
Sex Education feels like a beautiful culmination of Netflix’s push for progressive and diverse programming. Set in the picturesque British countryside, it 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, and family dynamics. 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.
Best drama shows on Netflix
Better Call Saul
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 6
Runtime: ~50 minute episodes
Main cast: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Rhea Seehorn, Patrick Fabian, and Michael Mando
Creator: George Vincent Gilligan Jr.
RT score: 98%
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.
Breaking Bad
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 5
Runtime: ~47 minute episodes
Main cast: Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, and RJ Mitte
Creator: George Vincent Gilligan Jr.
RT score: 96%
Arguably one of the best TV shows ever made, Breaking Bad is a stunning piece of work that every TV aficionado should stream at least once in their life. Following Walter White's journey from insipid chemistry tutor to crystal meth criminal overlord is a fascinating watch in its own right, but it's the show's other major players (and how their arcs are affected by Walter's increasingly unhinged state) that make Breaking Bad an instant classic. You'll fall in love with Jesse Pinkman, have a love-hate relationship with Skyler White, feel unsettled by Gus Fring's menacing persona, and wonder what on earth happened to Huell. A spellbinding piece of television that deserves all the plaudits it continues to get.
Ozark
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 4
Runtime: ~60 minute episodes
Main cast: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner, Sofia Hublitz, and Skylar Gaertner
Creator: Bill Dubuque
RT score: 82%
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.
Peaky Blinders
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 6
Runtime: ~58 minute episodes
Main cast: Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Anabelle Wallis, Joe Cole, Sophie Rundle, and Alfie Evans-Meese
Creator: Steven Knight
RT score: 93%
Loosely based on the real-life titular gang that menacingly patrolled the UK's streets in the late 19th and early 20th century, this show largely follows the exploits of Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), the ambitious and cunning leader of the Shelby family. Peaky Blinders 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. A Peaky Blinders movie is currently in production, so we won't be saying goodbye to Tommy and the gang just yet.
Cobra Kai
Age rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 6
Runtime: ~34 minute episodes
Main cast: Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Courtney Henggeler, Xolo Maridueña, Tanner Buchanan, and Mary Mouser
Creators: Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg
RT score: 92%
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. It's truly one of the best Netflix shows around, so make the most of it before Cobra Kai season six closes it out. In the meantime, here are three similar shows that pack a punch if you've seen Cobra Kai season six part one.
Suits
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 9
Runtime: ~44 minute episodes
Main cast: Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Rick Hoffman, Sarah Rafferty, and Meghan Markle
Creator: Aaron Korsh
RT score: 91%
This legal drama has absolutely blown up since it debuted on Netflix last June. In fact, Suits became such a huge hit for Netflix that its success actually infuriated the show's writers in mid-2023. Indeed, its scribes weren't enamoured to see Suits continually break records on Netflix and Peacock during the 2023 Hollywood writers strike. Okay, so why has it proved to be so popular? For one, millions of TikTok users have shared clips from Suits since its Netflix debut. It's also down to the fact that Suits is just a really good show, too. The Patrick K. Adams and Meghan Markle-fronted TV show has enough courtroom and relationship-based drama to shake a stick at, and we all know legal-centric offerings pull in plenty of viewers for Netflix. In short: stick one of the best Netflix shows (from a third party standpoint) on your watchlist.
The Crown
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 6
Runtime: ~55 minute episodes
Main cast: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Vanessa Kirby, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West, Emma Corrin, Elizabeth Debicki, Lesley Manville, and Helena Bonham Carter
Creator: Peter Morgan
RT score: 81%
This wildly popular show charts the British Royal Family's history throughout the late Queen Elizabeth II's seven-decade reign. At £100 million for its first two seasons, it was 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. The Crown season five saw Elizabeth Debicki and Dominic West take center stage as Diana and Charles – and controversially explores the breakdown of their relationship, as well as the gripping drama surrounding the British Royals. One of the best Netflix shows, and arguably most controversial series, I've ever seen.
The Lincoln Lawyer
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Runtime: ~49 minute episodes
Main cast: Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Neve Campbell, Becki Newton, Jazz Raycole, Angus Sampson, and Christopher Gorham
Creator: David E. Kelley
RT score: 85%
Based on Michael Connolly's 2008 novel series, The Lincoln Lawyer stars Manuel Garcia-Ruffalo as Mickey Haller, a defence attorney (and recovering addict) who picks up legal cases across Los Angeles from the back of his Lincoln Town car. The show released to little fanfare but became one of the best Netflix shows last year. The Lincoln Lawyer was the second most-watched series on Netflix in three days after its initial release and even held its own against Stranger Things season four volume one later in May 2022. Just like its protagonist, The Lincoln Lawyer has become something of an underdog in the streaming world and I highly recommend giving it a watch. Given its success, The Lincoln Lawyer season three is also on the way.
The Queen's Gambit
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~56 minute episodes
Main cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Harry Melling, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Marielle Heller, and Moses Ingram
Creators: Scott Frank and Allan Scott
RT score: 96%
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. Easily one of the best Netflix shows ever made.
The Last Kingdom
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 5
Runtime: ~55 minute episodes
Main cast: Alexander Dreymon, Tobias Santelmann, and Emily Cox
Creator: Stephen Butchard
RT score: 91%
Based on Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories book series, The Last Kingdom is a bloody, fictional take on the, well, British Saxon era. It largely follows Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), but The Last Kingdom's stacked cast of characters reads like a historical who's who. Just try not to get attached to anyone, in case they end up dying. Overall, The Last Kingdom is a bloody great watch. It's visually arresting, packed with magnificent action sequences, multidimensional characters who you'll love (and love to hate), and highly satisfying historical drama for you to lap up through its five-season run - I certainly did. A feature-length film, Seven Kings Must Die, wrapped the series up in April 2023.
Best fantasy shows on Netflix
One Piece
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~56 minute episodes
Main cast: Iñaki Godoy, Emily Rudd, Mackenyu, Jacob Romero Gibson, Taz Skylar, Vincent Regan, Jeff Ward, and Morgan Davies
Creator: Eiichiro Oda
RT score: 85%
Who would've thought that Netflix could actually make a good live-action show based on one of the best-selling manga of all-time. Not me, but that's what's happened with One Piece, the streamer's retelling of Eiichiro Oda's massively popular anime. Viewers follow Monkey D Luffy as he rounds up a motley crew of outsiders to go in search of the titular mysterious, legendary item that'll make Luffy achieve his dream of becoming King of the Pirates. Expect plenty of sea-faring combat, humorous pirate-based adventures, and lots of fantastical world-building in Netflix's take on one of the best anime ever made. Given its popularity, it'll come as no surprise to learn One Piece season two is on the way.
The Sandman
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~49 minute episodes
Main cast: Tom Sturridge, Boyd Holbrook, Vivienne Acheampong, and Patton Oswalt
Creator: Neil Gaiman
RT score: 88%
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, it 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. After an enforced break during the 2023 Hollywood strikes, The Sandman season two is back in production, too, so you'll need to catch up with its forebear – but, before it's here, read our review of The Sandman season one.
The Witcher
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 3 (4 including The Witcher: Blood Origin)
Runtime: ~57 minute episodes
Main cast: Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan, and Eamon Farren
Creator: Lauren Schmidt Hissrich
RT score: 80%
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 played monster hunter Geralt of Rivia for three seasons – he's been replaced by Liam Hemsworth from season four onwards – in a story that spans decades and wars between nations. 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 fans and more casual viewers. Check out our review of The Witcher season two and review of The Witcher season three, before reading our our Witcher season three ending explainer to see how it sets up The Witcher season four. One spin-off show (Blood Origin) and a movie prequel (The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf) are also available to stream. Read our Blood Origin review to see what we think of one of them.
Best horror shows on Netflix
The Fall of the House of Usher
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~62 minute episodes
Main cast: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Mary McDonnell, Kate Siegel, Henry Thomas, Mark Hamill, and Rahul Kohli
Creator: Mike Flanagan
RT score: 90%
Horror icon Mike Flanagan bows out on Netflix – he signed a first-look TV deal with Amazon MGM Studios in late 2023 – with The Fall of the House of Usher, a gothic horror series that critics have labeled his best work yet. Based on Edgar Allen Poe's legendary short story of the same name, The Fall of the House of Usher follows the titular family – led by corrupt pharmaceutical CEO Roderick Usher – as they start getting unceremoniously murdered by a mysterious entity. Long-time Flanagan collaborators including Carla Gugino and Rahul Kohli, plus Star Wars legend Mark Hamill, are among its starry cast. Critics have called it a cinematic masterpiece, while we couldn't help but draw horror-tinged parallels between it and hit Max show Succession. Scare yourself silly with this one ASAP.
Midnight Mass
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~64 minute episodes
Main cast: Zach Gilford, Kate Siegel, Hamish Linklater, Samantha Sloyan, Rahul Kohli, Kristin Lehman, and Henry Thomas
Creator: Mike Flanagan
RT score: 87%
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) in my opinion, but it's well worth binging. 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.
The Haunting of Hill House
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~58 minute episodes
Main cast: Carla Gugino, Victoria Pedretti, Kate Siegel, Michiel Huisman, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Elizabeth Reaser, and Timothy Hutton
Creator: Mike Flanagan
RT score: 93%
I would like to add another addition from the horror mastermind that is Mike Flanagan with my pick of The Haunting of Hill House. Fun fact: after I watched this series, I went to bed with my bedside light on for months, partly because it is terrifying and partly because I'm a scaredy cat. Horror isn't the genre I go for when I'm looking for something to watch, but The Haunting of Hill House is a series that I still think about to this day with it's chilling supernatural beings, memorable jump scares and well-rounded characters (it's also where my love for actress Victoria Pedretti stemmed from). The Haunting of Hill House follows five fractured siblings whose paranormal experiences at their childhood home Hill House continue to haunt them as adults, with flashbacks revealing the events that led up to the tragic night when the family fled their former home. Not only is it truly scary, but it also touches upon the very-real issues of addiction, mental health and grief as they grapple with the trauma they experienced. Flanagan's second addition to The Haunting anthology series The Haunting of Bly Manor also sets the bar high when it comes to modern horrors.
Stranger Things
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 4
Runtime: ~61 minute episodes
Main cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, Gaten Matarazzo, David Harbour, and Winona Ryder
Creator: The Duffer Brothers
RT score: 91%
Stranger Things is a brilliant homage to '80s pop culture. Leaning heavily on Steven 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. Filming on Stranger Things season five, which is set to be the final installment in the main series, began in January. It's one of the best Netflix shows ever and, once you're hooked, I'm sure you'll agree. Check out our review of Stranger Things season four once you've seen the first three.
Best reality shows on Netflix
Queer Eye
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 8 (11 if you count the spin-offs in Germany, Brazil, and Japan)
Runtime: ~48 minute episodes
Main cast: Antoni Porowski, Bobby Berk, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown, and Tan France
Creator: David Collins
RT score: 93%
Few reality TV shows have been as influential in recent years as the eponymous Queer Eye. In the show, the so-called 'Fab Five' – Tan France, Antoni Porowski, Karamo Brown, Bobby Berk, and Jonathan Van Ness – spend a week of their lives applying their various skills and expertise to help someone improve their life and achieve greater satisfaction in the process. With a strong focus on earnestness and style, plus its strong representation of the LGBT community and people of color, Queer Eye has had a huge impact on the cultural and socio-political landscape. It can feel a tad formulaic at times, sure, but there's a reason why it's endured where so many other reality shows have faltered: it's just really good television.
Next in Fashion
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 2
Runtime: ~48 minute episodes
Main cast: Tan France, Alexa Chung, and Gigi Hadid
RT score: 85%
As a reality TV junkie, one reality show that constantly had me wowed with amazing talent is Next in Fashion, where aspiring designers create show-stopping looks to impress expert judges and win a career-changing prize. The first season was hosted by Tan France and model-turned-fashion designer Alexa Chung, with supermodel Gigi Hadid taking over hosting duties for Chung in season two. I was hypnotized by the designers' unreal fashion skills and their ability to create something extraordinary out of the ordinary. Even if you're not into fashion, this series will have you hooked on wanting to know who will become the next big thing in fashion.
Best romance shows on Netflix
Heartstopper
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 2
Runtime: ~31 minute episodes
Main cast: Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, and Yasmin Finney
Creator: Alice Oseman
RT score: 98%
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. 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's true that Heartstopper is worth the hype. Good job a third season is set to land on October 3.
One Day
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~29 minute episodes
Main cast: Ambika Mod, Leo Woodall, Eleanor Tomlinson, Jonny Weldon, Amber Grappy, Essie Davis, and Tim McInnerny
Creator: Nicole Taylor
RT score: 91%
Netflix's One Day crushed my heart into a thousand pieces and I haven't been the same since. An adaptation of David Nicholls’ romance novel of the same name, it follows the 20-year relationship of Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall), who meet at their graduation ball. Attracted though they are to one another, the duo go their separate ways but continue to meet each other at key moments throughout their lives. It's an emotionally striking and intimate story about the impact people can have throughout our lives, as Emma so perfectly puts: "How it is that someone can go from being a total stranger, to being the most important person in your life?" One Day is a realistic, amusing, and heartbreaking tale about love that has made an ever-lasting mark on me. It's one of the best Netflix shows of the year so far and I definitely need to re-watch it to experience the roller-coaster of emotions all over again. (P.S. the soundtrack will have you crying for days).
Bridgerton
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 3 (4 with the Queen Charlotte spin-off)
Runtime: ~60 minute episodes
Main cast: Adjoa Andoh, Jonathan Bailey, Nicola Coughlan, Ruth Gemmell, Phoebe Dynevor, Simone Ashley, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie, Golda Rosheuvel, and Luke Thompson
Creator: Chris Van Dusen
RT score: 84%
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, cascading costumes, and backdrops bursting with color, 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 one. Still, is inclusion in our best Netflix shows list is a necessity.
Best sci-fi shows on Netflix
Black Mirror
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 6 (plus an interactive special called Bandersnatch)
Runtime: ~59 minute episodes
Main cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Hayley Atwell, Aaron Paul, and Salma Hayek
Creator: Charlie Brooker
RT score: 83%
Charlie Brooker's seminal sci-fi series Black Mirror has been making us feel incredibly uneasy since its original 2011 debut on Channel 4 in the UK. The anthology show, whose episodes are set in numerous near-future dystopian landscapes, feels like a natural successor to The Twilight Zone, with its unsettling and prescient exploration of technology, important socio-political issues, deep themes, and starry ensemble casts. A marvellous series made up of stories that'll occupy your mind for days – 'San Junipero', 'Nosedive', and 'USS Callister' are three of my favorites – Black Mirror is a must-watch for any sci-fi fan. Black Mirror season seven was confirmed in late November and will be released on Netflix a lot sooner than you think.
Sweet Tooth
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 3
Runtime: ~50 minute episodes
Main cast: Nonso Anozie, Christian Convery, Adeel Akhtar, and Stefania LaVie Owen
Creator: Jeff Lemire
RT score: 92%
This post-apocalyptic fantasy series is about a half-human, half-deer boy who travels across the ruined world with a hardened protector – searching for a new life amid the ruins of America. If you're in the mood for something that just about counts as warm family viewing but has an edge, don't miss Sweet Tooth. If you enjoy it, check out Jeff Lemire's wonderful comics that the show is based on afterwards. It's become a monster hit for Netflix and, unsurprisingly, Sweet Tooth seasons two and three performed just as admirably as its first did. A series with plenty of heartfelt moments and a surprisingly dark tale at its core, this is one I can heartily recommend to sci-fi fans.
Best thriller shows on Netflix
Killing Eve
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 4
Runtime: ~42 minute episodes
Main cast: Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw, and Kim Bodnia
Creator: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
RT score: 80%
A bona fide hit on the opposite side of the Atlantic Ocean between April 2018 and April 2022, Killing Eve made its Netflix US debut in May and quickly enjoyed a renaissance on the streamer thanks to an unlikely age group. The subversive British series stars Sandra Oh (Invincible) as Eve Polastri, an intelligence officer charged with catching the serial assassin known as Villanelle (Free Guy and The Bikeriders' Jodie Comer). However, as the chase progresses and the stakes are raised, the pair soon find themselves developing a mutual obsession. With numerous big-name, talented writers – including Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Saltburn's Emerald Fennell – involved in penning the show, Killing Eve quickly acquired a sizeable following for seductive and surprising spin on spy-based stories. Its final season was a damp squib compared to what came before, but it's nonetheless an entertaining series that deserves all of the accolades it's accrued.
Squid Game
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~55 minute episodes
Main cast: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su, Heo Sung-tae, Anupam Tripathi, and Kim Joo-ryoung
Creator: Hwang Dong-hyuk
RT score: 95%
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. 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. Squid Game season two arrives on December 26, with the final series set to premiere in 2025 and a satirical series (from original creator Hwang Song-hyuk) about its actual development is also coming soon. Squid Game: The Challenge, a real-world adaptation of the show, debuted in November 2023, too, and proved popular enough to warrant a second season of its own.
Money Heist
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 3 (divided into five parts), plus two spin-offs in Korea and Berlin
Runtime: ~50 minute episodes
Main cast: Álvaro Morte, Úrsula Corberó, Itziar Ituño, Pedro Alonso, Miguel Herrán, Jaime Lorente, Alba Flores, and Esther Acebo
RT score: 94%
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. Whatever you do, 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 me.
Baby Reindeer
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~33 minute episodes
Main cast: Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau, and Tom Goodman-Hill
RT score: 98%
The biggest Netflix success story of 2024 thus far, Baby Reindeer arrived to little fanfare in mid-April but quickly became a worldwide phenomenon. Supposedly inspired by true events that saw comedian-actor Richard Gadd stalked by an unnamed woman for years, the autobiographical black comedy-thriller stars Gadd as Donny Dunn, a struggling comedian who gets relentlessly pursued by Martha – not her real-life counterpart's name – after an innocent meeting one night at a pub. An emotionally devastating tale led by stunning performances from Gadd and Jessica Gunning (she plays Martha), Baby Reindeer explores incredibly distressing themes through its absorbing but deeply uncomfortable story. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it's been surrounded in controversy since its launch, with amateur internet detectives working out the identity of Gadd’s stalker post-release. According to the BBC, the situation has gotten so dire that Gadd’s alleged stalker has even filed a lawsuit against Netflix, with said individual seeking damages for defamation, privacy violations, and negligence.
Lupin
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 3
Runtime: ~46 minute episodes
Main cast: Omar Sy, Ludivine Sagnier, Antoine Gouy, Soufiane Guerrab, Shirine Boutella, and Etan Simon
RT score: 98%
Lupin might make you think of a million anime movies, and this French series literally uses thief character Arsène Lupin as a point of inspiration for its protagonist. Omar Sy plays Assane Diop, the son of a Senegalese immigrant who was wrongly imprisoned for theft, at the behest of his powerful employer. Decades after his father commits suicide, Assane plots revenge on the employer's family, using 'gentleman thief' skills inspired by the Lupin character. The Incredible Hulk director Louis Leterrier is behind this series and is one of the best French TV shows on Netflix.
Ripley
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~56 minute episodes
Main cast: Andrew Scott, Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn, Eliot Sumner, Margherita Buy, and Maurizio Lombardi
RT score: 86%
An opulently smart adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's 1955 neo-noir crime novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, which was also adapted into a Matt Damon-starring film in 199, Netflix's Ripley is a fantastic reimagining of the source material that allows Andrew Scott's undisputed talents and charisma to shine. Scott portrays aka Tom Ripley, a downtrodden con man who's employed by a wealthy individual to track down and convince the latter's son to return home. Little does the show's protagonist know, however, that this marks the start of a crime-laden slippery slope from which he'll be forever changed. As the above trailer suggests, Scott oozes menacing charm in Ripley; a series drenched in a visually striking black and white hue that comes packaged with an engrossing story filled with murder and fraudulent moments aplenty.
You
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 4
Runtime: ~48 minute episodes
Main cast: Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Victoria Pedretti, Tati Gabrielle, and Charlotte Ritchie
RT score: 92%
Hello, You. 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 with new lovers. 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 managed to keep me engaged with every beat. The question I need to know now is: will Joe finally be exposed in You season five?!
How we choose the best Netflix shows
To earn a place on our best Netflix shows list, each series doesn't have to be a huge hit on the world's best streaming service (i.e. one of the most-streamed movies in the platform's entire history). However, the show needs to have an 80% critics score or higher on Rotten Tomatoes (RT) and be recommended by a member of the TechRadar streaming team.
Matthew Bolton, Amelia Schwanke, Tom Power, Lucy Buglass and Grace Morris make up our team of dedicated writers, who all write and watch movies every day. The team all have varying tastes and different views on what makes a good show, which helps create this well thought-out list that covers a broad range of genres and sub-genres, such as supernatural horrors, romantic dramas, and superhero action-adventures.
We use this criteria along with our cinephile expertise to help choose which series are the best Netflix shows. There's a huge selection of shows to watch in Netflix's library, which changes every month with new arrivals and removals. So while this isn't a comprehensive list, check back in with us every month to see which shows we've added.
For more Netflix coverage, read our best Netflix documentaries and best Netflix shows guides. Yet to subscribe to the streaming giant? Read our guide on how to sign up to Netflix, too. Or, you're fed up of the recent price hikes, see whether you should cancel Netflix instead.
