Tom Power, entertainment reporter
Our May 2023 update sees the return of Sweet Tooth, and the additions of Black Mirror and Queer Eye to our best Netflix series guide. We've also updated other entries, such as our Heartstopper one, with new information about their next installments.
Welcome to our best Netflix series guide. Here, you'll find 49 of the greatest TV shows around on the world's best streaming service, including hugely popular programs, cult classics, and even the odd so-bad-it's-good offering.
Netflix is packed with first- and third-party TV-based content, so it can seem a daunting prospect determining what's worth your time. With our help, though, you won't need to worry about scrolling through its suite of shows for hours on end. Even better, you'll find entries listed by genre, too. So, if you're searching for a specific kind of TV series to stream, we've made things even easier for you. That's if you haven't cancelled your Netflix subscription in support of the ongoing writers' strike, anyway. Read more about which Netflix shows have been impacted by the industrial action in our writers' strike hub.
From Stranger Things and Arcane, to Wednesday and The Night Agent, then, these are the best Netflix shows to watch in May 2023.
Best animated series on Netflix
Arcane
Developed by Riot Games, Arcane is set in the beloved world of League of Legends (LoL). Taking place 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 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. And, with Arcane season 2 coming in 2024, there will be more awesome story beats and animation for fans to stream next year.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
BoJack Horseman
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 former TV star who has fallen on hard times. Its authentic and sensitive portrayal of depression and other mental illnesses, though, 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 humour, word play, and stunning animation to keep everything balanced.
Seasons on Netflix: 6
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Based on CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 videogame, Cyberpunk: 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. Its thought provoking material also asks what it means to be human in a sci-fi dystopia riddled with immeasurable sociopolitical issues.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Love, Death & Robots
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, it has a lot to give. The ideas vary wildly between comedy, horror, action, and drama, with a dark touch at its heart – 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. If you're keen to hear our thoughts on each entry, this handy ranked list of every Love, Death and Robots story should be top of your agenda.
Seasons on Netflix: 3
Best comedy series on Netflix
Arrested Development
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia can't be beaten for longevity in the TV sweepstakes (apart from The Simpsons, anyway), but Arrested Development more than competes for the "funniest but cringiest sitcom show on Netflix" award.
Starring the likes of Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Will Arnett, and Portia de Rossi, Arrested Development follows the Bluths, a wealthy by dysfunctional family as they navigate the perils of, well, life in hilarious fashion. You'll be crying laughing as you hide behind your couch cushions at the wince-inducing capers the Bluths get embroiled in.
Seasons on Netflix: 5
Beef
The saying goes "revenge is a dish best served cold". In Beef's case, it's a meal best served raw.
This absolutely brilliant comedy-drama stars Steven Yeun (Invincible) 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 series in years, with its edgy and adult comedy, wildly amusing set-pieces, and surprisingly moving narrative. Grab some popcorn and watch the pair's lives unravel with us, won't you? And be sure to watch these five vengeful thrillers after you've checked out Beef.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Following the brilliant but immature NYPD detective Jake Peralta, this Golden Globe-winning 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 binging. Seven seasons are currently available to stream on Netflix UK, so hop to it.
Seasons on Netflix: 7
Community
This NBC comedy favourite returned to Netflix UK in 2020 after an extended absence. This sitcom about a community college study group starts as a more conventional show about its ramshackle educational setting, but reaches the next level when it starts experimenting with pop culture parodies and high-concept episodes.
If you're new to the show, keep watching until season 1's action extravaganza 'Modern Warfare', which firmly establishes Community's identity for later years. Some seasons are fantastic (2, 3 and 5), some are just quite good (1 and 6) and one is worth avoiding entirely (4).
Seasons on Netflix: 6
Friends
You've got to admit, having Friends to stream on Netflix UK is super handy if you're a fan, so it needed to be included on our best Netflix series list.
Set in New York City, this sitcom is about six friends in their twenties, following their various romances, jobs, and evolving relationships. With 10 seasons to get through, there's lots to binge, but the good news is it's relatively consistent throughout – as long as you don't mind the odd dated gag, of which there are plenty. It's still a fun time, though. Check out our list of the best Friends episodes if you need suggestions on highlights.
Seasons on Netflix: 10
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Initially made on a shoestring budget, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia's first season had a cult following, a kind of modern version of Seinfeld about an amoral group of friends who run a bar together. Then season 2 brought some big star power, with Danny De Vito joining for a 10-episode run that was extended because he loved it so much.
The antics of Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Mac (Rob McElhenney, the show's creator), Charlie (Charlie Kelly), and Sweet Dee (Kaitlin Olson) won't be for everyone – at its darkest the show's 'comedy' themes range from nazism to drug abuse – but stick with it and this deliciously depraved classic will reward you. Its 16th season debuts on FX in the US in June, so expect it to arrive on Netflix later in 2023.
Seasons on Netflix: 15
Peep Show
If you're a fan of Arrested Development and It's Always Sunny, you'll love Peep Show.
The British sitcom, which sees 30-somethings Mark and Jeremy (aka Jez) navigate the awkwardness of early midlife crises, amassed a huge following during its original run on Channel 4 in the early 2000s. From episodes that see Jez suffer from diarrhoea during a New Year's Eve party, to the duo being forced to eat a barbequed dog to impress two women they like, at its peak, Peep Show is an outstanding, cringe-inducing TV show that's more than deserving of your time.
Seasons on Netflix: 9
Russian Doll
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.
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 series to date.
Seasons on Netflix: 2
Schitt's Creek
The Rose family used to be fabulously wealthy. But, once they lose everything, they have to rough it in a town called Schitt's Creek, a place they once bought for a laugh. This is one of very few sitcoms that gets funnier and better with each series.
Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, and Daniel Levy feature in an impressive cast of characters that experience true, emotional arcs as the show progresses, making Schitt's Creek the perfect next binge for those who've exhausted the likes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Good Place.
Seasons on Netflix: 6
Sex Education
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. Sex Education season 4 is currently in development, so we'll be seeing more of one of the best Netflix series again soon.
Seasons on Netflix: 3
The Office
The US version of The Office is built on the bones of the UK original, but it spins off in entirely different directions almost straight away, and is definitely less emotionally challenging to rewatch.
With 20-minute episodes, compelling season-long arcs, and memorable characters, you can easily lose an entire weekend to watching The Office on repeat. Later seasons aren't nearly as strong as the ones starring Steve Carell, but you've got well over 100 must-see episodes to watch here.
Seasons on Netflix: 9
Best crime series on Netflix
Better Call Saul
How do you follow up on one of the biggest shows in recent 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.
Seasons on Netflix: 6
Breaking Bad
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, marvel at 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.
Seasons on Netflix: 5
Kaleidoscope
Netflix loves experimental content – and Kaleidoscope is the latest entry in the streamer's burgeoning back catalog.
Kaleidscope stars Giancarlo Espositio (The Mandalorian, Breaking Bad) as Leo, a criminal mastermind who leads a team of no good-but-lovable individuals in a heist 25 years in the making. The twist? Viewers are randomly assigned an order to watch Kaleidoscope's episodes in, giving you a unique, non-linear experience. Will you solve its engrossing puzzle before you reach its final episode?
Once you're done, be sure to check out our Kaleidoscope ending explained article for the lowdown on each character's fate, the possibility of a second season, and more.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Money Heist
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 us.
Seasons on Netflix: 3 (divided into five parts)
Ozark
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.
Seasons on Netflix: 4
Best drama series on Netflix
Bridgerton
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 series list is a necessity.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, the show's first spin-off, is also available to stream now on Netflix.
Seasons on Netflix: 2 (plus the Queen Charlotte spin-off)
Cobra Kai
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 series around and it'll end with a sixth season.
Seasons on Netflix: 5
Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
Based on true events, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is a truly unsettling watch. 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 miniseries. 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
Ginny and Georgia
How would you react to finding out that your mother is a murderer, especially if you're a teenager who's trying to figure, well, everything out about life? That's the basic premise of Ginny and Georgia, a dark comedy-drama series that's proven to be one of the most popular Netflix series of 2023.
It's a show often weighed down by the scope of its ambition, but it's nonetheless entertaining to watch. Ginny and Georgia's multidimensional characters, plus the show's underlying themes, help it to stand out from similarly positioned series. One to try out if you're a fan of You or The Gilmore Girls.
Seasons on Netflix: 2
Outer Banks
Outer Banks wasn't expected to do much on Netflix when it originally debuted in April 2020. However, the teen mystery drama series has become a major hit for the streaming giant, particularly among 18 to 25 year olds.
It's easy to see why, too. Its attractive cast, intriguing synopsis (and subsequently interesting story arcs and character development), and thrilling action-adventure sensibilities have helped it become a Netflix mainstay. Given its hugely successful third season, a fourth installment has already been greenlit.
Seasons on Netflix: 3
Squid Game
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.
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 it's nonetheless an original and exhilarating way to while away your evenings.
Squid Game season 2 in currently in development, as is a satirical series (from original creator Hwang Song-hyuk) about its actual development, so one of the best Netflix series of all-time will return in multiple capacities.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
The Crown
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's 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 5 sees Elizabeth Debicki and Dominic West take center stage as Diana and Charles – and controversially explores the breakdown on their relationship, as well as the gripping drama surrounding the British Royals. It's as engrossing as ever, and six seasons are planned in total. Imelda Staunton will play the late Queen Elizabeth in the series' final season, as she does in season 5, in one of the best Netflix series ever made.
Seasons on Netflix: 5
The Queen's Gambit
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. Seven episodes is just the right number and it's easily one of the best Netflix series ever made.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Best fantasy series on Netflix
Shadow and Bone
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 hooked by its story and characters, though, it's a world you can easily get lost in – and one you'll want to. Read our Shadow and Bone season 2 review to see how good (or bad) its latest entry is, and then find out how Netflix users are gaming viewing stats to ensure Shadow and Bone returns for a third season.
Seasons on Netflix: 2
The Sandman
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. Netflix has renewed The Sandman for a second season.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
The Witcher
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 Witcher season 2 is 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 fans and more casual viewers. The Witcher season 3 has finished filming, and it'll arrive in June and July 2023 in two parts. However, season 3 will be Henry Cavill's last appearance – he won't return for The Witcher season 4.
Seasons on Netflix: 2
Best history series on Netflix
The Last Kingdom
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 *ahem* 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. A feature-length film, Seven Kings Must Die, will officially wrap the series up on April 14.
Seasons on Netflix: 5
Vikings Valhalla
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, it's worth checking out. And so is our season 1 chat with the show's cast, as well as our exclusive season 2 talks with showrunner Jeb Stuart and the series' main actors. Season 3 has been confirmed by Netflix, too.
Seasons on Netflix: 2
Best reality series on Netflix
Bling Empire
Bling Empire is a reality TV show that follows a number of wealthy Asian socialites who enjoy the lavish lifestyle on offer in one of the US' most prestigious cities. Think of it as a real-life version of acclaimed movie Crazy Rich Asians, and you'll get the idea.
We admit that Bling Empire isn't our idea of a good time, but it must be doing something right (or, rather, be popular enough) to carry on being renewed. The series' first spin-off – Bling Empire: New York – is available to stream now, too. However, Netflix has decided not to renew the main series or its spin-off for more seasons, so this is the end of the line for Bling Empire.
Seasons on Netflix: 3 (4 if you include the New York spin-off)
Queer Eye
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 sociopolitical 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. Season 7 lands on Netflix on May 12.
Seasons on Netflix: 6 (plus three spin-offs set in Germany, Brazil, and Japan)
Best rom-com series on Netflix
Emily in Paris
This rom-com series is sure to scratch that dramedy itch for fans of a certain disposition. Lily Collins stars as the titular Emily Cooper, an aspiring marketing executive who moves to Paris (how surprising) to provide an American perspective for French marketing firm Savoir. During her stay in the capital, Emily struggles to navigate her work, love, and social lives, all the while dealing with the culture shock of living in a European nation.
Emily in Paris' critical reception has steadily declined with each season, but it remains a big hitter for Netflix. One of the best Netflix series (for certain viewers, anyway) to load up no matter what time of year it is.
Seasons on Netflix: 3
Heartstopper
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 series 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 Heartstopper seasons 2 and 3 are on the way, then, isn't it? Season 2 arrives on Netflix on August 3.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Best sci-fi series on Netflix
Black Mirror
Charlie Brooker's seminal sci-fi series Black Mirror has been making us feel incredibly uneasy since its initial Channel 4 debut in 2011.
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 sociopolitical 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 our favorites – Black Mirror is a must-watch for any sci-fi fan. And, finally, Black Mirror's long awaited six season will debut later this year.
Seasons on Netflix: 5 (plus an interactive special called Bandersnatch)
Manifest
After its cancellation over on US network NBC, Netflix picked up the rings to this cult classic sci-fi supernatural series so fans (and the cast) could get story and character arc closure in a fourth and final season.
After their flight experiences some brief but significant turbulence, the passengers on board Montego Air Flight 828 land in New York to find five and a half years have shockingly passed – with their family, friends, and the media presuming them dead.
Given its parallels to another supernatural-style show in Lost, it's unsurprising why Manifest has accrued a devout following since its September 2018 debut. It's full of compelling twists and turns, with Manifest's major players trying to get to the bottom of the mystery behind their disappearances. Season 4 part 1 – comprises 10 episodes – is available now, while part 2 arrives on June 2.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Sweet Tooth
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 season 2 performed just as admirably as its predecessor did. A third and final season has already been filmed and will be with us soon.
Seasons on Netflix: 2
Best spy series on Netflix
The Night Agent
Released to little fanfare in late March, The Night Agent has become one of Netflix's most-watched TV shows ever.
Its plot is pretty simplistic. FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) is tasked with manning a White House phone that never rings. That's until, one night, it does so, sending Sutherland on a nationwide mission full of political intrigue and a thrilling conspiracy that goes right to the top of the US government.
So, what's so special about it? Not much, if you ask many critics, but The Night Agent has become Netflix's latest TV show darling, with its suspense-riddled story and captivating characters helping it to amass over 300 million hours viewed in its first two weeks post-release. Little wonder The Night Agent season 2 was greenlit just days after its predecessor's launch. Watch these seven thrilling spy shows while we wait for it to return, too.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Treason
Everyone loves a good spy movie or TV show – but what about a family drama dressed up as a espionage thriller miniseries?
That's Treason's calling card. Starring Charlie Cox (Daredevil), Treason tells the tale of MI6 deputy chief Adam Lawrence, who goes on the run with his family when his past catches up with him, which threaten his wife and kids' safety and makes him an enemy of the state.
Treason has enough narrative twists and turns (and other subversive elements) to make it compelling, while its cast are all on great form. It feels a tad undercooked in some areas but, if you're a fan of James Bond movies and other spy-centric productions, it'll fill that espionage genre void in your life.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Best superhero series on Netflix
Titans
A DC Extended Universe (DCEU) series that originally aired on DC Universe before transitioning to HBO Max in the US, Titans is a gritty, Batman spin-off TV show that puts some of DC's lesser-known heroes in the spotlight for a change.
Led by Brenton Thwaites' Dick Grayson/Nightwing, Titans follows the eponymous young superhero group as they combat threats from DC supervillains and other evil-doers. Rather than simply fight crime in Gotham City and Nightwing's Bludhaven haunt, Titans takes our heroes to multiple cities across the fictional US, too, including Detroit and San Francisco.
It's been largely well received for its more mature take on DC's source material, and really begins to shine once its superpowered beings start working together towards the end of season 1. Titans' first three seasons are available on Netflix UK, with its fourth and final installment set to arrive soon.
Seasons on Netflix: 3
The Umbrella Academy
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 series is only returning for one final season.
Seasons on Netflix: 3
Best supernatural series on Netflix
Lockwood & Co
Based on Jonathan Stroud's book series of the same name, Lockwood & Co is a supernatural detective series that's far more thrilling, dramatic, and spooky than it deserves to be.
Bridgerton alumnus Ruby Stokes stars as Lucy Carlyle, a psychic-skilled teenager who joins an independent ghost hunting start-up – the titular Lockwood & Co – to, well, fight ghosts. Joining forces with the charismatic and mysterious Anthony Lockwood (Cameron Chapman) and socially awkward researcher George Karim (Ali Hadji-Heshmati), Lucy soon discovers that The Problem – the 50-year-old cause behind the emergence of ghouls and spirits – is far more wide-ranging and complex than everyone realizes.
In our Lockwood & Co review, we called it "ghoulishly good fun", adding it's "one of Netflix's better eldritch-tinged TV series". Read our chat with its showrunner and main cast, too, to find out why Lockwood & Co is more than a mere mash-up of Sherlock, Doctor Who, and Ghostbusters.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Midnight Mass
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. 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
Stranger Things
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.
Work on Stranger Things season 5 is underway, which is set to be the final installment in the main show. It's one of the best Netflix series ever and, once you're hooked, we're sure you'll agree.
Seasons on Netflix: 4
Wednesday
Positioned as a pseudo-sequel to the beloved live-action Addams Family movies, Wednesday is a gothic, sinister and comedy-based sleuth-style series that's become the second most-watched Netflix English language show of all-time. Unsurprisingly, a second season has been confirmed.
Jenna Ortega (Scream VI) stars as the titular character, who must use her quirky skillset to solve a murder mystery plot and a secret concerning her own family at Nevermore Academy, all the while trying to fit in with her classmates and deal with the plight of being a teenager.
Ortega revels in her role as the antisocial but intelligent Wednesday, though some critics have suggested its teen romance and murder mystery fare are slightly formulaic. Still, it's a terrific watch if you're a fan of The Addams Family, dark comedy, or Tim Burton (who directs the series).
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Best thriller series on Netflix
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.
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. Season 4 is available in its entirety now.
Seasons on Netflix: 4
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