20 best Netflix originals you can watch right now

In 2012, Lilyhammer debuted as the first Netflix original series on the streaming service. It didn’t make much of an impact, but that show was just the start. Since then, a ton of original Netflix shows have premiered on the service and helped boost the streaming provider’s subscriber base.

If you are a new Netflix subscriber or you just want something new to binge, we have picked some of the best original Netflix series you can watch. The list is extremely varied and covers everything from shows made for teens to the most adult comedies and dramas.

But before we jump into the list of the best original Netflix shows to watch, let’s first talk about exactly what Netflix originals are.

What are Netflix originals, anyway?

Contrary to popular belief, a Netflix original isn’t necessarily a show created by Netflix from scratch. A Netflix original simply means that a show is available to watch exclusively on Netflix, either worldwide or in specific countries.

Netflix originals usually fall into one of three categories. The first is a show has been commissioned and produced by Netflix itself. Shows like these include Orange Is The New Black, Bloodline, and BoJack Horseman, among many others.

A Netflix original is also a show that was produced by a different network and made its debut on TV, after which that network sold the distribution rights to the streaming giant. Distribution rights can be global, international (outside the parent country), or tied to specific countries.

The best Netflix originals to watch:

1. Orange Is The New Black

You’ve probably heard a thing or two about this original Netflix series since it’s very popular. It revolves around a privileged New Yorker who ends up in a women’s prison because of her past crimes. She is sentenced to a year and a half behind bars where she is reunited with an old friend.

Orange Is The New Black is a comedy-drama from the creator of the popular TV shows Weeds. It has received many accolades and is one of the most watched Netflix original series. Check out the trailer above to learn more about it.

• First aired in: 2013
• Number of seasons: Seven
• Number of episodes: 91

• Still in production: No
• IMBd rating: 8.1
• Tomatometer: 90%

2. Mindhunter

This Netflix original is set in the 1970s and revolves around FBI agents who are interviewing serial killers. Their goal is to understand how they think and then use that knowledge to solve open cases. It’s one of the best Netflix shows you can watch, but it’s not for everyone since it’s a bit dark and creepy.

This psychological thriller is produced by David Fincher (House of Card) as well as Charlize Theron, among others. The series has been put on hold, so there’s no word on when or if a new season will be released.

• First aired in: 2017
• Number of seasons: Two
• Number of episodes: 19

• Still in production: TBA
• IMBd rating: 8.6
• Tomatometer: 97%

3. Russian Doll

This Emmy-nominated Netflix original series is a new take on the “Groundhog Day” time loop premise. Natasha Lyonne, who co-created the series, stars as a woman who is reliving the night of her 36th birthday over and over again.

While the basic idea of this comedy show is not new, Russian Doll still manages to be funny, and Lyonne is perfect as the lead character who can’t believe this situation is happening to her.

• First aired in: 2019
• Number of seasons: One
• Number of episodes: Nine

• Still in production: Yes
• IMBd rating: 7.9
• Tomatometer: 97%

4. The End of the F***ing World

One of the strangest teen shows on Netflix, The End of the F***ing World follows James, a 17-year-old boy who thinks he’s a psychopath. After he gets bored of killing animals, James decides to give killing a person a try.

He settles on rebellious teen Alyssa, who upon meeting him convinces James to travel across England with her. Thinking this will provide a good opportunity to kill her, James agrees, and the two go on a trip and eventually develop feelings for each other.

This may sound a little psychotic for a teen coming of age show — it is — but The End of the F***ing World is actually strangely sweet, and often quite funny. The difference in James’ narration, which occurs throughout the show, and how he interacts with other characters often leads to pretty entertaining situations. Give this Netflix show a try — I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

• First aired in: 2017
• Number of seasons: Two
• Number of episodes: 16

• Still in production: No
• IMBd rating: 8.1
• Tomatometer: 93%

5. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

This Netflix show is quirky. It revolves around Kimmy Schmidt (played by Ellie Kemper) who was part of a cult and lived in a bunker for 15 years. After getting rescued, she moves to New York to start a new life. She gets a job and tries to navigate life like a normal person, which proves to be quite difficult at times, to say the least.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a very unique Netflix original series that will surely make you laugh. The show is filled with weird characters that make sure you never know what will happen next. Four seasons of the show are available on the streaming service, with an interactive special coming sometime this year.

• First aired in: 2015
• Number of seasons: Four
• Number of episodes: 51

• Still in production: Yes
• IMBd rating: 7.6
• Tomatometer: 96%

6. Master of None

This Netflix original was created by Aziz Ansari, who played in the popular TV show Parks and Recreation, among others. Aziz plays the main character in Master of None, a 30-year old actor living in New York. The show revolves around his professional as well as romantic life and is extremely funny. If you love comedy, you’ll love this Netflix original series.

The first season takes place in New York, while the second one is mainly filmed in Italy. For now, there’s no word on when or if we can expect to see another season.

• First aired in: 2015
• Number of seasons: Two
• Number of episodes: 20

• Still in production: TBA
• IMBd rating: 8.3
• Tomatometer: 100%

7. Bloodline

Bloodline is a Netflix original drama series about the wealthy Rayburn family from the Florida Keys. It’s a close-knit family of four adult siblings whose dark secrets are revealed when their brother — considered to be the black sheep of the family — returns back home.

The series is full of twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s definitely one of the best shows Netflix has to offer, despite the fact the second and third seasons didn’t receive as good reviews from critics as the first one.

• First aired in: 2015
• Number of seasons: Three
• Number of episodes: 33

• Still in production: No
• IMBd rating: 8.0
• Tomatometer: 62%

8. Narcos

Based on a true story, Narcos is a crime-drama series that tells the story of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and the DEA agents who are after him. You get to see the violent nature of Escobar and his men, the way he made and spent money, as well as how he interacted with other cartels that plagued the country during that time.

Narcos ended after three seasons, but a new series began shortly after, which takes place in Mexico and follows a different drug cartel. It’s called Narcos: Mexico, and although it’s good, it’s not as interesting as the original in my opinion.

• First aired in: 2015
• Number of seasons: Three
• Number of episodes: 30

• Still in production: No
• IMBd rating: 8.8
• Tomatometer: 89%

9. Stranger Things

What else can be said about this Netflix original show that hasn’t been said already? Stranger Things has become one of the most popular and buzzed-about current TV dramas, period. Created by brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, the show manages to offer great nostalgic entertainment for people who grew up in the early to mid-1980s and watched movies like E.T., Poltergeist, and others. At the same time, the show is made with a modern sensitivity towards relationships and characters.

The kids and adults who live and work in the fictional Hawkins, Indiana, have to deal with supernatural threats in each of the show’s first three seasons, but there’s also plenty of room for teenage romance and more. The fourth season has been confirmed, but there’s no word on its release date yet.

• First aired in: 2016
• Number of seasons: Three
• Number of episodes: 25

• Still in production: Yes
• IMBd rating: 8.8
• Tomatometer: 93%

10. BoJack Horseman

In 2012, Lilyhammer debuted as the first Netflix original series on the streaming service. It didn’t make much of an impact, but that show was just the start. Since then, a ton of original Netflix shows have premiered on the service and helped boost the streaming provider’s subscriber base.

If you are a new Netflix subscriber or you just want something new to binge, we have picked some of the best original Netflix series you can watch. The list is extremely varied and covers everything from shows made for teens to the most adult comedies and dramas.

But before we jump into the list of the best original Netflix shows to watch, let’s first talk about exactly what Netflix originals are.

What are Netflix originals, anyway?

Contrary to popular belief, a Netflix original isn’t necessarily a show created by Netflix from scratch. A Netflix original simply means that a show is available to watch exclusively on Netflix, either worldwide or in specific countries.

Netflix originals usually fall into one of three categories. The first is a show has been commissioned and produced by Netflix itself. Shows like these include Orange Is The New Black, Bloodline, and BoJack Horseman, among many others.

A Netflix original is also a show that was produced by a different network and made its debut on TV, after which that network sold the distribution rights to the streaming giant. Distribution rights can be global, international (outside the parent country), or tied to specific countries.EDITOR’S PICK

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One example of this is the show The End of the F***ing World. It made its debut on Channel 4 in the UK and the international rights were then sold to Netflix. Therefore, the show is marketed as a Netflix original in all countries the streaming giant is offering it, except in the UK. A Netflix exclusive would probably be a better name in this case if you ask me.

Finally, Netflix originals can also be shows that were picked up by a streaming service after they were canceled by a different network. For example, the first two seasons of Black Mirror made its debut on Channel 4 in the UK, after which the network gave up on the show. Netflix then picked up and released an additional three seasons so far.

The best Netflix originals to watch:

1. Orange Is The New Black
2. Mindhunter
3. Russian Doll
4. The End of the F***ing World
5. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
6. Master of None
7. Bloodline
8. Narcos
9. Stranger Things
10. BoJack Horseman

1. Big Mouth
2. I Think You Should Leave
3. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
4. Glow
5. Altered Carbon
6. Castlevania
7. Nailed It!
8. Mystery Science Theatre 3000
9. Black Mirror
10. Black Summer

Editor’s note: We’ll be updating this list of the best original Netflix series regularly as new shows are released.

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1. Orange Is The New Black

You’ve probably heard a thing or two about this original Netflix series since it’s very popular. It revolves around a privileged New Yorker who ends up in a women’s prison because of her past crimes. She is sentenced to a year and a half behind bars where she is reunited with an old friend.

Orange Is The New Black is a comedy-drama from the creator of the popular TV shows Weeds. It has received many accolades and is one of the most watched Netflix original series. Check out the trailer above to learn more about it.WATCH ON NETFLIX

---

• First aired in: 2013
• Number of seasons: Seven
• Number of episodes: 91

• Still in production: No
• IMBd rating: 8.1
• Tomatometer: 90%

---

2. Mindhunter

This Netflix original is set in the 1970s and revolves around FBI agents who are interviewing serial killers. Their goal is to understand how they think and then use that knowledge to solve open cases. It’s one of the best Netflix shows you can watch, but it’s not for everyone since it’s a bit dark and creepy.

This psychological thriller is produced by David Fincher (House of Card) as well as Charlize Theron, among others. The series has been put on hold, so there’s no word on when or if a new season will be released.WATCH ON NETFLIX

---

• First aired in: 2017
• Number of seasons: Two
• Number of episodes: 19

• Still in production: TBA
• IMBd rating: 8.6
• Tomatometer: 97%

---

3. Russian Doll

This Emmy-nominated Netflix original series is a new take on the “Groundhog Day” time loop premise. Natasha Lyonne, who co-created the series, stars as a woman who is reliving the night of her 36th birthday over and over again.

While the basic idea of this comedy show is not new, Russian Doll still manages to be funny, and Lyonne is perfect as the lead character who can’t believe this situation is happening to her.WATCH ON NETFLIX

---

• First aired in: 2019
• Number of seasons: One
• Number of episodes: Nine

• Still in production: Yes
• IMBd rating: 7.9
• Tomatometer: 97%

---

4. The End of the F***ing World

One of the strangest teen shows on Netflix, The End of the F***ing World follows James, a 17-year-old boy who thinks he’s a psychopath. After he gets bored of killing animals, James decides to give killing a person a try.

He settles on rebellious teen Alyssa, who upon meeting him convinces James to travel across England with her. Thinking this will provide a good opportunity to kill her, James agrees, and the two go on a trip and eventually develop feelings for each other.

This may sound a little psychotic for a teen coming of age show — it is — but The End of the F***ing World is actually strangely sweet, and often quite funny. The difference in James’ narration, which occurs throughout the show, and how he interacts with other characters often leads to pretty entertaining situations. Give this Netflix show a try — I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.WATCH ON NETFLIX

---

• First aired in: 2017
• Number of seasons: Two
• Number of episodes: 16

• Still in production: No
• IMBd rating: 8.1
• Tomatometer: 93%

---

5. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

This Netflix show is quirky. It revolves around Kimmy Schmidt (played by Ellie Kemper) who was part of a cult and lived in a bunker for 15 years. After getting rescued, she moves to New York to start a new life. She gets a job and tries to navigate life like a normal person, which proves to be quite difficult at times, to say the least.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a very unique Netflix original series that will surely make you laugh. The show is filled with weird characters that make sure you never know what will happen next. Four seasons of the show are available on the streaming service, with an interactive special coming sometime this year.WATCH ON NETFLIX

---

• First aired in: 2015
• Number of seasons: Four
• Number of episodes: 51

• Still in production: Yes
• IMBd rating: 7.6
• Tomatometer: 96%

---

6. Master of None

This Netflix original was created by Aziz Ansari, who played in the popular TV show Parks and Recreation, among others. Aziz plays the main character in Master of None, a 30-year old actor living in New York. The show revolves around his professional as well as romantic life and is extremely funny. If you love comedy, you’ll love this Netflix original series.

The first season takes place in New York, while the second one is mainly filmed in Italy. For now, there’s no word on when or if we can expect to see another season.WATCH ON NETFLIX

---

• First aired in: 2015
• Number of seasons: Two
• Number of episodes: 20

• Still in production: TBA
• IMBd rating: 8.3
• Tomatometer: 100%

---

7. Bloodline

Bloodline is a Netflix original drama series about the wealthy Rayburn family from the Florida Keys. It’s a close-knit family of four adult siblings whose dark secrets are revealed when their brother — considered to be the black sheep of the family — returns back home.

The series is full of twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s definitely one of the best shows Netflix has to offer, despite the fact the second and third seasons didn’t receive as good reviews from critics as the first one.WATCH ON NETFLIX

---

• First aired in: 2015
• Number of seasons: Three
• Number of episodes: 33

• Still in production: No
• IMBd rating: 8.0
• Tomatometer: 62%

---

8. Narcos

Based on a true story, Narcos is a crime-drama series that tells the story of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and the DEA agents who are after him. You get to see the violent nature of Escobar and his men, the way he made and spent money, as well as how he interacted with other cartels that plagued the country during that time.

Narcos ended after three seasons, but a new series began shortly after, which takes place in Mexico and follows a different drug cartel. It’s called Narcos: Mexico, and although it’s good, it’s not as interesting as the original in my opinion.WATCH ON NETFLIX

---

• First aired in: 2015
• Number of seasons: Three
• Number of episodes: 30

• Still in production: No
• IMBd rating: 8.8
• Tomatometer: 89%

---

9. Stranger Things

What else can be said about this Netflix original show that hasn’t been said already? Stranger Things has become one of the most popular and buzzed-about current TV dramas, period. Created by brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, the show manages to offer great nostalgic entertainment for people who grew up in the early to mid-1980s and watched movies like E.T., Poltergeist, and others. At the same time, the show is made with a modern sensitivity towards relationships and characters.

The kids and adults who live and work in the fictional Hawkins, Indiana, have to deal with supernatural threats in each of the show’s first three seasons, but there’s also plenty of room for teenage romance and more. The fourth season has been confirmed, but there’s no word on its release date yet.WATCH ON NETFLIX

---

• First aired in: 2016
• Number of seasons: Three
• Number of episodes: 25

• Still in production: Yes
• IMBd rating: 8.8
• Tomatometer: 93%

---

10. BoJack Horseman

If you thought an animated show about a talking horse would be funny, you would be correct when it comes to BoJack Horseman. However, what’s really surprising about this adult Netflix series (no, it’s not for kids), is how it can deal with some serious issues while making you laugh as well.

Will Arnett’s vocal performance as BoJack is spot-on, playing a talking horse who once was the star of a hit TV show, but now wants to make a big comeback. You can catch all six seasons on Netflix right now.

• First aired in: 2014
• Number of seasons: Six
• Number of episodes: 77

• Still in production: No
• IMBd rating: 8.7
• Tomatometer: 93%

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