The 5 Best Netflix Originals Drama Series
Netflix is known for its original content (well now it is, remember when we just got DVDs from them?) Although Netflix comedies may be the first thing to come to mind, it’s the drama that is truly binge-worthy for me. Because I like to get straight to the point, here are the top 5 Netflix Originals drama series.
5. Stranger Things
While I’m not usually one for sci-fi or supernatural, when ‘Stranger Things’ premiered in 2016 I was hooked immediately. As a child of the 80s, watching a show about kids in the 80s, it made me extra nostalgic. The fashion, the music, the innocence. Sure at face value, it is a sci-fi series, but it’s also about family, friends, and the ties that bind.
Unfortunately, 2020 did not bring a new season (a Covid casualty?) but rumors are season 4 will premier in 2021.
4. The Crown
I am obsessed with ‘The Crown’ so it may be surprising that it’s not higher on the list? It’s captivating getting a behind the scenes view of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, and her life while reigning over the UK. However, there are some slow moments as history doesn’t happen overnight, and since it is history, there aren’t exactly cliff-hangers to be had.
Since the series spans over so many years, the creator decided to recast every two seasons instead of using heavy makeup to artificially age the cast. I was worried that I wouldn’t love the new cast as much as the previous, but they’ve done a stellar job. Can’t wait to see who next season’s cast will be.
3. Ozark
Jason Bateman and Laura Linney are the suburban, white-collar Bonnie and Clyde we didn’t know we needed in ‘Ozark’. While money laundering doesn’t sound too dirty, when it’s for a major drug cartel, it’s definitely not clean either. Definite cliff-hangers here.
Rumor is the next season (not sure yet when it will air) will be the final season.
2. The Umbrella Academy
One might say that ‘The Umbrella Academy’ is a sci-fi series, but I think special powers are different. It’s like a really, really talented person. When this estranged group of adopted siblings gets together after years apart, wild things happen.
Everything comes together brilliantly for this drama series…the cast, the soundtrack, the story.
1. Bridgerton
Hear me out…I know there has only been one season of ‘Bridgerton’ but I.AM.HOOKED. It has everything I love in a drama – suspense, mystery, revenge. Set in 19th century London, a gossip girl-esque writer narrates the good, the bad, and the ugly of high society during the social season.
Shonda Rhimes is executive producing and she did not come to play. She is finally able to really push the envelope without the restrictions of network TV.
Honorable Mention
There are two other Netflix Originals drama series I was VERY into this year but didn’t make the top 5, and they are worth a shout out.
I loved ‘Away’ but it didn’t get renewed for a second season. TBH, it didn’t get great reviews and maybe it’s not a text-book great show. What I found so compelling about the story of a mission to Mars is that it doesn’t seem so far-fetched anymore. It’s how I imagine people felt in the 60s when they would talk about going to space, somehow within reach but unimaginable at the same time.
The second series is The Queen’s Gambit but since it is only a limited series I have decided not to include it. It is a drama and it is binge-worthy though so if you are looking for something good to watch, you will not be disappointed.
Looking for more to binge?
2 Comments
Clarisse
I really have to watch some of these! I’ve heard great things about them but never had the chance to get into it. The only one I’ve seen from your list is The Umbrella Academy which I absolutely adore.
Jessica
Umbrella Academy does not get enough credit, it’s amazing!