You are not alone if you’re starting to feel the weight of the streaming boom. In addition to the number of network series making their way to the streaming giant, Netflix is increasing production of new original shows. The overwhelming selection of shows makes the decision on what to watch on Netflix a longer and tougher one to make.
Therefore, we polled The Young Folks and asked them to choose the best Netflix original series as of June 2017. The shows eligible for this list are original productions that are exclusive to Netflix worldwide. Click the arrows on each side to browse through our list of the top 20 Netflix shows.
20. Making A Murderer
Making a Murderer sparked international outrage and launched its audience into conversation about the oft-corrupt American legal system. The story of Steve Avery was all-consuming, transforming from a depiction of a small-town man perhaps wrongfully convicted to a full-blown phenomenon. In the way Twilight sparked a vampire craze in the mid-aughts, Making a Murderer did so for the true-crime genre, urging viewers the world ‘round to seek out more of the same series. (And lay awake at night wondering what would happen to Avery and the men of Manitowoc County.) – AJ Caulfield
19. The Get Down
The Get Down was bloated, messy and expensive. And now it’s one of the only high profile Netflix shows to have been cancelled. That said, the series was also an exciting, vibrant and stylized look at late 70s culture in the South Bronx, detailing the creation of hip-hop. Baz Luhrmann’s hands were all over this project and the mix of natural and hammy performances played well with the incredible soundtrack. It will be missed. – Aaron Neuwirth
18. Love
Love subverts the tropes of a traditional romantic comedy by being largely about why our two leads shouldn’t be together. The toxically addicting chemistry between the unlikely combo of Paul Rust and Gillian Jacobs makes for a dynamic if often maddening tale of courtship in an age where we’re more disconnected than ever. – Michael Fairbanks
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17. Narcos
A riveting account of the life of the infamous Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar, Narcos is a high stakes drama that pulls you further into its story with every new episode. It took awhile for the first season to hit its stride, but its sophomore effort takes the series to a new level, showcasing lengths both sides went to try to win this war. – Gabrielle Bondi
16. Sense8
I am none too pleased that Sense8 will no longer be delighting us on Netflix passed its current season, a thought I will expand upon soon. In the meantime, here is a list of reasons why Sense8 was one of the best shows to watch in 2017. The inclusive nature of the cast, the joy in the “What’s Up” karaoke scene, Wolfgang and Kala’s sweet burgeoning romance, Lito’s over dramatic reaction to everything, how amazing all the supporting characters were and the family unit that was Lito, Dani and Hernando. There’s the unabashed nature in which Sun was written to be a badass, how the montages would allow us to blend parts of the world we’ve never thought of visiting and how those montages make it their mission to bind the world and find unity in imagery. The orgy scenes in their sensual, all-inclusiveness exploration of sexuality and gender, the discussions of race and class, the way in which music played such a key part. Especially the characters and how all of them, no matter their flaws were worth rooting for and loving. But overall, it’s the themes of love and hope and how they are enough to persevere in a world trying to break those ties of unity, peace and beauty that make Sense8 linger in the back of our collective minds, just as Nomi, Will or Wolfgang might. Netflix made a dumb choice. – Allyson Johnson
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15. GIRLBOSS
Sophia Amoruso and her show loosely based on true events is the motivation all entrepreneurs need to kick themselves in the butt. What, The Social Network can teach us a thing or two but so can GIRLBOSS with every bit of glitz, glamour and MySpace drama! – Ashley Bulayo
14. A Series of Unfortunate Events
Even though Mr. Snicket’s unfortunate story about the Baudelaire children is well known around the world, Netflix’s version of the children’s novel gave it a new “fresh feel” from start to finish. Using a less darker tone, small comedic moments, deeper character development and a great performance from Neil Patrick Harris, A Series of Unfortunate Events will only leave your inner child wanting to see more. – Cristina Moreano
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13. The Crown
Historical dramas have the reputation of simply recounting history in a dull and drab way. However, The Crown is an extraordinary exception. With John Lithgow and Claire Foy taking charge within the story and leading the cast, there is no moment without drama or out-of-this world acting. It’s an enticing dramatization of one of the world’s leading and most powerful families, and Netflix spectacularly depicts their lives in the political arena. – Reagan Harrison
12. Orange Is The New Black
Interestingly enough, when Orange is the New Black debuted on Netflix, it seemed like Piper would be the one we’d be following throughout the series. The one who would be the main protagonist and the eyes through which we saw everyone else. However, as soon as she settled into the orange outfit she’d be wearing for a long time, it was clear that Orange is the New Black was going in a different direction, one in which Piper was only a way into the world that existed inside Litchfield. When the other characters began getting more focus, their stories proved to be richer, their relationships complex and dynamic, and their sense of honor and pride (defined in many different ways) all standing the test of time that came with being imprisoned. The series is far from perfect (like the way in which they handled the controversial death of Poussey), but the series has been full of dark humor, genuine tears, and fascinating stories that make it a good Netflix binge. – Mae Abdulbaki
11. Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life
The only show on this list that requires a viewing of the original WB series (which luckily is also streaming on Netflix), the Gilmore Girls revival was met a ton of fanfare. The original showrunner returned to “end” the Gilmore’s story the way she had always envisioned with those infamous “four words.” Those four words definitely earn the hype with a four-part miniseries that brings about nostalgia for fans new and old. – Gabrielle Bondi
10. Marvel’s Luke Cage
Luke Cage came to us at time where racial tensions were (and still are) at an all-time high. The social relevance and commentary were more than enough to make Luke Cage the show we needed. It also fills a huge gap in diversity that Marvel created by only making all of their characters of color into sidekicks. At least until we get Black Panther. – Jon Espino
9. House of Cards
House of Cards was Netflix’s first foray into original television. Much like the series itself, it was a bold, gutsy move, but it’s a handsome, lucrative and brilliant one too. Marvelously directed, ferociously written, lavishly designed and feverishly addictive, it’s one of the most well-crafted and fantastically absorbing shows available today. Created by Beau Willimon and brilliantly acted by Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, House of Cards built Netflix’s good fortunes. Long may it reign. – Will Ashton
8. Dear White People
Justin Simien’s 2014 comedy Dear White People was already pretty great, but Simien and a plethora of writers and directors (including recent Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins) manage to expand and deepen the discussion of modern racism with sharp humor. Complimenting that is a top-notch cast featuring the movie’s actors Brandon Bell and Marque Richardson with newcomers Logan Browning and Antoinette Robertson. – Jon Winkler
7. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Hilarious. Out of the box. Outrageous. Genius writing. Must I go on? Kimmy Schmidt is the inner kid in all of us that we aspire to bring out but are too scared to even do so. Titus is the best friend we all wish to have. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the subtlest jokes that sneak by us. Kimmy is one of the greatest gifts Netflix has given us. – Ashley Bulayo
6. 13 Reasons Why
With an edginess that most teen shows today lack, 13 Reasons Why is a grippingly mature portrait of adolescent tribulations and features terrific performances across the board. Despite the controversy it has gained for its explicit depictions of unsettling subject matter like suicide and rape, the show’s social impact has nonetheless generated more widespread discussions on those topics that would normally be too personal for most. – Tyler Christian
5. Marvel’s Daredevil
Daredevil had a lot of pressure on its shoulders. It was the first Marvel show to debut on Netflix and had to try to remind its fans that the superhero isn’t a joke. Thankfully, it delivered in so many ways. Marvel showed that it wasn’t simply family friendly. Daredevil’s bloody and dark violence showed a completely different side to the universe, introducing fans to the gritty Hell’s Kitchen. – Yasmin Kleinbart
4. BoJack Horseman
BoJack Horseman tricks you. Its first episode sets the stage for standard “raunchy cartoon” fare. What snaps into focus as early as the second episode’s opening scene is a hybridization of sharp satire, frenetic sitcom, and surprisingly multifaceted characters. Coupled with a fantastic voice cast and some jaw-dropping animation (“Escape from L.A.”; “Fish Out of Water”), BoJack is as meditated a portrait of depression and isolation as one is likely to come by on T.V.—all while maintaining its inherent hilarity. – D.R. Baker
3. Master of None
I was not an Aziz Ansari fan before Master of None. He was by far the weakest character on Parks and Recreation and his over the top shtick generally annoyed me. However, Master Of None has allowed him to carve a new nitch as a Woody Allen for the digital age. Hilarious, emotional and beautifully shot, this is a comedy that is second to none. – Michael Fairbanks
2. Marvel’s Jessica Jones
There are several comic book based television shows out now but none have been able to create the gritty, noir world that Jessica Jones does. Aside from developing several strong female characters, the show deals with especially relevant issues such as sexism, rape and consent. Jessica Jones character flaws make her completely compelling and fully relatable, which is refreshing for the Marvel universe. – Jon Espino
1. Stranger Things
What could be better than having everything you loved about the 80’s comprised into one TV show. Stranger Things is a mixture of Stand by Me, a Stephen King novel, and old school Dungeons and Dragons. The Easter Eggs and cameos don’t overpower the coming of age story, which stars some of the most talented child actors in Hollywood. – Yasmin Kleinbart
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