53 of the best TV shows on Netflix (2023)

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A very well done adaptation of a young adult book. Jonathan Stroud's supernatural thriller series is brought to life by the talented hand of Joe Cornish, who wrote and directed the sci-fi gem Attack the Block. A trio of talented teenage ghost hunters operate a detective agency in a dangerous London populated by night horrors. Charming and witty, this binge-watching series is best served with a cup of tea and a blanket.

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If you liked Money Heist, check out Lupine, another non-English language show with an action-packed story. This time we find ourselves in France, where the professional thief Assane Diop carries out his mission of revenge against the man responsible for the death of his father. Taking inspiration from a book about the gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, Assane uses disguises, knowledge of thieves and a healthy dose of charisma to expose the crimes of the rich and powerful Hubert Pellegrini.

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Shooting guardbroke recordswhen it first aired in Britain, escalating from thriller to thriller at a relentless pace. This might be the definition of unstoppable binge, which isn't surprising since it comes from the mind of Line of Duty's Jed Mercurio. Game of Thrones' Richard Madden stars as the titular bodyguard, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in the Afghan war. Furthermore, he is assigned to protect the Home Secretary (Keeley Hawes), whose politics he despises. Making provocative curves and elaborating one of thebest 20 minute opening scenes, Bodyguard is a balancing act specialized in creating tension.

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While Kevin Spacey's sexual harassment allegations ended up marring this dark side of politics, it's worth watching if you like power plays and the occasional backstabbing. Initially following Spacey's Frank Underwood, the sixth and final season of House of Cards revolves around his wife Claire (Robin Wright) as she assumes increasing power in the Oval Office.

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Based on a true rape story, this miniseries deftly navigates its disturbing and complicated subject matter with the help of a remarkable performance from Kaitlyn Dever. She plays Marie, a teenager accused of lying about being raped, but of course it's more complicated than that. Toni Collette and Merritt Wever team up as savvy detectives who see what others miss, adding another layer to Unbelievable's delicate and moving triumph.

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When They See Us by Ava DuVernay is presented under the banner of harsh but essential exhibition. Describes the real-life events of the 1989 Central Park Jogger case, involving five suspected men of color who were falsely accused of rape and assault. Not only sensitively focused on the humanity of children, When They See Us demands outrage at the injustice of systemic racism.

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Four fascinating seasons ofthe sinnerwaiting to be unsealed, each one centering on a murder committed by an unlikely criminal under even stranger circumstances. The first season follows Cora played by Jessica Biel, who stabs a man to death on a beach in a sudden frenzy, but has no idea why. It's up to Bill Pullman's Detective Ambrose to unravel the shocking and disturbing events embedded in her psyche that drove her into action.

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This series is loved by many (and Netflix loves you for it), but in case you haven't heard what all the fuss is about, Money Heist is all about a heist. The mastermind who is doing the job of preparing Ocean Level Eleven with equally satisfying revelations is the Professor. He has benches in full view and we see how his intricate plans come together with clever flashbacks, time jumps and even a dodgy narrator. This is captivating television with a distinctive Spanish identity - don't let the subtitles put you off.

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The first two seasons of this mockumentary series arrived on Netflix with a potent mix of offbeat humor and social commentary. A parody of true crime documentaries like Netflix's Making a Murderer, American Vandal follows the aftermath of a high school prank gone wrong. After 27 college cars are fatally vandalized with gruesome phallic imagery, it's up to a pair of sophomores to unravel the crime before the wrong person is kicked out for good. Yes, this is satire. But it weaves in a surprisingly captivating mystery that creates a more accurate picture of contemporary high school life. A great achievement.

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This miniseries is from a few years ago, but in case you missed it, it's definitely worth checking out. In the vein of The Sinner, Alias ​​Grace goes back to her young female lead's past to find out why she committed a murder, which she has no recollection of. Adapted from a Margaret Atwood novel, the show stars a mesmerizing Sarah Gadon as Irish immigrant Grace, who navigates a turbulent life as a family servant in colonial Toronto. Partially based on a true story, this isn't a straight up mystery with straight answers and that's what makes it all the more captivating.

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David Fincher directs a series of episodes over the two seasons of this psychological crime thriller (the third is on indefinite hold), such meticulous images and captivating stories are a given. Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) is an FBI special agent, sent to interview serial killers in prison to build a profile of what motivates them. Cameron Britton as real life serial killer Ed Kemper is absolutely chilling. Mindhunter is smarter and richer than your average crime show, and somehow grows with its complex characters. It would be a shame if the third season did not pass (although it seems to be so).

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Drug lord Pablo Escobar is the subject of this addictive series that charts his rise to become the infamous cocaine dealer and billionaire. A realistic account combined with archival footage, Narcos manages to present a sympathetic side of Escobar without undermining the seriousness of his material. Plus, the DEA's manhunt to take down Escobar adds to the suspense. After finishing all three series, continue with Narcos: Mexico, a companion series that focuses on the illegal drug trade in Mexico.

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Netflix wisely picked up the rights to Peaky Blinders and there are six seasons (and eventually a spinoff movie) to traverse the impressive rise of 1900s Birmingham gang leader Thomas Shelby. Brace yourself for a riveting performance from Cillian Murphy in this family saga that packs a fantastic amount of fun and style, showcasing Shelby's dealings with other gangs, the police and the occasional lover.

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If you're looking for a spotless and happy new place to move into, look no further. Heartstopper is a brilliant spark of a coming-of-age series, telling an LGBTQ+ love story with compassion and grace (and nobody ever dies). Charlie falls for Nick, but Nick is still discovering her sexuality. With real teens playing teens, fleshed out characters, and little animations evoking Alice Oseman's comic of the same name, Heartstopper is a confident, light-hearted, and life-affirming queer novel. Essential viewing.

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Known as Jane Austen but with sex, this period piece offers a different take on the dating scene of the early 19th century. With lavish production designs and colorful costumes, this is Regency London as you've rarely seen it. The Bridgerton brothers' love affairs are captured in a scandalous newsletter, written by the Regency London version of Gossip Girl, voiced by none other than Julie Andrews. Get ready for this gorge-worthy sight.

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This Judd Apatow creation brings out the best in the talented Gillian Jacobs (Britta in Community) and Paul Rust. They play Mickey and Gus, respectively, a pair of opposites attracted, who go to confusing, frustrating and endearing places that make this an honest look at a relationship that builds over time. Iris Apatow stands out as the hapless child actress who tutors Gus, who gets away with almost anything.

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Easy and enjoyable viewing with a premise ripe for awkward humor. Helpless and lovesick Dylan discovers that he has chlamydia and must track down past cases and let them know they might have it too. A flashback narrative keeps us on our toes, especially when the focus turns to Dylan's feelings for each other and his best friend Evie. It never veers into soapy territory, with an eccentric but lovable supporting cast playing English flatmates against a Glasgow backdrop.

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A dramatic comedy starring Sandra Oh? The chair is elevated by Oh's impeccable charm. Set at the fictional Pembroke University, The Chair follows Oh's professor Ji-Yoon Kim, the newly appointed chair of the English department. She is the first woman elected to the position and faces an uphill battle moving the outdated department along with the changing times. With astute observations on academia, appearances by Holland Taylor as a senior faculty member, and ambitious social commentary, The Chair reaches worthy heights.

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Devi is an ordinary high school student who wants nothing more than to be nice and get a boyfriend. But it's hard to get emotional after your father's death. Mindy Kaling's coming-of-age story covers familiar territory and yet stands out from the rest in so many ways. Listen to this: your narrator isJuan McEnroe. The sports connection is just one layer of this amazing charm show, which portrays an Indian family living in California. You've seen these stories before, but not with these unique characters.

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Stick with the silly premise of Julie and the Phantoms before making any judgments. Julie is a teenager who accidentally enlists in a 90's boy band: The Phantoms. As Julie helps the band reach her potential, they help her enjoy music and life again after her mother's death. As she usually does the music, the catchy melodies will blow you through the first season that is light-hearted, ridiculously funny and, of course, full of romance. Ghost jokes are included.

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Comedian Mae Martin's Feel Good really tries to do what it says on the tin. She follows a repressed George (Charlotte Ritchie) as he falls for Martin's Mae after seeing her stand-up show. Her London romance finds George struggling to come out to his middle-class friends and family, while Canadian-born Mae has a drug problem that makes loving her even more difficult. A story told with confidence and a sense of humor from the start, Feel Good oozes sweetness and grace.

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Binging Sex Education is a no-brainer: the self-aware, John Hughes-possessed mess of American and British high school culture is a joyous breeze to watch. We follow Otis (Asa Butterfield), the son of a sex therapist (Gillian Anderson), as he embarks on her sexual awakening. Conversation and explicit sex scenes are approached in a healthy and honest way. Built around a diverse cast with pure charisma, the show gets even bigger in Season 3.

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Russian Doll takes the Groundhog Day premise and rips it apart in the most unpredictable way. Natasha Lyonne is the crackling spark at the center of its mystery, playing Nadia, a game developer who is repeatedly killed on the night of her 36th birthday party. The Amy Poehler-co-created show uses time travel to exploring self-reflection on a whole new level, making this a definite one-session commitment.

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At first, Cobra Kai, a series based on the Karate Kid movies, may sound like a lucrative and cynical spin-off of the martial arts franchise. But it's become one of the most popular shows on Netflix, thanks to well-written characters and a healthy dose of nostalgia. The series follows Johnny Lawrence, 34 years after Daniel LaRusso kicked him in the face. Taking this subversive point of view, Cobra Kai is four seasons of mindful, light-hearted, heart-filled fun.

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Another must-see show, Derry Girls follows the mishaps of Erin and her friends in 1990s Derry, Ireland. Her teenage troubles are combined with the equally hilarious antics of her parents, set in the conflict in Northern Ireland. While it may draw comparisons to The Inbetweeners, Derry Girls draws on its own sweet charm, and the historical context gives way to some surprisingly dark humor.

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This dark comedy miniseries stars Emma Stone and Jonah Hill as two strangers, Annie and Owen, who sign up for a mysterious pharmaceutical trial (because it's a good idea) that induces wild and often harrowing dreams. Rooted in stunning imagery, Maniac is a multifaceted dive into the subconscious. Which means it's dark and unpredictable, with a surprising touch of sentimental warmth.

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A show inspired by the true story of the first women's wrestling union in the 1980s? Starring Alison Brie? Produced by Jenji Kohan? Dreams come true. Filled with eccentric female characters, GLOW's pure hilarious comedy combines eccentricity with triumph and the rise of the underdog. Season 3 delves deeper into the lives of its diverse set, moving the series to Las Vegas. A fourth and final season was being prepared, but unfortunately the production fell victim to the pandemic andNetflix canceled the series.

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This provocatively titled show offers a timely look at modern race relations through the eyes of a different character each episode. Following several black students at Winchester, an Ivy League institution, Dear White People manages to combine its social commentary with a sharp sense of humor. With its fourth and final season now on the books, this is still a big reveal.

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If British black humor is your thing, look no further than The End of The F***ing World. Psycho James (Alex Lawther) hatches a plan to kill Alyssa (Jessica Barden) while she's on the run from her abysmal parents. But when they hit the streets and commit some violent crimes, their callous hearts soften and they develop feelings for each other. Surprising, fast-paced and surreal, both seasons of this deadpan show for teens, your headphones pump out the best of the dreary '50s, '60s and '70s.doo-wop, It will surprise you.

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Before electrifying everyone with the perfect, word-for-word Fleabag, Phoebe Waller-Bridge wrote a six-part comedy that showcased the early stages of her amazing talent. Crashing follows six twenty-somethings living in an abandoned hospital, casually observing strict rules in exchange for cheap rent. The eccentric characters subvert expectations wherever possible, with Waller-Bridge appearing as the ukulele-playing Lulu. She not only disrupts the Friends setting, but occasionally finds herself in amazing dark situations (see Aunt Gladys very sensitive).

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On the surface, a comedy about a 30-year-old New Yorker who loves pasta, Master of None features subtle and moving episodes about immigrant families and their second-generation children. Then he drops a whole episode on Tinder. Dev's relatable experiences bubble with the wit and charm of creator and star Aziz Ansari and,controversia personalaside, the romantic and cultural themes it explores are remarkably mature. Season 3 takes things on a different path again, starring Lena Waithe and Naomi Ackie. Ansari appears in one episode, letting us know where Dev is in her love life.

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Thinking of diving into more international Netflix content? French comedy Call my agent! it hosts a growing list of famous actors playing themselves, from French stars to Americans like Sigourney Weaver(!) in recent seasons. But we look at show business from the perspective of the suffering agents, including the scene of Camille Cottin robbing the powerful agent Andréa Martel, who rebuffs her male colleagues with lines like: "When I changed from boys to girls, it was like graduating from the sandbox to the soccer field. A brilliant series with four seasons poking fun at the entertainment industry (a fifth season and a TV movie are on the way).

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When it comes to cartoons that let your guard down before hitting you with musings on mental health, BoJack Horseman takes the cake. Set in a Los Angeles filled with anthropomorphic animals, it follows a former comedy star who tries to revert to her former celebrity by publishing an autobiography. While this unconventional cocktail may take a while to digest at first, BoJack Horseman soon surprises him with her insights into battling depression and addiction along the way to getting her life back on track.

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Do you like science fiction series that play with two time lines? Do you have a special place for cults and mysteries? Meet Archive 81. The multi-genre show stars Mamoudou Athie as Dan Turner, an archivist who puts on a show restoring a collection of damaged videotapes from the 1990s, a mysterious cult, and a young woman who may or may not be dead. A supernatural thriller with horror, mystery, noir, and sci-fi infiltrated into its haunting atmosphere, File 81 has it all.

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Germany's response to Stranger Things deliberately takes its time before going into places that are completely compelling and original. A sci-fi noir, Dark weaves together time travel, conspiracies, and torn families into a story that spans generations that begins with the disappearance of a young boy. If this kind of meticulously crafted layering is what you're looking for in your storytelling, then calm down. All three seasons of Dark's meditative look at time travel and its effect on human nature are waiting to hit you full force.

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It wouldn't be the best list without Stranger Things. If you somehow missed the Duffer brothers' ode to '80s horror and Steven Spielberg, things are about to get tubular. We follow El, a nearly mute girl who has been the subject of scientific experiments. She develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to fend off invading monsters from a terrifying alternate dimension. The world of Indiana, Hawkins, is carefully detailed for anyone who needs a nostalgic '80s hit, and the misfit characters, played by a stellar young cast, are part of everything that makes this show a tour de force.

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Full Disclosure: Netflix Sadly CanceledTravellersafter its third season, but this well-planned sci-fi from Canada manages to end with an ambitious bang. We begin with Marcy, a disabled woman who is beaten up after helping a friend escape from bandits. She dies, then comes back to life. This strong, character-driven sci-fi cleverly reveals its secrets, following agents from the future tasked with preventing the collapse of society, but also navigating the tricky territory of living a double life.

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While Charlie Brooker's dark tech anthology seriescan be unpredictableAt its best, Black Mirror packs its mini-movies with an exploration of futuristic technological ideas through achingly human stories. One is San Junipero, which follows two women from the '80s (thundering soundtrack) as they fall in love in ways they couldn't in their "real" lives outside of the seaside town. The technological aspect is revealed with great timing, and overall the show explores the consequences of our connected lives in disturbing and at times uplifting ways.

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Talk about having the world against you as a teenager. The Bastard Son and the Devil Himself follows 16-year-old Nathan Byrne, a young witch whose father is the world's most dangerous "blood warlock." For his entire life, Nathan has been overseen by a council of witches who fear he will become like the old man. With a modern witch hunt and plenty of self-actualization, this British fantasy is at the top of its genre and strikingly beautiful amidst gore.

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One of the best TV shows of 2021 was an animated series. That's right, if you don't like animation, Arcane is the program to change your mind. The action adventure introduces us to the steampunk world of Piltover and Zaun, two cities driven by opposing values ​​and destinies. Then there's Violet (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell), two sisters separated by tragedy and struggling to make ends meet. Arcane is the kind of moving portraiture that gets under your skin on par with Pixar. The characters will move you to tears. A must see.

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This fantasy based on Jeff Lemire's graphic novel is the definition of weird and wonderful. Sweet Tooth follows Gus (an excellent Christian Convery), a half-deer, half-human boy who lives a sheltered life in the woods with his father Pubba (Will Forte). Events surrounding The Great Crumble, a viral pandemic, lead Gus on an adventure that branches out into mysterious, action-packed, and highly entertaining paths. The echoes of real world fights can be heard in the treetops of this immersive and spellbinding fantasy world. Fans of the genre get ready for this fantastic journey.

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We were not prepared for The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. Canceled after one season, the critically acclaimed fantasy series is, well, a gem. A prequel to the 1982 Jim Henson film, the series returns to the planet Thra, where three Gelflings inspire a rebellion against the utterly evil Skeksis. The design and performances of the dolls, from an impressive cast including Taron Edgerton, Anya Taylor-Joy and Nathalie Emmanuel, come to you. You will find yourself deeply involved in the lives of poor and downtrodden Gelflings, hurt as much as the puppets every time one of them is hurt. A complete fantasy epic, built with love, care, and amazing detail.

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Not every chapter of this horror anthology jumps out with its claws bared, but the best of the bunch oozes delightful gothic flourishes. Guillermo del Toro hosts each of the series' episodes, co-writing the best two: Lot 36 and The Murmuring. The eight episodes draw on the talents of different directors, bringing their own take on the reign of terror.

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From the author who brought us The Haunting of Hill House and Bly Manor comes another slow-burn horror series that will haunt you for days.midnight massis the latest creation from Mike Flanagan, a meticulously crafted mystery spanning seven one-hour episodes. Riley Flynn, still paying the price for a drunken car accident four years ago, returns to his Crockett Island home, where the arrival of a charismatic new priest coincides with amazing miracles in town. Pregnant with a sense of foreboding and dread,midnight massit's an eloquent interrogation of faith, with horrifying supernatural monsters along the way.

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Loosely based on Shirley Jackson's novel of the same name, Mike Flanagan's The Haunting of Hill House weaves its horror into a deeply moving story about a broken family. Fractured after growing up in a haunted house, the Crains can't ignore their past and must do what they never want to do: return to those dark halls. The stunning backdrops will please horror fans, but it's the sad story of the Crains that, yes, will haunt you for days. Good news: The second chapter of the anthology, The Haunting of Bly Manor, is an equally moving gothic novel.

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If you were a fan of Howard Overman's insanely funny Misfits, Crazyhead might be the next place you want to go. The Overman follow-up show, which first aired in the UK in 2016, is a horror comedy starring Cara Theobold (the voice of Tracer in Overwatch) and Susan Wokoma as unlikely friends who team up to see demons. wandering through normal society. . Their brilliant duo are at the center of this hauntingly funny series, featuring exorcisms, accidental roommate murders, and demonic parents. Yes, you have to see this for yourself.

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Lawyer Extraordinaire Woo is a big winner. Her Unique Concept: A woman with autism becomes a lawyer in South Korea, elevated by her brilliant and unexpected way of tackling cases. An inspiring heroine, Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin) brings extraordinary acting to the screen. Charming, moving, as radiant as the sun - you could watch this show for days.

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Denmark's darkest answer to the West Wing. Borgen is the epitome of sophisticated political drama, telling the inspiring fictional story of how, against all odds, Birgitte Nyborg Christensen (Sidse Babett Knudsen) becomes the first female Prime Minister of Denmark. Produced by the same company behind The Killing, Borgen is four influential seasons of one woman's complicated and intricate rise to power.

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Margaret Qualley is the heart of this miniseries based on a memoir.domestic workerfollows Alex, a young mother trying to support her daughter by working as a cleaner. Alex's task becomes a little more difficult thanks to an abusive relationship, poverty, homelessness and more. But it's not all heavy business, with light and charming moments giving Maid an extra sparkle. Not only a skillfully crafted moving story, Maid cements Qualley as a huge star.

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How do you make chess the exciting centerpiece of a coming-of-age tale? You make it a cocktail of stylish visuals, a '60s soundtrack, and the magnetic Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon, one of the youngest (and fewest women) chess players in the world. The fictional story inThe Queen's Gambit, named after a chess opening, follows his rise from an orphanage to defeating the best players in the world, as long as his addiction to drugs and bottles of wine don't get in the way.

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This miniseries is based on a memoir and is mainly told in Yiddish with painstaking detail. Almost a thriller, Unorthodox follows 19-year-old Esty Shapiro who escapes her arranged marriage in an ultra-Orthodox community in Brooklyn. He ends up in Berlin, exploring a new life outside of the strict beliefs he grew up with, but his community doesn't give up that easily. Featuring a stunning performance by Shira Haas, Unorthodox allows you to delve into a relentlessly captivating world.

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This miniseries fits firmly into the Western genre, with a female-led cast that includes Downton Abbey's Merritt Weaver and Michelle Dockery. With views of 1880s New Mexico swirling around him, Godless plots violence in a story that sees an outlaw on the run from his boss and seek refuge with an outcast widower. Oh, Jeff Daniels is in on it too, if the show wasn't compelling enough.

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sumptuousis a word to describe the production values ​​ofThe crownDrama about the British monarchy. Following the life of Queen Elizabeth II, beginning at age 20 with a powerful performance by Claire Foy, The Crown captures the grand working out of historical events from the depths of Buckingham Palace. Figures like Winston Churchill, Princess Margaret, Margaret Thatcher and others are treated with the highest cinematic sophistication. The fifth season premiered in 2022 and asixth seasonYou are on your way, to complete your knowledge of the Queen's reign at the beginning of the 21st century.

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