The Best Netflix Original Content

By Austin Schoonmaker | October 24, 2017

Starting out as an online delivery DVD rental service, Netflix has grown to be the biggest name in streaming online content. Up until recently, Netflix only provided content from other sources, but now they have begun to heavily invest in creating their own original content. So far, it has certainly paid off for their subscribers, with much of their original content being critically acclaimed by critics and viewers alike. If you’re looking to start a new show, or maybe want to skip the long period of agreeing on a new movie for movie night, Netflix original content might be the way to go.

In their first attempt at original content, Netflix released House of Cards in 2013. Since then, there have been 5 seasons released with the show winning several Emmy awards. Widely thought to be their best originally produced show, House of Cards is an intelligent political thriller show that is full of intrigue and deception. Often closely following certain real world events during the time their filmed, House of Cards is a fierce look into America’s political landscape and the inner workings and corruption of politicians and their pursuit of power. Starring William Spacey and Robin Wright as a husband/duo who are in pursuit of the Presidency, House of Cards is sure to have you on the edge of your seat, and really begin to wonder how accurate this representation of American politics really is.

There are a number of other highly respected and acclaimed series from the entertainment giant. That includes Stranger Things (and soon to be Stranger Things 2) which was an instant cult-classic fueled by nostalgia of ’80s classics. The series is set in 1983 Indiana, where a young boy vanishes into thin air. As friends, family and local police search for answers, they are drawn into an extraordinary mystery involving top-secret government experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one very strange little girl. Stranger Things 2 will premier October 27, so fans only have a few more days to wait. In the new season, citizens of are still reeling from the horrors and the secrets revealed in Season 1. Yes, Will has been rescued, but a bigger, sinister entity still looms. Antother crowd pleaser is The Good Cop. Tony Danza plays Tony Sr., a disgraced, former NYPD officer who never followed the rules. He lives with his son, Tony Jr., an earnest, obsessively honest NYPD detective who makes a point of always following the rules. This “odd couple” become unofficial partners as Tony Sr. offers his overly-cautious son blunt, street-wise advice on everything from handling suspects to handling women.

One more original series you should add to your play list is The Sinner. This psychological thriller follows a young woman who inexplicably stabs a stranger to death and a sympathetic detective who struggles to unlock the mystery buried in her missing memories.

If you’re looking for some action, and appreciate exotic cinematography, then you may want to check our Narcos. A newer addition to the Netflix catalog, Narcos tells the thrilling story of the rise and fall of the world’s most powerful drug cartels. The first 2 seasons of the show focuses on the story of Pablo Escobar, and how he built the world’s first cocaine cartel. Split between a cast of Spanish and English speaking characters, Narcos is unique in that it is a bi-lingual movie. Much of the show relies on subtitles, but the Spanish speaking scenes make the show all the better. Narcos is filled with gritty action, and Pedro Pascal and Wagner Moura steal each scene with their amazing performances.

In terms of original film, Netflix has consistently put out quality movies that are sure to make your movie night all the better. One of their newer films, Burning Sands, tells the harrowing story of an African American fraternity, and the trials and tribulation of pledging for college freshman Zurich. A scalding critique on the current atmosphere of Greek life on college campuses, Burning Sands boasts well developed characters, and sheds light on university culture that you may have never been a part of. The ending will leave you thinking and wanting to discuss with your friends and colleagues about what you think. 

There are plenty of choices when it comes to original Netflix content. These 3 choices are perfect for you to start out with, so try them out, and let me know in the comments below any other suggestions for other Netflix originals.