9 Must-Watch Netflix Original Series

“The Nine Netflix Originals That Built Today’s Netflix”

Despite talks of slowing growth after the pandemic, Netflix continues to dominate the streaming industry, investing substantial resources into Netflix original movies and series. The quality is remarkable, attracting top creative talent worldwide and producing a steady stream of critically acclaimed Netflix exclusive shows. Since these Netflix original TV series are exclusive to Netflix, they provide compelling reasons to subscribe.

Based on my extensive experience as a Netflix enthusiast, here are my top 9 Netflix original TV shows, selected with a personal touch and perhaps a bit of bias.

Why Great TV Shows Enhance Your Life

Some people avoid dramas because of their length. I used to feel the same way. Movies typically run about two hours, maybe three at most, making it easy to watch many and discover excellent ones. But with Netflix original series sometimes exceeding 60 episodes, the commitment can seem daunting.

Dramas Deliver Immediate Impact

My perspective completely changed when I discovered truly captivating Netflix originals. Unlike movies, which each tell different stories and take time to establish the plot, Netflix original shows typically use just the first episode for setup. From the second episode onward, you’re immersed in the main storyline.

This means a good drama gives you potentially 176 more episodes of compelling storytelling. It’s like experiencing continuous enjoyment.

The only downside? Getting so hooked that you end up binge-watching Netflix originals all night long.

Daily Anticipation Becomes the Norm

The addictive quality of excellent Netflix original TV series is undeniable. While watching a high-quality series, each day feels more vibrant. Your commute becomes pleasant, and you eagerly anticipate the end of your workday. You’ll find yourself using every spare moment to watch, and just knowing you can continue the story when you get home makes daily life more exciting.

While watching, you’ll often wish the Netflix series would continue indefinitely, making the final episode bittersweet when you realize there are no more to come. That’s the magic of a great drama – an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Netflix Originals Stand Apart

When it comes to original content, Netflix truly excels. While many TV shows appear across various streaming platforms, Netflix Original TV series are exclusive productions.

Despite being originals, both the quality and quantity are impressive. With revenue from its massive global subscriber base, Netflix attracts the finest directors, writers, and actors, virtually guaranteeing engaging content. Financial resources definitely make a difference.

This isn’t about whether a Netflix subscription offers value. It’s about subscribing specifically to access the outstanding Netflix original shows I’m about to recommend.

For transparency, Netflix doesn’t offer affiliate programs, so I receive no compensation for these recommendations.

My All-Time Favorite Non-Netflix Series

For those interested, I’ve also written about non-Netflix dramas I recommend.

My personal Top 3 favorite TV series of all time are:

• Burn Notice
• The Mentalist
• Silicon Valley

I could happily watch these three indefinitely.

Viewing Tips: Playback Speed and Skip Features

As I mentioned in my article about recommended YouTube channels, when consuming content, I strongly recommend using playback speed controls and the 10-second skip feature.

Netflix offers a 1.5x playback speed option in its app, which I use regularly.

Skip Unnecessary Segments

For any content, I consistently use the 10-second skip to bypass predictable or unnecessary scenes.

For instance, in a fight scene that will lead to reconciliation, you can skip the entire confrontation. Similarly, scenes showing characters getting angry or crying often merely explain emotional states to viewers and can be skipped. Focus on scenes where the plot advances for more efficient viewing.

Once accustomed to this approach, you can consume interesting content quickly. In today’s era of abundant streaming Netflix options, efficiency matters.

The Serpent (8 Episodes)

This Netflix exclusive show recounts the true story of a serial killer in Thailand. It follows a French couple who systematically murdered European tourists staying at their guesthouse, assuming their identities and stealing their money.

In retrospect, such crimes seem implausible, but in Thailand—a developing country with numerous travelers and before passport digitization—it was possible. The fact that they were eventually caught seems almost miraculous.

The compelling presence of the male lead, who manipulates everyone around him, stands out. He appears kind outwardly but constantly searches for opportunities to kill, which is chilling. The series authentically portrays the events leading to their capture and is thoroughly engaging. With just 8 episodes, it’s easy to start and finish.

Manhunt (8 Episodes)

This Netflix original TV series documents the real-life bombing incidents in the United States. It focuses on the FBI agents who deciphered the bomber’s manifestos to ultimately track him down.

Initially, investigators believed the bomber had a low IQ, but the series meticulously shows how they realized he was actually a brilliant but antisocial individual, based entirely on his writings. It’s a fascinating narrative. With just 8 episodes, it’s another quick and accessible watch.

Squid Game (3 seasons (27 eps.))

Think of this as a Korean version of The Hunger Games. This Netflix exclusive show brilliantly elevates the often clichéd death game genre into a compelling and thought-provoking series.

The process of being drawn into deadly games, the sudden onset of irrationality, and the complex human relationships involving betrayal and trust among participants are brought to life through fascinating characters.

However, the pacing can be slow, so watching at 1.5x speed is almost essential—it feels more natural that way. A second season is in development, making this definitely worth exploring.

Below is the trailer for Squid Game Season 3, scheduled for release in June 2025.

Inventing Anna (9 Episodes)

This Netflix original TV show chronicles the true story of an American con artist. It follows a young Instagrammer in her early twenties who scammed numerous people out of substantial sums through audacious lies and sheer persistence.

Her methods were surprisingly traditional: claiming she forgot her wallet, her credit card wasn’t working, or her wealthy father would pay later. It’s almost unbelievable how easily she seemed to succeed, making you wonder if she had malicious intentions or truly believed her own fabrications.

Her youth, audacity, and confidence are the main attractions. The series also recreates her trial, famously dubbed a “fashion show,” adding another dimension of interest.

Ozark (4 seasons (44 eps.))

This Netflix exclusive series tells the story of an ordinary man who becomes entangled with the mafia and must serve as their money launderer to survive.

What’s fascinating is the transformation of the protagonist’s family, once law-abiding citizens, as they delve deeper into criminal activities, becoming accustomed to and eventually excelling in their illicit operations.

The series cleverly portrays how the family, initially just trying to survive by making themselves valuable to the mafia, gradually evolves into active participants in criminal enterprises, all presented within a compelling family drama framework.

Despite its length, the series maintains momentum, and the continuously evolving plot keeps viewers engaged.

Better Call Saul (6 seasons (78 eps.))

This spin-off of the acclaimed series Breaking Bad explores the backstory and eventual fate of the morally ambiguous lawyer Saul Goodman.

The protagonist, a charming but ethically challenged individual who will do anything for a prank or money, captivates viewers. Despite his intelligence, his excessive nature brings misfortune to those around him, creating a compelling narrative. The entire cast is exceptionally well-developed, making this a Netflix original show you could watch endlessly.

Interestingly, while I watched all of Breaking Bad, I didn’t particularly enjoy it. However, I found Better Call Saul absolutely brilliant.

Although it’s a spin-off featuring many returning characters, it largely stands independently, so prior knowledge of Breaking Bad isn’t necessary to appreciate it.

For background context, it helps to know that the current version of the protagonist lives under a new identity as a fugitive, and a character known as the “vacuum cleaner guy” facilitates these identity changes. Highly recommended.

Bonus Recommendations

Here are additional popular Netflix original series worth exploring, though I personally recommend the ones above first.

• Narcos (3 seasons (30 eps.))

  Genre:	Crime, Drama, Based on True Story
  Release Year:	Season 1: August 2015, Season 2: September 2016, Season 3: September 2017
  One-liner:	I know Pablo was a pretty bad dude overall, but they really make it hard for you to hate him in this Netflix original series.

• Narcos: Mexico (30 Episodes)

  Genre:	Crime, Drama, Based on True Story
  Release Year:	Season 1: November 2018, Season 2: February 2020, Season 3: November 2021
  One-liner:	I know Pablo was a pretty bad dude overall, but they really make it hard for you to hate him in this show.

  These Netflix original TV shows document Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar’s life and the rise of the Mexican drug trade. Escobar’s audacity, from supporting his hometown to bombing airplanes, is astonishing. You’ll also learn about the power dynamics between Colombia and Mexico in the drug trade and their different approaches to marijuana and cocaine.

• Money Heist (5 seasons (41 eps.))

  Genre:	Heist, Crime, Drama, Thriller
  Release Year:	Part 1: May 2017, Part 2: April 2018, Part 3: July 2019, Part 4: April 2020, Part 5: September 2021 (Vol.1), December 2021 (Vol.2)
  Key Features:	I’ve never been so emotionally invested in all the characters of a drama before.

  This Netflix original series follows an elaborate bank robbery in Spain. Netflix assumed production from season 2 onward. While some characters’ emotional outbursts, conflicts, and actions can be frustratingly illogical, the overall plot and intricate heist planning are entertaining. Many scenes are unnecessary, so the 10-second skip feature is highly recommended. Prepare for an incredibly over-the-top conclusion.

• The Queen’s Gambit (7 Episodes)

  Genre:	Drama, Coming-of-Age, Period Piece
  Release Year:	October 2020
  Key Features:	It has a charm that makes even complete beginners fall in love with chess and want to start playing.

  This Netflix original show portrays an orphaned chess prodigy’s rise to prominence. The character is loosely based on a real male chess player. While enjoyable, it’s primarily a straightforward success story without much dramatic tension beyond the protagonist’s journey. The visuals are stunning, the lead actress is charming, and the pacing is brisk, making it an easy watch.

Subscribe to Netflix for These Exceptional Dramas

Netflix continues producing high-quality Netflix original series at an impressive rate. I almost feel compelled to subscribe simply to keep up with their incredible Netflix exclusive shows. Considering the enjoyment I’ve derived from Netflix over the years, the monthly fee feels more than justified—it’s excellent value.

The dramas based on true stories often feature shorter seasons of around 10 episodes, making them more accessible than traditional longer series. Once comfortable, you can tackle the more extensive 30+ episode productions. And remember to utilize the 1.5x playback speed and 10-second skip features for optimal viewing!

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