Welcome to your May 2021 guide to the best shows currently streaming on Netflix in the US. Below, we’ll walk you through our top 50 TV picks that every Netflix subscriber should watch while you have a subscription with every genre and show type covered.
We’ll be taking you across a spectrum of different genres in this list covering action series, drama series, comedy series, and others too. There are a few notable exceptions to this list too. For one, we’re only covering series that are primarily spoken in the English language.
Of course, 50 shows don’t really do the service justice as there’s a library full of series to check out but we had to try. Treat this list as a great starting point if you’re brand new to Netflix.
50. The Punisher
Seasons available: 2
Network: Netflix
Genre: Superhero
Show status: Ended
Although it sits just outside of the main Defenders story-arc, The Punisher was first introduced in Daredevil. Fans loved him so much that Netflix gave him his own solo series. The series is gritty, raw and fantastically shot as we see Marvel TV mature in a way that actually puts it ahead of the movies, in our opinion. Frank Castle can’t stay out of trouble as he’s constantly plagued by his past. Season two is on the way too so there’s never been a better time to spend time with Frank Castle.
49. How To Get Away With Murder
Seasons available: 6
Network: ABC
Genre: Detective drama
Show status: Ended
Viola Davis stars as a law professor teaching at a university to find her next employee to take with her into the profession of being a criminal defense lawyer.
The show’s title comes from Viola’s class; essentially teaching the kids how to avoid getting caught in the eyes of the law.
It comes from super-producer Shonda Rhimes (who is now producing Netflix content) and while the series certainly doesn’t maintain its high caliber writing through all six seasons, the early seasons are well worth the price of admission.
48. Daredevil Netflix Original
Seasons available: 3
Network: Netflix
Genre: Superhero drama
Show status: Ended
Most of the Marvel shows that Netflix produced are on this list, but none of them come close to the production levels and quality of Daredevil.
Daredevil was the first Defender to land on Netflix and he’s the one who had the most lasting impact. With its fantastic characters, impressive fight scenes, and attention to the original character design, there are few superhero series quite like this on television.
47. Arrow
Seasons available: 8
Network: The CW
Genre: Superhero series
Show status: Ended
This wasn’t CW’s first array into the superhero genre but it’s by far the best. Following rich playboy Oliver Queen, he turns to a life of heroism after his boat was lost to the sea. Similar to Batman, he vows to rid the city of criminals only armed with his bow and arrow.
46. Hannibal
Seasons Available: 3
Network: NBC
Genre: Thriller
Show status: Ended
Developed by serial producer Bryan Fuller, Hannibal is perhaps one of the great examples of network TV taking a risk on an excellent premise that’s away from its comfort zone and doing extremely well.
Based on the Thomas Harris novels, the series is about an FBI profiler who joins the Behavioural Sciences unit to help investigate various killers.
Despite that, of course, Hannibal concluded its run after three seasons but there have been repeated rumors of a fourth in development.
45. The 100
Seasons Available: 7
Network: The CW
Genre: Sci-fi
Show status: Ended
If you like most of the premises of Syfy content but think they’re poorly executed then, The 100 could be for you.
Produced by The CW, it’s about humanity’s last attempt to inhabit the earth after it was ravished by war. The struggling space colony sends down 100 child criminals to see what exactly the earth is like and whether it can sustain life.
After ending after seven seasons, we can thoroughly recommend this series as it maintained its excellent characters and edge-of-your-seat plots throughout.
44. Orange is the New Black Netflix Original
Seasons Available: 7
Network: Netflix
Genre: Prison Drama/Comedy
Show status: Ended
The creator of Weeds took up the project of Orange is the New Black after reading Piper Kerman’s account of her time in prison. While most elements of OITNB are based on Piper’s experience in jail, the show has grown its own identity with an amazing and diverse cast, allowing the creators to tell some excellent stories in Litchfield.
While you could certainly argue that the consistency of the series is mixed (with season three particularly standing out as a low point) the series is one of the longest-running Netflix Originals in history and is an easy binge and a show that can be frequently revisited.
43. Designated Survivor Netflix Original
Seasons available: 4
Network: ABC/Netflix
Genre: Drama
Show status: Ended
You’ll find a number of Netflix revivals on this list and Designated Survivor is among the best of them. The series stars Kiefer Sutherland who plays a government official who unexpectedly becomes the President of the United States after a terrorist attack on the Capitol.
The early seasons are intense and some of the best network TV the 21st century had to offer and although Netflix’s revival season left way too much left on the table to provide a satisfactory ending, there’s enough here to keep you engaged and worth a recommendation.
42. Longmire Netflix Original
Seasons available: 7
Network: A&E / Netflix
Genre: Drama
Show status: Ended
This crime thriller was bought by Netflix after the series faced the ax on A&E. It’s such a good job they did, as it’s one of the best crime thrillers on Netflix. With its final season due in 2017, it’ll be good to see how they give a sendoff to this fantastic series. The series follows a sheriff who moves town after the death of his wife but sadly, he can’t quite shake his past.
41. Alias Grace Netflix Original
Seasons Available: 1
Network: Netflix
Genre: Period drama
Show status: Ended
This cross-production between CBS in Canada and Netflix is absolutely exemplary. Creating a perfect aesthetic and casting fantastic actors and actresses, this limited order run series perfectly adapts the Margaret Atwood story without losing any of the key details of the true story based on Grace Marks case in 1843. This series set a new bar for limited order runs.
40. Maniac Netflix Original Miniseries
Seasons Available: 1
Network: Netflix
Genre: Drama
Show Status: Miniseries
Jonah Hill and Emma Stone star in this indefinable sci-fi/drama which sees the pair enter multiple stories in dream states. It’s stylish, interpretive, and perfect for a Netflix binge. The only other network that could’ve possibly greenlit this would be HBO.
39. Gotham
Seasons Available: 5
Network: FOX
Genre: Superhero series
Show status: Ended
Gotham is one of the last remaining Fox shows on Netflix, and we’re glad it’s one of the best. This series rewinds the clock on the Batman universe and returns us to Bruce Wayne’s childhood.
The series’ main focus is on a young James Gordon who is discovering the notorious younger criminals you come to love in the Batman universe. The realization of the world is fantastic and it’s great to see an otherwise glossed-over perspective. It provides a lot more substance to the villains’ backstories.
38. Startup
Seasons Available: 3
Network: Crackle
Genre: Crime drama
Show status: Ended
Netflix has been reliant in recent years on Sony to help bolster its library of TV series and this is a particularly odd addition given that Startup began as a Crackle Original series.
The series features some familiar names and comes from creator Ben Ketai. It follows three people who end up working together in a new wave of crime that dips into the cryptocurrency revolution we’re seeing now.
It’s gripping from the start and although it looks like season 4 won’t be on the way, there’s plenty to get you interested and retain you throughout its 30 episodes available now on Netflix.
37. Master of None Netflix Original
Seasons Available: 2
Network: Netflix
Genre: Comedy
Show status: Season 3 due out in May 2021
Aziz Ansari stars in this Netflix Original comedy, which is loosely based on Ansari’s real-life experiences. Like Louie, it’s a collection of magnificent, semi-autobiographic, loosely connected vignettes. It’s a great show about people discovering who they want to be.
36. Shameless (US)
Seasons available: 10
Network: Showtime
Genre: Comedy
Show status: Ongoing
Another US remake of a British show scores highly on our list of the best TV series on Netflix.
The series that adapts Shameless from the UK has taken us on many strange, and often harrowing trips with the Gallagher family in Chicago.
Not only does the series do a great job in bringing the comedy from its UK cousin, but it also brings plenty of tears: there’s no on-screen family you connect with quite as much as the Gallaghers.
35. F is for Family Netflix Original
Seasons available: 4
Network: Netflix
Genre: Animated Sitcom
Show status: Ongoing
F is for Family is the second-ever Netflix Original animated show, and is still one of the most unique. The series takes us back to the 1970s when times were simpler, but not for the Murphy family. We follow Frank who works at the airport while supporting his wife and three kids.
Bill Burr provides the headline voice performance and the show continues to gain steam with its fourth season due out in 2020.
34. Supernatural
Seasons available: 15
Network: The CW
Genre: Supernatural drama
Show status: Ended
This long-running show from The CW is about a pair of brothers who follow in their father’s footsteps in hunting down the supernatural whether they be zombies, werewolves or vampires. The show has now been running for over a decade and shows no sign of slowing down, remaining The CW’s jewel in the crown.
33. Arrested Development
Seasons available: 6
Network: FOX / Netflix
Genre: Comedy
Show status: Likely ended
One of the smartest TV comedies (only second to Bojack Horseman) returned to Netflix in a less than spectacular manner, but still managed to win audiences back with the remixed season five and now released season six.
The series focuses on the Bluths, a dysfunctional family that’s been put into financial ruin thanks to the head of the family. It’s down to the main character (played by Jason Bateman) to fix all the family’s problems.
32. Big Mouth
Seasons Available: 3 (+4)
Network: Netflix
Genre: Animated Comedy
Show status: Ongoing
On paper, this is a sick and twisted series that’s nothing more than profanity-laced crudeness. In practice, it’s exactly that… and it works.
Featuring big names such as Nick Kroll, John Mulaney and many more, the series’ star power alone should be enough to entice.
In the series, we follow teenage friends who are going through puberty, characterized by monsters who seem intent on ruining their lives.
The show was recently renewed for an additional three seasons.
31. Riverdale
Seasons Available: 4
Network: The CW
Genre: Drama
Show status: Ongoing
The CW is mostly known nowadays for producing the myriad of DC shows such as The Flash and Arrow, or its supernatural dramas such as The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural. Following a different direction, Riverdale is part of The CW’s new wave of shows looking to recapture its teen drama audience by adapting the famous Archie comic for a new audience.
It does so fantastically well with the series being amongst the best the network has to offer. Its engaging storyline and rich and diverse characters are perfectly adapted from the comic books.
30. House of Cards Netflix Original
Seasons available: 6
Network: Netflix
Genre: Political drama
Show status: Ended
House of Cards was one of the first Netflix Originals and is still among the best, despite being somewhat tainted. As you may know, the show’s lead has faced some pretty graphic allegations put against him, putting the show in a somewhat different light.
With that said, House of Cards is a masterpiece of a series with the first couple of seasons being the best political television in history.
The series follows the Underwoods, a ruthless political couple who will do anything to gain power and once at the top, anything to stay there.
29. Heartland
Seasons available: 12
Network: CBC
Genre: Drama
Show status: Ongoing
Heartland is a fan-favorite like no other. Hundreds follow our site religiously just to track down when new seasons of Heartland are coming to Netflix, and it’s no surprise why.
The down-to-earth series features storylines that are sure to pull at anyone’s heartstrings, following a family struggling to keep their farm afloat after one of the owners passes away. It’s now up to her daughter to pick up the reigns and continue her mother’s legacy.
Netflix is always a couple of seasons behind when it comes to CBC’s Heartland.
28. Virgin River
Seasons Available: 2
Network: Netflix
Genre: Drama
Show status: Ongoing
If you’re looking for a drama similar to the likes of Heartland or Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, we wholeheartedly recommend checking out Virgin River.
The fantastic debut drama based on the books from Robyn Carr has been an instant success for Netflix and thankfully, there are more books to be adapted for the future.
27. Grey’s Anatomy
Seasons Available: 15
Network: ABC
Genre: Medical drama
The long-running ABC drama shows no sign of slowing down as it still continues to captivate audiences with its engaging characters and impressive casting choices.
The series itself takes you to a Seattle hospital, giving you an insight into the daily life of the doctors and nurses there.
Grey’s Anatomy has scored a number of Emmy’s over the years and continues to come to Netflix on an annual basis.
26. The Walking Dead
Seasons available: 9
Network: AMC
Genre: Zombie drama
Show status: Ongoing
Netflix pays through the nose for each season of the Walking Dead and there’s little question as to why. It’s just brilliant, albeit a bit slow in the middle of each season, which is why Netflix binging is by far the best way to experience the show. Based on the comic books of the same name, it follows Rick and a whole host of other characters as they attempt to survive the zombie apocalypse.
25. Russian Doll
Seasons Available: 1
Network: Netflix
Genre: Comedy
Show status: Ongoing
Russian Doll has all the hallmarks of a great series, borrowing a tried and tested trope of reliving the same day over and over. Unsurprisingly, it delivered.
With Orange is the New Black alumni Natasha Lyonne starring as Nadia, she’s forced to relive the same party over and over, and attempts to break the loop.
It’s funny, smart and a breath of fresh air and absolutely should be on your watchlist.
24. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
Seasons available: 1
Network: Netflix
Genre: Adventure, Drama
Show status: Canceled
We didn’t quite know how this title was going to go down given it’s almost been four decades since The Dark Crystal first arrived in cinemas. Thankfully, age has been kind on this title and instantly shoots it up to one of the very best TV series on Netflix right now.
Thanks to a mix of stunning CGI and breathtaking puppetry, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is accessible and can be enjoyed by all ages and creeds (even if you haven’t seen the original). It takes many twists and turns and is one of the most unique productions that can be found on Netflix right now.
Sadly, the show wasn’t chosen to move past season 1.
23. Bridgerton
Seasons available: 1
Network: Netflix
Genre: Period, Drama
Show status: Renewed up to season 4
Netflix needed its own glitzy period drama and it got it in droves with the release of Bridgerton back in December. Adapting the novels by Julia Quinn, Shonda Rhimes demonstrates why she’s become the TV creating juggernaut that she is.
With the show’s future locked in and assuming the show’s quality continues on an upward trajectory, we suspect this show could eventually break into the top 10.
22. Cobra Kai
Seasons Available: 3
Network: YouTube Premium / Netflix
Genre: Action
Show status: Ongoing
Netflix gave a second wind of life to Cobra Kai which began its life as a YouTube Red or Premium show. The series picked up decades from where the hugely successful Karate Kid movies left off with Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LeRusso reigniting old rivalries.
The series is camp, fun, and easily bingeable making it a perfect addition to Netflix with plenty of faces both new and old keeping you engaged throughout.
21. The Hauntings of Hill House & Bly Manor
Seasons Available: 2
Network: Netflix
Genre: Horror
Show status: Unknown
When it comes to horror, Netflix has slowly been making headway and that’s largely thanks to its deal with Mike Flanagan, a huge figure in the genre.
His main two Netflix projects thus far have been adaptations of books that have been cornerstones of Netflix’s Halloween lineup for a number of years.
20. Narcos / Narcos: Mexico Netflix Original
Seasons Available: 5
Network: Netflix
Genre: Drama
Show status: Ongoing
This Netflix series has made millions of viewers comfortable reading subtitles, opening them up to a world of international film and TV. The series has morphed since it first came onto Netflix as the first two seasons of the show focussed only on the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar.
The third season and the upcoming fourth season will both focus on other drug lords and drug cartels. The series is well-produced and while it’s often dramatized possibly beyond the truth, it provides a fascinating insight into a world that most are alien to.
19. Love, Death & Robots Netflix Original
Seasons Available: 2
Network: Netflix
Genre: Animated Drama
Show Status: Ongoing
If you love your anthology series, then Love, Death & Robots needs to be added to your list immediately. The sixteen-episode first season sees us bounce from one story to another with each having a different animation style.
Produced by David Fincher, the series has some fantastic stories that are easily digestible with each clocking in at roughly 10 minutes.
18. Halt and Catch Fire
Seasons Available: 4
Network: AMC
Genre: Drama
Anyone that has seen Halt and Catch Fire will tell you it is criminally underrated.
The series takes you back to the 1980s during the birth of Silicon Valley and follows the biggest players at the time to breakthrough.
It’s four enthralling seasons that feature top talent and some superb writing.
17. Better Call Saul
Seasons Available: 4
Network: AMC
Genre: Drama
Show status: Ongoing
Assuming Better Call Saul is just a spin-off from Breaking Bad is a major injustice. For many, Better Call Saul surpasses the original. The prequel provides additional context on the lead up to the main show with absolutely sublime performances from Bob Odenkirk but particularly Rhea Seehorn.
The show, just like its predecessor, has already racked up multiple awards and was nominated for two Golden Globes. It retains many of the key people behind Breaking Bad, so the series is on par with its sister show.
16. Bojack Horseman Netflix Original
Seasons Available: 6
Network: Netflix
Genre: Animated sitcom
Show status: Ended
Bojack Horseman has been around for several years now, and while it’s probably not the most popular show on Netflix, it’s certainly one of the smartest.
Diving into issues that an animated sitcom wouldn’t usually explore, the show is a true pioneer in its space. It deals with sensitive issues such as mental illness, abortions, and sexuality all in a way that’s comedic and excellently done.
The impressive cast starring Will Arnett, Alison Brie, and Aaron Paul makes this show a standout show. It’s not going to be for everyone but for those who like shows with depth, this is for you.
15. The Umbrella Academy
Seasons available: 2
Network: Netflix
Genre: Superhero action
Status: Ongoing
Netflix had big shoes to fill once The Defenders franchise from Marvel came to a close on Netflix. Thankfully, The Umbrella Academy does a fantastic job of doing so.
Telling the story of the adopted siblings years later after their heyday. It’s got some big stars involved including Ellen Page and Mary J. Blige but more importantly, it’s an engaging story from start to finish.
14. Peaky Blinders Netflix Original
Seasons available: 5
Network: BBC / Netflix
Genre: Historical Drama
Show status: Ongoing
Although marketed as a Netflix Original in the US, the series is created by the BBC in the UK. If there’s one thing that the BBC is good at, it is creating a great period drama.
Set in post World War 1 Birmingham, this gangster series sees Cillian Murphy play the role of Tommy Shelby, the leader of a notorious gang.
The series is a fantastic realization of the historical period and is some of the most gripping TV available. Best of all, new seasons come quickly to Netflix thanks to the aforementioned Netflix exclusivity.
13. Black Mirror Netflix Original
Seasons available: 5
Network: Channel 4 / Netflix
Genre: Anthology sci-fi drama
Show status: Unknown
Netflix picked up the British series most likely because there’s simply quite nothing else out there like it. The anthology series picks up a new concept usually involving a form of twisted technology to influence the episode and the people in it. More often than not, the stories never result in a happy ending but will leave you with a lot of questions. The series is written by Charlie Brooker who is, in my mind, one of the smartest TV writers in the game at the moment and with Netflix’s money behind it, the series is constantly reaching new heights.
12. The Last Kingdom Netflix Original
Seasons available: 4
Network: BBC America / Netflix
Genre: Historical Dramas
Show status: Ending
Netflix is desperate to have something to top HBO’s Game of Thrones. While Netflix’s own Marco Polo failed, the cross-production between Netflix and BBC is definitely giving the HBO series a run for its money.
BBC America canceled its involvement with the show, with Netflix now fully taking up the mantle and the series goes from strength to strength in all areas.
Starring Alexander Dreymon and Emily Cox, this series takes us back to the Vikings era where Alfred the Great must defend his home from the invaders.
11. Castlevania
Seasons available: 4
Network: Netflix
Genre: Animation
Show status: Ended but may return
Although we’ve been restrained from including anime on this list in favor of including them in a big separate list we’re making an exception for Castlevania here.
Adapted from the video game series, Warren Ellis put together some of the best animation series in recent memory and even if you’re not a big fan of the anime medium, this provides a perfect entry point for anyone traditionally who would avoid a show like this.
Among the excellent voice cast for Castlevania includes Richard Armitage, Alejandra Reynoso, and James Callis.
10. Lucifer
Seasons available: 5
Network: FOX / Netflix
Genre: Drama
Show status: Ending with season 6
The acquisition of Lucifer was one of the biggest revivals Netflix has ever accomplished. The series, which ran for three seasons on FOX, was wildly popular abroad where Netflix carried it. After its shock cancelation due to poor US viewership, Netflix took over the show and it’s become one of their biggest hits.
The series is about the literal devil who moves to Los Angeles to open a club. and ends up forming a relationship with a homicide detective.
It’s a vibrant series featuring plenty of lore, baddies, and great set pieces.
9. The Good Place
Seasons available: 3
Network: NBC
Genre: Comedy
Show status: Ended
NBC lost its throne of being the top comedy series producer but The Good Place is doing a good job of bringing back the crown to NBC.
The series is hard to describe properly due to its many twists and turns, but essentially it boils down to a group of humans dying and heading to the Good Place.
The show is smart, insanely funny and if you haven’t watched the first season in a single sitting, it’s probably not the show for you.
The Good Place is carried as a Netflix Original outside the United States but does eventually come to Netflix in the US too.
8. The Crown Netflix Original
Seasons available: 4
Network: Netflix
Genre: Historical Drama
Show status: Ongoing
The Crown is a Netflix original that released in November 2016 and focuses on the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The first season starts when she is 25-years-old, recently married and soon to become the Monarch of the British Empire. The show has been praised for its amazing acting, script, and attention to detail.
It’s one of Netflix’s most expensive shows ever produced, with an estimated budget of $156,000,000.
7. Community
Seasons available: 6
Network: NBC
Genre: Comedy, Sitcom
Show Status: Unknown but ended for now
The history of Community is almost as fascinating as the show itself. It saw a lot of bumps in the road on its network but the facts are as follows. Community, at its best, is some of the best comedy on TV. Period.
Following a lawyer who is thrown out due to faking his degree, he settles into a small community college and forms a study group.
It’s smart, engaging and instantly bingeable and available on Netflix globally!
6. Wentworth
Seasons available: 7
Network: SoHo / Showcase
Genre: Prison drama
Show status: Ongoing
For the long-term observers of this post, they’ll know that Orange Is The New Black used to reside around the number six spot.
Sadly, with OITNB falling off the wagon and facing an identity crisis in recent years, it’s down to Wentworth to pick up the pieces, and boy does it do a good job.
The gritty Australian drama features a women’s prison that’s one of the roughest and toughest prisons you could imagine. It’s a thrilling watch and far better than Netflix’s own women’s prison drama.
5. Mindhunter Netflix Original
Seasons available: 2
Network: Netflix
Genre: Crime Drama
Show status: On Hold
David Fincher is a master behind the camera and perhaps his finest work was done on Netflix’s Mindhunter. The series is really smart and fascinating to watch.
The show follows two FBI agents who set up a new department within the bureau to study some of the most prolific serial killers in history.
Perhaps the review I most agree with is Dani Di Placido’s on Forbes: he says that the show is so good that it “makes him feel physically sick”. It really is that powerful.
Sadly, the show appears to be on a permanent hiatus.
4. The Queen’s Gambit Netflix Original
Seasons available: 1
Network: Netflix
Genre: Sport, Drama
Show status: Limited series
Limited series have become a massive part of Netflix’s own original lineup and without a doubt, The Queen’s Gambit serves as the headline title.
Releasing seemingly out of nowhere, the show tells the story of Beth Harmon who is a chess genius and her story of rising through the ranks of chess while facing her own demons.
It’s almost a perfect series with everything coming together to create a perfect synergy.
3. Ozark Netflix Original
Seasons available: 3
Network: Netflix
Genre: Crime drama
Show status: Ending
Frequently compared to Breaking Bad, it is every bit as gritty, violent, and character-driven. Jason Bateman stars as a financial planner who gets pulled into a money-laundering fiasco, forcing him into debt to a drug lord. With his family in tow, he moves to the Ozarks to put a scheme into action that would repay his debt and save his family.
The writing and direction are fantastic. Another standout is the strong female presence in heavy roles. The result of all of this is the best TV series currently on Netflix.
2. Stranger Things Netflix Original
Seasons available: 3
Network: Netflix
Genre: Sci-fi Drama
Show status: Ongoing
When Stranger Things first premiered on Netflix, it instantly blew everyone away. The sci-fi series set back in the 80 sees a combination of a conspiracy plot mixed with a murder mystery, mixed with a superhero series, mixed with a monster series and it just works. It takes cues and ideas from movies and series and while you could argue it does nothing particularly new you can’t deny it perfects every element it borrows.
Season 2 saw the series reach new heights at times with the established characters facing a new threat much bigger than the first. It’s a rollercoaster series with fantastic characters and some of the strongest CGI you’ll see in a TV series.
Season 3, which released in July 2019 broke all of Netflix’s records and is regarded to be the best season of the three.
1. Breaking Bad
Seasons available: 5
Network: AMC
Genre: Crime drama
Show status: Ended
Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul star in one of the most critically acclaimed series of all time only to be topped by a few HBO hits which sadly aren’t on Netflix.
AMC knocked it out of the park when it gave Vince Gilligan a chance to develop the series which follows a chemistry teacher facing the prospect of an early death unless he develops the funds to fund his cancer treatment.
Although the series is now over, the series legacy will carry on for decades given the stellar performances from the cast, excellent cinematography, and storylines that push the envelope of what a TV series can be.