Netflix has established itself as a powerhouse in the television landscape. Its top-tier series often lead the conversation in pop culture, garnering accolades from both critics and audiences. Shows such as “The Crown” have not only captivated viewers but have also gone on to win prestigious awards like the Emmys.
Yet, not all Netflix productions hit the mark. Even some of its most celebrated series can be overhyped. The perceived excellence of these shows is sometimes amplified beyond their actual merit by enthusiastic critics and fans. Despite this, they continue to be valuable and enjoyable contributions to Netflix’s expanding roster, even if they don’t quite reach the heights of acclaim some attribute to them.
7. Stranger Things (2016-present)
“Stranger Things” became a signature series for Netflix, redefining the platform with its unique blend of science fiction and nostalgic elements from the 1980s. Set in the quaint, fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the series follows a group of characters as they grapple with eerie supernatural forces from an alternate dimension known as the Upside Down.
Launched with a dynamic young cast and imbued with a sense of fresh, original storytelling, “Stranger Things” initially captured audiences with its engaging, character-driven plot. Yet, eight years after its debut, the series appears to have lost its initial luster. While “Stranger Things” remains a cultural phenomenon, recent seasons have veered into overly complex and somewhat lackluster territory, missing the energetic charm that originally won fans over. The series now exemplifies how a show can grow too expansive for its own benefit, gradually diluting its distinctiveness and merging into the vast stream of content on Netflix.
Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix.
6. The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
Anya Taylor-Joy emerged as a breakout star during the pandemic with her captivating performance as chess prodigy Beth Harmon in Netflix’s elegantly crafted period drama “The Queen’s Gambit.” The series not only traces Beth’s meteoric rise in the chess world but also explores her personal battles with addiction.
“The Queen’s Gambit” primarily serves as a platform to showcase Taylor-Joy’s exceptional acting skills, which have rightfully garnered numerous accolades and nominations. Despite this, much of the show’s critical and popular acclaim can be attributed to an overly enthusiastic response from both critics and audiences, which may have amplified its perceived success. While the production quality is commendable, the narrative tends to stretch thin over its seven-episode arc. Although it’s a solid entry, “The Queen’s Gambit” might be somewhat overrated and doesn’t quite reach the pinnacle of Netflix’s original programming.
The Queen’s Gambit is available to stream on Netflix.
5. Squid Game (2021-present)
The overwhelming popularity of “Squid Game” continues to be a topic of intrigue. This South Korean series captivates audiences with its intense narrative, where a group of financially burdened participants are drawn into playing lethal versions of children’s games for a chance to win approximately $38 million.
Despite its compelling setup and bold execution, the reasons behind the show’s explosive success on Netflix remain somewhat mystifying. “Squid Game” quickly became a standout hit, overshadowing other content on the platform. It holds the title of the most-watched original series on Netflix, a feat that even led to the creation of a controversial reality show, which arguably diminished its original allure. “Squid Game” exemplifies an unexpected phenomenon that, in its rapid expansion to a franchise, perhaps inadvertently marred its own legacy.
Squid Game is available to stream on Netflix.
4. Money Heist (2017-2021)
The Spanish hit “Money Heist” stands out as one of Netflix’s earliest successes in the international arena. The series centers around two meticulously planned heists orchestrated by a mastermind known as The Professor, as told through the eyes of the young robber named Tokyo. It skillfully utilizes classic crime drama elements to heighten tension and deliver a gripping experience.
If “Money Heist” had concluded following its stellar first season, it might be remembered differently today. Instead, it chose to extend its storyline, which gradually lost its initial thrill with each subsequent season. The challenge lay in maintaining the complexity and scale of the plot over multiple seasons, resulting in a narrative that became overly intricate and ultimately ended on a disappointing note. Although “Money Heist” is a commendable series, the extensive praise for its quality and impact seems somewhat exaggerated, particularly just a few years after its conclusion.
Money Heist is available to stream on Netflix.
3. The Night Agent (2023-present)
Netflix has a knack for transforming relatively low-key series into massive hits, exemplified by “The Night Agent.” This taut thriller features Gabriel Basso, known for his role in “Hillbilly Elegy,” and follows the story of Peter Sutherland, an FBI agent entangled in a perilous conspiracy that reaches into the White House.
“The Night Agent” is competently produced and delivers sufficient thrills to stand on its own as a solid action-packed series. While it doesn’t offer groundbreaking innovation within the thriller genre, it provides enough intrigue to make it watchable. However, the series is essentially just that—adequate. It doesn’t stand out amid the plethora of other thrillers on Netflix, and its astounding popularity is somewhat perplexing. Despite being an unexceptional show in many respects, its unexpected success is a testament to Netflix’s ability to elevate shows to prominence, though it’s unclear why this particular one achieved such fame.
The Night Agent is available to stream on Netflix.
2. Wednesday (2022-present)
Jenna Ortega takes on the role of the iconic Wednesday Addams in the 2022 dark fantasy comedy “Wednesday.” Set in a peculiar boarding school for supernatural teens, the plot thickens as she finds herself entangled in a series of sinister, albeit not overly graphic (owing to its PG-13 rating), incidents.
Surprisingly, “Wednesday” ranks as Netflix’s second-most popular English-language series to date. The show offers a delightful mix of humor and mystery, with Ortega providing a uniquely quirky performance complemented by a strong supporting cast, including a standout appearance by Christina Ricci. Despite its charm, the series doesn’t bring anything remarkably new or exceptional to the table that would typically warrant such significant acclaim. It’s certainly enjoyable but lacks elements that make it particularly memorable or worth revisiting. The term “overrated” might be fitting here, reflecting a retrospective view on its unexpected popularity.
Wednesday is available to stream on Netflix.
1. Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022)
Evan Peters delivers a profoundly impactful performance in Ryan Murphy’s provocatively titled series “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” His portrayal of the notorious serial killer is chillingly accurate, marking a career-defining role, superbly supported by Niecy Nash-Betts and Richard Jenkins.
However, that’s where the commendations end for this series, which veers into exploitative territory. The show attempts to humanize Dahmer, primarily through Peters’ engrossing depiction, but it fails to offer the depth required for such a complex portrayal. Instead, it falls back on familiar tropes and sensationalist tactics that contribute little to its overall substance. Despite its shortcomings, “Dahmer” achieved significant viewership, driven by the public’s persistent fascination with true crime and serial killer narratives. Ultimately, “Dahmer” is both exploitative and unremarkable, underserving of its audience’s attention beyond the allure of its controversial subject matter.
Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is available to stream on Netflix.