Netflix has been a dominant force in the world of television for many years now and the streaming service has been developing a wide range of original content since 2013. Many of Netflix's original television series have earned praise from both critics and audiences.
With 22 wins, Netflix had the second-highest number of Primetime Emmy Awards in 2022. The review-aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes provides important insight into how Netflix's original shows have been received by critics. Plenty of series have been incredibly well-received and hold impressively high ratings.
10 Big Mouth Is A Hilariously Raunchy Portrayal Of Adolescence
99%
Big Mouth premiered on Netflix in September 2017. The animated series, created by Nick Kroll, Mark Levin, Jennifer Flackett, and Andrew Goldberg, was inspired by Kroll and Goldberg's adolescence in the suburbs of New York. Kroll stars in the series and voices a younger version of himself.
Big Mouth unflinchingly captures the awkwardness of puberty in a coming-of-age tale like no other. Big Mouth's impressive roster of comedic talent also includes John Mulaney, Jenny Slate, Jason Mantzoukas, Fred Armisen, and Maya Rudolph. A sixth season of the series is set to be released in October 2022, which will hopefully keep up its 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
9 Immigration Nation Highlights A Systemic Injustice
100%
Netflix's Immigration Nation is a documentary series that provides a shocking look at the state of United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the presidency of Donald Trump. Filmed between 2017 and 2020, the miniseries illustrates the cruelty and inhumanity experienced by migrants at the United States border.
Immigration Nation was directed by Christina Clusiau and Shaul Schwarz. With an observational filmmaking style, the series is a brutally honest portrayal of the very real injustices occurring at the hands of ICE. The agency spoke out against the documentary, denying the allegations presented in the series.
8 Giri/Haji Is An Enthralling Crime Thriller
100%
Giri/Haji is a British crime thriller series starring Takehiro Hira and Kelly Macdonald. The eight-episode show, released in 2020, follows detective Kenzo Mori as he travels from Tokyo to London. Kenzo searches for his brother, Yuto, who has been accused of murdering the nephew of a Yakuza member. The series unravels an intricate plot that explores London's criminal underworld and complicated family dynamics.
Giri/Haji was praised by critics for its pitch-perfect suspense and impressive writing. Unfortunately, despite the critical acclaim, Giri/Haji was canceled by Netflix in 2020.
7 Arcane Captures The Magic Of A Beloved Game
100%
Based on the popular video game League of Legends, Arcane is an animated Netflix Original series that follows sisters Vi and Jinx, voiced by Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell. The series was quickly praised by audiences and critics alike following its release, proving its appeal beyond just fans of the video game.
Arcane dominated Netflix's charts upon its release, setting a new record for the highest-rated series thus far within a week of premiering on the platform. The series was renewed for a second season, which is set to be released sometime after 2022.
6 Ugly Delicious Celebrates Other Cultures And Cuisines
100%
Netflix's Ugly Delicious, which first premiered in 2018, follows host David Chang as he travels across the globe to try unique dishes and explore their cultural and sociological history. From New Orleans to Naples, the series includes a wide array of cultures and cuisines.
Ugly Delicious celebrates each dish for its originality and exposes viewers to innovative ideas beyond their comfort zone. In addition to its 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Ugly Delicious was nominated for the 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special.
5 Dash & Lily Is The Perfect Holiday Romance
100%
-(1600-×-800px)-(10).jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
Netflix's Dash & Lily, starring Midori Francis and Austin Abrams, is a wholesome teenage romance series set in the heart of New York City during the holidays. Created by Joe Tracz, the show is based on the novel Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.
Dash & Lily highlights the magic of the city during the holidays. This includes several famous destinations, like the Strand bookstore in the East Village of Manhattan. Despite the praise from critics, Dash & Lily was ultimately canceled by Netflix after just one season. However, its 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes speaks to its quality.
4 Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return Brings Back A Cult Classic
100%
Netflix released a revival of Mystery Science Theater 3000, a cult classic science-fiction comedy series, in 2017. The revival was boosted by a crowdfunding effort via Kickstarter by dedicated fans in 2015. Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return featured a new cast, including Jonah Ray, Felicia Day, and Patton Oswalt.
Unfortunately, despite fan and critics' praise, the revival series was canceled after two seasons. Series creator Joel Hodgson announced in 2021 that The Return would be seeking a new home on another platform. Hodgson ultimately created a new platform for the series, known as the Gizmoplex, where new episodes of the series are being released.
3 Feel Good Tackles Tough Subjects
100%
Feel Good is a British comedy-drama written by and starring Mae Martin. The semi-autobiographical series follows a fictionalized version of Martin and their relationship with George, played by Charlotte Ritchie, as well as Mae's struggles with drug addiction. The series also features Friends star Lisa Kudrow as Mae's mother.
Boasting an impressive 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, the series was praised for its insightful comedy and poignant portrayals of love and addiction. Season 1 of Feel Good was first released in 2020, and a second and final season premiered on Netflix in June 2021.
2 The Baby-Sitters Club Is A Great Adaptation Of The Book
100%
Netflix's adaptation of Ann M. Martin's beloved book series, The Baby-Sitters Club, first premiered on the streaming service in 2020. The series follows a group of preteen girls as they create their very own babysitting business, the Baby-Sitters Club.
The Netflix series received significant praise from both television critics and passionate fans of the book series. Staying largely faithful to the source material, The Baby-Sitters Club is a fresh and modern take on the classic story that honors the innocence and optimism of preteens in a deeply earnest manner.
1 Heartstopper Is A Joyful Young Romance
100%
Based on the graphic novel series by Alice Oseman, Heartstopper follows the love story of Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson. Starring Joe Locke and Kit Connor, the series is a heartwarming coming-of-age tale that portrays the trials and tribulations of finding oneself during adolescence.
The series' profoundly joyful tone and positive LGBTQ+ storylines provide important representation for audiences. Heartstopper was a critical and commercial success, quickly scoring a rare double-renewal for two more seasons from Netflix just over a month after its release.