Netflixdoesn’t just have a great backlog of existing TV shows, but also boasts some incredible, and often overlooked, original series that audiences should check out. Even thoughNetflix had the most canceled shows in 2024,the streaming service has had a hand in some of the most boundary-pushing and significant showsof the past few decades.
There are so manyNetflix original shows that didn’t deserve to be canceled, andwhile not all of these projects were cut shortby the streamer, a lot of them were. This is too bad, as ending a series before it’s reached its planned conclusion often means that a show will always be underrated and never get the recognition it deserves.
10Crashing (2016)
Created By Phoebe Waller-Bridge, This Dramedy Series Features Some Big Names
One ofPhoebe Waller-Bridge’s best TV shows,Crashingstars not only Waller-Bridge as the lead of the cast, but it also features a young Jonathan Bailey in one of his most hilarious roles.The show follows a collection of young people living in an abandoned hospitalin London for cheap rent, and sees their relationships blossom and wither in this close proximity.
It’s interesting to think that the first season ofFleabag, the project that Waller-Bridge became famous for, premiered the same year asCrashing’s short-lived run.With only six episodes in the entire series,it doesn’t take long to binge-watch the show, but it’s well worth it, as it shows another side of Waller-Bridge as a performer and writer.
Audiences who have discovered this underrated project on Netflix don’t take long to realize that it’s a special series that’s been overlooked for too long. Touching upon romance, friendship, and the problems faced by the next generation trying to make it in the world,Crashingis offbeat and silly, but has a genuine emotional appeal at its center.
83%
91%
9Special (2019–2021)
A Sweet, Feel-Good Sitcom That Audiences Will Fall In Love With
Created by and starring Ryan O’Connell as Ryan Hayes, a gay man with cerebral palsy,Specialis a charming and heartfelt comedy that more audiences should be aware of.Following Ryan as he reevaluates his trajectory in lifeand attempts to find romance in earnest,Specialworks because of the inherent charisma and kindness that pour out of O’Connell in every scene.
ThoughSpecialended after season 2,both installments of the show are just as fun to watch and do a great job of providing LGBTQ+ representation. Additionally, there are still very few TV shows that center on a person with cerebral palsy as the protagonist, makingSpecialunique within its genre. Though some find its kindness a touch sappy, this is what makesSpecialgreat.
WatchingSpecialtoday is a reminder of how ahead of its time the project was.
WatchingSpecialtoday is a reminder of how ahead of its time the project was, and how much it deserved to continue for multiple seasons. Though Ryan is an easy protagonist to root for,Specialisn’t afraid to make him flawed and make mistakes on his journey to find love and connection, making him relatable to all audiences.
98%
85%
8Devilman Crybaby (2018)
A Contemporary Take On The Beloved Anime Classic
The original animeDevilmanfrom the early 1970s is considered a classic,but Netflix’s recent adaptation of the story pushed boundaries in terms of storytelling and art style. Experimental, violent, and graphic from the beginning,Devilman Crybabytakes liberties with the narrative. However, it does this to tell a more emotionally resonant story that’s meant to be more expressive than logical.
Following the adventures of the youngAkira, who merges his body and soul with a demon,gaining extraordinary powers,Devilman Crybabysees Akira attempt to use his newfound strength for good. However, his complex relationship with Ryo, his childhood best friend, makes Akira question what his purpose is as a Devilman, and wonder what Ryo’s endgame is in his quest to find the demons.
The ending ofDevilman Crybabyleans heavily into religious and moralistic themes, growing more heartbreaking with every episode and shocking the audience at every turn. WhileDevilman Crybabywas hailed as a revolutionary addition to the anime genre, it hasn’t had the same longevity as some of Netflix’s other animated projects, which should be fixed.
89%
84%
7Sense8 (2015–2018)
A Globe-Trotting Sci-Fi Show That Connects People Of All Kinds
Co-created by The Wachowski Sisters and J. Michael Straczynski,it’s something of a miracle that Netflix invested so much in this thrilling experimental drama. Following a group of eight seemingly disconnected strangers from around the globe who become psychically linked,Sense8was a commentary on how issues of class, race, gender, and sexuality can be used to divide us or bring us closer together.
Though it’s a high-concept series,Sense8anchors itself to reality through the experiences of the charactersand the very real personal struggles they bring into the thrilling central mystery of the show. As the audience gets to know the characters within the psychic cluster more intimately, they become deeply intertwined in each other’s lives.
Sense8ended after season 2, for a variety of reasons having to do with the scale of the production, as it was shot on location across the world in many instances. Fans of the sci-fi genre will appreciate the complex fantastical system of the world inSense8, and might be surprised at how invested the viewer becomes in every story.
86%
6After Life (2019–2022)
This Tragicomedy Isn’t Always Easy, But It’s Worth Seeing Through To The End
Ricky Gervais, the star and creator ofAfter Life, is best known for his comedy. While the show has plenty of comedic elements, it’s a sad show that directly interacts with the long, slow process of grief. Though this isn’t an easy topic, andAfter Lifewill likely bring a tear to the eye,watching Gervais' Tony come back to life is moving.
WhenAfter Lifebegins, Tony struggles to find meaning in his life after losing his wife, but it’s through his connections and witnessing the small wonders of the world that he finds his way back. There are moments whenAfter Lifeis bogged down by the seriousness of its subject matter, but Gervais manages to find tonal balance in the series more often than not.
Even audiences who aren’t the biggest fans of Gervais' comedy will appreciate the raw vulnerability ofAfter Lifeand the many great comedians who lend their talents to the project, like Diane Morgan. In recent years, shows about grief and moving on from loss have become more popular, andAfter Lifeis one of the most underrated within the genre.
72%
5Ripley (2024)
Andrew Scott Is Sinister & Compelling In Netflix’s Dramatic Miniseries
There have been many takes on the acclaimed novelThe Talented Mr. Ripleyby Patricia Highsmith, but Netflix’s recent miniseries adaptation is one of the most memorable. Starring Andrew Scott as the titular Tom Ripley, the series follows his journey to Italy where he meets, and performs a dangerous con on, Dickie (Johnny Flynn) and Marge (Dakota Fanning), the wealthy objects of his obsession.
This version of Tom Ripley is an unforgettable addition to the canon.
Netflix’sRipleymade many changes to the book’sstory, but it’s Scott’s performance as Tom Ripley that makes up for any qualms viewers might have about the adaptation. Almost reptilian in his ability to adapt to his surroundings and fool even the most discerning personalities, this version of Tom Ripley is an unforgettable addition to the canon.
Though there’s little question thatRipleyreceived plenty of critical acclaim for its slow, deliberate, and thrilling take on the story, the series wasn’t as widely viewed as other series. WhileRipleydoesn’t have the lightning-fast pace of many contemporary shows,once audiences are accustomed to the tone and atmosphere of the project, they’ll see why it should be considered a classic.
81%
4The End Of The F***ing World (2017–2019)
A Darkly Comic Coming-Of-Age Story That’s Unlike Anything Else
Wheremany of Netflix’s coming-of-age dramas based on comics have been canceledafter season 1,The End of the F***ing Worldwas popular enough to warrant a second outing. However, as time has progressed, the darkly comic series has largely faded from the cultural conversation, even though there’s nothing like it. While many series explore the pangs of adolescence, few are as frank as this.
The protagonists, James (Alex Lawther) and Alyssa (Jessica Barden),are misfits in their lives and school, and decide to run away together, though for very different reasons. As Alyssa sparks real feelings in James for the first time in years, and he provides her with emotional support she doesn’t get at home, their relationship grows.
As much a love story as it is a coming-of-age adventure,The End of the F***ing Worldisn’t afraid to tackle the darkest and most emotionally intense parts of being a teenager,as told through the deadpan delivery of Alyssa and James. Though the series can be hard to watch at times, it will strike a chord with viewers who connect with the lead characters.
94%
92%
3The Get Down (2016–2017)
This Musical Dramedy Series Was An Amazing Spectacle To Behold
Few of Netflix’s TV projects have been as ambitious and sweeping asThe Get Down. Full of complex musical numbers, conversations surrounding historical events, and gorgeous costumes,The Get Downis a window into a fantastical version of New York City in the late 1970s. The series chronicles how hip-hop formed from the roots of R&B and disco through the eyes of a young musician.
A young Justice Smith leads the cast as the protagonist, Zeke,who will grow up to be a prominent artist. Joined by Shameik Moore and Herizen F. Guardiola as Shao and Mylene, Zeke is anchored by his relationships as much as he is by his connection to the Bronx. With Baz Luhrmann serving as a creator and executive producer, the filmmaker’s style is obvious inThe Get Down.
The Get Downsits at a relevant intersection of genres, allowing it to stand the test of time.
ThoughThe Get Downcan sometimes go too far down melodramatic territory, it’s a tribute to the history of music and the people who have shaped this history. With classic elements of personal drama uplifting the central narrative of the music’s ties to marginalized communities,The Get Downsits at a relevant intersection of genres, allowing it to stand the test of time.
88%
2Russian Doll (2019–2022)
Before Natasha Lyonne Led Poker Face, She Was The Face Of This Intriguing Series
Natasha Lyonne isn’t easy to forget, no matter who she’s playing. This makes it all the more surprising that the brilliant and unique seriesRussian Dollnever became a hit for the actress or the streamer. While it’s fun to watch her in hits likePoker Face,checking out her work inRussian Dollis important for any fan of Lyonne.
One of the most impressive parts ofRussian Dollwas the fact that it found a way to continue the story into season 2 in a natural and compelling way. While season 1 tackles the trope of the time loop and touches upon Nadia’s (Lyonne) generational trauma through this lens,season 2 takes this to a whole new level.
With Chloë Sevigny taking on a larger role in the second installment as Nadia’s mother, Lenora,Russian Dolljustifies itself and makes a strong case for the emotional core of Nadia’s journey, as it has plenty of space to grow. Though the premise is a little offbeat and leans into the fantastical side,there’s something for everyone inRussian Doll.
97%
77%
1Feel Good (2020–2021)
This Romantic Comedy Series Has A Poignant Message
Developed by Mae Martin,Feel Goodis loosely inspired by their own experiencesas a stand-up comic, struggles with addiction, and falling in and out of love. Running for only two seasons,Feel Goodis one of the most realistic and empathetic takes on the issues that form in intense romantic relationships, with Charlotte Ritchie co-starring alongside Martin as George.
Anchored by the fantastic chemistry between Martin and Ritchie,Feel Goodis well-known by fans of the comic but has largely gone unnoticed by wider audiences. This is a shame, as the show balances its humor with the conversations surrounding how love is something people can become addicted to. This manifests in the relationship between George and Mae, which becomes healthier as the show progresses.
As Martin’s fame has increased, more people have uncovered the magic ofFeel Good, but it’s a series that could easily have found a much broader viewership onNetflix. Fortunately, it’s still available for audiences to discover how poignant, funny, and naturally insightful the project is in everything from the performances to the writing, making it an underrated gem.
100%
