Thebest Netflix originalsshaped the landscape of modern TV, inspiring other streamers to push their own projects.It has created a TV industry today that has its pros and cons,a major downside being the tendency ofstreamer shows to be canceled too earlydue to how expensive they are to make. But for better and for worse, theseTV shows changed television, leaving us wondering how they set up what is to come next.
12Orange Is The New Black (2013-2019)
Netflix
The streaming era arguably started withOrange Is the New Black. The previously DVD-by-mail service, which then pioneered online streaming, was very ambitious in producing its own original series. TheOrange Is the New Black/House of Cardsera was an intriguing time, as it was immediately clear that Netflix could, in fact, produce quality dramas, telling fresh, original stories that stood out in TV history.Orange Is the New Blackmade waves with its narrative as much as its production,revealing the experiences of incarcerated women in a corrupt prison system.
11Stranger Things (2016-2025)
However,Netflix cemented its place as an entertainment giant and made everyone else realize that streaming was the future withStranger Things,which reaped the benefits of appealing to a wider demographic (including younger viewers) thanOrange Is the New Black.
Stranger Thingswas a massive hit, and many other streaming originals soon entered development. The classic ’80s mystery horror atmosphere also became a staple of modern pop culture; with the final outing ofStranger Thingsseason 5coming soon, we are seeing the end of the series that created the modern TV experience.
10The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-2025)
Hulu
Premiering the year afterStranger Things,The Handmaid’s Taleproved a few more things were possible for streaming TV:Hulu could also produce prestige shows, while a scant source material like Margaret Atwood’s standalone dystopian novel could serve as the basis for a longer saga. On the other hand,The Handmaid’s Talehas held its ground over the last eight years, as a reminder of what dystopian stories should be and a chilling cautionary tale. Even if you don’t watch it, the idea of this show lingers in one’s mind.
9The Mandalorian (2019-Present)
Disney+
Despite what they may like to say, Disney hasn’t really established itself as a purveyor of streaming originals, when the bulk of the “original” series on Disney+ are offshoots of theStar Warsor MCU franchises. It’s raised complaints about fatigue and oversaturation, but some installments are worth it.
WhenThe Mandalorianfirst hit Disney+,it was a fresh newStar Warsstory with Western vibes, which, for a shining moment, seemed to signal all the potential of Disney’s new franchise ventures.We’ve gotten varying results since then, but it certainly changed the TV landscape as well.
8The Crown (2016-2023)
Netflix pivoted again withThe Crown, which has the hallmarks of a typical period drama. In doing that, the streamer showed the heights it could reach in a very different genre.The Crownmade stars like Claire Foy and Vanessa Kirby and fascinated audiences worldwide with its dramatic look into the lives of the British Royals,figures who have long captured the public’s imagination. But with the comprehensive account of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, spanning the decades from her ascension to her final years, with ostentatious production,The Crownwas a different beast.
7Bridgerton (2020-Present)
Much less life-or-death than Netflix’s other biggest series,Bridgertonis appealing because of its wistful vision of the Regency era, stunning production and costume design, and idealized romances, but it still has something to say about autonomy and desire in a rigid social hierarchy. The orchestral covers of pop hits are one way the modern seeps into this period drama, which enchants audiences every time it comes back around.That something so indulgent could measure up toStranger Thingsis spectacular,and the show will remain a streaming darling for years.
6Invincible (2021-Present)
Prime Video
WithInvincible, as well asThe Boys,Amazon Prime Video created its own space for darker superhero stories that examined themes of the dangers of such powerful figuresagainst the backdrop of the much more optimistic MCU. Both series are also based on comic book source material, therefore bringing work with less exposure than Marvel or DC into the limelight. We can’t forget thatInvincibleexists when its story comments on a lot of other pop culture — all while featuring amazing voice performances by Steven Yeun and J. K. Simmons.
5Succession (2018-2023)
HBO Max
HBO has strived to maintain its old-school network format,nowadays typically airing episodes on the channel and dropping them on the streaming service immediately after.Successionwas a product of this era and reminded everyone that HBO was at the forefront of the golden age of television if not this new age of streaming. Succession is the crown jewel of today’s social and political satire, focusing on a dysfunctional billionaire family that helms a conservative media dynasty. Every character is worthy of your hatred, yet you cannot look away.
4The Bear (2022-Present)
While it has struggled to keep up with Netflix and HBO,Hulu offered up another regular awards contender withThe Bear, a series that leans into a relentlessly stressful toneto show the intense nature of the profession of the main characters.
The Bearalso made a handful of stars, who are now taking over all areas of the cultural zeitgeist, including the MCU andStar Wars.The Bearcovered new territory for prestige television and carved out its own niche, which is now an indelible part of the streaming industry, even if it doesn’t link to many other projects.
3Arcane (2021-2024)
Adult animation had been gaining steam (see Invincible and other titles in Prime Video’s catalog), butnothing had the same effect asArcane.The series demonstrates the freedom to explore artistic styles and bring them together into a highly stylized masterpiece of animation. If that weren’t enough, the story is significant and nuanced, highlighting complicated but loving relationships and a harrowing conflict between two factions of the main setting.Arcane’s upcoming spinoffsare a relief because people need more content as visually gorgeous and narratively detailed as this.
