I think we’re all aware that Netflix has chosen to be less-than-subpar lately. With getting rid of iconic shows like Friends, canceling fan favorites like Grand Army and continuing to make objectively bad movies like The Kissing Booth, subscribers are deciding to take their money elsewhere. Especially with the price raises the company is implementing, it feels like there isn’t much reason to keep Netflix on your bill of streaming services. I’m here to promise you that while it does suck that we can’t watch the Twilight movies anymore, there is one major reason why this streaming service is worth it: magnificent Netflix original television shows. There are thousands of amazing shows to choose from, but I’m giving you the jaw-dropping, must-watch immediately ones.
1. Brand New Cherry Flavor
This show is perhaps one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces I have ever watched. I only recently binged it, but it has quickly become something I can’t stop raving about. Brand New Cherry Flavor follows Lisa Nova, played by Rosa Salazar, as she embarks on a journey of becoming a filmmaker and director in 90s Hollywood. There’s sex, hallucinating, backstabbing, revenge and kittens; all the things you could ever want in a horror drama series. It’s short—only eight episodes—and will make your head spin with every new development. Fair warning, it’s probably as gruesome as the Saw movies and features triggering content like sexual assault and suicidal thoughts. That makes it all the more real and raw, in my opinion.
2. Everything Sucks!
If you’re a fan of nostalgic 90s shows that deal with what it’s like to actually be a teenager (I’m looking at you, Riverdale), then you will adore Everything Sucks! We follow a group of high school outcasts at Boring High School as they navigate the ups and downs of growing up in an age without social media. The drama and AV clubs come together to film a show-stopping movie in hopes of finally getting noticed. In this one-season show, you face your usual crush drama, feelings of not belonging and annoying teachers. Unfortunately, this is one of the shows that Netflix canceled despite much fanfare, but it still lives up to the hype with only ten episodes. Oh, and did I mention that pre-Euphoria Sydney Sweeney stars in it?
3. The Umbrella Academy
Adults with superhuman powers, an apocalyptic event on the horizon and a monkey butler are aspects that arguably make some of the best shows. The Umbrella Academy revolves around a group of estranged “family” members who come together after the death of their “father” and must find out how to stop the apocalypse that is nearing. With a star-studded cast of Elliot Page, Robert Sheehan and Emmy Raver-Lampman, you’re sure to fall in love with at least one of the characters. The most exciting thing about this series is watching all of the characters’ talents and powers unfold and strengthen throughout the two seasons. Not to mention that it’s based on the comic series of the same name created by Gerard Way (of My Chemical Romance), who is also an executive producer. Season three is set to come out later this year, so this is one you should catch up on soon!
4. Dead to Me
Dead to Me is described as “a hotheaded widow searching for the hit-and-run driver who mowed down her husband befriends an eccentric optimist who isn’t quite what she seems.” If that description straight from Netflix itself doesn’t sell you, then I don’t know what will. Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini play Jen and Judy, two women who form a strange bond after facing their own tragedies. With plot twists coming from every corner, you’ll be on the edge of your seat until the end credits roll. Dead to Me is enthralling, emotional and at times hilarious. This is the ideal show for anyone who is a fan of dark comedies and murder mysteries.
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