Top 5 Netflix originals
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WHAT SHOULD I WATCH?
If you’re stuck on what to watch over Thanksgiving break or just looking for a good story, check out these five Netflix-exclusive shows. Although they fall under different genres and have various premises, all five series have great acting, beautiful cinematography, and interesting plots, making any of them worth binge-watching.
01. THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY
The first season of Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy dropped in February 15 and immediately received positive attention from fans and critics alike. An adaptation of Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá’s comic book story, the show focuses on an estranged family of child superheroes coming together after their father’s death to prevent the apocalypse. The first season examines the effects of child abuse and neglect, as well as showcasing the family dynamic between the assorted characters through several intersecting plot lines. The distinct characterization of the seven siblings, excellent cast of actors, and fresh take on the superhero genre make the show worth checking out.
02. MINDHUNTER
Inspired by FBI profiler John E. Douglas’ 1995 non-fiction book, Mindhunter’s two seasons follow agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench creating the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit in the late 70s and early 80s. The show covers real-life serial killers but still weaves a compelling fictional narrative. For anyone who’s taken the second semester of psych or has an interest in true crime, the series provides a fresh angle on some of the most infamous criminals of all time. The darker tone manages to create suspense, even when there’s no direct threat to the characters. On the technical side, the show makes excellent use of framing, visuals, and sound to create a distinct mood.
03. STRANGER THINGS
When the first season of Stranger Things was released in July of 2016, going online without hearing something about the Upside-Down was nearly impossible. The original storylines, horror elements, and likeable characters made the show an instant hit among fans. Another strong factor of the show’s popularity comes from the nostalgia caused by the frequent references to famous 80s movies. As the show moved into a second and third season, the plot suffered, becoming somewhat predictable and repetitive. However, the well-acted characters continue to appeal to audiences, and the show has been renewed for a fourth season.
04. THE END OF THE F**KING WORLD
This dark British comedy follows two teenagers as they set out on a combination of road trip and crime spree. The main character, James, who believes he’s a psychopath, plans to kill the rebellious Alyssa on the road, but ends up falling for her instead. The unique relationship dynamic between the show’s leads provides an interesting premise. Also, the fantasy of breaking laws and societal norms to escape daily life is both attractive and powerful, even if most watchers would never consider doing some of the things that James and Alyssa get involved in. The show’s second season was released on Netflix on November 5.
05. THE POLITICIAN
Ryan Murphy (Glee) has returned to high school drama with The Politician, which follows Payton Hobart, a rich and ambitious teenager who plans to become the next U.S. president, as he competes in his school’s election. The study of Payton’s character gives the series an emotional grounding that’s necessary in such a dramatic and satirical world. The first season of the show released in late September and hinted at the already-ordered second season. Although the show doesn’t provide too much in the way of social or political commentary (despite its best efforts), the eight episodes are absorbing and make for a quick watch.