Sure, you’ve heard of House of Cards & Orange Is The New Black and for good reason, they are both excellent shows.
Did you know there are 16 more “TV” series that have been produced by, and are exclusive to Netflix? How many of these do you know? Trust me, you’ll want to remember this list of Netflix Original series shows the next time you’re trying to figure out what you wan to watch.
Click on any of the shows to watch a trailer, check it’s start rating, read a detailed synopsis (without spoiling the show!) as well as find out who’s in the cast.
1. House of Cards
Average of 4,221,298 ratings: 4.5 stars
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 26
Current Status: Renewed for season 3
Cast: Kevin Spacey as Francis J. “Frank” Underwood, Robin Wright as Clair Underwood, Mahershala Ali as Remy Danton, Sebastial Arcelus as Lucas Goodwin, Rachel Brosnahan as Rachel Posner, Kristen Connolly as Christina Gallagher, Michel Gill as Garrett Walker, Sakina Jaffrey as Linda Vasquez, Michael Kelly as Doug Stamper, Kata Mara as Zoe Barns, Gerald McRaney as Ramond Tusk, Corey Stoll as Peter Russo.
Description: This political drama is arguably one of the most well known of the original content released by Netflix.
Set in present day Washington, D.C., House of Cards is a story that follows the devious Frank Underwood as he concocts an elaborate plan to rise through the ranks into a position of power after a promise to be appointed as Secretary of State is reneged.
Frank has the undying support of his loyal, and equally devious, wife, Claire Underwood. Together they ruthless manipulate situations and people around their for their own personal gain.
Affairs, murder, corruption, bribery, back channeling, misinformation, money, power and so much more make this series a must watch “page turner”.
2. Lilyhammer
Average of 808,827 ratings: 3.9 stars
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 16
Current Status: Renewed for season 3
Cast: Steven Van Zandy as Frank Tagliano / Giovanni “Jonny: Henriksen, Trond Fausa Aurvag as Torgeir Lien, Marian Saastad Ottesen as Sigrid Haugli, Steinar Sagen as Roar Lien, Fridtjov Saheim as Jan Johansen, Sven Nordin as Julius Backe, Anne Krigsvoll as Laila ovland, Mikael Aksenes-Pehrson as Jonas Haugli, Kyrre Hellum as Geir “Elvis” Tvedt.
Description: Set in Lillehammer, Norway this epically funny series starting Steve Van Zandt (who played Silvio Dante on The Sopranos) is a story about a former underboss for the American Mafia who enters the witness protection program after he testifies against his mob boss. In exchange for his testimony, Rank Tagliano (played by Steve Van Zandt) request to be relocated to Lillehammer where he assumes his new identity as Giovani “Jonny” Henriksen.
Jonny quickly goes back to what he knows when he opens up a nightclub, The Flamingo, where he uses intimidation and shady deals to get what he wants.
This underrated series will keep you laughing through the first two seasons and eagerly awaiting the arrival the the third.
3. Bad Samaritans
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 5
Current Status:
Cast: Brian Kubach as Jake Gibson, Julianna Guill as Drew Finnegan, Tommy Snider as Hagerty, Alice Hunter as Trainy, Robert LaSardo as Doug, David Faustino as Dax Wendell.
Description: The premise of this American comedy is based around the main character, Jake Gibson, an aspiring professional StarCraft player who gets sentenced to 2,000 hours of community services after his anniversary picnic with his girlfriend goes horribly wrong.
The first thing that went wrong at the anniversary picnic is that his girlfriend, Drew Finnegan, breaks up with him. The second is that they started a raging wildfire that landed them both 2,000 hours of community service that they must serve together.
Each and every week they join the likes of Hagerty (a every-stoned community service lifer who never appears to be all that upset that he’s spending his life doing community service since he’s always stoned), Trainy (a self-proclaimed socialite who was recently cut off by her father and is superficial, vain and narcissistic to name a few of her qualities) andDoug (a heavily tatted, former gang member who has found his zen and volunteers to do community servies as he believes in karma) where they get themselves into all kinds of hilarious predicaments.
4. Hemlock Grove
Average of 1,748,163 ratings: 3.9 stars
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 23
Current Status: Renewed for a 3rd and final season
Cast: Famke Janssen as Olivia Godfrey, Bill Skarsgard as Roman Godfrey, Landon Liboiron as Peter Rumancek, Madeleine Martin as Shelly Godfrey, Penelope Mitchell as Letha Godfrey, Frey Tingley as Christina Wendall, Tiio Horn as Destiny Rumancek, Joel de la Fuente as Dr. Johann Pryce, Dougray Scott as Dr. Norman Godfrey.
Description: Hemlock Grove is in the horror thriller genre as is based on the novel by Brian McGreevy with the same name.
The story is based around the extremely strange events and happenings that go on in Hemlock Grove, Pennsylvania where the wealthy Godfrey family lives. The heir to the Godfrey family fortune becomes friends with a newcomer by the name of Peter Rumancek who work together to uncover information about the brutal murders that have happened in town while also working to conceal their own dark secrets.
5. Orange Is The New Black
Average of 6,615,107 ratings: 4.4 stars
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 26
Current Status: Renewed for a 3rd season
Cast: Taylor Schilling as Piper Chapman, Laura Prepon as Alex Vause, Michael J. Harney as Sam Healy, Michelle Hurse as Miss Claudette Pelage, Kate Mulgrew as Galina “Red” Reznikov, Jason Biggs as Larry Bloom, Uzo Aduba as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren, Danielle Brooks as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson, Natasha Lyonne as Nicole “Nicky” Nichols, Taryn Manning as Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Doggett, Selenis Leyva as Gloria Mendoza, Adrienne C. Moore as Cindy “Black Cindy” Hayes, Dascha Polanco as Dayanara “Daya” Diaz, Nick Sandow as Joe Caputo, Yael Stone as Lorna Morello, Samira Wiley as Poussey Washington.
Description: This critically acclaimed dramatic comedy is based on the real life story of Piper Kerman’s time spent in prison and has received 12 Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
This story follows the life of Piper Chapman, a young professional who ten years prior carried a suitecase full of money for her then-girlfriend Alex Vause who is working for an international drug smuggling ring. Since then Piper has return the the quiet and law-abiding life as a young professional living and blogging in New York’s upper middle class. Vause names Piper in her trial that ultimately lands Piper a fifteen month sentence in prison for her involvement in transporting the drug money.
Her time in prison is anything but easy and ordinary with many twists along the way.
6. Turbo FAST
Average of 469,262 ratings: 3.8 stars
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 20
Current Status:
Cast: Reid Scott as Turbo, Eric Bauza as Chet, Mike Bell as White Shadow, John Eric Bentley as Whiplash, Grey DeLisle-Griffin as Burn, Phil LaMarr as Smoove Move, Amir Talai as Skidmark.
Description: This animated series is produced by DreamWorks Animation Television and is an extension of the 2013 animated film Turbo. Turbo FAST is a story of a snail named Turbo and his crew to Starlight City.
A freak accident leaves Turbo with the special power of lightening fast speed. This new found speed is the inspiration for Turbo to pursue his dream to compete in the Indianapolis 500, the world’s fastest race.
This inspirational series of the ultimate underdog who puts his shell on the link to prove that there isn’t a dream that is too big nor is there a dreamer that is too small.
7. BoJack Horseman
Average of 478,375 ratings: 3.9 stars
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 12
Current Status: Renewed for season 2
Cast: Will Arnett as BoJack Horseman, Amy Sedaris as Princess Carolyn, Alison brie as Diane Nguyen, Paul F. Tompkins as Mr. Peanutbutter, Aaron Paul as Todd Chavez.
Description: Set in a world where humans and human-like animals coexist, the washed up star of a fictional sitcom from the 1990s, BoJack Horseman, tries to return to relevance.
BoJack Horseman is surround by a cast of charaters consisting of his on-again-off-again girlfriend Princess Carolyn, his frenemy (a dog with a similar background and fall from stardom) Mr. Peanutbutter, Dianne Nguyen who is his ghostwriter and his freeloading roommate (played by Aaron Paul who played Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad) Todd Chavez.
8. The Problem Solverz (Season 2)
Average of 49,037 ratings: 3.4 stars
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 26
Current Status: 2 Seasons
Cast: Ben Jones who voices Alfe and Roba, Kyle Kaplan who voices Horace, John DiMaggio who voices Tux Dog
Description: This animated television series is based on a trio of characters: Alfe, Roba & Horace. This dynamic trio work together to solve problems that are facing their town, Farboro. The problem is that oftentimes they not only solve problems but they create new problems as well.
9. Arrested Development (Season 4)
Average of 7,332,449 ratings: 3.9 stars
Seasons: 4
Episodes: 68
Current Status: 4 Seasons
Cast: Jason Bateman as Michael Bluth, Michael Cera as George Michael Bluth, Jeffrey Tambor as George Bluth Sr., Jessica Walter as Lucille Bluth, Tony Hale as Buster Bluth, Will Arnett as GOB, Portia de Rossi as Lindsay, David Cross as Tobias Tunke, Alia Shawkat as Mae “Maeby” Runke, Henry Winkler as Barry Zuckerkorn, Liza Minnelli as Lucille Austero.
Description: This crucially acclaimed cult classic was revived by Netflix for a fourth season to much anticipation from it’s faithful following.
This show is centered around a formerly wealthy and completely dysfunction family, the Bluths. The extravagant lifestyle lead my the majority of the Bluths is outrageously funny especially while Michael Bluth does everything he can to keep his family together despite their selfishness, materialistic and manipulative tenancies.
The comedic writing in this series is oftentimes too smart of it’s own good as jokes draw on stories lines set up in past episodes and one must watch right from the start to find them funny. That being said, if watched from the very start this show is absolutely hilarious.
10. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Season 6)
Average of 1,100,733 ratings: 4.1 stars
Seasons: 6
Episodes: 121
Current Status: 6 Seasons
Cast: Matt Lanter as Anakin Skywalker, Ashley Eckstein as Ahsoka Tano, James Arnold Taylor as Obi-Wan Kenboi, Dee Bradley Baker as Clone Troopers, Saesee Tiin, Onaconda Farr, Bossk, Arok the Hutt, Tom Kane as Narrator, Yoda, Admiral Wulff Yularen.
Description: This3D CGI animated series is set in the fictional Star Wars Galaxy during the 3 year period of time between the prequel films Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. The sixth season was release on Netflix on March 7, 2014.
11. The Killing (Season 4)
Average of 1,588,981 ratings: 4.2 stars
Seasons: 4
Episodes: 44
Current Status: 4 Seasons
Cast: Mireille Enos as Sarah Linden, Joel Kinnaman as Stephen Holder, Liam James as Jack Linden, Gregg Henry as Carl Reddick, Joan Allen as Margaret Rayne, Tyler Ross as Kyle Stansbury, Sterling Beaumon as Lincoln Knopf, Levi Meaden as AJ Fielding.
Description: The final season of this critically acclaimed crime drama thriller gets all of it’s loose ends tied up while reveling long-burried secrets. While investigating a gruesome mass murder detectives Holder and Linden expose a dark family history all while trying to cover up the crime that they committed.
12. Trailer Park Boys (Season 8)
Seasons: 8
Episodes: 65
Current Status: Renewed for season 9
Cast: Robb Wells as Ricky, John Paul Tremblay as Julian, Mike Smith as Bubbles, John Dunsworth as James “Jim” Lahey, Patrick Roach as Randy, Lucy DeCoutere as Lucy, Sarah E. Dunsworth as Sarah, Barrie Dunn as Ray, Tyrone Parsons as Dyrone (a.k.a. “T”), Jonathan Torrens as Jamie (a.k.a. “J-Roc), Cory Bowles as Cory, Michael Jackson as Trevor, Jeanna Harrison-Steinhart as Trinity, Shelley Thompson as Barbara Lahey, Garry James as Detroit Velvet Smooth, Ellen Page as Treena Lahey, Leigh MacInnis as Don/Donna.
Description: This shows is as Canadian as maple syrup and has become quite the cult classic. The show is based around a never ending string of misadventures of Ricky, Julian, Bubbles and the rest of the cast of characters living in the Sunnyvale Trailer Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
The three main characters are constantly plotting different ways they can make money with petty crimes while trying to avoid capture from the police and being pestered by the trailer park superintendent and his shirtless assistant.
13. Derek
Average of 483,162 ratings: 3.9 stars
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 13
Current Status: Not renewed for season 3 but a one-off series finale episode is being filmed.
Cast: Ricky Gervais as Derek Noakes, Karl Pilkington as Dougie, Kerry Godliman as Hannah, David Earl as Kevin “Kev” Twine, Holli Dempsy as Vicky, Brett Goldstein as Tom, Doc Brown as Deon, Coli Hoult as Geoff, Ruth Bratt as Mary, Joan Linder as Joan, Kay Noone as Lizzie, Vilma Hollingbery as Elsie, time Barlow as Jack, Arthur Nightingale as Arthur, Tony Rohr as Anthony, Joe Wilkinson as Cliff Twine.
Description: This British television comedy is the brain child of comedian Ricky Gervais who wrote it, directed it and starred in it. Filmed in the Trailer Park Boys mockumentary style this show is set in a nursing home and is focused on Derek. Derek goes beyond his normal job duties to assist the residents of the seniors home for whom he cares. Derek is a goofy, quirky and his personality is a little odd but deep down he is honest, tender and brave.
14. Southcliffe
Average of 75,388 ratings: 3.1 stars
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 4
Current Status: Series complete
Cast: Sean Harris as Stephen Morton, Rory Kinnear as David Whitehead, Shirley Henderson as Claire Salter, Eddie Marsan as Andrew Salter, Joe Dempsie as Chris Cooper, Anatol Yusef as Paul Gould, Nichola Burley as Sarah Gould, Coral Amiga as Mattie, Kaya Scodelario as Anna Salter, Paul Blackwell as Police Officer, Mickey Morris as Young Stephen.
Description: Another British based shows that is set in the fiction English market town of Southcliffe with the underlying concept that ordinary people can reinvent themselves even when faced with ultimate darkness after a local man goes on a shooting spree. The 4 part mini-series explores grief, tragedy, responsibility and redemption as see through the eyes and reporting of a journalist that returns to his childhood town to cover the tragic story and those closest to the victims.
15. Borgia
Average of 400,696 ratings: 3.8 stars
Seasons: 3
Episodes: 38
Current Status: The third season will be the last.
Cast: John Doman as Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia / Pope Alexander VI, Mark Ryder as Cardinal Cesare Borgia, Stanley Weber as Juan Borgia, Isolda Dychauk as Lucrezia Borgia, Marta Gastini as Giulia Farnese, Diarmuid Noyes as Cardial Alessandro Farnese, Art Malik as Fracesc Gacet, Assumpta Serna as Vannozza Cattanei, Christian McKay as Cardinal Ascanio Sforza, Scott Winters as Cardinal Raffaele Riario-Sansoni.
Description: This French-German-Czech-Italian television drama is about the Borgia family’s accent to power and and their dominance of the Papal States during the Renaissance. This period was the age of enlightened creativity lead my the great minds of Machiavelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo.This period was also marred with war, lawlessness and unspeakable depravity.
The Vatican was at the hear of the the world order and was the arbiter of conflicts between empires and kingdoms. At the heart of the Vatican was a man who’s quest for power knew no ends.
16. The Fall
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 5
Current Status: Renewed for season 2
Cast: Gillian Anderson as Dept. Supt. Stella Gibson, Jamie Dornan as Paul Spector, Colin Morgan as Det. Sgt. Tom Anderson, John Lynch as A.C.C. Jim Burns, Bronagh as Sally Ann Spector, Niamh McGrady as PC Danielle Ferrington, Ben Peel as Det. Sgt. James Olson, Archie Panjabi as Dr. Reed Smith, Michael McElhatton as Det. Insp. Ron Breedlove.
Description: Gillian Anderson, of X-Files fame, is back in this highly rated Irish-British crime drama where she stars as the senior police officer Stella Gibson. Dept. Supt. Gibson is charged with investigating a series of murders in the Northern Ireland city of Belfast. Gibson needs to act fast as it appears that they have a serial killer on the loose who is attacking and killing your professional women.
17. Happy Valley
Average 193,725 ratings: 4.2 stars
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 6
Current Status: Renewed for season 2
Cast: Sarah Lancashire as Catherine Cawood, James Norton as Tommy Lee Royce, Steve Pemberton as Kevin Weatherill, Joe Armstong as Ashley Cowgill, Charlie Murphy as Ann Gallagher.
Description: Strong willed police sergeant, Catherine Cawood, is trying to accept the suicide of her daughter. When it finally appears that she is getting back on her feet, she see the man who is believed to have raped her daughter that eventually lead to her suicide. Cawood becomes obsessed with tracking down Tommy Lee Royce, the suspected rapist, all while being unaware that he is also involved in the kidnapping of Ann Gallagher. The plot quickly turns dark as the manhunt heats up.
18. Mako Mermaids: An H2O Adventure
Average of 655,802 ratings: 4.1 stars
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 26
Current Status: Renewed for season 2
Cast: Sarah Lancashire as Catherine Cawood, James Norton as Tommy Lee Royce, Steve Pemberton as Kevin Weatherill, Joe Armstong as Ashley Cowgill, Charlie Murphy as Ann Gallagher.
Description: Zac, your typically teenaged boy decides he wants an adventure and camps out at Mako Island. Zac is unaware that this island is protected by three mermaids, Sirena, Nixie and Lyla and they are keeping an eye on him.
During the night, one with a full moon, Zac comes in contact with the Moon Pool and soon learns that he has special powers to manipulate the level of the water. He also finds out that be also becomes a merman and his new found abilities cause problems for the three guardians of Mako Island.
The three mermaids are also curious about living on land and are motivated to strip Zac of his special powers. This leads them to try to learn to live as humans on land.
Conclusion
There you have it, all 18 of the Netflix Original series TV shows! That’s quite the list if I do say so myself.
Personally, I have watched all of House of Cards, Orange Is The New Black and the 4th season of Arrested Development. I have just started to watch Lilyhammer and I am finding it quite funny so far.
After writing this post I can’t wait to dig into some of the mini-series shows like The Fall and Southcliffe.
What about you? Which of these on this list of all the Netflix Original series shows are your favorites? Please leave a comment below!
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