So we’ve already outlined some shows that don’t get nearly as much love or attention as they should. Netflix has a pretty diverse and deep catalogue so let’s check out five more TV shows that are definitely worthy of your time.
1. Sherlock
Sherlock happens to be my #1 recommendation of anything on Netflix. Any time someone asks for a reco, my first response is “Have you seen Sherlock?” It is quite possibly the smartest thing I’ve ever seen, but it is still accessible and loads of fun. Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. Watson are an absolute perfect match, and they are so entertaining to watch together. The supporting cast is essentially perfect as well. Mark Gatiss as Mycroft (Holmes’ brother) plays elitist, snotty, and brilliant so well he could have his own show. Andrew Scott as Moriarty (Holmes’ arch nemesis) plays evil, diabolical, and Sherlock’s intellectual equal so well he deserves his own show too. Seriously, you need to watch this show. You’ll thank me later.
2. Happy Valley
More British crime drama (I know, I know, but it’s so good). This one has a lot of moving parts, but it comes together nicely. The show’s lead is police Sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire). She is an incredibly competent officer dealing with issues on multiple fronts including an active kidnapping, a crumbling home life, and a released convict that she needs to keep a very watchful eye on for reasons I won’t divulge here. The show is unflinching in its portrayals, and the character development is wonderful. You can’t help but keep hitting next after each episode.
3. Freaks and Geeks
This show has a well-deserved cult following, but it should definitely be wider known. If you ever wondered how Judd Apatow got together with James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jason Segel and went on to make some of the best comedies of our generation, this show was pretty much the genesis of that. This was also Paul Feig’s breakout job as a writer, and he went on to write and direct a lot of great stuff as well. The show follows the awkward lives of a group of high school kids trying to cope with peer pressure and hormones, but it is legitimately funny and genuinely heartfelt. It’s basically an updated The Wonder Years set in the 90s.
4. Making a Murderer
Yeah, yeah, I know this show got a lot of attention, but it deserves even more. If you told me that what is essentially a serial documentary would basically take over my life for the duration of the 10 episodes, I’d be skeptical, but this show grabs you and doesn’t let go. And when it’s done, you can’t stop pondering it. You can’t stop thinking how in the hell the series of events that played out could be remotely possible anywhere on earth, much less in small town, salt of the earth, heartland Wisconsin. It will make you angry. It will make you want to call the Manitowoc police department and yell at them. It will make you want to call the president and demand a pardon. It will make you weep for what our criminal “justice” system can be corrupted into.
5. Louie
Louis C.K. is the best comedian in America right now. Debatable? Sure, but no one can do what he does as well as he does. He shines a bright light on the not so obvious absurdities of everyday life and provides a unique, yet somehow common sense, perspective that forces you to relent that it really is obviously absurd. His wit and comprehensive understanding of human motivation are quite substantial. Given that, his show Louie is a competent and very well produced companion piece to his expansive canon of standup material. The show revels in making its audience feel uncomfortable but still manages to be very funny. In that way it is similar to Curb Your Enthusiasm but definitely a few shades darker. There is a definite air of depression and cynicism attached to the show, which makes it that much more real and relatable.
-Benjamin Sadler
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