The Top Netflix Dramas of the Moment

When a good drama is needed, Netflix always comes through. Netflix is home to some of the most beautifully crafted and engaging television of our time, from now-classics like Breaking Bad to Peak TV gems like Hap and Leonard and Mindhunter. The following is a partial list of the best Netflix dramas currently available; if we've missed any of your favorites, please let us know in the comments so we can add them.

This article was revised in April 2023 to incorporate new information about the Outer Banks.

Seasons 6 through 11 of Friday Night Lights

Peter Berg Invented It.

Featuring Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Gaius Charles, Zach Gilford, and Minka Kelly in key roles.

There was Friday Night Lights before there were shows like Orange is the New Black and House of Cards on Netflix. The show premiered on NBC in 2006, but it seems tailor-made for binge-watching at this point, and I've done so more times than I care to admit. Featuring a cast of conflicted but especially charming characters, this show is a brilliant and addictive blend of football, romance, and drama. It's very difficult to turn off the show after each episode because Dillon, Texas quickly becomes like a comfortable home. Thanks, Perri Nemiroff

The Netflix Effect:

Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke are the authors.

Featuring Chase Stokes, Madeline Cline, Madison Bailey, and Jonathan Daviss.

Outer Banks is a compelling adventure drama created by Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke. The show's premise sounds like a cross between "The Goonies" and "One Tree Hill." The social divide between the working class residents of a North Carolina beach town and the wealthy visitors who flock there on vacation drives the dramatic arc of Outer Banks, which veers from treasure hunting action to star-crossed romance. With an undeniably gorgeous cast that includes Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, and Jonathan Daviss, Outer Banks delivers on the promise of a quality young adult drama with hours of tension and romantic entwinement. Name: Yael Tygiel

The Netflix Effect:

Salim Akil, the creator.

Cress Williams, China Anne McClain, and Nafessa Williams star in this.

When I thought we had reached our limit of superheroes, along came Black Lightning to shake things up. Among the many praiseworthy aspects of The CW's hit series is the fact that its protagonist isn't a teenager and that it focuses on a black family. In addition to being one of the smartest superhero shows out there, the show never comes off as preachy in its exploration of racial dynamics. The timing of when characters besides Jefferson Pierce (a charming Cress Williams) would gain access to their abilities was also carefully considered and executed throughout the first season. and didn't feel the need to kill off its Big Bad by the end of the season (though it did kill off a lot of smaller bad guys). The show's consistent relevance can be attributed to the refreshing narrative of a former vigilante turned principal who wants to get back into the game due to the drug violence on his streets. You should unquestionably back this guy. A. Keene, Allison

The Netflix Effect:

Developed by Justin Simien; aired for a total of 40 episodes over 4 seasons.

An Ordinary 30 Minute Show

Logan Browning and Brandon P Antoinette Robertson, DeRon Horton, and Kristen Bell

Aside from the conversations about race it inspires, Dear White People is a smart and unique voice in the television space, with stories that are deeply felt and character-driven as well as hilarious pop culture parodies. But those discussions are appreciated, valid, and nuanced in their approaches to the topic from different perspectives, which, along with the occasional foray into alternate realities or other genre-bending antics, makes for sometimes heartfelt, sometimes hilarious viewing. Miller, Liz Shannon

Stream it on Netflix.

Produced by Shonda Rhimes; 19 seasons; 406 episodes;

Duration of a Typical Show: 44 Min.

James Pickens Jr., Chandra Wilson, and Ellen Pompeo also star. I'm Kate Walsh.

I'll be the first to admit that I used to watch every episode of Grey's Anatomy. I remember watching every new episode, and I especially recall the two-parter that began right after the Super Bowl and followed the Seattle Grace surgical interns as they dealt with a bomb in a patient's body. (It's a show that features both Christina Ricci and Kyle Chandler.) Who, in all candor, could forget Although I haven't been keeping up with the most recent seasons, this medical drama has always been a reliable source of solace for me; it's always there when I need it, just waiting for me to jump back in. After nearly twenty seasons, the ABC drama shows no signs of slowing down, and the audience has no idea what the characters' future holds. While waiting, you can watch Netflix's extensive library of emotionally draining and otherwise bizarre medical cases over and over again. Carly L. Lane

The Netflix Effect:

Author: Adam Glass | Episodes: 8 | Seasons: 1

50 minute average running time

Margarita Levieva, Cillian O'Sullivan, and Lydia Fleming star in the film.

Many spy shows, especially those found on Netflix, have debuted in 2022. However, despite its lack of widespread acclaim, this Netflix original ranks among the service's very best. The story of In From the Cold begins with Jenny Franklin (Margarita Levieva), a recently divorced American mother, traveling to Spain with her daughter's figure skating team for a tournament. There, she is kidnapped by CIA agents and forced to reveal her past as a KGB spy and killer. She has no choice but to work with the agent who captured her to investigate a string of unrelated murders. But it turns out Jenny has a lot more secrets up her sleeve, including experimental technology that makes her the perfect infiltrator, so that particular secret might not have been revealed after all. Jenny learns more about a plot involving right-wing terrorists and a specter from her past that ultimately threatens the life of her daughter as the series progresses. The ending of From the Cold, a show that keeps surprising viewers until the very end, will have them questioning everything they thought they knew about the show's ominous setting. Noronha, Remus

The Netflix Effect:

Developed by Laeta Kalogridis; aired for two seasons; comprised of eighteen episodes

Normal Running Time, 56 minutes

Featuring the talents of Joel Kinnaman, Chris Conner, Dichen Lachman, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Anthony Mackie in their respective roles.

Everything is magnified to extremes on an infinite timeline. And in such a place, what can one man do when confronted with the worst of humanity? That's the big question at the center of Altered Carbon, a hard sci-fi TV show. Adapted from Richard K. Morgan's novel. Unlike data on a disk, human consciousness can be stored, transferred, and retrieved in the show, Morgan, because science has figured out how to do so in the far future. This allows the writers to use different actors to portray the same character in different seasons, as seen with Season 1's lead actor Joel Kinnaman and Season 2's lead actor Anthony Mackie. This has dramatic implications for the story, as the wealthy effectively have an infinite lifespan, plunging to ever-greater depths of decadence and colonizing entire planets to provide raw materials for their factories. In order to solve the murder of a 300-year-old oligarch, the story follows Takeshi Kovacs, a former rebel fighter who has been put in stasis in prison. If he can solve the murder, he will be freed from his criminal past. Season one focuses on Takeshi's investigation and how it's connected to a haunting from his past. In Season 2, Takeshi's dead lover and rebel leader Quellcrist Falconer (Renée Elisabeth Goldsberry) mysteriously reappears. Despite its complex, well-crafted world and abundant noir-esque drama and intrigue, the show was cancelled after only two seasons. A Netflix anime film titled Altered Carbon: Resleeved continues the franchise, and the show's conclusion leaves the option open for future stories if the show is ever revived. Noronha, Remus

Tune in to Netflix

It was developed by Steven Knight and has 36 episodes spread across 6 seasons.

Standard 60-Minute Running Time

Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle, and Joe Cole are the principal actors.

If you're looking for a series that successfully tackles the challenges of writing historical fiction, look no further. The BBC show Peaky Blinders is a fictionalized account of the true story of the gang that shares its name. Fans of crime dramas that draw inspiration from actual events will enjoy this series, which features a revolving cast that includes Tom Hardy and Anya Taylor-Joy. The series begins shortly after World War I and chronicles the Shelby family's (led by Cillian Murphy's) rise to power through deceit, cheating, and murder. However, the crime story is only one part of Peaky Blinders. Artfully depicts the complexities of human nature in all their vulnerability and anguish. Enjoy the stellar performances and gripping plot, but stick around for the touching interpersonal dynamics. This show is excellent either way. A Remus Noronha

The Netflix Effect:

Authors Neil Gaiman and David S. Created by David Goyer and Allan Heinberg; Season 1; 10 Episodes

The Standard 45-Minute Length

Tom Sturridge, Gwendoline Christie, Vivienne Acheampong, Boyd Holbrook, and Charles Dance are all featured in this production.

The Sandman, a graphic novel series by Neil Gaiman, is one of the few literary works that can be described as both original and epic. Dream, the Sandman, and his siblings, the Endless, are immortal super-gods at the center of the story. Attempts at a film adaptation of the series date back to at least the early 1990s, but this is the first time that the story has been brought to life in cinematic form. Although there are some changes from the source material, the show is still faithful to the graphic novel and is one of the rare successful adaptations of a literary work. The Sandman on Netflix is a well-made story set in a complex world that will please both longtime readers of Dream of the Endless and newcomers to the series. A Remus Noronha

The Netflix Effect:

Made by Adam Price; aired for four seasons; contained 38 episodes.

The Typical Length Is 57 Minutes

Sidse Babett Knudsen, Birgitte Hjort Srensen, Pilou Asbk, and Sren Malling star in this.

Borgen, a Danish television series, is highly recommended if you're in the mood for a political drama. In the series, minor politician Birgitte Nyborg Christensen (Sidse Babett Knudsen) rises to become Denmark's first female prime minister. There are plenty of plot twists and betrayals, but that's to be expected from a show about politics. Audiences get to witness the rise and fall of Birgitte's career and the disintegration of her idealism in the face of the realities of politics. Noronha, Remus

Check out on Netflix.

Written by Alice Oseman; there have been 8 episodes in the first season.

Usually, shows last around 30 minutes.

Olivia Colman, Yasmin Finney, William Gao, Kit Connor, and Joe Locke also star.

Heartstopper, adapted from the graphic novel of the same name, is a coming-of-age story for the LGBTQ community. Charlie Spring (Joe Locke), a gay high school student, develops romantic feelings for Nick Nelson (Kit Connor), his new formmate. Heartstopper, a show that explores friendship, sexuality, and gender in a way that few others do, is a beautiful love story and exploration of sexuality, and it perfectly understands how difficult it can be to be queer and so young. Heartstopper's two leads, Nick and Charlie, have great chemistry, which makes you root for their story and makes you want to find love like they do. Binette, Arianne

Check out on Netflix.

Season 2 has 16 episodes and was created by Chris Van Dusen.

Common Length: 64 mins.

Nicola Coughlan, Phoebe Dynevor, Jonathan Bailey, Luke Thompson, and Régé-Jean Page also star.

Bridgerton, a Shondaland production, is a must-read for fans of the Regency era. Each season focuses on a different Brigderton child as they search for and eventually discover love. It's the kind of drama-filled, sexually charged romance series we haven't seen in a while. Shonda Rhimes' television style is at its peak in Bridgerton, a drama about a gossip writer tormenting the upper class. This show has everything that drama and romance fans could want, plus some steamy scenes. Binette, Arianne

The Netflix Effect:

Produced by Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble; 40 Episodes Over 4 Seasons;

50 minute average running time

Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, Victoria Pedretti, and Jenna Ortega are the featured performers.

You, based on the book of the same name, takes a methodical approach to its subject. Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) is a serial killer and bookstore manager who falls deeply in love with the women who catch his eye. You is unlike any other show because it never tries to make its protagonist look like the good guy, instead delving deeply into his psyche and trying to understand him but never trying to redeem him. While promising, the show truly came into its own and found its voice in Season 2. Joe's obsessions, as seen and heard through his own eyes and described in his own words, reveal some aspects of his psyche but conceal others. It's a style of storytelling that keeps you interested and on the edge of your seat right up until the final episode. Binette, Arianne

See it on Netflix

Five seasons, fifty episodes; directed by Joji Matsuoka, Nobuhiro Yamashita, and Shotarou Kobayashi.

An Typical Show Lasts About 25 Minutes

Kaoru Kobyashi, Mansaku Fuwa, Toshiki Ayata, Yutaka Matsushige, and Ken Mitsuishi are among the actors featured.

Midnight Diner (also known as Shinya shokud) is a Japanese anthology series based on a slice-of-life manga about a mysterious little diner that is only open at night. The diner is run by the mysterious and scarred chef known only as Master, and each episode focuses on a different traditional Japanese dish. Midnight Diner, despite its quiet nature, is a compelling series due to its incredible introspection. It's easy to become engrossed in the story of the week, just like Master and his other customers. Midnight Diner has a wide range of interesting characters and a menu that looks delicious; it will make you laugh, think, and maybe even get hungry. Currently, there are five installments of the show: three of Midnight Diner and two of Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories. To quote Therese Lacson:

The Netflix Effect:

Season 1 consists of 12 episodes; creators include Chun Sung-il, Lee JQ, and Kim Nam-su.

The Typical Running Time Is 62 Minutes

Yoo In-soo, Lomon, Park Ji-hu, Cho Yi-hyun, and Yoon Chan-young also star.

Netflix's recent investment in Korean dramas appears to have been successful. Based on Joo Dong-geun's webcomic Now at Our School, the zombie horror series All of Us Are Dead has a heavy emphasis on coming of age. The show, which takes place in a high school that has been overrun by zombies, features clever storytelling, a lot of blood, and tense interpersonal relationships. The plot begins with the outbreak of a zombie virus at a high school in South Korea. Students at the high school, cut off from the outside world and without supplies, must use whatever they can find to protect themselves from the infected. The thrilling show has been on Netflix's Top 10 lists all over the world for weeks after its January 28 release. Noronha, Remus

Stream it on Netflix.

Author: Hwang Dong-hyuk | Episodes: 9 | 1 Season

Running Time (on average): 48 mins

Starring Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, HoYeon Jung, and O Yeong-su.

The South Korean survival drama Squid Game is expected to be one of Netflix's most popular shows of 2021. In this show, regular people compete in dangerous games for a large cash prize at a clandestine tournament. The story and acting in Squid Game have been praised, and the series' central themes of inequality and greed have been singled out for special praise.

Divorced chauffeur Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) lives with his mother in her later years. He has a daughter that he has trouble providing for, and the fact that he is a gambling addict doesn't help. Seong Gi-Hun is desperate for money, so he gladly accepts an offer to participate in children's games in exchange for a substantial sum. Once he accepts, however, he is whisked away to an undisclosed location and forced to compete against 455 other people, all of whom are in substantial financial straits of their own. The only way for them to survive is to outsmart the other players and the game's mysterious organizers, and it soon becomes clear that if they lose a game, they will die.

The story unfolds over the course of nine episodes and is tense, violent, and completely captivating. Season 2 of Squid Game is currently in production in case you enjoyed the first season and want more. "- Remus Noronha

The Netflix Effect:

Produced by lex Pina; Aired for a Total of 41 Episodes over 3 Seasons

The Typical Running Time Is 59 Minutes

Alba Flores, Pedro Alonso, Itziar Ituo, rsula Corberó, and lvaro Morte also star.

Money Heist (in Spanish, "The House of Paper") is one of Netflix's most influential shows. The heist drama series has become a worldwide phenomenon over the course of its three seasons on the streaming service. Money Heist is a Spanish heist film centered on a gang of eight led by "the Professor" (lvaro Morte) and set in the Spanish capital of Madrid. The first season follows the Professor and his team as they implement a decades-long plan to rob the Spanish Royal Mint. As the story progresses, we find out more about these characters and the scope of the plot. Seasons 2 and 3 focus on the crew's second heist, this time from the Royal Mint in Spain. The show is about defying the odds and showing courage in the face of adversity. Perhaps most importantly, though, it's a tale of a group of people and the bonds they forge with one another as they pull off two of the most audacious heists ever conceived. Noronha, Remus

Check out on Netflix.

Author: Scott Frank | Episodes: 1 Season | 7

Running Time (on average): 56 mins

Characters played by Anya Taylor-Joy, Marielle Heller, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Harry Melling, and Bill Camp

The Queen's Gambit is a great option if you're looking for a drama series with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Set in the 1950s and 1960s, this critically acclaimed Netflix original follows a young orphan as she struggles to overcome her traumatic past and find happiness wherever she can. In spite of hardships at home, she follows that path to chess and eventually becomes a world champion. Scott Frank (who writes and directs every episode) and Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch) deliver an outstanding performance. The Queen's Gambit combines elements of a sports story, a prestige drama, and a deep character study. As told to Adam Chitwood

The Netflix Effect:

Developed by Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams; aired for four seasons; contained forty-four episodes.

Playing Time: Approximately 65 Minutes

Janet McTeer, Peter Mullan, Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, and Julia Garner also star.

Ozark is a Netflix original drama series that should appeal to viewers who enjoyed Breaking Bad and are looking for something similar. Financial manager Jason Bateman (Jason Bateman) has his world turned upside down when he discovers his business partner has been doing business with Mexican drug cartels (as seen in the pilot episode). Because he can't afford to repay them any other way, he and his family move to the Ozarks and he begins a new life as a money launderer there. Bateman faces intrigue, danger, and murder as he struggles to provide for his family. The story is briskly progressed through in this one. Chitwood, Adam

The Netflix Effect: