Summary
As one of the most prominent streaming services out there, there’s a lot of pressure for Netflix to perform, but its best TV shows of 2024 prove that the production side of the company isn’t flagging. In some ways,the boom of streaming services' original content started with Netflixwhen the company put out the heavyweight hitsStranger ThingsandHouse of Cards. Since then, it seems that every year, there’s a competition to see which team can create the most memorable and highly acclaimed shows that garner the biggest audiences.
Netflix’s original shows aren’t only competing with other companies but with other offerings on the site.
Though its original content has been a relatively consistent moneymaker,Netflix has also done a lot for the revival industry.Shows and movies that might have gone overlooked during initial airings and premieres find new life on streaming services like Netflix.Suitsmassive Netflix successhas made the reboot,Suits LApossible, and plenty of other network series hope that getting recognition on a streamer will help their numbers. In this way, Netflix’s original shows aren’t only competing with other companies but with other offerings on the site.
30 Best TV Shows On Netflix Right Now (April 2025)
From classics like Suits and Seinfeld to twisty sci-fi like Stranger Things, the best shows on Netflix have something for everyone.
10Jurassic World: Chaos Theory (2024–)
An animated spinoff of the enormously successfuly film franchise.
Since the conclusion of theJurassic Worldmovies, there has been a huge niche to fill where to continue the franchise and use a new medium to find additional viewers.
Following the boom of theJurassic Worldmovies,Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceouspremiered on Netflix and was a crossover hit with fans of the movies and younger generations getting their first taste of the story.Jurassic World: Chaos Theoryis a spinoff ofCamp Cretaceous,and because the first series paved the way for it, the show already has built-in interest and an audience base. Since the conclusion of theJurassic Worldmovies, there has been a huge niche to fill where to continue the franchise and use a new medium to find additional viewers.
This is whereChaos Theorycomes in, as it uses animation in an innovative way and logically expands upon the story fromCamp Cretaceous.Jurassic World: Chaos Theoryis also one of thebest sci-fi shows of 2024because of how well the animation and storytelling immerse dinosaurs into the real world.The characters must grapple with the reality of dinosaurs living among them,a situation filled with equal parts excitement and terror. It’s up to the core group of kids to find out who’s out to get them and why.
Jurassic World: Chaos Theory
Cast
Jurassic World: Chaos Theory follows the Camp Cretaceous gang as they unite to unravel a global conspiracy threatening both dinosaurs and themselves. Set in the expansive Jurassic World universe, the series intertwines suspense and adventure in a race against time to ensure the safety of prehistoric creatures.
After Neil Gaiman’s seriesThe Sandman, based on his iconic comics, was a hit for Netflix, if an expensive one, the streamer decided to capitalize on this momentum and make a show that appeals to younger audiences.Dead Boy Detectivesfollows the adventures of two dead teenage boys who remain on Earth,solving supernatural crimes so they don’t have to travel to the afterlife. Their world is populated by creepy and interesting characters who bring them cases or work against them as they race to discover the truth for their clients.
The chemistry between George Rexstrew, who plays Edwin, and Jayden Revri, who plays Charles, is what carries the series, thoughany fan of dark fantasy will get an instant kick out of the show.Carefully balancing its episodic arcs with its season-long narrative,Dead Boy Detectivesprovides enough mysteries for the audience to remain fully enraptured until the final credits roll. For any fans who have been waiting patiently forThe Sandmanseason 2 to potentially happen one day,Dead Boy Detectiveswill scratch the same itch.
Dead Boy Detectives
Based on the DC series, Dead Boy Detectives is a supernatural comedy-mystery series created for Netflix. Two young men from different find one another in death but decide to skip the afterlife and remain among the living with a new purpose - to solve various supernatural mysteries the way only two deceased detectives can.
8The Gentlemen (2024)
Guy Ritchie’s new show has turned heads thanks to its outstanding cast.
Though many of the plot points throughout the show could be considered a drama, the series is unequivocally hilarious and self-aware in a way that doesn’t push away the audience but invites them in.
Theo James, Kaya Scodelario, and Giancarlo Esposito cut imposing figures throughoutThe Gentlemenas the stars weave in and out of trouble navigating the illegal drug trade in England. Juxtaposing the lives of the titled and elite with those on the lowest social rung,The Gentlemenhas all the trademark Guy Ritchie violence, action, and adventure.Though many of the plot points throughout the show could be considered a drama, the series is unequivocally hilarious and self-aware in a way that doesn’t push away the audience but invites them in.
Unfortunately for viewers who loved the show, it might be a long time beforeThe Gentlemenseason 2 is confirmed, as there are big stars involved. Getting everyone back together would be a challenge, andsince season 1 told a complete story, the arc for season 2 would have to be just as sharp, if not sharper.While this likely wouldn’t be a problem for Ritchie and his team, it’s enough to enjoy the episodes ofThe Gentlementhat exist and return to Ritchie’s other projects if rewatchingThe Gentlemenisn’t enough.
The Gentlemen
Based on the film of the same name, the Gentlemen is a crime drama series created for Netflix by Guy Ritchie. The series follows Eddie Horniman, who inherits his father’s estate, only to discover he has inherited a vast cannabis empire - and all of the rivals that come with it.
7Griselda (2024)
In an emotionally taxing and dramatic role, Sofía Vergara demonstrates her considerable acting chops.
Griseldais truly Sofía Vergara’s show, as she plays the titular Griselda Blanco, a character based on the real drug lord who operated a massive cocaine empire in Miami in the 1980s.Though Vergara is best known for her comedic roles, she transforms into someone terrifying and electricinGriselda. She draws the audience in with her charm and then shocks them with her willingness to get rid of anyone or anything that gets in her way. Despite her meteoric rise to power and ability to make sacrifices, Griselda ends up paying a terrible price for her empire.
Griseldasuccessfully fills the hole in television with well-developed and complex female anti-heroes. In prestige television, it’s often only the men who get to be morally ambiguous or downright evil while still garnering sympathy. However,Griseldaachieves that delicate balance and opens the door for further series to create the next generation of women in the anti-hero role.While the message of the series is clear, some liberties were taken with the true story, but that doesn’t take away from the fast-paced and nerve-wracking plot of the show.
Griselda
Griseldais a Netflix mini-series inspired by the savvy and ambitious Colombian businesswoman Griselda Blanco, who created one of the most profitable cartels in history. A devoted mother, Blanco’s lethal blend of charm and unsuspected savagery helped her expertly navigate between family and business, leading her to become widely known as the “Godmother.”
6Blood Of Zeus (2020–)
This animated retelling of Greek myths and tragedies packed a punch in its second season.
Though the series still uses the iconic gods, monsters, and titans that have seeped into cultural knowledge, there are plenty of original characters as well.
Blood of Zeusseason 2 hit Netflix in 2024 and was hotly anticipated by fans who had been waiting since season 1 dropped in 2020. However, the newest installment didn’t disappoint and expanded upon the visuals and storytelling of season 1. Praised for its gorgeous aesthetics, similar to the style of anime rather than Western animation,Blood of Zeusalso creates its own Greek myths instead of retelling classic ones that are well-known by audiences.Though the series still uses the iconic gods, monsters, and titans that have seeped into cultural knowledge, there are plenty of original characters as well.
In theBlood of Zeusseason 2 ending, there’s enough ambiguity to make hope for season 3 a reasonable possibility.Heron, the protagonist of the show, is an amazing character whose development has been one of the most enduring plot pointsthat anchor the series alongside the tales of gods and monsters. As retellings of Greek myths have become even more popular in recent years,Blood of Zeusprovides audiences interested in this topic with a new story that’s never been told.
5Parasyte: The Grey (2024–)
Body horror and sci-fi are blended brilliantly in this adaptation of the iconic manga series.
The manga seriesParasyte, by Hitoshi Iwaaki, is well-known in the manga and anime worlds, as it received an animated and live-action adaptation. However,this new South Korean series,Parasyte: The Grey, takes place in the same world asParasytebut introduces new characters and situations for an interesting spin on the story. The parasites from the manga fall to Earth and start taking over the bodies of humans, and a special police force, The Grey, hunts down parasites and tries to keep the rest of the population safe.
In the midst of this is Jeong Su-in, played by the excellent Jeon So-nee, who isn’t taken over by her parasite but forms an unexpected relationship with it. Due to the body horror aspects of the show,it was vital thatParasyte: The Greylook and feel as realistic and grotesque as possible.Thankfully, the series achieved just that and has so many incredibly beautiful but terrible scenes that it’s impossible to look away, even when the parasites are attacking.
Parasyte: The Grey
“Parasyte: The Grey” imagines a world where alien parasites begin taking over human hosts, blending horror with psychological drama. The story follows a young man who forms a symbiotic relationship with his alien parasite, leading to a morally complex journey as they confront other parasites threatening humanity. This adaptation adds a unique twist, focusing on the grey areas of survival, identity, and the essence of being human.
4One Day (2024)
A love story that spans decades
Though it’s a romantic show at its core, there’s also plenty of humor, grief, and emotional development woven throughout the story, making the characters feel real and immediate.
Thebest quotes inOne Dayare equal parts beautiful and tragic, which is fitting for a show with some of the most emotional moments of the year. For audiences who aren’t familiar with the series, the 2011 movie, or the 2009 book, it’s not a spoiler to say there are some tear-jerker moments and that it’s important to be prepared before embarking on the show. However, these ups and downs are part of life, andOne Dayshines as part of the romance and slice-of-life genres.
Following the friendship, then love story, of Emma (Ambika Mod) and Dexter (Leo Woodall), the series meets up with the character on the same day over the course of twenty years. Though it’s a romantic show at its core, there’s also plenty of humor, grief, and emotional development woven throughout the story, making the characters feel real and immediate.By the end ofOne Day, audiences will wish for a love like Emma and Dexter’sand hope that life doesn’t get in the way as it does for them.
One Day
Despite their lives drifting apart after high school, Dex and Emma reunite one day every year as their lives run parallel. Love, heartbreak, and the experience of growing apart together lie at the center of this decade-spanning love story.
33 Body Problem (2024–)
Based on the mind-bending novel, 3 Body Problem makes way for the new era of science fiction.
Sci-fi is changing, but more and more,it’s becoming clear that the future of science fiction is on television.Though 2024 has also seen great sci-fi films,3 Body Problemillustrates how long-form content with high budgets, like the sci-fi found on streaming, is so effective at telling the complex stories the genre thrives on. It takes time for the audience to grasp the full premise of3 Body Problem, as the intersecting stories and timelines can be overwhelming, but once the narratives start to interweave, the results are astounding.
Though viewers who don’t traditionally watch sci-fi would still have a great time with3 Body Problem,the series pays tribute to its fans with an eye for science and logic.However, this doesn’t overtake the emphasis on the characters and their relationships, which play enormous parts in propelling the story forward. The series took some liberties with the book by Liu Cixin, but overall these changes were to the benefit of the story and broadened the scope of the narrative.
3 Body Problem
3 Body Problem is a Netflix original series from Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, along with Alexander Woo. Based on the novel of the same name by Liu Cixin, 3 Body Problem centers on a detective who joins forces with a group of scientists after an unknown force begins killing scientists around the world.
2Ripley (2024)
Andrew Scott plays the terrifying Tom Ripley in a new take on the material.
From playing the sociopathic Moriarty inSherlockto the romantic leading man inFleabag, Scott never disappoints.
Many people know the story of the iconic filmThe Talented Mr. Ripley.However, that isn’t the only story penned about Tom Ripley by the author of the original book, Patricia Highsmith. In the new thriller seriesRipley,Andrew Scott takes on the titular role and proves, yet again, how easily he can become anything a project requires.From playing the sociopathic Moriarty inSherlockto the romantic leading man inFleabag, Scott never disappoints. As it’s shot in black and white, the series is reminiscent of old Hollywood film noirs and evokes a chilling effect on the viewer.
Despite the themes ofRipleybeing well-trodden in recent years, with movies likeSaltburndrawing comparisons to the older film, the series manages to break new ground. It’s thanks to Scott that the reimagining of the story works so well,as his version of Tom Ripley is part of a long line of interpretations, but that doesn’t stop Scott from developing his own character. Though the series can be difficult to watch due to its methodical pace and harrowing subject matter, the gorgeous shots of the Italian countryside are enough to keep viewers satisfied.
Ripley
Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith, Ripley is a drama-thriller written and created by Steven Zaillian. Set in the 1960s, the series follows Tom Ripley, who is hired to attempt to coax a wealthy man’s son to come home - but this job is just the first part of a lengthy and dangerous complex web of lies.
1Bridgerton (2020–Present)
A romance drama that takes place in an alternative history of drama and intrigue.
With each successive season ofBridgerton, the period drama becomes even more of a phenomenon, and season 3 is no exception. Following the story of Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and her romance with Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton),Bridgertonseason 3 demonstrates what the show does best, which is to take its source material, the books by Julia Quinn, and translate them into a moving and relatable story for modern audiences.Even though the show takes place in the Regency era in London, it still feels delightfully contemporaryand has plenty of steamy romance.
However, it’s not just the romantic relationships that keep the audience coming back for more. The ups and downs of friendships, like that between Penelope and Eloise (Claudia Jessie), and the gossip mill of the marriage mart are equally compelling as the romantic partners the characters choose at the end of each season.Bridgertonhas been a heavy hitter for Netflix since its premiere in 2020,and with many more seasons on the way, it will surely continue to be a draw for audiences.
Bridgerton
Bridgerton, released on Jun 18, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
