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When Netflix was founded nearly 20 years ago in 1997, I don’t think anyone could have ever imagined that this primarily dvd-by-mail based company would end up being the largest TV show and movie streaming service in the world. Because of their wide variety of media choices, as well as the simplicity and convenience of their streaming services, Netflix now has over 50-million subscribers!
Due to the overwhelming success of the Netflix streaming department, many larger production companies have become reluctant to share their programming with Netflix. So, with their users’ seemingly insatiable appetite for new shows and movies, and the need for some new and current programming, Netflix decided to start creating their own works. In 2012, Netflix introduced their first ever self-produced original series, Lilyhammer. Since then, Netflix has released tons of other Netflix originals - both TV series and movies - and has grown to be serious competition for even some of the longest standing network giants. Here is a list of some of the best Netflix originals that are sure to capture your attention.
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Orange is the New Black is quite possibly the most notable Netflix original, as it is one of the most acclaimed shows on “television” today. This series takes us inside a women’s prison, following the life of female inmate, Piper Chapman. The series is actually based on the best-selling memoir by Piper Kerman. OITNB is the perfect combination of comedy, drama, and romance, which is part of the reason it captivates such a wide variety of women - and even men! This mostly female cast includes Taylor Schilling, Laura Prepon, Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, Taryn Manning, Samira Wiley, Selenis Leyva, and Danielle Brooks. Orange is the New Black currently has four complete seasons on Netflix, and is said to have at least three more in the works.
Daredevil (Series)
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When most people think comic books, Daredevil might not even crack the Top 10. So when Netflix inked a deal with Marvel TV, no one expected the Daredevil series to be as much of a surprise hit as it has become. Daredevil follows a blind crimefighter whose other senses have been exponentially enhanced, all due to an unfortunate chemical accident. There are currently 27 episodes streaming on Netflix, with even more in production. Trust me when I say that the first 5 minutes of this series will grab your attention!
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The Ridiculous 6 (Film)
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This was Adam Sandler’s very first movie made exclusively for Netflix (of course, now, there are several more in the making). The Ridiculous 6 debuted on Netflix on December 11, 2015 and was an immediate hit. This western comedy tells the story of Tommy “White Knife” Stockburn (Sandler) embarking on a journey across the West with his five brothers that he didn’t even know he had. Together, they set off on a rescue mission to save their outlaw father from kidnappers. The movie also stars Terry Crews, Jorge Garcia, Steve Zahn, Luke Wilson, Rob Schneider, Taylor Lautner, Blake Shelton, Vanilla Ice, David Spade, Whitney Cummings, and Jon Lovitz.
House of Cards (Series)
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Funny story: Many major networks were actually looking at House of Cards with anticipation to grab it, and to everybody’s surprise, Netflix outbid them all. This U.S. remake of the British House of Cards stars Kevin Spacey, Beau Willimon, and David Fincher. Kevin Spacey plays an amoral President, Frank Underwood, who, with his equally ruthless wife, looks to exact revenge on all those who oppose them. The series is full of drama, twists, and deceit.
Bloodline (Series)
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For some reason, it seems that this series has been overshadowed by the other must-see series’ that Netflix has released. But that’s not to say that it should be! In my opinion, Bloodline is vastly underrated! The series depicts a family of adult brothers and sisters who are full of dark secrets. Those secrets come to light when their outcast brother returns home. Bloodline stars Kyle Chandler, Sam Shepard, Ben Mendelsohn, Sissy Spacek, and Linda Cardellini. Although there are only two seasons out right now, those two alone are enough to keep you wanting more!
You might also like: 10 Tips Every Netflix Pro-Binger Needs to Know
A Very Murray Christmas (Film)
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This is the Christmas musical special that had everybody talking back in 2015! Featuring so many famous faces, like Bill Murray, Miley Cyrus, George Clooney, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Chris Rock, A Very Murray Christmas provides an irreverent twist on other holiday stories. In short, it is the story of Bill Murray worrying that nobody will show up to his TV show because of a terrible snowstorm in New York City. The movie is full of mischief, camaraderie, humor, and music, and is sure to put you in a great mood for the holiday season.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Series)
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Watching Kimmy Schmidt is a guilty pleasure of so many Netflix users these days. The quirky, corny, almost mind-numbing jokes and humor will have you chuckling the entire time you’re watching this series. Kimmy Schmidt, played by Ellie Kemper, has just been saved from a life trapped in an underground cult for many years, and is now having to learn everything about the real world for the first time - in bustling New York City, none the less. Kimmy is trying her hardest to get her life together, even though she has no idea how to, which makes this series so foolishly funny. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was actually originally scheduled to air on NBC, but luckily for Netflix - and us, since we now get to skip the commercials - that never happened!
Stranger Things (Series)
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If you haven't heard about Stranger Things, you must be disconnected from media because it has been all the rage in the past couple of months. This series is something unexpectedly enticing, and if you're into unwordly creatures and a thrilling plot, this is the story you might want to consider following. It's one of Netflix's shorter series with only 8 episodes, but it's a sure-fire binge watch (if you're not too scared) because each episode will leave you at a cliffhanger, leaving you no choice but to continue watching.
