1) Black Mirror
Black Mirror is a dark, satirical sci-fi anthology series that takes place in an alternate present or the near future. The show explores themes like modern society’s dependence on technology and how that may change when new technologies are introduced.
The first season aired on Channel 4 in 2011 and was made up of three self-contained episodes. Two more seasons have followed, with a new six episode series expected to air this year. Some of Black Mirror’s most popular and critically acclaimed episodes include San Junipero, Nosedive, and Hated in the Nation.
2) Stranger Things
Stranger Things is a science fiction horror series that was released on Netflix on July 15, 2016. The show tells the story of a young boy who disappears one night and the small town friends who go looking for him after he reappears with no memory of where he's been or what happened to him. The series takes place in 1983, where many people still have rotary telephones, there's no cell phone usage, and people communicate through walkie talkies. Stranger Things has been nominated for several awards including Primetime Emmy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Saturn Awards.
3) House of Cards
House of Cards is a political drama that debuted on Netflix in 2013. The show stars Kevin Spacey as Francis Underwood, the ruthless and cunning congressman from South Carolina who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. His wife Claire, played by Robin Wright, is equally ambitious and equally ruthless. As Vice President and then president, Francis manipulates the press, the public and his political opponents with aplomb. House of Cards explores Francis's schemes through a framing device: his own recollections as he lies dying from an assassin's bullet on the floor of Congress.
It's widely considered one of the most sophisticated shows about American politics ever created for television.
4) Queer Eye
This show is a breath of fresh air. The Fab Five is made up of an emotionally intelligent food and wine expert, a fashion guru, an interior designer, a groomer and a culture expert. The group works together on heartwarming episodes of the show. Whether they’re helping families de-clutter their homes or giving design tips for the home improvement challenged, Queer Eye has something for everyone.
5) Santa Clarita Diet
Netflix's newest comedy series, Santa Clarita Diet, premieres on February 3. Centering around a married couple who have just moved from L.A. to a small town called Santa Clarita, the show explores what happens when one of them becomes undead and starts craving human flesh. As their new normalcy unfolds, they realize it might not be the worst thing that could happen if they got used to this new reality. The show stars Drew Barrymore as Sheila Hammond and Timothy Olyphant as Joel Hammond - a husband and wife with two children who are still adjusting to their new life - and Liv Hewson who is Skylar Hammond and Skyler's best friend since childhood.
6) Dear White People
Dear White People is a series that revolves around the predominantly white and affluent Winchester University where students of color are often faced with uncomfortable racial scenarios and not always treated equally. Whether it be their roommate insisting on using a headdress as decoration, or coming face-to-face with police brutality during an anti-racism protest, these students are put through the ringer as they attempt to navigate life at this predominantly white university. The show also deals heavily with other topics such as feminism, sexuality, and classism that can sometimes go overlooked in discussions about race. I would definitely recommend this series if you're looking for something to binge watch!
7) Sex Education
Sex Education is a British sitcom created by Laurie Nunn and starring Gillian Anderson and Asa Butterfield. The series follows Otis Milburn, an inexperienced high school student who's just moved from small town America to Britain's most prestigious public school. In order to fit in with his new classmates, Otis pretends he knows everything about sex, but instead ends up leading a double life as a sex therapist for the students struggling with their own issues.
It soon becomes clear that Otis' parents are not telling him the full truth about sex, which leaves him feeling even more lost than before. Luckily for Otis, he has a diverse group of friends who are willing to share their knowledge on how it all works - although some lessons might come at a price...
8) Atlanta (TV series, 2018– )
Atlanta is a new series from Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) and Hiro Murai. This show is set in the city of Atlanta and follows the lives of two cousins as they navigate their way through the city's music scene.
Atlanta has been getting rave reviews for its originality, humor, and social commentary about life as an African American living in Atlanta. The show has also been nominated for multiple Emmy awards including Outstanding Lead Actor, Outstanding Supporting Actor, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.
9) Luke Cage
Luke Cage is a superhero series on Netflix. It follows the story of a man with unbreakable skin and extraordinary strength who fights crime in Harlem, New York City. The series was created by Cheo Hodari Coker and stars Mike Colter as Luke Cage. The show premiered on September 30, 2016 and consists of thirteen episodes that aired on Friday evenings for three consecutive weeks until November 18th.
10) All About the Washingtons
All About the Washingtons is a sitcom about a retired couple of 20 years, who are now living with their two grown children and grandchildren. It features an African-American cast, which is relatively rare for this genre of show. It's also one of the few shows that has been renewed for a second season before it even aired. The show debuted on March 28th, 2019.