While Netflix started as a movie service, fans now think of the streaming platform's extensive library of great shows. Netflix has so many great TV shows that it can be hard to know where to begin. So whether you're streaming a new series from the comfort of your couch or downloading series to watch on your phone to watch later, here are 20 of the best Netflix shows streaming in 2021.
Stream all the original shows and movies
Netflix subscribers have access to thousands of shows and movies at their fingertips. Sign up now to check out hit series like Tiger King, Emily in Paris, Seinfeld, and more.
Trending now on Netflix
One of the easiest ways to find a good series to binge is to check out what's trending on Netflix. With that in mind, here's a collection of some of the most-talked-about series streaming on Netflix right now.
Big Mouth
Big Mouth (opens in new tab) is a raunchy adult animated series that follows a group of teenage friends whose lives are turned upside down by puberty. The series features the voices of Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Maya Rudolph, Jordan Peele, and Jenny Slate, among others.
Love on the Spectrum
Love on the Spectrum (opens in new tab) follows real young adults on the autism spectrum as they search for and find true love. Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming now.
School of Chocolate
School of Chocolate (opens in new tab) follows eight professional chocolatiers as they compete in a series of challenges under the guidance of famed French chocolatier Amaury Guichon. Season 1 is streaming now.
Seinfeld
Seinfeld (opens in new tab) centers on a fictional version of comedian Jerry Seinfeld as he navigates his career and life in New York City alongside friends George (Jason Alexander), Kramer (Michael Richards), and Elaine (Julie Louis-Dreyfus). All nine seasons are streaming now.
Tiger King
Tiger King (opens in new tab) follows exotic animals zookeeper Joe Exotic as his life spins out of control following allegations he was involved in a murder-for-hire plot. The show became an immediate hit upon release in 2020, and new episodes of Season 2 are streaming now.
Only on Netflix
Netflix is the gold standard for streaming service original series. So whether you're looking for a laugh, a good cry, or something that will keep you on the edge of your seat, here's a list of must-see original series that you'll only find on Netflix.
Emily in Paris
Emily in Paris (opens in new tab) stars Lily Collins as a young marketing executive who lands her dream job in Paris and has to learn how to juggle her job, friends, and romantic dalliances while exploring a new city. Season 2 starts streaming on Dec. 22.
Hellbound
From the director of Train to Busan, Hellbound (opens in new tab) is a Korean thriller that explores what happens on an alternate version of Earth when supernatural creatures appear and start sending individuals to Hell.
Maid
Maid (opens in new tab) stars Margaret Qualley as a young mother who flees an abusive relationship and takes a job cleaning houses to make ends meet. The series also stars Andie MacDowell and Nick Robinson.
Money Heist
Money Heist (opens in new tab) tells the story of eight thieves who take hostages and lock themselves in the Royal Mint of Spain in an attempt to pull off the biggest heist in recorded history. New episodes are streaming now.
Squid Game
One of the most talked-about new series, Squid Game (opens in new tab) follows hundreds of cash-strapped people who accept an invitation to compete in a series of children's games, only to learn the games are a battle for life or death.
Kids & family on Netflix
Netflix also boasts a library of shows curated for viewers of all ages in your household. Here are five of the best Netflix shows the family can watch together.
The Babysitter's Club
Based on Ann M. Martin's popular book series, The Babysitter's Club (opens in new tab) centers on a group of girlfriends who operate a babysitting business in the modern age. Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming now.
Colin in Black & White
Narrated by Colin Kaepernick, Colin in Black & White (opens in new tab) tells the true story of the former NFL player and activist through the lens of race, class, and culture in the United States from the '90s to now. The series stars Nick Offerman, Mary-Louise Parker, and Jaden Michael.
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous (opens in new tab) is an animated series within the Jurassic World Universe that follows six teens invited to attend a state-of-the-art camp on the infamous Isla Nublar. Seasons 1 through 4 are streaming now.
Locke & Key
Based on Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez's hit comic book series, Locke & Key (opens in new tab) centers on three siblings who move into a house filled with reality-bending keys following the murder of their father. Catch up on Seasons 1 and 2 before the third season debuts in 2022.
Maya and the Three
Maya and the Three (opens in new tab) is a new animated series about the titular princess, who embarks on a dangerous mission to fulfill an ancient prophecy. The series features the voices of Zoe Saldaña, Gabriel Iglesias, Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal, Alfred Molina, Rita Moreno, Stephanie Beatrix, Danny Trejo, Cheech Marin, Rosie Perez, Queen Latifah, and more.
Docuseries on Netflix
If you're looking for stories based on real-life experiences, Netflix offers an impressive lineup of docuseries. Here's a roundup of some of the best docuseries streaming on Netflix right now.
Coming Out Colton
Coming Out Colton (opens in new tab) follows former NFL player and Bachelor star Colton Underwood as he begins to learn more about and embrace his new life as an out member of the LGBTQ community.
Dig Deeper: The Disappearance of Birgit Meier
Dig Deeper: The Disappearance of Birgit Meier (opens in new tab) revisits the 1989 disappearance of Birgit Meier in Germany and dissects the police's missteps that have plagued the case in the decades since the tragedy.
Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father
Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father (opens in new tab) follows the titular British comedian as he embarks on a series of trips around the world with his high-strung father, Michael. Season 1-5 are streaming now.
Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath
Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath (opens in new tab) follows the Hollywood actor as she interviews former Scientology members about the alleged abuse and harassment they experienced at the hands of The Church of Scientology.
Monsters Inside: The 24 Faces of Billy Milligan
Monsters Inside: The 24 Faces of Billy Milligan (opens in new tab) is a limited series about an accused serial rapist who blamed multiple personality disorder for the brutal crimes he committed in the '70s.
The best Netflix shows for you
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Netflix has TV shows to suit nearly any taste, so it should be easy to find something just right for you. Plus, it's easy to sign up, upgrade or download your Netflix account at any time. But with so much to choose from, it may be a bit overwhelming to find the best Netflix shows.
If you're looking to binge Netflix originals, then Squid Game and the latest episodes of Emily in Paris will be right up your alley. Meanwhile, viewers looking for a new series heavy on the drama should check out Hellbound or Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. Of course, there's also plenty of shows to pull up for, or watch with, your kids. So log in to Netflix and start exploring!
Stream all the original shows and movies
Netflix subscribers can log in now to access thousands of shows and movies, including Netflix Original Series such as Bridgerton, Stranger Things, and Love on the Spectrum.
