I spend a lot of time watching TV shows. And, before starting a new show, you need to know what you’re getting into. This means genre, how long the episode is, how many seasons it has, whether or not it’s ongoing, and if the plot of the show is worth your time. I’ve compiled a list of Netflix shows that aren’t as well-known, but are definitely worth looking into, and have provided the info you’ll need to see if it’s worth your valuable time. (You’re welcome.)
Black Mirror
Genre: Science Fiction
Episode Length: ~ 60 min
Seasons + Episodes Per: 3 seasons, 5 episodes
Status: Ongoing
Plot: Each episode is its own unique story with a different cast, setting, and sense of reality. So, you can watch it in whichever order you want! Each episode takes on a different story of a possible outcome of how technology can impact our lives.
Jane the Virgin
Genre: Comedy/Romance/Drama
Episode Length: ~ 40 min
Seasons + Episodes Per: 3 seasons, 22 episodes
Status: Ongoing
Plot: Jane Villanueva is a virgin who is accidentally artificially inseminated and becomes pregnant. The series follows the life of her, her family, and her lovers. It is written in the telenovella style.
The 100
Genre: Science Fiction/Action/Drama
Episode Length: ~ 40 min
Seasons + Episodes Per: 4 seasons, 16 episodes
Status: Ongoing
Plot: In the future, survivors of a nuclear war on Earth are living in space. To test whether or not the Earth is habitable years later, they send 100 juvenile prisoners to assess the conditions. These prisoners must now navigate and learn how to survive on Earth from scratch.
Lost Girl
Genre: Science Fiction/Romance/Action
Episode Length: ~ 40 min
Seasons + Episodes Per: 5 seasons, 18 episodes
Status: Ended
Plot: Bo is a succubus who feeds off of other people’s energy. She soon discovers the world around her is filled with other creatures, called ‘Faes’, who also feed off of humans in different ways, and with different powers. Bo delves into her past to learn more about herself and her parents, helping Faes and humans along the way.
Malcolm in the Middle
Genre: Comedy
Episode Length: ~ 20min
Seasons + Episodes Per: 7 seasons, 20 episodes
Status: Ended
Plot: Malcolm navigates life and school with his erratic family.
Jessica Jones
Genre: Science Fiction/Drama/Action
Episode Length: ~ 50 min
Season + Episodes Per: 1 season, 13 episodes
Status: Ongoing
Plot: Jessica Jones, a Marvel character with powers, opens up her own detective agency interested in helping others, while along the way she must deal with her dark past.
Luke Cage
Genre: Science Fiction/Drama/Action
Episode Length: ~ 50 min
Season + Episodes Per: 1 season, 13 episodes
Status: Ongoing
Plot: Luke Cage, also a Marvel character (he’s in Jessica Jones too!), is a man with super strength and impenetrable skin. Returning back to his hometown of Harlem to live a peaceful life, he discovers that he must fight those who want to take control of his city.
The Flash
Genre: Science Fiction/Drama/Comedy
Episode Length: ~ 40min
Season + Episodes Per: 3 seasons, 23 episodes
Status: Ongoing
Plot: Barry Allen, a DC character, is hit by lightning during a particle accelerator explosion at STAR Lab. When he wakes up, he finds himself gifted with lightning-fast speed and becomes the fastest man alive. With his new powers, he and his new friends at STAR Lab dedicate their work to stopping others with powers who use it for evil.
3%
Genre: Fantasy/Drama
Episode Length: ~ 45 min
Season + Episodes Per: 1 season, 8 episodes
Status: Ongoing
Plot: 3% is Netflix’s first Brazilian production! In a Brazilian dystopian world, there is a division in location between those in poverty (the Inland) and those in luxury and prosperity (the Offshore). Every person, when they become of age, is given the chance to go to the Offshore by completing and succeeded in mind tests, but only 3% will be able to go.
Cover photo source