If you want to find the television series that balanced high-gloss Hollywood production with actual directorial and showrunner vision, you have to look at the best Netflix Original TV shows. As the streaming giant has evolved into a major studio player, Netflix has increasingly invested in prestige projects that champion the “Pro Toolkit”: intricate narrative arcs, nuanced character development, and immersive world-building that rewards long-form commitment. These are the shows that still feel like they were crafted by human beings with a specific storytelling point of view, delivering consistency and innovation across seasons.
Finding the best Netflix Original TV shows means cutting through the sheer volume of content to uncover the series that define high-level craft in episodic storytelling. We’ve scoured the Netflix archives to find 10 high-craft picks that we have **never mentioned** in any of our previous 40+ blogs—no repeats of well-known hits like Stranger Things, The Crown, House of Cards, Ozark, Squid Game, Narcos, Bridgerton, Wednesday, or Cobra Kai. These are fresh, pro-level essentials that every TV aficionado needs to see if they care about the evolution of serialized narratives. Let’s get into the high-confidence winners.
Best for: TV aficionados looking for Netflix studio series and critically acclaimed dramas/comedies that offer elite writing, surgical pacing, and visionary showrunning across multiple seasons.
Common cinephile pain points this list solves: Wasting time on “committee-led” narratives / Inconsistent writing quality / Unearned character arcs / Poor season pacing / Not knowing which Netflix masterpieces actually offer a compelling, sustained vision.
Related Lists: The Best Binge-Worthy Series / TV Shows That Set the Standards in Episodic Cinema / Editor’s Picks: Top TV Series / Handpicked Series Worth Watching
What to watch for
When you jump into these Netflix Original series, pay attention to the **Narrative Economy.** Great Netflix shows use their budget and runtime to make every episode, every plot point, and every character beat count—look for how showrunners develop arcs over seasons, how visual continuity is maintained, and how sound design builds a consistent world. Notice the **character blocking** and how it evolves, deepening relationships and power dynamics across the run. This attention to detail is the hallmark of high-quality television.
10 best Netflix Original TV shows
1. Mindhunter (2017-2019) 🇺🇸
Creator/Showrunner: Joe Penhall (Creator), David Fincher (Executive Producer/Director)
Plot: In the late 1970s, two FBI agents delve into the psychology of murder, interviewing imprisoned serial killers to understand their motives and apply that knowledge to unsolved cases.
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Where to Watch: Netflix
Why it’s a classic: This Fincher-produced psychological thriller is a masterclass in **surgical pacing** and **tactile world-building**. The show’s **visually authored cinematography** uses desaturated tones and precise framing to create a chilling, oppressive atmosphere. The **script economy** is taut, focusing on dialogue pressure and psychological nuance rather than explicit violence, while the **blocking** during intense interview scenes is a clinic in subtle power dynamics. Every detail, from period-accurate sets to the meticulous sound design, screams pro-level craft.
2. Dark (2017-2020) 🇩🇪
Creators/Showrunners: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese
Plot: A family saga with a supernatural twist, set in a German town where the disappearance of two young children exposes the entangled lives, relationships, and a time-travel conspiracy spanning three generations.
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Where to Watch: Netflix
Why it’s a classic: This German sci-fi masterpiece is unparalleled in its **intricate narrative economy** and **visual intentionality**. The **tactile world-building** of Winden, with its dark forests and ominous cave system, is a character itself. The **surgical editing** seamlessly weaves multiple timelines and characters, demanding close attention but rewarding it with profound payoffs. The **rhythmic pacing** and evocative **sound design** build an atmosphere of pervasive mystery and dread, cementing its status as a pro-level benchmark for complex, serialized storytelling.
3. BoJack Horseman (2014-2020) 🇺🇸
Creator/Showrunner: Raphael Bob-Waksberg
Plot: A washed-up, alcoholic equine actor from a 90s sitcom navigates his failing career, dysfunctional relationships, and deep-seated depression in a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals coexist.
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Where to Watch: Netflix
Why it’s a classic: This animated series is a profound achievement in **character-driven storytelling** and **visual ingenuity**. Its **surgical script economy** delivers rapid-fire jokes alongside devastating emotional beats, tackling themes of mental health, trauma, and identity with unparalleled depth. The **visually authored animation** uses surreal gags and creative sightlines to enhance both comedy and drama, while the **rhythmic pacing** often shifts from absurd hilarity to poignant realism. It’s a pro-level masterclass in using animation for mature, complex narratives.
4. The Queen’s Gambit (2020) 🇺🇸
Creators/Showrunners: Scott Frank, Allan Scott
Plot: Orphaned chess prodigy Beth Harmon battles addiction while rising through the ranks of the chess world, determined to conquer the male-dominated game on an international stage.
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Where to Watch: Netflix
Why it’s a classic: This limited series is an exquisite exercise in **visually authored period drama** and **surgical pacing**. The **tactile world-building** of 1950s and 60s fashion, design, and atmosphere is impeccable, complemented by stunning **cinematography**. The **rhythmic editing** makes chess matches feel like high-stakes action sequences, while the **script economy** provides deep character development. Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance, enhanced by precise **blocking**, anchors this elegant, pro-level exploration of genius, ambition, and self-destruction.
5. Arcane (2021-Present) 🇫🇷🇺🇸
Creators/Showrunners: Christian Linke, Alex Yee
Plot: Amidst the escalating conflict between the opulent, utopian city of Piltover and the squalid, oppressed underworld of Zaun, two sisters find themselves on opposing sides of a war over arcane technologies and conflicting ideals.
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Where to Watch: Netflix
Why it’s a classic: This animated series sets a new bar for the medium, delivering an astounding display of **visual intentionality** and **tactile world-building**. The **surgical animation** style blends 2D and 3D techniques to create breathtaking action sequences and deeply expressive characters. The **rhythmic pacing** and **intricate narrative economy** weave together complex political intrigue with profound emotional stakes, all underscored by an exceptional **sound design** that immerses viewers in its richly imagined, dual cities. A true pro-level masterpiece that transcends its video game origins.
6. When They See Us (2019) 🇺🇸
Creator/Showrunner: Ava DuVernay
Plot: Based on a true story, this miniseries chronicles the infamous case of the “Central Park Five,” five Black and Latino teenagers wrongly accused and convicted of a brutal assault in 1989 New York City.
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Where to Watch: Netflix
Why it’s a classic: DuVernay’s powerful miniseries is a harrowing yet essential piece of **visually authored storytelling**. The **tactile world-building** of late 80s New York and the dehumanizing justice system is rendered with unflinching realism. The **surgical pacing** and **ensemble blocking** meticulously track the boys’ devastating journey, while the **script economy** delivers profound emotional impact through raw performances and a deeply researched narrative. It’s a pro-level work that “sets the standard” for urgent, socially conscious drama.
7. Lupin (2021-Present) 🇫🇷
Creators/Showrunners: George Kay, François Uzan
Plot: Inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, master thief Assane Diop plots revenge against a wealthy family who framed his immigrant father for a crime he didn’t commit.
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Where to Watch: Netflix
Why it’s a classic: This stylish French caper is a masterclass in **rhythmic pacing** and **surgical script economy**. Each “part” delivers a compelling, intricate heist or investigation that is both self-contained and part of a larger, satisfying arc. The **visually authored cinematography** showcases the elegance of Paris and the charisma of Omar Sy, while the **blocking** during elaborate schemes is executed with thrilling precision. It’s a pro-level, high-confidence pick for anyone looking for intelligent, high-stakes entertainment.
8. Godless (2017) 🇺🇸
Creator/Showrunner: Scott Frank
Plot: In 1884, a ruthless outlaw terrorizes the American West in search of a former protégé who has found refuge in a secluded town populated almost entirely by women.
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Where to Watch: Netflix
Why it’s a classic: Scott Frank’s limited series is a stunning, cinematic Western that excels in **tactile world-building** and **visually authored cinematography**. The vast, sun-drenched landscapes and gritty towns feel authentic, brought to life with meticulous production design. The **surgical pacing** allows for character development and simmering tension, while the **script economy** delivers classic Western tropes with fresh, nuanced perspectives. It’s a pro-level example of how to make a modern Western feel both epic and intimately profound.
9. Master of None (2015-2017, 2021) 🇺🇸
Creators/Showrunners: Aziz Ansari, Alan Yang
Plot: Dev Shah, a struggling actor, navigates his personal and professional life in New York City, exploring modern relationships, career ambitions, and cultural identity.
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Where to Watch: Netflix
Why it’s a classic: This auteur comedy-drama is a triumph of **visual intentionality** and **nuanced character blocking**. Ansari and Yang craft episodes that feel like mini-films, often experimenting with structure and perspective. The **surgical script economy** delivers observational humor and poignant insights into millennial life, while the **visually authored cinematography** uses vibrant palettes and thoughtful compositions. Its **rhythmic pacing** allows for both lighthearted moments and deep emotional exploration, making it a pro-level standout in modern comedy.
10. Unbelievable (2019) 🇺🇸
Creators/Showrunners: Susannah Grant, Ayelet Waldman, Michael Chabon
Plot: Based on a true story, a young woman is charged with lying about being raped, while two female detectives hundreds of miles away pursue a strikingly similar case that might reveal the truth.
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Where to Watch: Netflix
Why it’s a classic: This powerful limited series is a masterclass in **surgical pacing** and **empathetic character blocking**. It handles sensitive subject matter with immense care and precision, building tension through meticulous police work rather than sensationalism. The **visually authored cinematography** maintains a grounded, realistic aesthetic, while the **script economy** focuses on the procedural details and the emotional toll on the victims and investigators. It’s a pro-level example of how to tell a difficult true story with integrity, profound impact, and exceptional craft.
What to watch next
Next category: Mind-Bending Movies That Play with Reality (because once you’ve cleared the best Netflix Original TV shows, you’ll want a high-concept film that challenges your perceptions and matches that serialized-level craft).