The Best Netflix Original Series of 2019: Stranger Things, Mindhunter, More

Netflix began its own original shows in 2013, with House of Cards and it quickly became a hit for the streaming service. More shows soon followed and before long Netflix had a fledgling library of hits like Stranger Things, Making a Murderer, Narcos, Orange is the New Black, Glow, Mindhunter, American Vandal…you get the idea. And I didn’t even mention any of the Marvel series they offered. RIP. 

Since its launch, Netflix has changed the entertainment industry and especially the way we take in our entertainment. Hate it or love it, binge watching a series has become a niche all on its own.

2019 has been a banner year for Netflix and below are my picks for the 10 Best Original Series of 2019. In no particular order. 
Dead To Me Season OneThis one surprised me as I thought the plot sounded rehashed but the combination of Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini was refreshing and a strong script took a story we’ve all heard before and managed to inject new life into it. The twists keep you tuned in while the chemistry between the cast keeps you entertained. 

Chambers Season One
One of the drawbacks, if you can call it that, with Netflix is the overwhelming selection you have of movies and series. You’re bound to miss something and Chambers falls into that category. A psychological drama with a horror twist and a pinch of supernatural intrigue, the show revolves around a teenager who gets a heart transplant and her curiosity about the donor’s sudden death drives the story to some interesting places. Unfortunately Chambers was cancelled after one season but worth a watch. 

Stranger Things Season Three
Season 3 of Stranger Things was more of the same from the first two seasons and that’s a good thing. The kids are a little older, a little more awkward, and a lot more endearing since we’ve seen them grow up. Can’t wait for Season 4.  

You Season 2
To be clear, Season One was originally a Lifetime show but its second season is all Netflix. I just finished this so it’s fresh in my thoughts so I have to give a huge nod to the lead, Penn Badgley, for his most excellent portrayal of Joe Goldberg. A character that should be so unlikable, so horrible, that the audience should reject him, and this show, outright. Yet Badgley walks a thin line and gives this show real life. As much as I enjoyed Season One, Season Two built on all the right angles and gave us bigger risks and bigger rewards.  

When They See Us
An incredible 4 episode series that is tough to watch and tough to reflect on but so important to do both. The true-life events brought to the screen by Ava DuVernay about the 1989 Central Park Jogger case from the perspective of the five adolescents who were ultimately found to be wrongly convicted of rape and assault runs the gauntlet of emotions. Powerful from start to finish. 

Living With Yourself
The plot is simple. It’s Paul Rudd playing a man who accidentally clones a better version of himself, causing them to fight for ownership of the life they both claim is theirs. I couldn’t imagine anyone else but Rudd bringing it to life with such charm. 

Mindhunter Season Two
Based on the true crime book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit, Season Two was every bit disturbing and mesmerizing as the first and when it ended, I already couldn’t wait for Season Three. Can you say you’d expect anything less with something that has David Fincher’s name attached to it? 

Russian Doll Season One
Bravo to this show and to lead Natasha Lyonne. Another series that took some plot points from other shows and movies, gave them a tweak, and delivered an original punch that had a little bit of everything from humor and mystery to complex and heart. It came out at the beginning of 2019 so you might want to revisit this to remind yourself just how great it is. 

Sex Education
Asa Butterfield as an uncomfortable teenager who unwittingly ends up as a dispenser of sex advice for his classmates thanks to his mother who is a sex therapist, was another surprise that slid under the radar. A great mix of drama and humor, this one gets it right across the board. 

Unbelievable Season One
A gritty crime drama that’s, again, elevated by an amazing cast. This was another one of those shows I missed when it first came out but after several friends recommended, I jumped in and became hooked. 

That’s my 10. A little bit of everything but would love to see yours. Share below.