There so many great shows to watch on Netflix that it can be difficult to create a shortlist. So, let’s break it down by genres. We’ll begin with my five best sitcoms and comedy series, and then continue later with their counterparts in drama, sci fi and horror …
“THE OFFICE”
The show that started the documentary-style sitcom. When it first came to the U.S., it was fresh and exciting and spawned several lesser copy cats. Steve Carrell is excellent as the most cringe-inducing boss on TV and a supporting cast is just as good.
Personal recommendation: Seasons 1-4 are as good as sitcoms get.
“PARKS AND RECREATION”
This was originally a documentary style sitcom, with a female lead to balance out “The Office.” Although it’s still follows that style, it has become more of a traditional sitcom in a several ways. However, the cast is fantastic, lead by the hysterical Amy Poehler. It’s funny and sometimes a little politically incorrect while still maintaining plenty of heart.
Personal recommendation: Season 1-3 are top notch TV.
“30 ROCK”
It’s a show about a sketch comedy show. Sometimes ridiculous, sometimes the jokes fall flat, but a great lead in Tina Fey and an even better supporting character in Alec Baldwin is enough to entertain.
Personal recommendation: It’s an episode to episode type show; Some are only OK, but some great.
“ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT”
Hysterical in every way. Why wasn’t this show much more popular? The characters are funny, the storylines are bizarre. If I had to be critical of one thing is that the narration sometimes takes away from what’s going on, on screen. Otherwise, it’s fantastic and David Cross is at his ambiguously gay best.
Personal recommendation: Seasons 1-3 will leave you craving for the good old days.
“ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK”
By far my favorite new comedy series. I loved every episode I watched and, when I was done, I wanted so much more. Though it is chock-full of drama, it is a comedy at its roots. It has a diverse cast of rich and powerful female characters that have you wanting more of each on screen, with the humble exception of Laura Prepon who is not needed for the show to work. Virtually everyone in the cast is likeable no matter their moral compass.
Personal recommendation: Only one season, with the second coming in a few months. Binge watch and enjoy.
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Next, we’ll dig into drama, sci fi and horror series on Netflix …
- Gimme Five: Drama, Sci Fi and Horror Series on Netflix - February 17, 2014
- Gimme Five: Sitcom and Comedy Series on Netflix - February 11, 2014
- Gimme Five: How American Horror Story Got Its Groove Back - November 27, 2013
OITNB at the top of this list is a joke. It isn’t even in the same league as the rest.
OITNB is great, but more like a “dramedy” next to the sitcoms. I hear a lot about The Big Bang Theory but I haven’t watched it yet – ironic, my background is in physics, but I’m more into dramas at this point in my life.