With the news of Netflix’s latest addition comes the question of its impact on the TV industry as a whole. Netting a Fox superstar producer brings the streaming service even closer to total “world domination”. With that, let’s take a look at some of the streaming service’s best original series’.
The Ranch
Credit-Greg Gayne/Netflix
Admittedly, this show took some getting used to. Normally, you expect a laugh track when you’re watching reruns of Seinfeld, but not a Netflix Original! For some reason — maybe because it seems outdated — it’s strange envisioning a live studio audience for a show on Netflix.
But, if you can get over that, you’ll find The Ranch to be a very solid pick. If you’re looking for a low-investment, carefree show in the spirit of Entourage or Two and a Half Men, this is right up your alley.
Also, if you liked That 70’s Show, you’ll see many familiar faces. Aside from co-stars Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson, The Ranch features appearances from a handful of other actors from the popular series.
The show is a step beyond typical cable sitcoms, partly due to Netflix’s lack of censorship. It has endearing characters, an interesting storyline (you’ll learn a lot about ranching), and all the makings of your next favorite comedy.
Mindhunter
Credit-Patrick Harbron/Netflix
While we just talked about a light-hearted show, let’s transition to the other end of the spectrum. Mindhunter follows two FBI agents and a psychologist who interview imprisoned serial killers. Their intention is to gain an understanding of how these murderers’ minds work in an attempt to help solve future cases.
This means that you’ll sit through a lot of uncomfortable scenes where these violent psychopaths explain their crimes in horrifying detail. The actors who play these murderers are very convincing. You’ll feel like they really did all the gruesome things they say they did.
Not only are the actors great, but the show’s direction is too. Director David Fincher, known for films such as Se7en, Fight Club, and Gone Girl, does a masterful job in his four episodes. He knows how to manipulate an audience and build tension.
In a world full of crime dramas, Mindhunter truly stands out. I’ll leave you with an interesting video, breaking down what makes David Fincher such a successful director.
