Top 10 Original Content Shows
Hello Again!
Hope everyone is having a great Monday! I wanted to do a Top 10 list of some of my favorite original content shows from Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu because they have produced some great ones in the past few years. Without further ado, enjoy!
10. Marco Polo (Netflix, 2 seasons)
If you have learned anything about me in my past posts, it's that I love historical dramas and period pieces. Marco Polo was a sweeping epic detailing his adventures in the lands of Genghis Khan and the production values were astounding. Unfortunately, this show was cancelled after 2 seasons, even though it had the potential to continue beyond. I really enjoyed the casting in this show as well as the set pieces and the plot. This show was the first I had seen detailing the adventures of Marco Polo and I would definitely be interested in seeing another studio take a go at it.
9. Making a Murderer (Netflix, 1 season)
This is definitely the most controversial show on this list. This show follows explores the story of Steven Avery, a man from Wisconsin who served 18 years in jail for a crime he didn't commit before being fully exonerated in 2003 by DNA evidence. He was then arrested in 2005 for another murder as was his nephew, Brendan Dassey. What I love about this series is that it allows you to draw your own conclusions about the story, not taking a stance (guilty or innocent). Watching the entire show, I really kept going back in forth trying to decide whether or not Avery was guilty and I honestly still don't know. There was talk of a second season and I'm honetly quite excited to see what they decide to film.
8. Orange is the New Black (Netflix, 5 seasons)
Here's a classic Netflix original and one of their firsts. This show has also experienced some controversy for its content and themes and has continued to defy boundaries. I fell in love with this shows unique style in its first season and have been an eager viewer ever since. After 5 seasons, the content is still surprising and we have even more characters to love. One of this show's strengths is its fantastic ensemble cast. There are about 20 main characters who all have their own unique story that we get to follow over the course of the show. I can't wait for season 6!
7. Daredevil (Netflix, 2 seasons)
This was the first of Netflix's superhero shows and I think it's the best of the bunch (with Jessica Jones as a close second). This dark take on the Daredevil story is so well cast and produced, it really drives home how much better original content shows are then network shows. They get the ability to decide what content to produce and more freedom in the maturity of the content. This allows some freedoms that network shows don't have and it shows in this show. Daredevil features a small cast which works for the story and the cinematography is breathtaking. I hope this show continues to be produced as this Netflix superhero universe expands. Check it out on Netflix now!
6. Fleabag (Amazon, 1 season)
This show is new for me and I binge watched it a few weeks ago after having it suggested to me by a YouTube. I have to say, this show is hilarious, emotional, and very British. I love the dry humor and sarcasm shown by the main character and although I think this is classified as a comedy, it gets pretty dramatic at times which I also enjoyed. I was sad that only 1 season had been released thus far but am looking forward to season 2! Check this one out with Amazon Prime now!
5. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix, 3 seasons)
This was one of the first Netfix Originals I watched and I did so because I love Ellie Kemper from The Office. I was not disappointed. This show is absolutely ridiculous but still somewhat believable. We follow Kimmy Schmidt, a woman who has been living underground as a prisoner in a cult for the last 15 years and is now living in New York. The antics that ensue as she tries to learn about modern culture are highly entertaining. Every season that has been released has been even more inviting than the last and I usually binge it in a day or two. The amazing cast makes this show what it is and I have to say I'm a huge Titus Andromedon fan! :) If you're in the mood for a light watch that is absolutely hilarious, give Kimmy Schmidt a watch! You won't be disappointed.
4. Mozart in the Jungle (Amazon, 4 seasons)
I stumbled into this show and have been addicted ever since. I started watching in January and have binged all 4 seasons as well as re-watching most of the first 3 seasons again. This show is unique and I haven't seen a premise quite like it anywhere else. We follow Hailey (among other characters) who are in the New York Symphony and this leads to strife, adventure, and hilarity. I really enjoy the music as well as the relationships developed in this series and look forward to the next season! Check it out with Amazon Prime.
3. Grace and Frankie (Netflix, 4 seasons)
I started watching this show because I happened to be in the room when someone else was watching it but I was hooked. Although I don't think I'm the target audience for this show, it is unique and hilarious and at times, quite poignant. We follow 2 older divorcees after their husbands leave them for each other. Family dynamics and wacky personalities are just a few of the great things to explore in this show that never leaves me bored. Check it out on Netflix.
2. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon, 1 season)
This is a new Amazon Original that intrigued me when I saw the trailer and amazed me when I binged the show... twice. This show follows a woman whose husband cheats on her and she decides to reinvent her life by becoming a female comedian, it's set in the 1950's and this is quite controversial for the time. This show was so well acted by the cast and Rachel Brosnahan really knocks it out of the park. I laughed and cried watching this show and am unbelievably excited for the second season. Check it outwith Amazon Prime.
1. The Crown (Netflix, 2 seasons)
Finally, we get to the crown jewel (pun intended). This is probably my favorite TV show of all time. I am a huge historical drama nerd and this show is not only well acted but well written. Plus, the score is amazing as well. I could go on for quite a while but this show really speaks for itself. Give this show a watch whether you enjoy period pieces or not. Watch this with Netflix!
Honorable Mention: The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu, 2 seasons)
I wanted to give a shout out to The Handmaid's Tale. I was excited to watch this show when it premiered because I knew it was based off a book, although I had never read it. This divisive show had a critically acclaimed first season and just premiered its second season. I found out during the second season that the show has deviated quite a bit from the book and this disappoints me. I believe they've done this to appeal to the events currently happening in our country and that isn't a good enough reason to deviate in my opinion. This show is still well acted and directed but it lost a few points because of that. You can watch this show on Hulu.
That about wraps this list up! Hope you enjoyed it and I also hope you found some new shows to watch or maybe you've decided to rewatch an old favorite. The April Fairyloot Unboxing will be posted soon!
