The shows you don’t want to miss on Netflix in 2021
While Netflix started as a movie service, fans now think of the streaming platform’s extensive library of great shows. Netflix has so many great TV shows that it can be hard to know where to begin. Whether you’re streaming a new series from the comfort of your couch or downloading series to watch on your phone to watch later, here are 25 of the best Netflix shows streaming in 2021.
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Best shows on Netflix 2021
- New on Netflix
- Popular on Netflix
- Only on Netflix
- Docuseries on Netflix
- Kids show on Netflix
New on Netflix
One of the best things about Netflix is that it’s constantly updating its media library with fresh new shows and episodes. Along those lines, here’s a roundup of some of the most interesting and entertaining new content streaming on the platform right now.
Feel Good
A semi-autobiographical series from comedian Mae Martin, Feel Good follows the stand-up comedian as she navigates a passionate relationship with her girlfriend George while trying to remain sober. The series also stars Lisa Kudrow as Mae’s mom. Season 2 recently debuted.
Grace and Frankie
Grace and Frankie stars Jane Fonda as Grace and Lily Tomlin as Frankie, a pair of unlikely friends who move into a beach house together after their husbands leave them for each other. The series follows the pair as they navigate romantic dalliances, business pitches, and the ups and downs of their tumultuous friendship. The seventh and final season is streaming now.
Love Is Blind: After the Altar
In Love Is Blind: After the Altar, members of Season 1’s original Pod Squad reunite after two years to bond over personal updates and new drama. The entire first season and the three new After the Altar episodes are streaming now.
Outer Banks
Part action-adventure, part teen drama, Outer Banks follows John B and his three best friends as they hunt for a legendary treasure that may be linked to his own father’s mysterious disappearance. Seasons 1 and 2 are out now.
Sweet Tooth
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Sweet Tooth follows a boy who was born half-human and half-deer as he searches for a new beginning. Season 1 of the series is streaming now.
Popular on Netflix
One of the easiest ways to find a good series to binge is to check out what’s trending on Netflix. With that in mind, here’s a collection of some of the most-talked-about series streaming on Netflix right now.
All American
All American follows an intense rivalry that reaches a boiling point when a talented football player from South Los Angeles is recruited to play on the team at Beverly Hills High School. Seasons 1-3 are streaming now.
Cooking With Paris
Cooking with Paris finds businesswoman and socialite Paris Hilton trying new recipes and kitchen equipment with help from some of her famous friends. Season 1 includes appearances from Kim Kardashian West, Demi Lovato, and Hilton’s sister Nicky.
My Unorthodox Life
My Unorthodox Life follows Julia Haart, CEO of the Elite World Group talent media company, as she and her family navigate life after leaving the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community.
Friday Night Lights
Inspired by the 2004 film of the same name, Friday Night Lights follows Texas high school football coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) as mentors the players on his team, both on and off the field. All five seasons of the series, which aired from 2006-2010, are streaming now.
Valeria
Based on the novels by Spanish author Elisabet Benavent, Valeria is a Spanish-language series about a writer who leans on her three best friends to help her through both creative and marital crises.
Only on Netflix
Netflix is the gold standard for streaming service original series. So whether you’re looking for a laugh, a good cry, or something that will keep you on the edge of your seat, here’s a list of must-see original series that you’ll only find on Netflix.
Atypical
Atypical follows Sam (Keir Gilchrist), a teenage boy on the autism spectrum who decides he’s ready to pursue a romantic relationship — and takes his overprotective family on the ride of their lives. The series also stars Jennifer Jason Leigh and Michael Rapaport.
Big Mouth
Nominated for two Emmys in 2021, Big Mouth follows a group of teenagers as they try to survive puberty. The animated series was created by Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg and features voice work from Jason Mantzoukas, Jenny Slate, Fred Armisen, and Jordan Peele.
The Circle
Equal parts reality show and social media competition, The Circle challenges real-life participants to flirt, befriend and catfish their way toward a $100,000 prize. Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming now.
Dead to Me
Dead to Me stars Christina Applegate as a high-strung widow busy searching for the hit-and-run driver who killed her husband when she befriends eccentric optimist Judy (Linda Cardellini), who has some secrets of her own. Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming now, while Netflix recently renewed the show for a third and final season.
Young Royals
A Swedish-language drama from Lars Beckung, Young Royals follows Prince Wilhelm as he tries to both follow his heart and adjust to life at a prestigious new boarding school. Season 1 premiere in July 2021.
Docuseries on Netflix
If you’re looking for stories based on real-life experiences, Netflix offers an impressive lineup of docuseries. Here’s a roundup of some of the best docuseries streaming on Netflix right now.
Cocaine Cowboys: The Kings of Miami
A limited series from director Billy Corben, Cocaine Cowboys: The Kings of Miami follows the trajectory of two best friends and high school dropouts who became the top drug kingpins in Miami for decades.
Explained
Created in partnership with Vox, Netflix’s Explained digs into a variety of popular topics, from the rise of cryptocurrency to diet fads. New episodes premiere every Friday.
The Movies That Made Us
The Movies That Made Us gives movie buffs a behind-the-scenes look at some of the biggest and most influential Hollywood blockbusters. Season 2 features Back to the Future, Pretty Woman, Jurassic Park, and Forrest Gump.
This Is Pop
This Is Pop explores and dissects the real stories behind your favorite pop songs and trends. Among other things, Season 1 details the impact of Boyz II Men on R&B, the rise of Autotune, and the transition of country music to pop.
Formula 1: Drive to Survive
Formula 1: Drive to Survive follows drivers, managers, and team owners during serval cutthroat seasons of Formula 1 racing. Season 1-3 are streaming now.
Kids shows on Netflix
Netflix also boasts a library of shows curated for the youngest viewers in your household. Here are five great kids’ shows currently streaming on Netflix.
Boss Baby: Back in Business
Boss Baby: Back in Business shows what happens when The Boss Baby brings his big brother Tim to the office and tries to teach him the ins and outs of the business world. Four seasons of the animated series are streaming now.
Family Reunion
Family Reunion shows what happens when the McKellan family moves from Seattle to a small town in Georgia, where they’re challenged by both a pair of traditional grandparents and life in the South. Parts 1-3 are streaming now, while Part 4 debuts on Aug. 16.
Gabby’s Dollhouse
Gabby’s Dollhouse follows kitty enthusiast Gabby and her feline sidekick, Pandy Paws, as they find themselves at the center of various animated adventures. Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming now.
Julie And The Phantoms
Julie And The Phantoms follows an aspiring musician named Julie, who finds her passion for music by teaming up with a trio of ghostly musicians called the Phantoms who weren’t able to achieve their musical goals in life.
She-Ra And the Princess of Power
Set on the planet Etheria, She-Ra And the Princess of Power and follows the stories of Adora and Catra, a pair of orphans who were raised to be soldiers in the Horde.
The best of the best for you
Netflix has TV shows to suit nearly any taste, so it should be easy to find something just right for you. Plus, it’s easy to sign up, upgrade or download your Netflix account at any time. But with so much to choose from, it may be a bit overwhelming to find the best Netflix shows.
If you’re looking to binge Netflix Originals, then Sweet Tooth and the latest episodes of Grace and Frankie will be right up your alley. Meanwhile, viewers looking for a new series heavy on the drama should check out Outer Banks or the celebrated docuseries Cocaine Cowboys: The Kings of Miami. Of course, there’s also plenty of shows to pull up for, or watch with, your kids. So log in and start exploring!
Netflix & chill
Netflix
From $9/mo. at Netflix
Stream all the original shows and movies
Netflix subscribers have access to thousands of shows and movies, including Netflix Original Series such as Bridgerton, Stranger Things, and Ginny & Georgia.
