- Calling something a "TV show"
just doesn't carry the same weight it used to.
After all, so many of us are watching shows
without an actual television.
Whether all of this is a good
or bad thing is up for debate.
But one thing is certain, there are a ton
of original Netflix shows right now
that deserve your attention.
I'm Alex Robinson, this is "Bingeworthy,"
and here are five of the best original shows on Netflix.
Number five: "American Vandal"
On the surface, "American Vandal" may seem
like one big setup for a massive dick joke.
And well, in some ways, it kinda is!
The mockumentary's first season, positions itself,
as a serious true crime expose
in the vein of other popular docs
like "Making A Murderer" or "The Jinx."
It puts two enterprising high school AV nerds to task.
Investigating a fellow student's expulsion,
after he "allegedly" spray paints a number of crude penises
on every teacher's car, in the faculty parking lot.
There's plenty of twists and turns,
and once you stop laughing at the crass humor,
you'll be genuinely drawn into the mystery.
But also, you'll still probably
be laughing at the crass jokes, too!
Season 2 uses the same format,
and hits many of the same notes,
though subbing out genitalia for scat humor.
And it's just as good as the first time around.
- It's just one piece of the puzzle!
- This is gonna take way more than just ball hairs!
- Number four: "Lady Dynamite"
Now, what is maybe the most underrated show on this list,
"Lady Dynamite" is a perfect display,
of the brilliant weirdness
that Netflix allows its talent to embrace on their platform.
Weirdness that...
maybe other traditional networks would never go for.
"Lady Dynamite" is an absurdist,
semi-autobiographical account
of Maria Bamford's struggle with mental illness.
And it casually leaps across time, space,
and various identities, to deliver something that, well...
Really is unlike almost anything on television right now.
It's wild. It's uncompromising.
And it was canceled after two seasons.
But, hey!
We're now left with 20 episodes of pure unabashed weirdness,
and we'll always treasure them!
Number three: "Dear White People"
Writer/director Justin Simien
made waves at Sundance in 2014,
with his incendiary comedy-drama film "Dear White People."
He managed to stretch it out, expand upon it,
and turn it into a 20-episode series,
with yet another volume coming soon.
Here's the basic setup.
After a blackface party
at the fictional Winchester University
erupts in inevitable controversy and outrage,
"Dear White People" veers its way through despairic reactions,
and responses, including the perspectives of school leaders,
a college newspaper reporter, and Sam, the host of
the provocative "Dear White People" radio show.
Now exposing any more of the plot
would be doing a major disservice
to this tense and visceral series,
which absolutely deserves to be watched in full,
so go do that!
- Know what this is?
This is racism!
- Yeah, I thought President Obama fixed all of that.
- I know!
- Number two: "Mindhunter"
So if you're looking for an outlet for cheap thrills,
and heart-pumping action,
"Mindhunter" is not the show for you!
The key phrase here would be, slow burn!
Show producer David Fincher,
takes the moody atmospheric gloom
of his films "Seven" and "Zodiac,"
and applies it to the real life story,
of FBI agent Holden Ford,
who basically helps usher in
the infamous FBI profile department tasked
with sussing out criminal sociopaths.
And basically takes us on a ride along
during a pivotal moment
when the FBI discovered what a serial killer actually is!
And more importantly, how they can use psychology
and forensics, to help catch them.
Now this is one you really need to sink your teeth into,
but if you give it some room to breathe,
it's probably the most rewarding show on the platform.
Number one: "Bojack Horseman"
So, for this one, I'm gonna call in
one of the biggest Bojack fans I know,
with a little help from visible,
to help explain what makes this show so great!
Hey, what's up!
I know you're a big Bojack fan.
Why do you think it's one of The best shows on Netflix?
- You knoW, I'm the dude to talk about Bojack Horseman!
I actually edited an animation blog on the side,
and I've interviewed people who worked on the show before,
I've written about the show...
It's a lighthearted, jokey, insider Hollywood comedy,
but it's also a really deep character study in depression,
and addiction, and alcoholism, and trauma,
in ways that other shows don't necessarily dive as deep.
There are a lot of hidden jokes
that you might not necessarily get,
unless you pay close attention.
It's a great show to re-watch, for that reason.
- See you later, man!
Thanks for watching everyone!
Now, please proceed directly to binge watch!
- I'm Alex Robinson, and that was "Bingeworthy."
If you haven't already,
make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel,
and, for more Thrillist entertainment,
check out the link in our description.
For another episode of "Bingeworthy" right now,
check out the link to my left!
Thanks everyone!