MEDIA & CULTURE
BEST & WORST NETFLIX ORIGINALS
WRITTEN BY SANJANA DAVE // ILLUSTRATED BY VICTORIA CRABB Over the past seven years, Netflix has ramped up its in-house production of original TV series and movies, creating over 1,500 titles. But while some originals have been met with critical acclaim and pushed boundaries in their respective genres, titles with offensive and problematic content are not uncommon. The immense difference between the best and worst Netflix originals is staggering. Whether it be differences in quality of plot lines, character development, or acting, it sometimes seems unbelievable that two titles were both produced by Netflix.
BEST NETFLIX ORIGINALS
1
THE SOCIETY Rating: 9/10
“The Society” follows an eclectic group of high school students who come back from a school trip to find that everyone in their town—both adults and children—has disappeared with no explanation. In the resulting chaos, the students struggle to find a leader, allocate resources, and figure out what happened to everyone they know. With Lord of the Flies vibes, realistic characters, and shocking plot
12
twists, the Society is easily bingeable but hard to forget. “The Society” is not afraid to take risks with its characters, and it definitely pays off for the viewers. Every time you think you’ve figured it out, the show will smack you with another twist. But despite being a surprisingly well-developed teen drama, the Society season 2 was cancelled by Netflix—just as viewers eagerly awaited an answer to season 1’s massive cliffhanger.
2
ATYPICAL
Rating: 9/10
“Atypical” is truly one of the most underrated shows right now. The show centers around Sam, who is a gifted artist obsessed with penguins, and his journey navigating college and the dating scene as a teen on the autism spectrum. It’s a feel-good comedy with a quirky ensemble of characters whose mistakes can frustrate viewers because they’re just too relatable. “Atypical” doesn’t play into the assumption that all autistic people are the same, and it doesn’t belittle Sam’s journey. With real, raw acting, it’s easy to become attached to not only Sam, but also his band of family and friends on the show. “Atypical” also has refreshing LGBTQ+ representation that feels natural and not at all forced.
