For any pop culture lover, the arrival of fall means new TV series — as well as new seasons of returning favorites — will air on major cable networks. While we are looking forward to the fall TV line-up, if Netflix is your go-to streaming platform, you may have noticed that most of the shows you can't get enough of are actually Netflix original series.
If you are anything like me, then you probably already binge-watched quite a few original series worth noting this year, with recent fall releases proving that quality programming just keeps on coming from the platform.
Of course, there are quite a few shows that aired during the prime-time cable block that I have become obsessed with over the years. Shows like AMC's Breaking Bad, HBO's True Blood and FX's American Horror Story come to mind; however, these series are spread out across channels, and it can become hard to remember what show airs on what channel on what day.
There once was a time I was a broke college student who decided to cut the cord on my cable after my roommate spilt. I opted to watch movies like 500 Days of Summer on repeat on a DVD player (true story) or queued up a movie I had not yet seen on Netflix. Since my PS3 could stream Netflix right onto my television, I thought, why would anyone pay for cable again? I was even able to catch up on shows I couldn't get enough of, like FX's Sons of Anarchy and ABC's Revenge via the platform.
Fast-forward to the present day, and I am still very much loyal to my Netflix account. While this doesn't mean I don't watch cable TV, how can anyone not watch buzzed-about shows like Marvel's Daredevil, Orange Is The New Black and House of Cards?
If you have noticed, 2015 has been a major year for Netflix's original series. Many of the shows that premiered thus far have left a lasting impression on viewers, as new seasons are already scheduled for next year. I would go even as far to say that compared with the content that is on cable TV right now, Netflix is killing it as far as its programming goes.
Let's take a look at the impressive line-up of original series Netflix has premiered in 2015 and what we can look forward to this fall.
House of Cards (Feb. 27, 2015)
Stars: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Michel Gill
Perfect for fans of: Damages, Boss, The Fall
The first Netflix original series worth noting this year was the Season 3 release of House of Cards. A favorite of even President Obama — although it is based on a British miniseries — how can you not give props to Netflix for this political thriller? Kevin Spacey plays Frank Underwood, a corrupt politician who becomes President of the United States. Season 3 features his rocky start in his new role, while he also works on his marriage, which is on the rocks. Frank and Claire both find that their newfound power can come crashing down way too easily.
Besides the manipulative motivates of Spacey's villainous character, the series has the actor directly addressing the audience, which makes the viewer feel like someone they are in an his big plans. Spacey won a Golden Globe in 2015 (as did Wright in 2014), proving that a Netflix series has the acting chops behind it to really compete against cable TV shows. Netflix will premiere Season 4 of House of Cards in 2016.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (March 6, 2015)
Stars: Ellie Kemper, Jane Krakowski, Tituss Burgess
Perfect for fans of: 30 Rock, Garfunkel and Oaks, Arrested Development
Ellie Kemper stars as a Kimmy, a woman who escapes a cult after 15 years to start a new life in New York. The hilariously naive character finds herself a roommate and a new job, and embraces life no matter how many curveballs are thrown her way. Unbreakable was originally supposed to be slated for NBC, but since some of the jokes are not so suitable for prime-time, it found its home here at Netflix.
30 Rock's Tina Fey and Robert Carlock (who produced and wrote for Friends) produced the comedy, which should be enough said right there. Fey doesn't disappoint in this series, making it one of the best comedies out right now.
Bloodline (March 20, 2015)
Stars: Kyle Chandler, Ben Mendelsohn, Linda Cardellini
Perfect for fans of: Damages, Rectify
This family drama and thriller is set in Florida and follows the story of the Rayburn family, whose oldest son, the black sheep of the family, returns with the chaos from his criminal activity threatening to damage his family's name. Bloodline was created by Todd A. Kessler, Glenn Kessler and Daniel Zelman and has been applauded for its writing, directing and cinematography. Critics have called this one of the best Netflix original series out there, and powerful performances by Kyle Chandler and Sissy Spacek only make it that much more binge-worthy.
John Leguizamo is joining the cast for the series' second season, which will premiere in early 2016.
Marvel's Daredevil (April 10, 2015)
Stars: Charlie Cox, Vincent D'Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll, Rosario Dawson
Perfect for fans of: Arrow, The Flash, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
While the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to take over the big screen, Netflix is the home of one the most buzzed-about superhero series on "television" right now. Starring Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil, the series follows the blind comic book hero who is a lawyer by day and vigilante by night.
With action-packed scenes, great cinematography and visual effects, as well as gritty dramatic flair, Daredevil is one of the most must-watch series for anyone who loves action series or comics.
Jon Bernthal will join the cast as the Punisher for Season 2, set to be released in 2016.
Grace and Frankie (May 8, 2015)
Stars: Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen
Perfect for fans of: Friends, The Golden Girls
If this rundown doesn't prove that Netflix knows how to cast its series, then just wait until you check out Grace and Frankie. This series stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, who start off as enemies but are brought together when they discover their husbands have fallen in love with each other. While the show is a drama, it doesn't lack on the comedy side of things, thanks to executive producers Marta Kaufmann (Friends) and Howard Morris (Home Improvement). We get to see how these older ladies must learn how to adapt in the 21st century, touching upon everything thing from Facebook to dating and, of course, the typical everyday woes of growing old.
Sense8 (June 5, 2015)
Stars: Aml Ameen, Doona Bae, Jamie Clayton
Perfect for fans of: Heroes, Orphan Black, Lost
Proving that Netflix has a program in just about every genre, Sense8 is the original series for those who are fans of sci-fi. Created by the Wachowski siblings, who most notably created The Matrix, this series follows the story of eight characters who live in difference cities but are connected by a common vision. Sense8, with its mind-bending storyline, is truly an original series, touches on topics like gender and sexuality, in the sci-fi realm that isn't seen on other cable sci-fi shows. Besides its original plot, Sense8 has a way that makes the viewer really start to care and relate to its characters that include strong lead and supporting roles.
Sense8 was picked up for a second season, with the plot rumored to explore the dark side of Rajan (played by Purab Kohli).
Orange Is the New Black (June 11, 2015)
Stars: Taylor Schilling, Danielle Brooks, Taryn Manning
Perfect for fans of: Oz, Weeds, The L Word, Prison Break
How can we talk about Netflix original series without discussing OITNB? This series follows the story of Piper Chapman (played by Taylor Schilling), who is serving time for a drug-related crime related to her former girlfriend, Alex Vause (played by Laura Prepon). The series is loved by fans and critics alike for its themes of sexuality, race, gender and body image issues, and has earned 12 Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Season 2.
Season 3 picks up right where we left off last, highlighting the financial problems at Litchfield, the power dynamics since the death of Vee and a new love interest for a more villainous Piper, played by Ruby Rose. Season 4 of OITNB will premiere in June 2016.
BoJack Horseman (July 17, 2015)
Stars: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul
Perfect for fans of: Family Guy, The Simpsons, King of the Hill
BoJack Horseman is one of the shows I seem to binge-watch easily over the course of a weekend. Slightly dark comedy that is sometimes pretty ridiculous, this animated series follows the story of BoJack, a washed out and self-destructive actor who is trying to make sense of his life. In Season 2, BoJack is starring in his comeback film Secretariat but teases the idea of leaving "Hollywoo."
The satirical series features many animal-specific jokes that viewers may miss the first time around, as well many pop culture references. The series uses comedy as a way to discuss real and troubling issues such as sexual harassment in Hollywood, which is part of the storyline in Season 2.
BoJack Horseman will return for a third season in 2016.
Narcos (August 28, 2015)
Stars: Wagner Moura, Maurice Compte, Boyd Holbrook
Perfect for fans of: Breaking Bad, Cocaine Cowboys, The Sopranos
I would go as far as saying that Narcos is one of best original series that has aired on this platform. Telling the captivating true-story tale of drugs, war, corruption, power and politics, Narcos follows the story of Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel, as well as the United States' involvement when it comes to foreign policy, and extradition as a result of the flow of cocaine into the country back in the '70s and '80s. While the series is told from the point-of-view of DEA agent Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook), the series is primarily in Spanish with English subtitles. Netflix is changing how we perceive series with subtitles, expertly combining the two languages in a way that keeps the viewer's attention while slowly and gradually getting them used to reading if they don't understand what the hell is going on. The way they do it is brilliant, the acting is top notch — seriously, Moura plays the perfect villain — and who doesn't enjoy a good crime story?
Marvel's Jessica Jones (November 20, 2016)
Stars: Krysten Ritter, David Tennant, Mike Colter
Perfect for fans of: Marvel's Daredevil, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
After watching Daredevil, we have high hopes for Marvel's latest original series for Netflix, Jessica Jones. The series is based on the Marvel book comic character Jessica Campell Jones Cage, who is a private investigator with a super heroine past that is based in New York. Jessica Jones stars Krysten Ritter as the lead character and is executive produced by showrunner Melissa Rosenberg (Dexter), alongside Liz Friedman (Elementary) and Jeph Loeb (Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.).
Jessica Jones is the next live-action series from the Marvel Universe, which will also include Iron Fist, Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and a combined Defenders series, each expected to be released about a year apart. That means there is no better time than now to start watching these Marvel series that will surely continue to make headlines.
Marvel's Jessica Jones will premiere on November 20.
In Conclusion
Between Hollywood A-listers being cast for these roles, the best writers in the biz penning these series and the ability to push the envelope a bit more than what can pass on prime-time TV networks, Netflix continues to prove that it's not just a service that lets subscribers stream movies they miss in the theaters. As Netflix continues to pump out compelling content, many people might start to look at the platform first when getting their fix for the latest and greatest series. With entire seasons being released at once, it's easier then ever to get lost in these great original shows.
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