With COVID taking out massive chunks of normalcy from the year 2020 and being quite a stick in the mud for almost ALL our plans for the year, it’s safe to say that this year has been painfully long…but also short? For those of us who had absolutely nothing to do to kill time, we spent our super-free time binge-watching all that we could find on Netflix.
So to celebrate this year’s end, we have compiled a list of Netflix series that blew us away:
1. The Queen’s Gambit
Okay, who in their right mind hasn’t been tempted into giving this show a try? Netflix’s top streaming title, ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ is nothing short of magnetic performances, extremely captivating teleplay, and an electrifying storyline that causes shivers to run down your spine.
Adapted from Walter Tevis’ novel with the same name, the story features the journey of an orphaned girl, adept at chess, to becoming a world champion while dealing with all that life has to offer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDrieqwSdgI
2. The Haunting Of Bly Manor
If you happen to be a fan of horror and chilling tales that do not drive you to the wall with unnecessary ‘jump-scare’ action, then this is the series for you. Unhurried, romantic, and melodramatic, ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ fixates on being a psychologically chilling series.
The series revolves around the story of a young governess who arrives at Bly Manor only to end up coming across an unbearable feeling of dread…and well, ghosts.
3. The Umbrella Academy
Released in July, Season 2 of ‘The Umbrella Academy’ has it ALL! Amazing characters, a tremendously talented cast, a super chilling plot, and a whole lot of fighting – who would want to miss out on that?
Based on the comics by My Chemical Romance’s Gerard Way, ‘The Umbrella Academy’ happens to bring about a thrilling adventure with the Hargreeves family as they make their way through their emotional traumas, TIME, and quite a number of other thrilling obstacles to stop the end of the WORLD!
https://youtu.be/Me0eoCwLj-A
4. The Baby-Sitters Club
A phenomenal adaptation of Ann M. Martin’s novel, The Baby-Sitter’s Club is a breath of fresh air in this year that had all sorts of crazy. If you’re looking for a warm worldview during these hard times, this series has all that you’re looking for – empathy, optimism, and the sweet chuckles of childhood!
The series features around a group of tweens who happen to launch their babysitting business all the while vaulting into an updated world!
5. Unorthodox
If you do enjoy the occasional spark of rebellion, this show is meant for you to watch. Based on Deborah Feldman’s memoir Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots, this four-part series is a gripping watch from start to finish with its wonderful cast and a perfectly intriguing storyline.
The story revolves around the life of a young Hasidic Jewish woman who flees from her life in her community and her arranged marriage to start anew. However, it doesn’t take long for her past to catch up to her.
https://youtu.be/-zVhRId0BTw
6. Ratched
If there’s one thing more interesting than anything else, it’s seeing Sarah Paulson being an incredible actress and pulling off this character brilliantly. Intriguing, mysterious, and mind-boggling, ‘Ratched’ is a series to binge-watch for all the right reasons if you like a little suspense and the occasional chills.
The series revolves around a young nurse who does service at a mental institute but gradually turns bitter and jaded before turning into a horrifying monster towards her patients.
7. Tiger King
If you are a sucker for true crime and scandalous lifestyles and just can not seem to get enough of this genre, then ‘Tiger King’ is the perfect pick for you. The phenomenal documentary-series features tigers, criminals, and polygamy and is being called the ultimate Netflix-comfort-food of the highest order.
Comprising of seven quick episodes, Tiger King follows a man both larger than life and smothered by it: Joe Exotic…the man who tried it all.
8. Never Have I Ever
Featuring the complicated life of a first-generation Indian-American teenager, ‘Never Have I Ever’ is the perfect distraction for your binge-watch addiction. Comedic, Complicated, dramatic, and emotionally gripping…it’s short on nothing.
After the sudden death of her father, Devi finds herself struggling with the relationship with her family, friends, and boys all the while trying to navigate her way through high school. Touching the various complexities of life, ‘Never Have I Ever’ is just the right series to enjoy if you don’t want anything too intense.
9. The Crown
Captivating, harrowing, and a lavish portrayal of the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s to modern times, The Crown is a must-watch for all those trying to have a peek within the royal life and all that goes alongside the spotlight of being a royal.
Sating the curiosity and the anticipation, Season 4 of the crown successfully captivates the infamously troubled marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Carefully crafted depiction of infidelities, cruelties, and emotional starvation that drove the couple apart, and Diana’s character sets the stage ever so brilliantly…leaving the viewers mesmerized.
10. Indian Matchmaking
Encompassing the cliches of the arranged marriage system and the regressive ideas of being a part of a ‘desi’ society, ‘Indian Matchmaking’ is a somewhat-relatable yet tremendously entertaining binge-watch.
The series revolves around the traditional practice of arranged marriage where matchmaker Sima Taparia helps match people from all the way from New Jersey to Mumbai. The magnetic cast, absolutely thrilling family drama, and a number of awkward dates make it enjoyable enough to watch in one sitting!
11. Anne with an E
Absolutely glorious and rich, Anne with an E is a phenomenal and one of the most stylish adaptations ever produced of Montgomery’s classic ‘Anne of the Green Gables’.
Heartfelt, poignant, and extremely charming, the series features the life story of an orphan Anne Shirley Cuthbert barreling down a journey of self-discovery, love, and stepping into the world. The depth of the characters and the never-ending thrill of life leaves the viewers wanting more at the end of every episode.
Netflix has produced high-end series in the year 2020 to make it a little less unbearable and a little more entertaining…However, there is still plenty to watch. Do let us know if we have missed any series.
What’s your favorite show on Netflix in 2020? Have any favorites that we missed? Let us know about your Netflix favorites in the comments below.
