Netflix Original

Person with colorful glasses behind a clipboard.

‘Love is Blind’ Will Improve Your Cognition

Reality television allows for viewers to gain a better understanding of social and romantic relationships, as demonstrated by the explosive reaction to the newest season of “Love is Blind."…

March 11, 2024

An image from Harry & Meghan showing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seated on a couch

‘Harry & Meghan:’ A Love Story (Or Beautiful Propaganda?)

Megan Miller, Arizona State University

The recent Netflix documentary shows the couple's struggles and reasons for exiting the British Royal Family, albeit for an unsubtle purpose.…

February 23, 2023

‘Arcane’ Needs To Be the Next Show on Your Watchlist

Trinity Crompton, Molloy College

With a rare 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, this Netflix fantasy series is undeniably fantastic, but what exactly makes it so great?…

January 15, 2022

‘The Harder They Fall’ Will Get You Excited About Western Films Again

Re’nesia Mills, University of Tampa

Jeymes Samuel may have revived the genre with his new revenge-driven, fictional Black Western.…

December 3, 2021

Two characters from Netflix's On My Block peek around a fence.

The Final Season of ‘On My Block’ Leaves Much To Be Desired

Esha Shah, New Jersey Institute of Technology

The coming-of-age show became a hit when it premiered on Netflix four years ago, but a lackluster finale may have ruined the entire series.…

October 26, 2021

‘The Witcher’ Is a Thrilling Netflix Original That Even Non-Fantasy Fans Will Enjoy

Sonia Noorbakhsh, UC Berkeley

Regardless of genre, the TV show is filled with humor, drama and philosophical questions that can draw in anybody.…

October 16, 2021

The Creativity of Netflix’s ‘Glow Up’ Can Appeal to Makeup Artists and Non-Makeup Artists Alike

Sonia Noorbakhsh, UC Berkeley

The reality show competition offers content that can entertain even those who know nothing about the art.…

October 9, 2021

‘Afterlife of the Party’ Is a Tragic Comedy With a Basic Storyline That Stuns No One

Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

Victoria Justice stars in this new Netflix ‘un’-original that offers overused storylines, subpar comedy and over-the-top scenarios.…

September 21, 2021

In an article about 'The Chair,' an illustration of Professor Ji-Yoon Kim

‘The Chair’ Dissects Intersectionality and College Academia

Fatima Sani, Rollins College

The Netflix television show humorously comments on contemporary university life while also tackling important issues such as gender and race.…

September 10, 2021

‘The Chair’ Offers a Comedic Take on the Modern College Campus

Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

Fans of 'Grey's Anatomy' and Sandra Oh will love watching as her new character struggles to manage her position as the new English department chair in this six-episode Netflix original series.…

September 7, 2021

An illustration of Joey King and Jacob Eldori in 'The Kissing Booth'

‘The Kissing Booth’ Franchise Isn’t Just Bad, It’s Dangerous

Darby Williams, University of Michigan

Netflix has released three of these movies to relative popular success, but many critics would argue that none of them should have been made at all.…

August 30, 2021

In an article about Sweet Girl, Jason Momoa pulls Isabela Merced down a dimly lit hallway.

‘Sweet Girl’ Pairs a Father-Daughter Duo With Sweet, Sweet Revenge

Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

Jason Momoa and Isabela Merced star in Netflix’s new jaw-dropping vengeful thriller that'll leave you at the edge of your seat.…

August 29, 2021

Everything Sucks in an article about shows with lesbian leads

Netflix Won’t U-Haul With Its Lesbian-Led Shows

L.R. Staples, Sarah Lawrence College

Programs with lesbians as side characters seem to fare okay on the platform, but series that cast them as the main character don't seem to last as long.…

August 10, 2021

An illustration of the characters in Great Pretender

‘Great Pretender’ Is a Breath of Fresh Air for Anime

Elliot Jackson-Ontkush, Skidmore College

The Netflix series is more slow-burn and character-focused than is typical of its genre but is exciting and engaging nonetheless.…

July 17, 2021

In an article about Outer Banks, art of a beachside view, with a red and white lighthouse in the distance.

OBX Marks the Spot: Here’s Why You Should Watch ‘Outer Banks’

Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

After the release of the July 30 premiere date for the second season of this Netflix original, fans wait impatiently for the return of John B and his friends' action-packed hunt for treasure.…

July 13, 2021

A screenshot of participants of the show 100 Humans.

‘100 Humans’ Explores Everyday Questions With Fun Experiments

Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

The show may not be 'Bill Nye the Science Guy,' but it's an enjoyable way to pass the time and learn a few things about the human experience.…

December 30, 2020

‘The Princess Switch’ Sequel Is Just Another Cliche Christmas Movie

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

The Netflix original is one of many Christmas movies filled with pointless storylines and overused tropes.…

December 5, 2020

Netflix’s ‘Work It’ Realistically Portrays High School’s Stressful Culture

Kaitlyn Nuebel, University of Pittsburgh

The platform's new coming-of-age movie encourages young people to not get too caught up in the college admissions process.…

October 3, 2020

4 Ways That Season 2 of ‘Trinkets’ Improves on Season 1

Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

Thanks to character-driven storylines that are even more compelling than the first season, the show avoids falling into a second-season-slump.…

October 1, 2020

‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ Evokes the Anxiety of Consciousness

Anna Swenson, Butler University

Charlie Kaufman's latest film asks, what makes a person?…

September 29, 2020

Artistic colorful depiction of popular '90s hip hop fashion.

‘The Remix’ Examines The Legacy of Hip-Hop Culture and Fashion

Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

This documentary explores the globalization of hip-hop and the history that is integral to the genre's aesthetics.…

September 1, 2020

Netflix’s ‘Love on the Spectrum’ Challenges Normalcies of Reality Television

Luke Gair, Sewanee: The University of the South

The five-part series shifts the spotlight to autistic individuals, ultimately subverting exclusionary notions of mainstream media. Does it succeed?…

August 26, 2020

‘Spinning Out’ Offers a Dramatic Look at Both Figure Skating and Mental Illness

Emilia Chavez, Rice University

This Netflix series captures the intersection of mental health and athletics.…

August 20, 2020

‘The Umbrella Academy’ Pulls Off a Great Season by Listening to Fans

Olivia Dimond, Bates College

Fans' complaints, wishes and demands managed to make it into the show’s second season, with one notable exception.…

August 18, 2020

Zac Efron Gets ‘Down to Earth’ About Social Expectations of the Male Body

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

The online discourse about the former 'High School Musical' star's 'dad bod' shows that our society has created unhealthy and unrealistic standards for men as well.…

August 10, 2020