Everyone has their favourite Netflix shows, but maybe you have watched them all and are looking for something fresh. If you only watch shows that come up on your ‘recommended’ then you’re missing out on a wealth of exciting entertainment from around the world. So, without further ado, here are the top 6 Netflix shows you’ve never heard of.
1 – Elite
In this Spanish teen drama slash social commentary slash murder mystery, three kids from a poor neighbourhood win scholarships to attend the best high school in Spain. As a high school drama addressing themes like class, money, power, religion and sexuality, the series is compelling enough, but things become even more heightened when the three kids find themselves embroiled in a murder.
2 – Marco Polo
This big-budget historical drama chronicles the story of the legendary explorer Marco Polo, as well as the immensely powerful Mongol leader Kublai Khan. Perhaps the reason that it did not really take among audiences is its large number of characters and fairly unknown history, but it’s worth powering through the first few episodes to allow for the set up so that you can enjoy this truly epic show.
3 – Queen Sono
Queen Sono is not your average spy drama. This South African series follows the kickass but troubled secret agent Sono. Half the time she is kicking butt in a globe-spanning mission, and half the time she is trying to uncover the truth about the assassination of her freedom fighter mother and struggling with interpersonal relationships. It’s well written, exciting and full of fantastic characters. Unfortunately, the show has not been renewed for a new season due to Covid19, but we are crossing thumbs that this is only temporary.
4 – The Get Down
Created by the legendary Baz Luhrmann and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Stephen Adley Guirgis, it’s no surprise that this is one of the most artfully crafted shows on Netflix. Part docu-drama, part music show, it narrates the rise of hip-hop in 1970s New York. The show is a must for hip-hop fans and those who love the type of entertainment you’ll find if you check this site, but anyone can enjoy the endearing characters and spectacular cinematography of this series.
5 – Glow
Feel-good, entertaining, insightful and original, Glow is fun to watch from beginning to end. From the creators of Orange is the New Black, it follows the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, a 1980s female against-all-odds wrestling show. The show is highly theatrical, full of 80s hair, accents and fun costumes, but what will really get you are the heartfelt moments and well-rounded characters.
6 – The Dragon Prince
With a whopping 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, this latest offering from the writer of Avatar: The Last Airbender does not disappoint. With a unique animation style that is half 2D anime, half 3D cartoon, The Dragon Prince follows two prince half-brothers and an elf who take care of an infant dragon prince while attempting to end the age-old conflict between the human kingdom and the magical land of Xadia.
A true animation of the 21st century that does not lose sight of its nerdy roots, the characters are wonderfully diverse, and the world is enthralling.