Once you’ve binged Squid Game and America’s Sweethearts, add these hidden gems to your list.
Netflix is pushing out content faster than anyone can watch it. That means there’s always an abundance of shows and movies that you meant to watch at some point but just never got around to pressing play. Have you even seen the new stuff that appeared last month?
Everyone is watching obvious Netflix original hits like Stranger Things, Bridgerton, The Crown, and Black Mirror. But if you’ve seen them all and are looking to get your money’s worth on the video-streaming service, these are my picks for shows and movies you should add to your watchlist immediately.The One-Offs
These limited-run series wrap things up in a few episodes and won’t leave you hanging. Binge them over the weekend if you need a break from chores. Ripley
For those wondering, yes, this is a remake of The Talented Mr. Ripley. Don’t worry if you’ve seen the movie; this expanded, eight-episode mini-series starring Andrew Scott as the titular grifter is captivating in several ways. The black-and-white cinematography is breathtaking, but the extra time also gives the story a little more room to breathe. It’s a must-watch.
Director: Steven Zaillian
Cast: Andrew Scott, Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Crime, Drama,
Rating: TV-MA
Released: 2024
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope is a unique heist show because its episodes can be watched in any order. Originally, Netflix gave viewers different episode orders. The plot and storyline remained the same, but the order in which you watch it may tweak how you perceive the characters. It’s a decent story with a worthwhile watching experience, and it’s been on my mind since it came out.
Directors: Mairzee Almas, Russell Lee Fine, Everardo Gout, Robert Townsend
Cast: Giancarlo Esposito, Rufus Sewell, Paz Vega
Genre: Heist, True Crime, Action, Drama, Thriller
Rating: TV-MA
Released: 2023
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10All the Light We Cannot See
This fictional historical drama is about a blind Parisian girl in a Nazi-occupied town who eventually finds a deep connection with a German orphan forced into the Nazi ranks. Even if you read the book that this limited series is based on, you should still find yourself highly engaged with this small-screen adaptation.
Director: Shawn Levy
Cast: Aria Mia Loberti, Louis Hofmann, Lars Eidinger
Genre: Period Drama, War Epic, TV Shows Based on Books
Rating: TV-MA
Released: 2023
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10Some Unexpected Gems
These shows and movies might not be your typical genre of choice or even grab you from the trailer, but they’re worth your time. Try something new.A Man on the Inside
This sitcom about a retiree (Ted Danson) going undercover in an old folks home might seem a little hokey, but it has a lot of heart. It’s filled with emotional connections to aging, Alzheimer’s, and death. Millennial children should especially connect as it relates to talking to their parents about those tough life events. Get caught up now because season two is on the way.
Directors: Rebecca Asher, Morgan Sackett, Michael Schur, Anu Valia
Cast: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Lilah Richcreek Estrada
Genre: Quirky Comedy, Crime
Rating: TV-14
Released: 2024
IMDb Rating: 7.
