Here Are the 8 Best New Shows to Watch on Netflix Right Now

Remember the days before streaming services, when you had to swap your slippers for real shoes on a cold Wednesday night and schlep out to the local Blockbuster or Video Ezy to hire something to watch? Me either—who could be bothered wearing shoes? Anyway, those days are long behind us. If you’re looking for the best new shows to stream from the comfort of your own Netflix account, here are some suggestions.

When They See Us
Based on a true story (eek!), this emotional series chronicles five teens from Harlem as they battle the false accusation of a brutal attack in Central Park. Your heart will break as you step inside heated courtroom scenes and get a glimpse into the corruption and deceit of the police officials in charge of this case.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
If the stack of Emmys and Golden Globes this thriller has won doesn't entice you to watch, then the 90s-inspired costumes and sunset-hued Miami scenes just might. Working its way backwards, this limited series tells the story of spree killer Andrew Cunanan who is responsible for the murder of illustrious Italian designer Gianni Versace, among others.

You
When the manager of a bookstore falls madly in love with one of his customers, the result is anything but a normal love story. Starring OG Gossip Girl heartthrob Penn Badgely, Joe will go to the extreme to remove obstacles (or should we say people) that stand between him and his crush, Guinevere. This psychological thriller will literally keep you on the edge of your seat.

Unbelievable
Perhaps the most unbelievable part of this incredible new Netflix series is that it’s based on a true story. Whilst the treatment of a young victim who is accused of lying about her rape will make your blood boil, the persistence of two female detectives to bring her rapist to justice makes the outrage worthwhile. All eight episodes are out, so there’s this weekend sorted.

The Spy
Though most of us are used to seeing Sacha Baron Cohen in comedic roles and fluorescent lime mankinis, it turns out he’s more than capable of nailing a dramatic role, too. The Spy recounts the wild true story of Eli Cohen, who infiltrated the Syrian government in the 1960s. Also, speaking of conspiracies, does anyone else find it suspicious that Cohen shares the same last name his character?

Terrace House
For something completely different, may I present to you one of my all-time favourite Netflix discoveries, Terrace House. It’s like the Japanese version of Big Brother, only the contestants are respectful and considerate of one another, and everyone can come and go as they please. Honestly, it’s the most zen reality TV you’ll ever watch. If you’re a first time viewer, there are quite a few seasons to catch up on, though I suggest skipping the Hawaii edition altogether and just bingeing on Japan.

American Factory
Did you know that the Obama’s have a production company called Higher Ground? And with taste as good as Barack and Michelle’s, you just know everything they put out is going to be primo content. Their first documentary release, American Factory, offers an intriguing look at the culture clash between a Chinese owned factory and its American employees. If you’re not hooked the first few minutes in, give this one a chance. It’s a slow burner that’s worth it in the end.

Schitt’s Creek
This one is for anybody a little late to the Rosebud Motel party. If you’re looking for some witty, mostly-wholesome, truly lol-inducing light-hearted comedy, then it’s time to head up Schitt’s Creek without a paddle. The cast of characters is so endearing that it’s impossible to pick a favourite, and the only time this show has ever made me feel sad is when I found out next season will be its last.

Happy Jail
Not only does Happy Jail deserve an award for the biggest oxymoron in a title, it also wins for uncovering a real life story much stranger than fiction. In this five-episode series, filmmakers are granted unprecedented access into the lives of inmates at CPDRC jail in the Philippines—the same jail that went viral for its ‘Thriller’ dance video in 2007.

Diagnosis
Based on her New York Times magazine column of the same name, Dr. Lisa Sanders crowdsources diagnoses for all kinds of rare conditions in this medical mystery docuseries. It’s like a real-life episode of House, but with much higher stakes because the patients are real and they’re racing against the clock. Probably wouldn’t recommend this one to any hypochondriacs out there, though, unless you want to spend the rest of the night frantically googling your common cold symptoms on WebMD.

Lead image courtesy of Netflix.

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