Why 2019 Was a Pivotal Year for Netflix Originals
By 2019, Netflix had transitioned from a growing library of licensed hits to a dual engine of originals and established franchises. The year balanced heartfelt character studies, genre experimentation, and prestige-style event series, while also refreshing older fan favorites. This overview focuses on programs that demonstrated durability, strong word-of-mouth, or meaningful cultural footprint beyond initial hype. Where useful, we compare shows by tone, format, and intended viewing experience to help you choose what to watch next.
How We Define "Best" in a Streaming Context
Because Netflix catalog size and regional catalogs vary widely, "best" here means consistent quality, strong completion rates among viewers, and lasting relevance in discussions about modern television. Rather than ranking by raw popularity metrics that can fluctuate, we emphasize creative risk, execution, and the ability to remain engaging across multiple views. The titles below represent different strengths, from tightly plotted thrillers to expansive family sagas, each offering a distinct profile in long-form storytelling.
Major Originals That Defined 2019
Stranger Things: Season 3
The third season embraced a darker, more serialized structure while widening the show’s geographical and emotional scope. Though some viewers debated the pacing, the season advanced the core mysteries and deepened supporting arcs, confirming the series as a durable pillar of Netflix fantasy.
The Crown: Season 3
Moving into the 1990s, Season 3 balanced historical pageantry with intimate character writing. Episodes focused on institutional pressures and personal reinvention, and the season strengthened the show’s reputation for meticulous production and nuanced performances.
When They See Us
This four-part limited series delivered a concentrated, emotionally intense examination of a grave miscarriage of justice. Its unflinching perspective and restrained storytelling earned widespread acclaim and solidified its place as an essential watch for conversations about race, due process, and media responsibility.
Sex Education
Debuting in early 2019, the series combined sharp humor with empathetic explorations of teenage sexuality and mental health. Its mix of cringe comedy and heartfelt drama resonated strongly with younger audiences and established the show as a standout entry in the teen dramedy space.
Genre Highlights and Distinctive Series
The Umbrella Academy
Adapted from Gerard Way’s comics, this series leaned into stylized violence and family dysfunction. Its first season balanced quippy dialogue with surprisingly emotional stakes, building a committed fanbase and warranting further exploration of its time-bending mythology.
You
Season two shifted the setting from New York to Los Angeles while maintaining its psychological thriller framework. The show continued to interrogate obsession and romantic idealization, positioning itself as a darker counterpoint to aspirational rom-com tropes.
Russian Doll
The series used a compact premise—a woman reliving her own birthday—to explore grief, accountability, and change. Its tight eight-episode structure demonstrated how limited runs can deliver substantial narrative payoff when character work remains central.
Orange Is the New Black: Season 6
Leaning more heavily on procedural elements and ensemble storytelling, this season navigated evolving prison policies and continued to highlight intersecting personal stories. It confirmed the show’s durability despite the challenges common to long-running ensemble casts.
Licensed and Franchise Picks with Strong Impact
The Witcher
Though the novels had long been available, the series launched as a marquee Netflix original in late 2019. Its tone, combat choreography, and mythic structure offered a new entry point for fantasy viewers, even as early narrative threads invited debate among book fans.
Lost in Space
The reimagining updated the original concept with higher production values and a more serialized family drama approach. Episodes emphasized survival logistics and moral dilemmas, making the reboot a solid choice for multigenerational sci-fi audiences.
Comparative Snapshot: Quick Reference
| Show | Format | Pacing | Thematic Profile | Completion Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stranger Things 3 | Episodic with serialized arcs | Moderate to brisk | Found family, nostalgia, myth-building | 3 of 4 seasons planned |
| The Crown 3 | Traditional seasonal | Deliberate, atmospheric | Institutional power, personal identity | 5 of 6 seasons completed |
| When They See Us | Limited series | Measured, intense | Justice, race, media ethics | 1 of 1 season |
| Sex Education 1 | Serialized dramedy | Moderate, character-first | Sexuality, mental health, class | 4 of 4 seasons planned |
| The Umbrella Academy 1 | Arc-driven with flashbacks | Variable, action-forward | Family trauma, redemption, chaos | 3 of 4 seasons planned |
| You 2 | Serial thriller | Suspenseful, twist-heavy | Obsession, romantic idealization | 3 of 3 seasons planned |
| Russian Doll 1 | Compact limited | Tight, introspective | Grief, agency, self-reckoning | 1 of 2 seasons completed |
| OITNB 6 | Long-form ensemble | Variable, plot-driven | Carceral life, solidarity, resistance | 7 of 8 seasons completed |
| The Witcher 1 | Epic fantasy | Moderate, lore-heavy | Destiny, power, legacy | 3 of 3 seasons planned |
| Lost in Space 1 | Revamped family saga | Steady, problem-focused | Survival, unity, ethics | 3 of 3 seasons planned |
Honorable Mentions and Notable Absences
Several additional series from 2019 maintained strong followings or niche appeal, including animated adventures and documentary events. At the same time, some highly anticipated releases landed outside the calendar year or arrived in later seasons. Viewer tastes vary widely by genre preference and tolerance for tonal shifts, so use this list as a starting point rather than a definitive ranking. Re-watching earlier seasons can also provide context that enriches later entries.
Choosing What to Watch Next
If you want big, serialized mythology, consider starting with Stranger Things or The Witcher. For compact, high-impact limited events, When They See Us and Russian Doll deliver substantial narrative density. If humor and heart are priorities, Sex Education remains a standout, while The Crown offers prestige drama with historical texture. Use this guide to match the texture and commitment level you are in the mood for, keeping in mind that Netflix’s catalog continues to evolve beyond 2019.