Why 2019 is a useful anchor year for Netflix
By 2019, Netflix had established itself as a major platform for both original series and licensed content, with a catalog large enough that choosing what to watch could feel overwhelming. Rather than chasing short‑lived hits, this guide highlights series that were critically respected, culturally influential, or strong examples of their genre at that point in time. The focus is on evergreen qualities—writing, performance, and clear creative vision—so the shows remain worth your time even as Netflix’s lineup shifts.
How we evaluate what counts as best in 2019
To judge shows consistently across originals and licensed series, we rely on criteria that remain relevant long after a single season or marketing spike. These indicators help separate buzz from durable quality and clarify why certain series stand out for new viewers in 2019 and beyond.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Critical reception | Aggregate scores from major critics and peer recognition | Professional review consensus |
| Cultural impact | Discussion, citations in other media, awards, and lasting reference | Coverage analysis |
| Streaming availability | Whether a series is exclusive to Netflix or otherwise accessible | Platform catalog and licensing status |
| Completion status and length | Number of seasons, episode count, and concluded vs ongoing | Official series information |
| Genre strengths | Clear fit within comedy, drama, sci‑fi, thriller, or documentary categories | Genre tagging |
Netflix originals that defined 2019
Netflix originals made up a large share of high‑profile series in 2019. Below are series where production quality, writing, and performance aligned to create shows that remain representative of the platform’s best work. Each title is treated as an evergreen profile rather than a fleeting trend.
Stranger Things (season 3 and earlier)
By 2019, Stranger Things had become a cultural touchstone for 1980s‑style sci‑fi horror, with strong ensemble acting and carefully paced world‑building. Its mix of nostalgia, creature design, and serialized storytelling made it a reliable strong point for Netflix’s original brand.
The Crown (season 3)
The Crown continued to demonstrate prestige television standards in 2019, prioritizing production detail and measured character development. Its focus on historical institutions and political nuance stood as a counterpoint to faster‑paced dramas, signaling Netflix’s investment in long‑form storytelling.
BoJack Horseman (season 5 and earlier)
BoJack Horseman was widely recognized by 2019 as a deeply humane comedy‑drama that used an animated setting to explore addiction, fame, and regret. Its willingness to sit with uncomfortable emotion distinguished it within a market of more plot‑driven comedies.
Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
The localized success of Money Heist expanded into global recognition by 2019, with meticulous heist structure and bold visual identity. Its popularity illustrated how Netflix could amplify non‑English language genre series into worldwide hits.
When They See Us
This limited series released in 2019 and quickly became one of Netflix’s most important dramas, with a deliberate narrative focus on injustice and due process. Its critical reception and discussion in broader cultural conversations underscored Netflix’s role in event television.
Strong licensed and standout non‑original series in 2019
Netflix’s catalog in 2019 also featured licensed series that performed strongly, often because they offered distinct tones or subject matter not otherwise emphasized in its originals. These titles reinforced that a broad mix of approaches can coexist on a single platform.
- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: A brisk, optimistic comedy that exemplified Netflix’s strength in niche revival and serialized humor.
- You: A tightly plotted psychological thriller that gained traction for its twisty structure and timely themes around obsession and media culture.
- Russian Doll: An inventive comedy‑drama with a compact season structure and a high‑concept premise that rewarded repeat viewing.
How these shows compare on key dimensions in 2019
When choosing among the best TV shows on Netflix in 2019, viewers often weighed completion status, genre, and whether they preferred grounded drama or stylized genre work. The table below summarizes how five notable series aligned on these axes.
| Series | Genre | Completion Status (as of 2019) | Season Count (released by 2019) | Primary Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stranger Things | Sci‑fi/Horror | Ongoing | 3 | World‑building and tone |
| The Crown | Historical Drama | Ongoing | 3 | Production detail and restraint |
| BoJack Horseman | Comedy‑Drama | Ongoing | 5 | Thematic depth and character work |
| Money Heist | Crime/Heist | Ongoing (partially) | 3 | Structure and visual identity |
| When They See Us | Legal/Drama | Limited series | 1 | Narrative focus and impact |
What makes a show ‘best’ in practical terms
Beyond critical scores, the best TV shows on Netflix in 2019 offered clear points of entry and reasons to invest time. Accessibility via subtitles, manageable episode lengths, and coherent season structures made certain titles easier to recommend to different viewers. Equally important were shows that respected audience intelligence, avoided excessive filler, and concluded with satisfying resolution or left room for meaningful continuation.
Choosing among the best based on your tastes
If you prefer tightly plotted crime stories, You and Money Heist illustrate how structure and suspense can carry a series. For character‑driven drama, BoJack Horseman and When They See Us show how sustained writing can deepen empathy over many episodes. If you value immersive world‑building, Stranger Things and The Crown demonstrate how detail and restraint can sustain long‑form narratives. Matching these strengths to your preferred genres makes it easier to decide which series to prioritize in 2019 and beyond.
Status and availability considerations in 2019
By late 2019, Netflix’s catalog continued to evolve: some licensed series moved off the platform while originals were renewed or concluded. Regional availability and subtitle options also varied, affecting which series were practical choices in different markets. Keeping an eye on a show’s completion status and whether later seasons were already in production helped viewers avoid ongoing series without clear endpoints if they preferred closed stories.
Bottom line
In 2019, the best TV shows on Netflix combined strong writing, clear genre identity, and enough completion or roadmap to feel worthwhile. Prioritizing series with demonstrated cultural staying力, consistent quality, and clear audience fit ensures that time spent watching aligns with long‑term enjoyment rather than short‑lived hype. As Netflix’s library changes, these benchmarks remain useful for evaluating new additions and revisiting proven titles.