Best Netflix TV shows: the top Netflix television series in Australia

UPDATE: Love food and travelling? Anthony Bourdain's show No Reservations has just hit Netflix Australia and will satisfy both of those cravings! Read the next slide to find out more about it.

It's been a long time coming (like, a seriously long time) but Netflix has finally arrived on Australian shores, giving Australians unfettered access to all of the critically-lauded Netflix Originals shows. Not only that, users also have access to a wealth of other licensed material.

Sure, Netflix also streams movies, but its television output is perhaps the reason most people have signed up for an account. There's nothing quite like firing up Netflix and binge-watching a series at your own pace. Getting instant access to entire seasons of House of Cards from day one is half the appeal.

This is why we've created the TechRadar guide to the greatest TV shows on the Australian version of Netflix right now (in no particular order). We'll keep this best TV show list constantly updated with the latest television shows that you should be watching and also tell you why.

• Check out our in-depth Netflix review

Ever spent an evening with friends watching bad movies and cracking jokes at their expense? If that's you, you're going to love Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K). Based on a flimsy premise involving a scientific experiment by Gizmonic Institute, the show's lovably homemade sci-fi angle is just an excuse to have comedian Jonah Ray hang out with a bunch of wise-cracking robots named Gypsy, Tom Servo and Crow as they relentlessly mock utterly terrible movies. The new Netflix version is actually a remake of an American cult favourite from the '80s and '90s and each episode will actually give you an entire movie to cringe and laugh through. Charming, funny and endlessly entertaining, MST3K is bound to capture a whole new generation of fans.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

True crime fans, get ready for your newest obsession. The People vs O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story recounts the 1994-1995 murder trial involving all-star NFL legend O.J. Simpson, in which he was accused of the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ronald Lyle Goldman. The first in a series of one-off stories, American Crime Story season one is an engrossing and terrifically-acted retelling of the infamous trial told from the perspectives of both the prosecution and the defence. Cuba Gooding Jr. gives a fantastic performance as O.J., while Sarah Paulson (as Marcia Clark), David Schwimmer (as Robert Kardashian) and John Travolta (as Robert Shapiro) provide exceptional support. 

Seasons on Netflix: 1

They say that chefs are like the new rock stars of our time, and if that's the case, the lovably-outspoken celebrity chef and author Anthony Bourdain is the culinary equivalent of Iggy Pop and Henry Rollins rolled into one charming yet thoughtful dish. In his show No Reservations, Bourdain roams the globe in search of mouth-watering meals, although unlike most other travel/food programs, Bourdain spends an equal amount of time exploring the cultures and socio-political environments that birthed them. Funny, eye-opening and extremely entertaining, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations is a must-watch show for foodies and globetrotters alike. 

Seasons on Netflix: 2

Set aside any pre-conceived notions that you might have about a 'sexy Archie' series and get ready for one of the most addictive new shows of the year with Riverdale. First things first – this ain't your grandpappy's Archie show. A modern day re-imagining of the beloved comics franchise that has spanned almost eight decades, this Twin Peaks-inspired version of Riverdale is fraught with murder, deception and small town scandal. Famous characters like Jughead, Veronica, Betty and even Josie and the Pussycats are all present and accounted for, only with a decidedly millennial twist. The question on everybody's lips: Who killed star quarterback (and most popular kid in school) Jason Blossom? With new episodes fast-tracked from the US every Friday, your only problem will the seven day wait between episodes. 

Seasons on Netflix: 1

True crime stories are so hot right now, evidenced by the immense popularity of the podcast Serial and HBO's The Jinx. Netflix's original series Making a Murderer however, is probably the hottest of them all, documenting and recounting the trials of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey, two working-class Americans accused of the murder of 23-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach. Over its 10 episodes, the show exposes the failings of the Wisconsin justice system in blood-boiling detail. Having spent 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Steven Avery is exonerated based on new DNA evidence. However, shortly after his release, he becomes the prime suspect in Halbach's murder, and Avery is put through the ringer once again by law enforcement figures that seem to have it out for him. What follows is an anger-inducing sequence of events that involve forced confessions, unconvincing (and possibly planted) evidence, dodgy lawyers and a complete presumption of guilt from almost everyone involved. Compelling, infuriating and tragic, we guarantee you won't be able to stop watching Making a Murderer once you've started.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

When Marvel revealed that it would be creating several Netflix shows tied directly into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fanboys (like me) were over the moon. The fact that it would start by bringing Daredevil back to life (Evanescence pun completely intentional) after the much-maligned Ben Affleck film was more than we could have ever hoped for. This isn't some low-level player – Daredevil is a genuine fan favourite. And if you ask us, 'The Man Without Fear' is probably better suited to being the star of a series rather than another movie – especially as he'll eventually team up with Netflix's other Marvel heroes Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage in the Netflix miniseries, The Defenders. Though the series kicked off with a bang in the first season, Marvel has managed to top it in every single way in the second season, with the inclusion of The Punisher and Elektra dialling up the action and intensity considerably.

Seasons on Netflix: 2

One of the greatest cartoons of the '80s, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe has finally made its way to Netflix Australia! Set on the magical world of Eternia, the show follows Prince Adam, a young man who becomes the superhero He-Man whenever he holds aloft his magic sword and speaks the words: "by the power of Greyskull!" Together with his friends, Teela, Man-At-Arms, Battlecat and Orco, He-Man regularly faces off against the dastardly (and deliciously campy) villain known as Skeletor, who will stop at nothing in his attempts to take over the realm. If you're after a mad rush of nostalgia, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe should do the trick!

Seasons on Netflix: 1

In retrospect, it would seem impossible for Marvel to surpass its last Netflix Original series, Daredevil, with a show about a hard drinking ex-superhero that's little known outside of comic book circles, but that's pretty much what it's done with Jessica Jones. Though the show doesn't quite reach the action heights of Daredevil, Jessica Jones manages to be even more compelling in terms of story and character. Based on the comic Alias by Brian Michael Bendis, the show sees private investigator Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), bar owner Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and celebrity Trish Walker (Rachael Taylor) do battle with a mind-controlling creep named Kilgrave (David Tennant), whose incredible obsession with Jessica is causing everyone around her to die. Dark, violent and quite sexual for a Marvel show, Jessica Jones is required viewing for fans of the MCU.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Arguably the finest show on television, Mad Men is a brilliant time capsule that takes us on a journey through the ever-changing landscape that was 1960s America. Over the years, we get to see the country evolve through the eyes of the people who work at a swanky New York advertising agency – most notably our lead character Don Draper (John Hamm), a damaged individual with a hidden past and a drinking problem who is constantly engaging in infidelity. Through the show, we get some insight into the slow rise of power for women in the workplace while facing overt sexism, race relations and the evolution of the American family during the most tumultuous period in American history. Truly an outstanding, must-watch show.

Seasons on Netflix: 6

Many scoffed when it was announced that MTV would be making its own Scream show based on the hit Wes Craven-directed film series of the same name, but that initial cynicism bleeds away once the show sinks its hooks into you. Inspired by the films but in no way connected to them, the show maintains the meta-commentary and slashing action that the Scream name is known for while creating a whole new mythos of its own. Featuring a (mostly) likeable cast, buckets of blood and a central mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end, fans will definitely get a kick out of Scream's small-screen slashing mayhem. And, with Scream currently in its second season, Netflix is fast-tracking brand new episodes directly from the U.S. every tuesday.

Seasons on Netflix: 2

One of the funniest shows to hit TV in years, Brooklyn Nine-Nine stars Andy Samberg as an immature goofball who also happens to also be a brilliant NYPD detective. The show revolves around the many cases (and shenanigans) that Samberg and his equally hilarious co-stars get wrapped up in under the watchful eye of their stern Captain. Quick-witted and full of heart, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a new comedy classic.

Seasons on Netflix: 3

Netflix has been killing it with its Marvel shows so far, having already launched two well-received top-tier shows in Daredevil and Jessica Jones. Now, it's time for a new kind of hero – Luke Cage, also known as Power Man to fans of the comics the show is based on. If you've watched Jessica Jones, you'll already be familiar with this literally unbreakable character, as he played a pivotal role in that show's first season. This series, however, picks up some time after that, with Cage relocating from Hell's Kitchen to Harlem, and finding himself coming to blows with local gangster Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes. Expect plenty of intense action with a real hip-hop flair.

Series on Netflix: 1

The best way to approach BoJack Horseman is to let it slowly grow on you. Chances are you won't be blown away by it from the first episode, but once you get hip to its rhythm, you'll likely find it to be one of the best animated comedy shows since Bob's Burgers. Will Arnett voices BoJack, a washed-up '90s sitcom star who spends his days being bitter about his failures alongside perpetual houseguest, Todd (Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul). Things get complicated when his cat girlfriend and agent Princess Carolyn (Amy Sedaris) hires ghost writer Diane (Alison Brie) to pen BoJack's memoir. Filled with hilarious characters that could only exist in drawing-form, BoJack Horseman is a real winner.

Series on Netflix: 3

Someone escaping from a Domesday cult shouldn't be a recipe for comedy but Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt manages to squeeze the funny out of this premise. Created by Tina Fey and starring Ellie Kemper as the title character, the show sparkles with wit and lands on the right side of kooky. Best of all, season 2 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt has arrived and is fizzing with the same energy of the first. If you're a fan of shows like Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock, you're pretty much guaranteed to love Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Seasons on Netflix: 2

You've never seen a lawyer show like this before. Suits mostly avoids the 'courtroom drama' angle that law shows usually take, and instead focuses on the dealings behind the scenes. Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) is a brilliant man with a photographic memory who is wasting his life away as a petty drug dealer, until lawyer-extraordinaire Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) hires him to work at the most prestigious law firm in New York. Let's hope no one finds out about his lack of a law degree. Absolutely addictive.

Seasons on Netflix: 5

If there ever was a poster boy for Netflix, House of Cards' Frank Underwood would be it. Funded completely by the streaming service, Cards' boasts a visual style crafted by director David Fincher and immense acting by Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. The reason: Netflix positively wanted you to binge watch, putting all episodes up at once. With four seasons currently available, Netflix's Card trick is still impressive and shows just how far Netflix has come, bringing the service worldwide critical acclaim and awards attention. With the world as focused on US politics as it is now, House of Cards is downright therapeutic entertainment. 

Seasons on Netflix: 4

One of the freshest and most enjoyable shows Netflix has put out to date, the semi-autobiographical Master of None sees comedian Aziz Ansari (Parks and Recreation) play Dev, a character much like himself who is trying to navigate his family, friends, acting career and love life in New York City. Hilarious and thoughtful, Master of None gives Dev the opportunity to reflect on difficult subjects like like racism and misogyny in a way that's warm, funny and eye-opening – no easy feat! Master of None also has an amazing soundtrack, and some wonderful supporting turns from Noël Wells, Eric Wareheim, Kelvin Yu and Ansari's own scene-stealing parents, Shoukath and Fatima.

Seasons available on Netflix: 1

An incredibly fascinating four-part docu-series charting the birth of hip hop music, Hip Hop Evolution takes us on a trip back to New York City's South Bronx area during the tumultuous early '70s. Beginning with the famous DJ Kool Herc block party that started it all and continuing on to the early days of gangsta rap music in the late '80s, Hip Hop Evolution is an eye-opening examination of all the elements that led to rap music becoming the global phenomenon it is today. Featuring countless interviews with hip hop pioneers, including Africa Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash and Kurtis Blow, this Netflix Original series is one of the most entertaining cultural lessons you're ever likely to see. Once you're finished watching this, keep the beat going with Netflix's other brilliant hip hop show, The Get Down.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Before he was the showrunner for Marvel's Daredevil, Steven DeKnight worked on the gratuitously violent and sexual series Spartacus. At first glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking that there's nothing more to the show than meat-headed beefcakes fighting and screwing in a 300-aping manner, but there's so much more going on – we follow Spartacus (the late Andy Whitfield and his replacement, Liam McIntyre) as he is taken into slavery and forced to do cruel and unimaginable things in the gladiatorial arena, just waiting for the day that he can finally get his revenge on slave-owners Batiatus (John Hannah) and Lucretia (Lucy Lawless). All of this culminates in one of the most satisfying season finales in recent memory. Be warned – this show is filled with grotesque violence and an immense amount of sex and nudity. It's like Game of Thrones times ten.

Seasons on Netflix: 4

Narcos, the newest Netflix Original, tells the true story of the world's most infamous drug lord, Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura), and the DEA agents (Boyd Holbrook and Pedro Pascal) tasked with taking him down. This riveting crime drama plays like a cross between City of God and Goodfellas, employing a voiceover-based narrative that gives you an unprecedented look at the ins and outs of Colombia's drug trade. Though a monster of a man, Moura's portrayal of Escobar imbues this murdering drug trafficker with a real human side, earning the character sympathy despite his horrible actions. Violent, sexy, well-written and immaculately acted, Narcos is truly one of the best shows on Netflix.

Seasons on Netflix: 2

It may have never reached the heady heights of House Of Cards, but Orange Is The New Black is another show that proves Netflix is now up there with HBO when it comes to offering decent programming. Set in a woman's prison, Orange doesn't shirk the big issues of violence and rape but manages to mix these with a heady dose of black humour. Oh, and its first series was actually more popular than Cards, which is a surprise as Netflix's advertising has always been very Spacey heavy.

Seasons on Netflix: 4

Reportedly Netflix's most expensive show ever, The Get Down is an absolutely dazzling look into the birth of hip hop music in the South Bronx during the late 1970s. The show effortlessly blends real life footage from the period with scenes from the show, mixing them together like a good DJ. Created by Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!), The Get Down is bursting with style, drama, colourful characters and fantastic music. If you have even the slightest interest in hip hop music, consider The Get Down required viewing.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Fans of brainy, politically-minded science fiction, like the incredible Battlestar Galactica reboot series, would do well to check out The Expanse, a futuristic series that sees our Solar System colonised by humans. Initially presented in the guise of a cop procedural about a missing person, The Expanse's stakes are quickly raised when a vast political conspiracy becomes apparent that threatens the fate of our galaxy. Starring Thomas Jane, Steven Strait and Shohreh Aghdashloo, The Expanse is a show that takes a little while to warm up to, but once you're hooked, you won't be able to look away. 

Seasons on Netflix: 1

As far as dystopian fiction goes, Black Mirror is up there with the very best. Penned by Charlie Brooker, who before this was disassembling and decimating the news in his show NewsWipe, Black Mirror consists of a handful of caustic tales about the perils of technology, shady governments and human nature as a whole.

Not only has Netflix nabbed the original seven episodes of the show to stream, comprising two series and a Christmas special, but it also funded a further six. Each standalone episode holds a mirror up to our society in extreme satire, with themes that are not too far from issues facing us all today: social media highs and embarrassing lows, technology going awry and new games that start to feel all-too real. Pitch-black comedy at its absolute darkest, Black Mirror is a must for tech-heads with a wicked sense of humour. 

Seasons on Netflix: 3

Watch Black Mirror on Netflix now

Playing like a cross between Stephen King and Steven Spielberg, Stranger Things is a nostalgic and somewhat scary throwback to the classic Amblin films of the '80s. In the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, young boy Will (Noah Schnapp) disappears in the middle of the night without a trace. The very next day, a young girl in a hospital gown appears in town, scared and unable to speak. In true Goonies/Stand By Me-fashion, the girl joins up with Will's buddies in an attempt to track down their missing friend. Also embroiled in the mystery is the young boy's mother, Joyce (Winona Ryder) – a woman who must confront terrifying forces if she has any hope of seeing her son again. To say anything else would be to say too much, so if you like the sound of this '80s homage, watch it before someone spoils it for you.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Playing like a hilariously twisted version of Back to the Future, Rick and Morty follows a whiny high schooler and his alcoholic scientist grandfather as they set out on crazy adventures across the Universe. From Dan Harmon, creator of Community, and Justin Roiland, who voices both the titular characters, Rick and Morty is an endlessly clever show that never ceases to come up with mind-blowing stories to tell. This isn't just the best animated sci-fi comedy since Futurama – it's even better. So, grab your Plumbus and strap in, because the second season of Rick and Morty is now available to stream on Netflix Australia!

Seasons on Netflix: 2

Reviled on initial release and then rediscovered as a cult classic, the 2001 film Wet Hot American Summer is the kind of satirical comedy that leaves most people scratching their heads. Those in the know, however, see it as an absolutely pitch-perfect, gobsmackingly hilarious spoof of the summer camp movies of the late '70s and early '80s. Many of the actors in the original film went on to become huge stars (Bradley Cooper, Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler), so it should be considered a minor miracle that all of these people were wrangled back almost 15 years later to star in a prequel series for Netflix. If you haven't seen the original movie, you might want to stream it on Netflix before watching the show, but if you have seen it and love it like we do, you'll be over the moon with Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Praise Odin! We finally have a brutal and (mostly) historically-accurate show about Norse culture that would make Thor proud. Vikings takes us on a journey through Scandinavian/European history as Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), a man who may or may not be a direct descendent of Odin himself, rises up the viking ranks and searches for new civilisations alongside his band of viking brothers. Best watched with a pint of mead in your hand.

Seasons on Netflix: 3

One of the funniest comedians to come out of Britain in years, Matt Berry (The Might Boosh, The IT Crowd, Snuff Box) is back with another pompous blowhard character that's entirely in his much-perfected wheelhouse. In Toast of London, Berry plays Steven Toast, an eccentric, washed-up actor whose antics off the stage are almost as insufferable as the ones on it (when he can actually find a worthwhile gig, that is). To make matters worse, Toast is surrounded by a number of comically-named characters who are just as aberrant as he is. Will Toast ever catch a break? A single episode of the show will probably be enough to answer that one...

Seasons on Netflix: 3

Like a cross between Modern Family and The Walking Dead (with a spattering of Dexter thrown in for good measure), Santa Clarita Diet is a hilariously gory Netflix Original series that sees suburban mum Sheila (Drew Barrymore) suddenly acquire an insatiable hunger for human flesh. Though shocked at first, Sheila's loyal husband Joel (Timothy Olyphant) and daughter Abby (Liv Hewson) are determined to keep this family together, even if it means covering up a number of murders...

Seasons on Netflix: 1

On the list of shows that were tragically cut down before their prime, Number 1 is Firefly. Number 2, however, is Freaks and Geeks, the show that served as a launching pad for some of our favourite stars in comedy today. Brash, mischievous and hysterical, James Franco, Jason Segel and Seth Rogen provide a perfect counter-balance for the tepid (and completely loveable) Linda Cardellini. The show scores the last spot on our list and in our hearts because at the end of the day we've all been Cardellini's character, Lindsay. We've all been picked on, called a nerd and genuinely loved something – whether that's cellphones, computers, televisions, whatever. And just when you think you'll never fit in, the right group of people somehow find their way into your life.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

After he had produced the perfect female lead in Buffy and before he was Hulk smashing with The Avengers, Joss Whedon created a short-run sci-fi series that has spawned not only a massive cult following but, quite astonishingly, a movie. The reason it was such an underground success was because Firefly takes the Star Wars framework of making space messy, where everything is a little rough around the edges – including the crew. It even has its own Han Solo in the form of Nathan Fillion's Malcolm Reynolds. Whedon's witty words permeate the whole of Firefly, which is not so much a space opera but a space rock opera.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

A truly opulent historical epic, The Crown is a majestic Netflix Original series that deals with Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) and her rise to the throne, starting in the 1940s and moving on to modern times. With a reported budget of £100 million, Netflix and Left Bank Pictures spared no expense to tell this story of royalty with as much detail and historical accuracy as possible. Though it might seem like a stuffy costume drama, the brilliant photography and incredibly sense of scale will leave you flabbergasted. Featuring terrific acting and wonderful direction from Peter Morgan (who directed the Oscar winning film, The Queen), The Crown is the perfect show for Downton Abbey fans who are looking for their next big fix. 

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Before he was a global superstar, Will Smith was the frontman for the late '80s/early '90s hip hop duo, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. With a winning sense of personality and infectious hits like 'Parents Just Don't Understand', Smith took his performing talents and turned to acting by starring in the family sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Playing a fictionalised version of himself, Smith moves in with his stuffy high society Aunt and Uncle's family in the posh suburb of Bel-Air. Before long, his crazy persona turns the entire family's dynamic on its head, bringing a sense of much needed humour into their lives. A classic series with one of the best and most memorable theme songs of all time, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is as fresh and funny now as it was 20-odd years ago. Now, sing it with us: "In West Philadelphia, born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days..."

Seasons on Netflix: 6

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