Netflix has launched a dedicated service for New Zealand subscribers, but if you can’t decide between Netflix NZ and Netflix USA – here is the best Netflix series list of shows exclusive to US Netflix that will make you realize why it is still the better deal:
- Breaking Bad
This is a show that takes a couple of episodes to get hooked to, but once you do, you won’t look back.
It is a work of art with stellar writing and direction, and actors who do an excellent job at a creating a believable and flawed world.
While its pacing can be a bit slow at times, this is by design, rather than a fault – the writers and directors want to pack as much detail into this dark satire drama as possible, which requires them to step back from the fast pace common of today’s shows.
That said, the show throws in cliffhangers and twists at you in ample amount, and at times when you wouldn’t expect them, so you won’t get bored.
The chemistry (pun intended) between Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, a gifted chemistry teacher and a high school dropout, as they join forces to cook crystal meth is perfect in the way human interactions are.
For many, it is the best contemporary TV show ever.
- Twin Peaks
With a mysterious murder in small town America serving as the premise, this intense 90s era TV drama was a breath of fresh air for the genre with its provocative, unique and smart content.
It was daring enough to break the norms of TV dramas and soaps of its time and is as disturbing and terrifying today as it was two decades back.
- Sherlock
The show runners for Sherlock have managed to surprise a lot of critics by creating a series that successfully brings Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson into the 21st century.
Benedict Cumberbatch is the perfect choice for Sherlock, and Martin Freeman (of Fargo and The Hobbit fame) plays his role of the able sidekick Watson with aplomb.
Even though lots of people were apprehensive of the show following Robert Downey Jr.’s rugged and sharp portrayal of Sherlock, the show proved their reservations unfounded with its thrilling storyline, whip-smart acting and excellent pacing.
- Friends
This a sitcom that remains unrivalled (except perhaps by Seinfeld) for the way it paints a picture of the life of single people in their twenties.
It isn’t just a hilariouscomedy; it is the presentation of the episodes in a manner that you can identify with the situations faced by Chandler, Joey, Ross, Rachel, Monica and Phoebe, as they go about their lives as friends in New York.
The jokes are universally relatable, and you feel that you’re a part of the circle, experiencing their emotions and struggles.
The show has excellent pacing for its genre, and each scene is relevant to the story arch.
Incidentally, this is the show responsible for launching Jennifer Aniston’s Hollywood career.
- House of Cards
From the get go, Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey captures and impresses the audience with his eerily accurate portrayal of the Machiavellian majority whip. Superb dialogue, sharp editing and a thrilling plot make this the best Netflix original show out there at this time.
A few episodes in, and you’ll realize that this show is near flawless in its execution and is far more than just a good series on Netflix.
If you’ve watched the original BBC House of Cards and are worried that this one might not live up to the standard of the original, your concerns are unnecessary – this show lives up to and beyond the expectations set by the original.
It retains the Jacobean theatre style fourth wall breaks where Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) communicates with the audience directly.
Where Francis Urquhart in the original show had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes when manipulating people, Francis Underwood is menacing, calculated and emotionless – the ideal politician.
- The Walking Dead
If you’re a fan of the zombie survival genre, this is a show that you simply can’t miss. From its very outset, it will rise above and beyond your expectations. As someone who has enjoyed movies like Dawn of the Dead, I Am Legend, 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later, I can safely say that this is one terrifying zombie nightmare experience.
The plot is presented in a way that it realistically showcases the daily struggles of a band of survivors in a world turned upside down, so it can get slow at times, but never unbelievable.
And when the shit hits the fan, the show has you on the edge of your seat.
The way the characters carry each other forward and compensate for each other’s shortcomings is a poignant and ironic message that the worst of times bring out the best in some people and the worst in others.
- Parks and Recreation
This is an office comedy TV series that demands to be watched if you want to understand its popularity. Amy Pohler is a remarkably good choice for the show, and along with the other actors, really does draw in the audience.
Each character has been written in a deep and realistic fashion, so those expecting over the top hilarity should steer clear of this comedy. This isn’t My Name Is Earl – this is a show which presents you with believable comedy.
Despite its excellent premise, it does hit a rocky patch in the first season but afterwards comes out on top, with its humour improving with each episode. You’ll begin by growing attached to a single character, and from that moment on, the others will start to grow on you as well.
Besides these, there are plenty of other good shows to watch on USA Netflix such as Revenge, Terriers, The Office, etc. And now that you know what TV shows are on Netflix US exclusively, you’ll know which choicely is better for Netflix New Zealand and Netflix America.