What TV Show Should I Watch on Netflix? (2020 Edition)

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 9, 2024

With the sheer enormity of choices on Netflix, settling on just one TV show to indulge in can feel like trying to pick a favorite star in the sky—impossible, right? We've all been there, sitting, scrolling endlessly, as precious binge-watching time ticks away. Don't fret; we're here to help you cut through the digital forest of Netflix's vast library.

So, you're looking for that gem of a show, the one that's going to be the talk of your next virtual hangout? Look no further, our couch-potato expertise is at your service! Whether you're in the mood for a dark and twisty crime drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a sci-fi adventure that's out of this world, we've scoped out the scene—and let us tell you, the options are as tantalizing as a bowl of popcorn during the opening credits.

But let's not just dive into the ocean of streaming without some trusty floaties. You see, we at BrainFall are all about helping you discover what show will make your heart race, your sides split with laughter, or maybe even shed a tear (we won't tell anyone, promise). Prepare to take our legendary quiz, because by the end, you'll not only have the answer to what show you should watch on Netflix in 2020, but you'll also have a blast finding out. Let's get started, shall we?

The Big Players

When we park ourselves on the couch with our favorite snacks in hand, there are a few heavyweights we just can't ignore on Netflix. These are the shows that have fans tweeting up a storm and critics penning raves.

Must-Watch Netflix Originals

• Stranger Things: It's the supernatural 80s throwback that had us all contemplating a small town in Indiana—and our own childhood friendships. Remember when we couldn't get enough of Eleven's telekinetic shenanigans? Revisit the mystery when you're feeling nostalgic.

• The Witcher: Toss a coin to your Witcher, O Valley of Plenty! This sword-swinging, monster-hunting epic became an instant classic with its brooding hero and intricate fantasy world. Plus, who can forget that catchy tune?

• BoJack Horseman: An animated horse with a very human set of problems made us laugh till we cried—and sometimes just cry.

• The Umbrella Academy: Dysfunctional family of superheroes? Yes, please. Amid time travel and apocalyptic threats, they're just trying to get along.

• The Crown: The drama, the elegance! This royal series is a crowning achievement in storytelling, giving us a peek behind the palace curtains.

• The Queen’s Gambit: Chess has never been this thrilling, or this stylish. Beth Harmon's rise from orphanage to chess prodigy had us all considering a move to the chessboard.

Critically Acclaimed Acquisitions

• Breaking Bad: Arguably one of the greatest TV series ever, this one had us rooting for a high school chemistry teacher turned meth kingpin. That's one way to get excited about science!

• Better Call Saul: Before Saul Goodman was Walter White's lawyer, he had his own problems and ambitions. Witness the evolution of the man who puts the 'criminal' in 'criminal lawyer.'

• Arrested Development: It's the story of a wealthy family who lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together. It's as hilarious as it is chaotic.

• The IT Crowd: Ever wondered what the geek squad was up to in their downtime? This sitcom lifts the veil on the nerdy yet loveable antics of an IT department.

• Black Mirror: A series of stand-alone dramas – sharp, suspenseful, satirical tales that hold up a mirror to our 21st-century existence and the dark side of tech.

• Friends: Could this BE any more of a must-watch? Dive into the lives of six best buds navigating through love, life, and laughter in NYC.

These titans of television are waiting to welcome you into their worlds, and whether you're in the mood for something dark and dramatic or light and comedic, we’ve got your back. Just don't blame us when you find yourself saying, "Just one more episode!" at two in the morning.

Genre-Bending Suggestions

If you're scrolling through Netflix in search of a show that refuses to play by the rules, look no further. We've got the scoop on shows that blend genres in such innovative ways, you'll be left in awe after every twist and turn.

When You Need a Good Laugh

"The Good Place" – This isn't your typical sitcom; it's a slice of the afterlife with a twist of philosophy! Ready for some eternal chuckles? Chidi and Eleanor’s otherworldly antics serve up laughs with a side of existential crisis.

"Documentary Now!" – Imagine a reality show that parodies iconic documentaries with a spot-on sense of humor. Bingo! You’ve got a recipe for tears – tears of laughter, to be clear.

For the Love of Drama

"The Crown" – A dramatized peek behind the velvet curtains of Buckingham Palace that's so rich in tension, you could cut it with a knife. From historical dilemmas to personal romances, it's a royal feast of drama.

"Ozark" – Money laundering for a drug cartel is no laughing matter, or is it? Dark humor meets crime drama in a way that'll have you greedily binge-watching until the wee hours.

Dark and Thrilling Rides

"Dexter" – A blood spatter analyst by day, a serial killer by night. Still, we can't help but root for him. It’s twisted, it's chilling, and it’s your new addictive horror-esque drama.

"Mindhunter" – Dive into the minds of the most notorious criminals. It’s a dark rollercoaster through the evolution of the FBI's criminal profiling. Intense doesn't even begin to describe it.

Exploring the Unknown

"Our Planet" – Travelling the world from your couch has never been this breathtaking. This documentary series showcases Earth’s stunning nature and reminds us to love our home – or else!

"Love, Death & Robots" – Each episode is a unique exploration into science fiction, horror, fantasy, and sometimes all of the above. Animated series have never been so... adult-like and jaw-dropping.