Seasons: 1 season, 10 episodes. Starring: Margaret Qualley, Nick Robinson, Anika Noni Rose, Tracy Vilar Billy Burke, and Andie MacDowell. The series sheds light on a mother in her late twenties, who escapes an abusive relationship. She finds a job as a house cleaner so she can provide for her daughter.
Why is this a keeper: Maid is a drama series some might find disturbing to watch, however, the plot and the message it delivers is something all, in our opinion, must watch. Your hearts will embrace Alex, and your eyes will not stay dry.
The Minimalists: Less Is Now (BEST)
Seasons: 1 season, 1 episode. Starring: Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus. The Minimalists: Less Is Now is one of our few documentary entries to the list. It focuses on the lives of two friends and tries to shine a light on the benefits of being a minimalist. It was nominated for a Daytime Emmy award.
Why is this s keeper: Firstly because it's educational, and it is one of those shows that don't end, even when the screen is turned off. It leaves you something to think about and places you on the challenge board, to see how many things could you live without and what materialistic items are you willing to say your goodbyes to.
Anatomy of a Scandal (BEST)
Seasons: 1 season, 6 episodes. Starring: Sienna Miller, Michelle Dockery, Rupert Friend, Naomi Scott, Joshua McGuire, and Josette Simon. Anatomy of a Scandal is a thriller drama first launched on Netflix in April 2022. Sophie (Sienna Miller) learns that her husband (an MP) had been unfaithful to her. The story escalates when his romance goes public and falls into the hands of the wrong lawyer.
Why is this a keeper: Besides Michelle Dockery who steps out of her Downton Abbey costume and steps into the lawyer's shoes, the series is reduced in such an unusual way with astonishing visual effects that enrich the plot and create a series that for sure will have many seasons to follow.
Squid Game (BEST)
Seasons: 1 season, 9 episodes. Starring: Lee Jung-Jae, Park Hae-Soo, Wi Ha-Joon, HoYeon Jung, O Yeong-Su, Heo Sung-Tae, Anupam Tripathi, and Kim Joo-Ryoung. Squid Game has become one of Netflix's most controversial TV shows. It's a South Korean drama series revolving around a game contest. All of the participants are hard-working people, struggling to make ends meet. They are tricked into taking part in a fatal tournament, however, most of them remain as the money garnered, is their only way out of poverty.
Why is this s keep: Firstly, it's a South Korean production which is noticed straight away. It's very different than the American or British shows we are more familiar with. There is a hidden message for the viewers to discover. Are you willing to play the game?
The Umbrella Academy (BEST)
Seasons: 3 seasons, 30 episodes. Starring: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher, Mary J. Blige, Cameron Britton, John Magaro, and Adam Godley. The Umbrella Academy is the same comic book we all know, under disguise. 43 women simultaneously give birth to 43 babies, except that the women weren't even pregnant in the hours that led up to the birth. Sounds confusing, ha? Seven of the children end up being adopted by a billionaire and get trained to save the world.
Why is this a keeper: Even if you're not a fan of the comic version and even if you are not a lover of superhero shows, The Umbrella Academy is a lot of fun. It has a brilliant and full of humor perspective of life through the story of this superhero family and provided long hours of pure entertainment.