Netflix has already delivered blockbuster originals like House of Cards, Orange Is the New Black, Narcos, and Master of None. As a streaming expert with years tracking the platform's evolution, I can confirm 2016 was poised to be its most ambitious year yet for premium content.
By year's end, anticipate at least 13 new high-quality original series, plus a teen drama, Chelsea Handler's new talk show, and 11 children's animated series. At under $10 a month, Netflix's value is unmatched—its track record rivals top cable networks like HBO and AMC.
Love is a sharp comedy starring Gillian Jacobs (Community's Britta) from Judd Apatow and Lesley Arfin. It offers a raw, dual-perspective look at modern dating.
Netflix ordered two seasons upfront (10 episodes for season 1, 12 for season 2), signaling strong confidence. Premieres February 19—even half as good as Master of None, it'll shine.
Netflix revived the '90s classic Full House as Fuller House. Announced in April 2015 after months of rumors, it thrilled fans.
Most original cast returns (minus the Olsen twins' Michelle Tanner), with D.J. Tanner, Stephanie Tanner, and Kimmy Gibbler leading. Season 1's 13 episodes drop February 26. Nostalgia runs deep, but will it match the original? We'll see.
Building on Narcos' success, Netflix went international again with French political drama Marseille.
Centered on Mayor Robert Taro battling drug lords, unions, and corruption ahead of elections. Penned by top French talent and filmed entirely in France for authenticity. Releases in March.
3%, Netflix's Brazilian sci-fi entry, unfolds in Portuguese in a divided world: prosperity vs. devastation. Only 3% pass the brutal test to cross over.
Shot in Ultra HD 4K—perfect for next-gen TVs. Late 2016 release.
Following acclaimed Daredevil and Jessica Jones, Luke Cage continues Netflix's Marvel deal for four 13-episode series.
Luke, a Jessica Jones standout, gets his spotlight. Expectations are sky-high.
Once titled Montauk, Stranger Things is a gripping '80s supernatural tale of a boy's vanishing, from the Pines adaptation team. Stars Winona Ryder; 8 episodes, release TBA.
The Crown chronicles Queen Elizabeth II's reign and her prime ministers. Claire Foy as the Queen, Matt Smith as Philip, John Lithgow as Churchill. 10 episodes set in Buckingham Palace and Downing Street; date TBA.
The Get Down, a musical drama co-created by Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!) and Shawn Ryan (The Shield), dives into '70s South Bronx culture birthing hip-hop, punk, and disco. Luhrmann's decade-long passion project; 13 hour-long episodes.
Will Arnett (Arrested Development, BoJack Horseman) stars in comedy Flaked, co-created with Mitch Hurwitz. Follows self-help guru Chip navigating his web of lies.
That '70s Show stars Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson reunite as brothers running a Colorado ranch, fighting to save the family business. Elisha Cuthbert co-stars. Drops in 10-episode batches twice yearly.
Set in the 1700s fur trade boom, Frontier pits Native tribes against settlers. Promises intense axe fights; Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones' Khal Drogo) leads. Date TBA.
Mockumentary Lady Dynamite draws from Maria Bamford's life, starring Bamford. Executive produced by Mitch Hurwitz; 13 half-hour episodes.
Mystery drama The OA from Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij— she'll star and write, he'll direct. 8 hour-long episodes; details sparse.
These series solidified Netflix's edge over cable. Which intrigue you most? How does Netflix stack up to HBO or AMC? Share in the comments!
