13 of the best and 13 of the worst Netflix shows that came out this year

production still from wednesday on netflix and production still from harry and meghan on netflix
Netflix has released several new series this year.Netflix
  • Netflix released a fresh slate of original series this year, but they haven't received equal praise.

  • Critics loved shows like "Heartstopper," "Human Resources," and "Sins of Our Mother."

  • On the other hand, reviewers weren't as fond of "Is It Cake?" or "The Ultimatum."

Critics found "Dead End: Paranormal Park" lovable and fun.

main characters from dead end paranormal park huddled together in a spotlight
Zach Barack and Kody Kavitha voice characters on "Dead End: Paranormal Park."Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Summary: On the animated comedy "Dead End: Paranormal Park," teens Barney (voiced by Zach Barack) and Norma Khan (voiced by Kody Kavitha) navigate new jobs at a haunted theme park where demons and ghouls run amok.

Reviewers praised the representation at the forefront of "Dead End" in addition to its charming, oddball sense of humor.

"'Dead End: Paranormal Park' is easily one of the best animated shows of the year so far. It is a fun supernatural adventure with a huge heart," Sarah Fields wrote for Tell-Tale TV.

The Australian drama "Heartbreak High" took critics by surprise.

main characters from heartbreak high huddles together in a bathroom
Ayesha Madon, James Majoos, and Chloe Hayden on "Heartbreak High."LISA TOMASETTI/NETFLIX

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Summary: Amerie (Ayesha Madon) becomes a social pariah when the mural she made of everyone's past hookups goes public.

The Australian show, which is a reboot of a 1994 series, pulled in high compliments from reviewers.

"Sparkling with personality and verve, 'Heartbreak High' is a fresh, distinctly Australian and distinctly 2022 series that doesn't pay lip service to nostalgia for nostalgia's sake," Wenlei Ma wrote for News.com.au.

Critics couldn't get enough of "Heartstopper."

Kit Connor and Joe Locke Heartstopper
Kit Connor and Joe Locke on "Heartstopper."Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Summary: Based on Alice Oseman's graphic novel of the same name, "Heartstopper" explores the burgeoning romance between teens Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) as they come to terms with their sexuality.

"Heartstopper" was sincere and earnest enough to melt the hearts of even the most cynical critics.

"It might sound saccharine, but the skill with which 'Heartstopper' captures these very earnest emotions seems to be able to melt even the coldest and most cynical of hearts," Patrick Lenton wrote for The Sydney Morning Herald.

"How to Change Your Mind" fascinated reviewers.

Lori Tipton speaking on how to change your mind on netflix
Lori Tipton on "How to Change Your Mind."Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Summary: On the documentary series, filmmaker Alex Gibney leads viewers on a journey through four substances — MDMA, LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline — and the effects they have on the human mind.

Critics were blown away by Gibney's presentation, as well as his explanation of revealing new discoveries.

"'How to Change Your Mind' provides multiple worthy views that can be mind-blowing," Bob Strauss wrote for the San Francisco Chronicle.

Critics immediately warmed to the comedic drama "Mo."

Mo Amer sitting on a couch eating food on "Mo"
Mo Amer on "Mo."Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Summary: Mo Najjar (Mo Amer), a refugee from Palestine, tries to build a life for himself and his family in a small Texas town.

Critics praised "Mo" for Amer's lead performance and sharp writing.

"He has crafted a tender and often funny portrait of the immigrant experience and the injustices of the system," Donal Lynch wrote for the Independent.

The unflinching docu-drama "Sins of Our Mother" drew nothing but praise.

Charles Vallow, Colby Ryan and Lori Vallow posing together on sins of our mother
Charles Vallow, Colby Ryan, and Lori Vallow on "Sins of Our Mother."Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Summary: The dark true-crime series delves into the disappearance of a suburban mother's children — and the bloody trail of murder and cultist beliefs that surface during the investigation.

Critics gave overwhelmingly positive praise to the documentary series and the noteworthy direction of showrunner Skye Borgman.

"With a compact and straightforward storytelling style, Borgman manages to make 'Sins Of Our Mother' about as harrowing a journey into the dissolution of one person's psyche as you can get," Joel Keller wrote for Decider.

"Savage Beauty" earned nothing but praise from critics.

Rosemary Zimu putting makeup on during episode one of savage beauty
Rosemary Zimu on "Savage Beauty."Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Summary: Zinhle (Rosemary Zimu) rises through the ranks of the wealthy Bhengu family and exploits their beauty empire on her personal path to redemption.

"Savage Beauty" earned a welcome reception from critics who said the thrilling drama kept them on their toes.

"'Savage Beauty' is a quick but thrilling watch from start to finish," Ineye Komonibo wrote for Refinery29. "It's got everything that a good drama needs — sex, secrets, and scandal — and does it all through an authentic South African lens."

Critics were swept away by the emotion on "From Scratch."

From Scratch. (L to R) Eugenio Mastrandrea as Lino Ortolano, Zoe Saldana as Amy Wheeler in episode 101 of From Scratch.
Eugenio Mastrandrea and Zoe Saldaña on "From Scratch."Philippe Antonello/Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Summary: Based on the memoir by Tembi Locke, the miniseries follows American Amy (Zoe Saldaña) as she falls in love with Italian Lino (Eugenio Mastrandrea) while studying abroad. She dreams of being an artist, him a chef, and they build their life together — until tragedy strikes.

Most critics were particularly captured by the emotion of the plot.

Robert Lloyd wrote for the Los Angeles Times, "Fundamentally an expensive, well-acted, nicely written, very long Lifetime/Hallmark movie, what the Hollywood trades used to call a 'weepie.'"

Critics called "Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey" a must-see series.

Scores of women belonging to the FDLS appear in a group portrait which shows them wearing their trademark prairies dresses.
Scene from "Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey" on Netflix.Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

Summary: The docuseries "Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey" explores the foundations of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the lasting impact of leader Warren Jeffs' predatory behavior.

Critics said that "Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey" kept them glued to their television screens.

"At a time when American women's rights are threatened by a wider array of religion-based forces, though, this straightforward document of how extreme it can get looks pretty necessary," Strauss wrote for the San Francisco Chronicle.

Critics loved how "Human Resources" opened up the world of "Big Mouth."

Human Resources
Scene from "Human Resources" on Netflix.Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

Summary: The spin-off of the animated series "Big Mouth" explores the workplace humor behind the show's hormone monsters, like Maury (voiced by Nick Kroll) and Connie (voiced by Maya Rudolph).

Critics said that "Human Resources" was a worthy follow-up to the popular Netflix animated comedy.

"Familiarity with 'Big Mouth' may bring in viewers, but 'Human Resources'' distinctive humor and commentary on humanity will keep them watching," Elly Belle wrote for AV Club.

"The Sandman" kept critics enthralled.

tom sturridge as dream in the sandman, a young man with wild brunette hair, sitting on a stone throne and holding a large, red tome with the text "rose walker" on the front. his hands are splayed across the back of the book and he is reading it intently
Tom Sturridge on "The Sandman."Laurence Cendrowicz/Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

Summary: Based on the comics by Neil Gaiman, "The Sandman" follows Morpheus (Tom Sturridge), the ruler of dreams, who escapes from captivity after 106 years and seeks to restore balance to the cosmic universe.

The enchanting fantasy drama had most critics hoping for a second season.

"On one hand it's a fantasy adventure story, on the other it's a philosophical pondering on the concept of dreams, lies, hope and destiny," Valerie Anne wrote for Autostraddle.

"Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives." was praised as a highly bingeable docuseries.

Sarma Melngailis standing in a kitchen using appliances on Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.
Sarma Melngailis on "Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives."Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%

Summary: On the investigative docuseries, prolific vegan chef Sarma Melngailis falls for a dangerous man who claims that he can help her wildest dreams come true once she wires him millions of dollars.

Critics said that the series, which was based on true events, was well-framed and easy to stream in a single weekend.

"Tired of true-crime stories getting a dramatic overhaul, ridiculously padded out, or overly-reliant on re-creations?" James Croot asked in his review for Stuff. "Then Netflix's latest four-part docu-series is just the quick binge-watch for you."

The highly anticipated "Wednesday" series mostly lived up to expectations.

Jenna Ortega and Thing in Netflix's "Wednesday."
Jenna Ortega on "Wednesday."Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

Summary: Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) goes off to Nevermore Academy where she encounters a mystery surrounding her parents.

Many Tim Burton and "Addams Family" fans found what they were looking for — even if they weren't engrossed by the plot.

Kylie Northover wrote for The Age, "For fans of Burton's trademark dark aesthetic and the original Addams Family humour, there's plenty to love, even if it's all (beautifully) wrapped in a teen sleuthing storyline."

On the other hand, "First Kill" had promise but wasn't a hit with every critic.

first kill netflix
Sarah Catherine Hook on "First Kill."Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 61%

Summary: After her 16th birthday, Juliette Fairmont (Sarah Catherine Hook) sets out to make her first vampire kill. But instead, she develops feelings for Calliope Burns (Imani Lewis), a teen from a long line of monster hunters.

Critics applauded the representation and heart behind the series but felt like the overall plot was fumbled upon execution.

"For all the work 'First Kill' puts into making sure it hits all the right notes, the series feels more like an uncanny valley version of what it's attempting to be rather than a worthwhile story all its own," Caroline Framke wrote for Variety.

Some critics were less than impressed with "Is It Cake?"

Mikey Day cutting a purse-shaped cake on is it cake
Mikey Day on "Is It Cake?"Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 60%

Summary: On the game show "Is It Cake?" host Mikey Day challenges contestants to make cakes that look identical to inanimate objects.

Some critics took the show for light, airy fun, but others were irked by the padded premise.

"It might have been watchable, but barely, if they'd limited each episode to 20 minutes or so, reconfigured the format completely, and spared Mikey Day from this humiliation, but at nearly 40 minutes an episode, 'Is It Cake?' is both awful and interminable," Dustin Rowles wrote for Pajiba.

Critics largely felt the "Resident Evil" series didn't add much to the franchise.

ELLA BALINKSA screaming as jade on resident evil on netflix
Ella Balinska on "Resident Evil."Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 54%

Summary: Based on the video games and films of the same name, "Resident Evil" picks up 14 years after the world descends into nightmarish disarray as a string of scavengers make sense of a world destroyed by the Umbrella company.

Critics were split on "Resident Evil," but many felt like the show was a poor attempt to revive a franchise that had lost its steam.

"For the majority of the eight-episode first season, 'Resident Evil' is a mishmash of ambitions, likely to satisfy very few fans of the franchise (whether they're fond of the video games, movies, or both)," Ben Travers wrote for IndieWire.

"The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window" earned mixed reception.

Kristen Bell as Anna in episode 101 of "The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window."
Kristen Bell on "The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window.""The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window"/Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 54%

Summary: Taking inspiration from melodramas like "The Girl on the Train" (2016) and "Woman in the Window" (2021), the comedic miniseries pokes fun at female-led murder mysteries with wine-gulping Anna (Kristen Bell) spiraling at its center.

The satirical show had its share of admirers, especially for Bell's comedic acting chops, but it ultimately pulled in lukewarm reviews.

"Despite strong leads and a number of potentially promising ideas, it's not a very good rip-off of a rip-off," Noah Berlatsky wrote for Wealth of Geeks.

Critics said "Keep Breathing" was hard to keep watching.

Melissa Barrera as Liv in episode 105 of Keep Breathing
Melissa Barrera on "Keep Breathing."RICARDO HUBBS/NETFLIX

Rotten Tomatoes score: 53%

Summary: On "Keep Breathing," lawyer Liv Rivera (Melissa Barrera) hitches a last-minute ride to Inuvik, Canada, only to find herself as the survivor of a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness.

Most critics pointed out that Barrera deserved praise as a lead but conceded that the plot fell flat too many times to ignore.

"'Keep Breathing' is well-shot, well-acted, and well-intentioned," Brittany Vincent wrote for IGN Movies. "But as far as the story itself goes, there's just no reason to watch this middling take on the survival genre when there are so many other series that have done it better."

"Devil in Ohio" wasn't the adaptation critics were looking for.

ulia Benson as Lorraine, Lilah Fitzgerald as Teenage Suzanne in episode 106 of Devil in Ohio
Julia Benson and Lilah Fitzgerald on "Devil in Ohio."Ricardo Hubbs/Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 50%

Summary: Based on the book by Daria Polatin, "Devil in Ohio" follows psychiatrist Dr. Suzanne Mathis (Emily Deschanel) as she takes on the case of Mae (Madeleine Arthur), the young survivor of a satanic cult.

Critics were left wanting more from the small-town drama.

"I can easily see this same story being adapted into a quality HBO series like 'Sharp Objects,' 'The Outsider' or 'Mare of Easttown,' but it's miles below any of those," Paul Tassi wrote for Forbes.

"Harry & Meghan" didn't really impress reviewers.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in their Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on "Harry & Meghan."Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 38%

Summary: On the docuseries, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex rehash their love story with the help of loved ones and historians.

Many critics felt they didn't learn much from the series, which they thought was longer than it needed to be.

Ben Travers wrote for IndieWire, "'Harry & Meghan' is merely a long, redundant recap of two very public lives. And absent any challenging questions from outside the couple's tidy little love bubble, it's a dull one at that."

Critics said they struggled to even hate-watch "The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On."

The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On: Season 1. (L to R) Randall Griffin, Jake Cunningham, Rachel "Rae" Williams and Madlyn Ballatori in episode 1
Contestants on "The Ultimatum" on Netflix.Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 36%

Summary: The reality show promises to help people with their love lives, as hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey put various couples to the test by challenging them to commit or break up.

Most critics felt "The Ultimatum" was devoid of empathy and credible advice.

"The show is a trainwreck, which I already knew it would be, but I thought it would be a more enjoyable trainwreck," Briana Lawrence wrote for The Mary Sue.

Critics didn't have many kind words for "God's Favorite Idiot."

Ben Falcone as Clark Thompson, Melissa McCarthy as Amily Luck in episode 107 of God’s Favorite Idiot
Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy on "God’s Favorite Idiot."Vince Valitutti/Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 33%

Summary: On the apocalyptic comedy "God's Favorite Idiot," Clark Thompson (Ben Falcone) gains the ability to talk to God after he's struck by lightning — all while he's falling in love with his coworker Amily (Melissa McCarthy).

Critics felt the comedy didn't utilize the talent of the cast.

"Everything about this series is jaw-droppingly slack and unambitious, given the talent involved," John Doyle wrote for Globe and Mail.

According to critics, "The Pentaverate" lacked a comedic punch.

Mike Myers and Lydia West standing on "The Pentaverate"
Mike Meyers stars on "The Pentaverate."Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 28%

Summary: Mike Myers stars as a Canadian journalist (and an ensemble of seven other men) as the truth of a centuries-old society comes to light.

Critics couldn't deny that it was nice to see Myers on screen again, but the six-episode comedy series failed to entertain reviewers.

"Although it's fantastic to have Mike Myers back in action, the series is underwhelming in elaborating its premise and comedy," Fico Cangiano reported for CineXpress.

Critics grew weary of the winding plot of "Echoes."

Michelle Monaghan on Echoes sitting at table with hands clasped
Michelle Monaghan on "Echoes."Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 24%

Summary: After secretly trading places with her identical twin, Gina McCleary (Michelle Monaghan) must face the music when her sister Leni goes missing.

Monaghan's performance earned praise from some critics, but most reviewers said the plot itself left much to be desired.

"'Echoes' features an intriguing mystery at its center, but this series is bogged down by a predictable plot and confusing scenes with this set of twins," film critic Austin Burke reported.

"Blockbuster" didn't hit the nostalgic nerve it was aiming for.

Blockbuster netflix
Melissa Fumero and Randall Park on "Blockbuster."Ricardo Hubbs / Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 22%

Summary: Timmy Yoon (Randall Park) and his employees do everything they can to save the last Blockbuster.

The sitcom was a little too on-the-nose for most critics.

"If you fed the jokes from early-2000s sitcoms into an AI generator, it would probably spit out <em>Blockbuster</em>," Ross McIndoe wrote for Slant.

The comedy "Hard Cell" felt dated and tired to most critics.

Catherine Tate sliding down a prison hallway on hard cell
Catherine Tate on "Hard Cell."Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 20%

Summary: On the mockumentary "Hard Cell," Catherine Tate plays a variety of characters living in (and unsuccessfully running) a women's prison.

Even Tate's oldest admirers found the uncomfortable comedy tough to watch at times.

"There are the bones of a good show in here," Vicky Jessop wrote for the London Evening Standard. "They've just been locked away behind several sets of bars, rather like its protagonists; as a result, the whole thing stumbles at the starting line and never quite hits its stride."

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