The Best Netflix Original Series Of 2023 So Far

As more and more streaming services pop up every year with their ever-expanding libraries, the OG streamer Netflix has had no trouble staying relevant thanks to its top-notch, original programming. Still, it's becoming increasingly more difficult to keep up with all the new series constantly being released between all the leading streamers. If you're suffering from streaming fatigue — side effects include FOMO (fear of missing out) and pop culture ignorance — chances are, a few of Netflix's new releases have slipped under your radar. With tons of original series premiering every month, your soon-to-be new favorite series may be out there waiting for you to discover it.

If the first half of 2023 has taught us anything, it's that Netflix is at the top of its game with some of its most promising programming to date. Lucky for you, we've done the heavy lifting and compiled a list of all the best Netflix original series of 2023 so far.

The TV adaptation of Matthew Quirk's 2019 novel "The Night Agent" proved to be a smash hit when it premiered in March of this year. Created by procedural action veteran Shawn Ryan, "The Night Agent" delves into the relentless journey of FBI Agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), who finds himself entangled in a government conspiracy involving a high-level mole. Peter embarks on a dangerous mission to uncover the traitor while safeguarding former tech CEO Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan) from those responsible for the murder of her aunt and uncle. As the stakes escalate, Peter must navigate a treacherous landscape of deception and intrigue, determined to uphold justice and protect those around him.

The series made history as the third-most-viewed premiere for any Netflix original and became one of the fastest renewal decisions for the streaming service. Fans of "The Night Agent" can look forward to a bingable Season 2 in their future.

• Starring: Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, Fola Evans-Akingbola
• Director: Various
• Runtime: 45–56 minutes
• Rating: TV-MA
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%

When the TV adaptation of the bestselling "Shadow and Bone" trilogy and the "Six of Crows" duology debuted on Netflix in 2021, it was met with general praise and favorable reviews from critics and audiences alike, garnering views from 55 million members in the series' first four weeks. With a fantastical premise revolving around the race to hunt down Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li), a Grisha with a special gift that could save the universe, readers and TV buffs are now able to imagine what it'd be like to be the most desirable woman in the universe.

"Shadow and Bone" Season 2 premiered in March 2023 and adapted storylines from the novels "Siege and Storm" and "Ruin and Rising," as well as elements from "Crooked Kingdom." The intricate worldbuilding takes on new heights for the screen and leaves hardcore fans of the genre pleasantly satisfied. Lose yourself in a story filled with action, adventure, magic, and above all else, romance.

• Starring: Jessie Mei Li, Ben Barnes, Archie Renaux
• Director: Mairzee Almas, Laura Belsey, Karen Gaviola, Bola Ogun
• Runtime: 45–64 minutes
• Rating: TV-14
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79%

Before "The Witcher" became a highly-successful series on Netflix, the epic fantasy had already developed a die-hard fanbase from Andrzej Sapkowski's bestselling book series and video game adaptations. Starring Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, a magically enhanced monster hunter known as a witcher, "The Witcher" tells the story of Geralt and Ciri (Freya Allan) and their fight to keep her Elder Blood and powerful magic from falling into the wrong hands.

Season 3 is based on the second novel in the series "Time of Contempt" and will be released in two parts. Volume 1 premiered in June 2023, followed by Volume 2 in July 2023. The season impresses audiences by being just as action-packed and eye-catching as its first two while still managing to raise the stakes. This is the time for fans to say goodbye to Cavill's Geralt as Liam Hemsworth prepares to take over the role for the fourth season.

• Starring: Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, Anya Chalotra
• Director: Stephen Surjik, Gandja Monteiro, Loni Peristere
• Runtime: 47–67 minutes
• Rating: TV-MA
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%

After three seasons on NBC, the supernatural drama "Manifest" was canceled by the network, but once Netflix realized the show's potential and demand, the streaming service saved the series and renewed it for a fourth and final season. The season was released in two parts, one in November 2022 and the other in June 2023. The series focuses on a group of people who were on a missing commercial flight and were believed to be dead for more than five years. However, when they suddenly reappear, they must deal with the aftermath of their prolonged absence. As the series progressed, the stakes rose to new heights until its satisfying conclusion. Unlike similar shows like "Lost," "Manifest" manages to stay on course and answer the most important questions posed by the series. With the backbone of an intriguing premise, thought-provoking themes of grief and destiny, and intricate character development, "Manifest" proves to be an addictive mystery worth untangling.

• Starring: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas, J.R. Ramirez
• Director: Claire Fowler, Stacey Muhammad, Melissa Roxburgh, Bosede Williams
• Runtime: 41–61 minutes
• Rating: TV-14
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

The dearly beloved "Bridgerton" series premiered its first spinoff in May 2023 with the prequel limited series "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story." Consisting of six episodes, the historical drama follows Queen Charlotte's rise to prominence through dual timelines. Beginning in 1817, the Queen (Golda Rosheuvel) is desperate to create another royal heir after the death of her granddaughter. Flashback to 1761, and viewers get a closer look at young Queen Charlotte (India Ria Amarteifio) and King George's (Corey Mylchreest) romance.

With the combination of insightful storytelling, exceptional performances, and stunning costume and set designs, the series not only expands on the "Bridgerton" universe but immerses audiences even deeper into the world than they were before. The week of its premiere, "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" debuted at number one on Netflix's Global Top 10 and stayed there for three consecutive weeks. Without a doubt, "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" is one of those rare spinoffs that lives up to the quality of its flagship series.

• Starring: India Amarteifio, Adjoa Andoh, Michelle Fairley
• Director: Tom Verica
• Runtime: 53-60 minutes
• Rating: TV-MA
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

If you've yet to see an episode of the sketch comedy series "I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson," it's likely you've at least seen memes inspired by the series' sketches pop up on your social media feed. In Season 3, Robinson takes his absurd, surrealist comedy even further with standout sketches that include "Darmine Doggy Door's" nightmarish pig, "The Driving Crooner's" disturbed entrepreneur, and "Pay It Foward's" drive-through scam.

With recurring themes like office culture and individualistic self-importance, the series offers memorable moments and quotable lines that'll make you laugh through the cringe. Robinson is unafraid of tapping into the oddly bizarre and is unapologetically unhinged in his delivery. With episode runtimes shorter than 20 minutes, it's hard not to get addicted to the outrageous and over-the-top scenarios. If the sketch comedy format hasn't worked for you in the past, it might be time to give "I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson" a chance.

• Starring: Tim Robinson, Sam Richardson, Patti Harrison
• Director: Various
• Runtime: 16–18 minutes
• Rating: TV-MA
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

What makes Lee Sung Jin's "Beef" one of the best Netflix original series of 2023 is its glaring reflection of the United States' current state of being: angry. Premiering in the spring of this year, the dark comedy tells the story of what happens when two seemingly polar opposite strangers let their rage get the best of them. Danny (Steven Yeun) and Amy's (Ali Wong) life situations couldn't be more different from each other. When they meet by chance in a road rage encounter, the two fall into a prolonged battle of vengeance that escalates throughout the series. Their disdain for one another fills an emotional void, and although the way they go about it is unhealthy and dangerous, Danny and Amy eventually reach a point of reconciliation and self-realization.

"Beef" has been met with overwhelming acclaim for its standout performances, emotional depth, and cultural commentary. Jampacked with empathy, the series delivers a whirlwind experience of suspense, anticipation, and existential dread.

• Starring: Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Joseph Lee
• Director: Jake Schreier, Hikari, Lee Sung Jin
• Runtime: 30–39 minutes
• Rating: TV-MA
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%