Image credit: Netflix

The New York Times has just dropped a huge retrospective rating of what it considers “The 100 best TV shows of the 21st century“It’s the kind of list that instantly sparks controversy on social media, and it has, but we’re showing what’s on Netflix, so we wanted to know — how was Netflix doing?

HBO (or Max) usually dominates these prestigious media lists, and although it shows up strongly here, Netflix has actually taken a very respectable piece of the pie. If you’re a Netflix US subscriber looking to cross some of these darlings off your watch list, you’re in luck.

Here’s the full breakdown of how Netflix performed on the NYT Top 100 list, broken down by originals, revivals, and licensed shows available in the US. Some titles on the list also appear on Netflix through licensing deals You’d better call Saul, Homeland, scandaland Very bad like Eminent.

Netflix Originals

Image credit: Netflix

When we talk about local works, commissioned by Netflix Originals, the number of shows has reached 12. It’s a powerful mix of their early dramas, international blockbusters, and some recent hits.

• #20 – The crown: No surprise here. Peter Morgan’s royal saga is practically built to win awards and top lists like this.
• #44 – BoJack Horseman: Often cited as Netflix’s masterpiece, it’s great to see this animated gem get its flowers on our Top 50 list.
• #48 – House of cards: The person who started it all. Despite the way the show ended, The New York Times recognizes the seismic shift this show has brought to the streaming landscape.
• #53 – Strange things: The crown jewel of Netflix’s pop culture dominance easily secures a spot.
• #57 – I think you should leave: Tim Robinson’s chaotic show continues to prove that it’s one of the most influential comedies of the decade.
• #68 – Ozark: The Byrds’ money laundering saga remains a huge staple of Netflix’s original drama production.
• #71 – meat: One of the most popular limited series in recent years, and absolutely deserving of a spot.
• #72 – Squid game: You simply can’t write the history of 21st century television without including Netflix’s biggest show of all time.
• #81 – The Queen’s Gambit: The chess phenomenon that kept us all sane during the 2020 lockdowns.
• #89 – Reindeer baby: A huge win for Richard Gadd’s recent blockbuster, proving that Netflix can still generate cultural phenomena out of thin air.
• #94 – Diplomat: Keri Russell’s political thriller is one of the more recent additions, but it’s clearly struck a chord with critics.
• #98 – Organic farming: He went away too soon. The inclusion of Brit Marling’s canceled sci-fi outing so early seems like a nice vindication of the passionate fan base.

Netflix’s “originals” (acquisitions, revivals, and co-productions)

Image: 20th Century Television

Since streaming rights are a messy business, there are a few shows on this list that proudly wear the red “N” Netflix Original branding in the US, even if they started elsewhere or are a co-production.

• #12 – Arrested development: Fox canceled it, and Netflix revived it for seasons four and five. You can stream it all on Netflix US now.
• #26 – Black mirror: Channel 4 started it, but Netflix bought it, increased its budget, and turned it into a global anthology hub from season three onwards.
• #43 – Peaky Blinders: A BBC production, but Netflix has exclusive US distribution rights and is marketing it as an original.
• #85 – The Great British Baking Show: Same story here. It’s Channel 4 in the UK, but is shown as a Netflix original in the US.

Judgment

If you count it all up, between true originals and co-productions, 16% of the New York Times’ top 100 shows are streaming on Netflix right now.

While Max may still be home to “prestige” TV shows according to critics, Netflix’s strategy of combining its huge successes (Strange things, Squid game(with smart licensing processes)Very badHBO titles) makes it the most practical subscription if you really want to work your way through this list.

What do you think of the New York Times list? Have any major Netflix originals been overlooked? (Personally, I think I should leave dark and Mind hunter Off this list is a crime). Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!