Netflix Originals You Should Be Aware Of 

By Jenise Jackson
Blog Content Contributor 

Perhaps you need good entertainment to distract you from the chaos that the last few weeks of school brings. Maybe you just need a motivator for the upcoming semester. Whatever the case may be, there is no problem with using Netflix to your advantage especially since you pay for it. Netflix Originals has been killing it with new movies and TV shows being added regularly. I have some great suggestions for what content you may want to consider checking out. Happy Relaxing!

Chewing Gum

This highly-relatable show is the epitome of black girl comedy. If you identify with being awkward, out-spoken or even just plain out weird, this is the show for you. Tracy Gordon (Michaela Coel) comes from a religious, strict household where her and her hilarious sister, Cynthia, are raised by their religiously-devoted mother. Tracy is imaginative, corky, and also happens to be a 24 virgin. Throughout the show, she discovers many things about herself, the outside world, and the ins and outs of relationships. Chewing Gum is a must-watch comedy that will bring you to tears. 

Imperial Dreams

Just because I’m a sucker for films that premiere during the Sundance Film Festival, I had to watch Imperial Dreams. John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) stars as the main character and gives an honest portrayal that a diverse audience can appreciate. I like how after I watched the film I felt a sense of inspiration, which we could all use these days. So if you’re up for a good drama that tells the story of struggles with slow triumph, this Netflix original could be the one for you.

Santa Clarita Diet

Most of us love a good comedy, but Santa Clarita Diet comes with a semi-dark twist. I’ve only made it through a couple of episodes, but I can only hope that a second season is in the works. This Netflix original series reminds me of a Tim Burton masterpiece, which is what I enjoy most about it. It was surprising to see Drew Barrymore (Charlie’s Angels) on screen, but it oddly works in the show’s favor. Even though I wouldn’t recommend this Netflix original series to those with a weak stomach, it does make for a nice binge watching session.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

After Nickelodeon’s hit-and-miss attempt at a string of movies for the A Series of Unfortunate Events books, Netflix decided to take a swing at bringing the classic Lemony Snicket novels to screen. While I was a little hesitant to watch this Netflix original at first in fear that it would be another unsuccessful stab at one of my favorite childhood book series, this black comedy-drama hits the mark. This Netflix original does an amazing job of giving each book two episodes, which allows for more elements and essence of the books to be closely preserved on screen. Just when I thought no one could play Count Olaf as good as Jim Carrey, Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) came along and took his own brilliant spin on the character that is truly entertaining. The current eight episodes only capture four of the thirteen novels in the series so if you are a fan of the books, you will probably find yourself anticipating more out of Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events in the near future.

If you are entertainment junkie like me, these shows and movies will be right up your alley. Whether you have seen a few of these or none at all, I would like to hear feedback on what you guys think about the Netflix Originals. Leave a comment below!

Other Netflix Originals to Consider:

• Burning Sands
• Amanda Knox
• The OA
• Sandy Wexler
• Girl Boss
• Casting Jon Benet

Featured image by Asia Daggs.