Orange Is the New Black (BEST)
Seasons: 7 seasons, 91 episodes. Starring: Taylor Schilling, Laura Prepon, Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, Michael Harney, Michelle Hurst, Kate Mulgrew, Uzo Aduba, Taryn Manning, Jackie Cruz, and Samira Wiley. Description: Set in a women’s prison, the series tracks the life of Piper Chapman, whose criminal past catches up with her. Although engaged to a man on the outside, Piper is shocked when her co-accomplice and former lover, Alex, arrives to be incarcerated in the same institution. The series, which was based on the book of the same name, gives a behind-the-scenes look at a women’s correctional facility. The relationships and hierarchies that form, and the successes and failures of the system. There are both hilarious and tragic storylines with weird and wonderful elements weaved in between.
Why it’s a keeper: Of all of the brilliant characters in the show, Piper may be the least likable, but through her, the viewer gets to know all of the other characters, as well as the inner workings of the prison. The prison is almost a microcosm of society, with its cliques and hierarchy. There is corruption and crime as well as uplifting moments of friendship and sorority. Orange Is The New Black is not only thought-provoking but also hilarious. It’s no surprise it made our ‘best’ list.
Jessica Jones (BEST)
Seasons: 3 seasons, 39 episodes. Season 3 is due to be released in 2019. Starring: Krysten Ritter, David Tennant, Rachael Taylor, Carrie-Anne Moss, Mike Colter, Wil Travel, and Eka Darville. Description: Jessica Jones is based on the Marvel character of the same name who has a brief and failed career as a superhero and is now working as a private investigator. Jessica’s past haunts her, and she drinks heavily to try and suppress the PTSD that she’s dealing with. The show also deals with other dark themes, including forms of assault. The series received critical acclaim, with praise for both Krysten Ritter’s and David Tennant’s performances.
Why it’s a keeper: Jessica Jones does an excellent job at changing the way we think about women and femininity, flipping on its head what is typically believed will make a woman successful. Jessica herself is a compelling character, who for all of her flaws and traumas, has unbelievable strengths. The show is fun and full of action, which is to be expected of anything from the Marvel universe.
GLOW (BEST)
Seasons: 3 seasons, 30 episodes. Starring: Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Sydelle Noel, Britney Young, and Marc Maron. Description: GLOW, which stands for Glorious Ladies of Wrestling, follows the life of Ruthie, who is new to the world of wrestling. Set in the 1980s, the show, created by Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, brings with it all of the stereotypes and gimmicks of the women’s wrestling scene at the time. Ruthie, who is a struggling actress, finds herself at odds with the wrestling team’s coach, but she is a tough character who proves to be not only resilient but endearing.
Why it’s a keeper: The world of female wrestling might not be in everyone’s interest, but like with most things, there are human elements to the performance that are entertaining and relatable. The characters are all likable, and even if their world may appear to be a little over the top and “showy”, that’s precisely what makes it so enjoyable. Dive into a world that is completely unfamiliar.
Alias Grace (BEST)
Seasons: 1 season, 6 episodes. Starring: Sarah Gadon, Anna Paquin, Zachary Levi, and David Cronenberg. Description: Alias Grace is an adaptation of the Margaret Atwood book released in 1996, and was released by Netflix as a miniseries in 2017. It tells the story of Grace Marks, who emigrated from Ireland to Canada with her mother. Sadly, her mother dies during the voyage, and upon arrival in Canada, she is sent to work as a maid. The miniseries starts with her being visited in prison by Dr. Jordan, a psychiatrist. She is serving a sentence for taking the life of her employer and another housekeeper, though she claims to have no recollection of it at all. Dr. Jordan must decide whether she is to be pardoned on the basis of insanity. This is one of three adaptations of this book, which include The Handmaid's Tale and Wandering Wenda.
Why it’s a keeper: As a period piece, it covers many of the issues surrounding gender and class at the time. There are some ugly truths and harsh realities. The actual character of Grace Marks remains a mystery, which is why this miniseries is so engaging, as the viewer is desperate to know more about her and come to their own conclusions. The series received critical acclaim and excellent reviews upon release, one more reason why we believe it deserves to be listed among the best.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (BEST)
Seasons: 4 seasons, 52 episodes. Starring: Ellie Kemper, Tituss Burgess, Carol Kane, and Jane Krakowski. Description: Created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, the story follows Kimmy Schmidt, who is rescued from a cult in a fictional town in Indiana where she has been held captive for the last 15 years. Not wanting to feel like a victim, Kimmy decides to start her life over in New York City, where all she is armed with is a positive attitude. The show received critical acclaim and benefits from a quirky hilarity that is encouraged by the creators and well-acted by its leading actress, Ellie Kemper, who plays Kimmy.
Why it’s a keeper: In between the fun and jokes, there are some serious themes, like getting over trauma and starting a new life. It is probably the most accurate representation of modern-day dating; it never loses its funny humor or its broad appeal.