Netflix Originals: What They Are, How to Find Them & Top Picks to Watch
When you see the red ‘N’ badge on a show, you’re looking at a Netflix Original. These are series, movies, documentaries, or kids’ programs that Netflix either produced or bought exclusive rights to. The big draw? Fresh content you won’t find on any other platform, plus the freedom to watch whenever you want.
Netflix spends billions each year on Original content, so the catalog keeps growing. From drama to comedy, sci‑fi to true crime, there’s a wide mix that caters to almost every taste. Because they own the rights, you can binge an entire season in one go without waiting for weekly releases.
How to Spot a Netflix Original
Finding Originals is easier than you think. Open the Netflix app or website and look for the ‘N’ logo right next to the title. You’ll also see a row titled ‘Netflix Originals’ on the home screen, and each show’s detail page will say ‘Original’ under the genre.
If you use the search bar, type the name of the show and check the description. Netflix always mentions if it’s an Original. Also, the ‘My List’ feature can help you save titles you’re curious about, so you don’t miss new releases.
Top Picks to Binge Right Now
Not sure where to start? Here are a few crowd‑pleasers across different genres:
- Drama: The Crown – a polished look at British royalty that keeps getting better each season.
- Comedy: Space Force – a tongue‑in‑cheek take on a silly government project.
- Sci‑Fi: Stranger Things – a mix of 80s nostalgia, monsters, and teen drama.
- True Crime: Making a Murderer – a gripping, real‑world legal saga.
- Documentary: The Social Dilemma – a short, eye‑opening look at social media’s impact.
All of these are fully owned by Netflix, which means you can watch any episode back‑to‑back without ads.
If you like kids’ shows, don’t miss Spirit Untamed or the animated series Hilda. For something a little different, try the international hit Money Heist, originally a Spanish series that Netflix repackaged as an Original for global fans.
Keeping an eye on new arrivals is simple. Netflix adds a “New Releases” banner each Friday, and the “Coming Soon” row teases next‑month drops. Turn on notifications in the app if you want a heads‑up about big premieres.
Finally, remember that binge‑watching can eat up a lot of time. Set a limit, stretch your legs between episodes, and stay hydrated. The best part about Netflix Originals is that you control the pace – pause, rewind, or keep going as you like.
Bottom line: Netflix Originals give you fresh, exclusive content across every genre. Spot them by the red logo, add favorites to your list, and dive into the top picks above. Happy watching!
