TV & Movies

50 Of The Best Shows On Netflix NZ Right Now (August 2024)

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Emily In Paris in a stunning black and white catsuit.

We all know the hunt for the next Netflix binge never ends. To make your search a little easier, we at Urban List have rounded up a slew of the best Netflix Series available in NZ right now.

Grab the snacks and get comfy, here are the best shows on Netflix NZ.

Emily In Paris (Season 4)

Finally, we can say bonjour to the long-awaited release of Emily In Paris Season 4 dropping August 15—and we've been promised more outrageously flamboyant outfits, winding entangled love stories and stunning French scenery (and men of course) throughout. Now that Emily's single again, Parisian adventures are guaranteed to ensue, so grab your girls to stream Part 1, then hold your breath until September 12 when Part 2 graces our screens. 

Simone Biles Rising

Arguably one of the most massive names in gymnastics, US legend Simone Biles had it all until she didn't, going to hell and back on her road to recovery. It feels insane to see what these Olympic-bound athletes put their bodies (and minds) through on the daily, and the almost back-breaking pressure they're put under by the team around them who are meant to be their greatest supports.

The Receiver

Whether you understand the ins and outs of NFL or not, this new drop will get you involved almost instantly allowing inside access into the live and big emotions of five top athletes at the absolute top of their game throughout the epic 2023-2024 NFL season. You might be surprised how much you want to tear through this one.

Sprint

 If there was a series to ever make us want to head out for a run, it's this. Following a ton of long-standing global rivalries, Sprint takes you into the nitty gritty world of professional sprinting and will absolutely leave you a little breathless. These unbelievable athletes put everything on the line just to be that second faster to claim top spot. We inhaled it all.

The Decameron

Period dramas are having a moment, and we're here to say this is definitely not your Bridgerton saucy moment. The Decameron, set in 1300's Florence, is a totally irreverant, tongue-in-cheeky, dark comedy that's had us giggling. Released last week, critics are already singing its praises with a second season looking v promising. Fast-paced, fun and easy to get around—exactly our vibe.

Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam

Give me any sort of '90s/noughties boy band drama to watch and I'm there, no questions asked. Turns out the squeaky clean pop legends of The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC and our gal Britney had a bad boy (music heavy weight Lou Pearlman) shielding some dark secrets behind them which you get to rip into throughout this limited docuseries. So good for a half-paying-attention-binge, make sure this one's on your radar.

Bridgerton (Season 3)

Unsurprisingly, everyone is absolutely lost their minds over the latest season of Bridgerton. A little less steamy but the chemistry is still 200% off the charts with plenty of royal drama to boot in between. If you haven't already binged the entire thing several times (or even if you have) add it to your watch list, stat. Watch out for the carriage scene, we have notes.

Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies And Scandal

This three-part docuseries explores the outrageous data hack of dating affair site Ashley Madison, where over 37 million people's personal details were leaked onto the dark web. Unsurprisingly causing absolute anarchy, delve into the lives of some of the couples and families affected, as well as checking out the big bosses whose biz was decimated over night. Short, snappy and salacious, there's nothing like a spy into the messed up minds of people that co-exist in our world.

Bodkin

When a sassy rage-filled investigator and overly-optimistic podcaster (and his doting side kick) come together, chaos ensues in Bodkin. Freshly dropped this month, this dark comedy drama set in a quaint humble Irish town looks to unlock an unsolved mystery around a strange disappearance of locals years before. Although light-hearted, we found ourselves quickly immersed in following links to solve the mystery Sherlock Holmes style. 

Buying London

We *love* a perve into luxe real estate, and so Buying London is the newest sneaky look into some of the world's most OTT insane properties. Check out the penthouses and ridiculously opulent castles of the world's elite, while also of course jumping into the juicy drama of luxury estate agency DDRE Global. Although it follows the same archetype as all the property shows, there's still something delicious about a binge after a hard day at work. 

A Man In Full

There's something about the fall of the big baller that we love to see, especially when Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom, American Rust, Dumb and Dumber) is the baddie. When Atlanta real estate king Charlie Croker suddenly finds himself in bankruptcy, underground political interests collide creating a heart-thumping limited series we've thrown straight to the top of our binge list. From writer David E. Kelley and directed by Hollywood queen Regina King, this new release is giving Succession vibes for sure.

The Roast Of Tom Brady

You've probably seen snippets plastered all across your socials already. Hosted by Kevin Hart, this star-studded line up sees plenty of offensive one-liners and full contact comedy taking a swing at the life and times of NFL legend, Tom Brady. It's raunchy, irreverant and an easy weekend watch that won't require all of your brain power after a long hard week.

Baby Reindeer

If your group chats have completely been taken over by Baby Reindeer chat, rest easy that you're not alone. This complex and somewhat controversial new release follows a seemingly sweet, struggling comedian as he shows an act of kindness to a vulnerable woman, sparkling a suffocating obsession which threatens to wreak havoc on both their lives. Raising big questions around stalking and consent, it gets dark real quick, so make sure you're in the mood.

Together: Treble Winners

It feels like every sports team is hopping on the Netflix doco bandwagon lately, but Together: Treble Winners is a short, snappy six part docuseries that's grabbed our attention this week. Following the tale of Mancester City's record-breaking 2022/2023 season, you're sure to jump on the Man City bandwagon as you fall in love with the players of this boisterous but charming team.

3 Body Problem

You're not alone if your feeds are full of 3 Body Problem posts—it seems we can't escape it. Created by some of the brilliant minds behind Game of Thrones, this thriller redefines sci-fi drama with its genre-bending mysteries and high stakes scenes that will leave you gasping. Based on an international bestselling trilogy, the series tracks a young woman's fateful decision that reverberates through both space and time. Sounds complicated right? Sure, but definitely worth a watch.

Griselda

Racy, gritty and super fast-paced, Griselda showcases beloved Modern Family star Sofia Vegara like you've never seen her before. Inspired by true events, this six part limited series delves into the dirty underbelly of Griselda Blanco's plight from the streets of Medellín to rolling the high life in Miami as the so-called 'Godmother' of the drug scene.You'll need to put your phone down and pay attention to keep up with this one.

Young Royals: Season 3

In its third and final season, this highly anticipated next installment is premiering on March 11, promising more sexual tension and drama than ever before. The Swedish coming-of-age romantic drama series follows the privileged students of Hillerska boarding school trying to navigate their relationships, sexual identities and deepest urges. We suggest heading back to the start so you can really take it all in.

Girls5Eva: Season 3

For those in need of some light-hearted feel good bops, Girls5Eva's got your back. From Busy Philipps to Sara Bareilles, Ashley Park and a ton of other famous faces, check back in with these queens as they kick off their Returnity Tour navigating their way into those bright lights of stardom. Season 3 is screening from March 14.

Can I Tell You A Secret?

This new limited British true crime docuseries is haunting in all sorts of ways. Following real-life victims Jade Hallam, Abby Furness and Lia Marie Hambly, we experience the unfolding of the traumatic stalking and online abuse they suffered by Hardy, a preditor eventually sentenced to jail in the UK after years of tormenting vulnerable women. 

One Day

If you swooned over Leo Woodall in the latest season of White Lotus, prepare to fall in love all over again with Netflix's latest limited series, One Day. Spanning across the lives of Dex and Em after their chance meeting at their graduation night in 1988, each episode follows another year in their journey of love, heartbreak and missed connections. Based on the beloved novel from David Nicholls,  keep the tissues handy for this one.

Boy Swallows Universe

It's been a long time since we first caught word that Trent Dalton's famed Boy Swallows Universe was being transformed into a series for Netflix. While the wait has been long, Netflix has finally dropped the show and it's definitely been worth it.

Bridgerton

a person wearing period clothing leaning on a window sill
Image credit: Netflix | Supplied

From the dazzling world of Shondaland and under the fresh guidance of showrunner Jess Brownell, Bridgerton is making a bold return for its third season. This time around, the spotlight is on Penelope Featherington (played by the brilliant Nicola Coughlan), who's finally kicked her long-standing crush on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) to the curb. Why, you ask? Well, after catching wind of Colin's less-than-flattering remarks about her in the previous season, Penelope's had enough.

Now, Penelope's got her sights set on a new quest—landing herself a husband. Not just any husband, though. She's on the lookout for someone who'll let her maintain her secret life as the mysterious Lady Whistledown, far away from the prying eyes of her mother and sisters. But here's the catch: Penelope's confidence is on shaky ground, and her attempts in the marriage market are anything but smooth. As to when we can expect season three to drop, Netflix has announced it will be split into two four-episode parts, with part one premiering on May 16, 2024, followed by part two on June 13, 2024. 

The Crown

Season six of The Crown is here so settle in. This controversial iteration of episodes is all about the relationship between Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed before a horrendous car crash. Prince William also tries to integrate back into life at Eton in the wake of his mother’s death as the monarchy has to ride the wave of public opinion. 

An epic coming-of-age story set in 1980s Brisbane, Eli Bell is just trying to understand what it means to become a good man, but the adult world serves up many a brutal reality. This one also stars a few familiar faces including Simon Baker, Anthony LaPaglia, Travis Fimmel and Phoebe Tonkin. 

Sex Education

Following the closure of Moordale Secondary, Otis and Eric now face a new frontier, their first day at Cavendish Sixth Form College. Otis is nervous about setting up his new clinic, while Eric is praying they won’t be 'losers' again. But Cavendish is a culture shock for all the Moordale students. There’s daily yoga in the communal garden, a strong sustainability vibe and a group of kids who are popular for being… kind. 

Love Is Blind

The fifth season of the cultural hit reality series returns with a new group of Houston singles ready to hit the pods and find love. In the most shocking season yet, the singles face new challenges, unexpected twists, and surprising turns that will test their personal resolve, and the strength of their connections, more than ever before. 

Black Mirror

Enter the long-awaited return of Charlie Brooker’s dark, satirical anthology series which reinvents itself with each new episode. The sixth season of Black Mirror is the most unpredictable, unclassifiable and unexpected yet.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

Indeed—we have a Bridgerton-verse prequel. It's all about Queen Charlotte's rise to power and how her marriage to King George sets off a chain of events that transformed society, laying the foundation for the Ton world of Bridgerton. 

Queer Eye

From beignets to ben-yays, we couldn't be more excited for the seventh season of the Emmy Award-winning Queer Eye.  Grab your beads and let the good times roll as The Fab Five bring some sparkle and sass to New Orleans and transform the lives of residents who are in need of a fresh start. 

Selling Sunset

A fresh season of Selling Sunset means new agents which also means new drama. The realtors of The Oppenheim Group are back with sleek penthouse listings and personality clashes. Just the way we like it. 

Translatlantic

Transatlantic is inspired by the true story of Varian Fry, Mary Jayne Gold and the Emergency Rescue Committee. Risking their lives to help more than 2000 refugees escape occupied France, including many artists on the Nazis’ most-wanted list. 

The Witcher: Blood Origin

Set in an elven world 1200 years before the world of The Witcher, Blood Origin is the story about one of seven outcasts who unite against a mega power that seemingly took everything from them. 

Emily In Paris

Indeed, season four of Emily In Paris is on the horizon. If you missed the boat with this one, Emily has moved from Chicago to Paris for her dream job, finding herself at a crucial crossroads in every aspect of her life. 

Dead To Me

Jen and Judy return for the third and final season of Dead To Me.. In the aftermath of yet another hit and run, both women receive shocking news, and are ready to risk their lives for a friendship that's above the law. 

Cobra Kai​​

Following the shocking results of the All Valley Tournament, season five finds Terry Silver expanding the Cobra Kai empire and trying to make his "No Mercy" style of karate the only game in town. With Kreese behind bars and Johnny Lawrence setting karate aside to focus on repairing the damage he’s caused, Daniel LaRusso must call on an old friend for help.

Heartbreak High

The reimagining of the 90s Australian YA series, which ran for seven seasons, follows Amerie who forges a mysterious and very public rift with her ride-or-die Harper at Hartley High. With her new friends, outsiders Quinni and Darren, Amerie tries to repair her reputation, while navigating love, sex, and heartbreak. We are swooning hard. 

Stranger Things

It's been a hot minute since we binged the entirety of Stranger Things season four, volume one but fear not—volume two is close. In case you haven't caught up (you'll want to get on that, stat), we won't drop any spoilers from the end of volume two however, we did have some tissues nearby. The quest to end Vecna's curse however continues. 

Peaky Blinders

If you haven’t watched this one yet, firstly—shame on you. Secondly, it’s basically about a notorious gang in 1919 Birmingham, England, led by the fierce Tommy Shelby, a crime boss set on moving up in the world no matter the cost. Season six kicks off at Norfolk Prison where Michael is released and obviously, wants some hardcore revenge on ol’ TShelby. We’re also due to see whether Lizzie and Tommy and stick it out after last season’s scandalous reveal. 

Love, Death & Robots

In our eyes, Love Death & Robots is quite possibly one of the best TV series around. If you’ve been watching since season one, you’ll know exactly why. If you’ve enver been into animation, LDR is the one show that will change your mind. This gem brings us a compilation of animated short stories, spanning across multiple genres such as, fantasy, fiction, horror and comedy. Each episode was produced with the intention of being easy to watch, but hard to forget and range from five to 17-minute stories. 

Heartstopper

While most high school series these days delve into sex and drugs (and rock 'n' roll?), Heartstopper is a new-age show bound to bring some heartwarming scenes to weekend Netflix binge. The show, an adaptation of Alice Oseman's webcomic and graphic novel of the same name, spans eight episodes whereby teenagers Charlie and Nick discover their unlikely friendship might be something a little bit more as they navigate their way through the cesspit of high school drama and young love. 

Anatomy Of A Scandal

If you’ve read the bestselling novel of the same name by Sarah Vaughn, you’ll know this is a big deal. A psychological thriller and gripping courtroom drama, the series infiltrates Britain's elite through a personal and political scandal. James and Sophie Whitehouse live in a blissful world. A Minister in Parliament, a loving family at home, James' trajectory appears without limits. Until a scandalous secret suddenly comes to light. Barrister Kate Woodcroft has a trajectory of her own, and her prosecution threatens to tear into Westminster and the Whitehouse marriage. This is a juicy series you can't afford to miss.

Russian Doll

Set four years after Nadia (Natasha Lyonne) and Alan (Charlie Barnett) escaped mortality’s time loop together, season two of Russian Doll will continue its humorous and sci-fi take. This season finds Nadia and Alan delving deeper into their pasts through an unexpected time portal located in one of Manhattan’s most notorious locations. At first they experience this as an ever-expanding, era-spanning, intergenerational adventure. 

Human Resources

From the inventive minds that brought us the award-winning adult animation, Big Mouth comes the even edgier and adult-ier Human Resources. The spin-off pulls back the curtain on the daily lives of the creatures—Hormone Monsters, Depression Kitties, Shame Wizards and many more, helping humans journey through every aspect of life from puberty to parenthood to the twilight years. Featuring an all-star voice cast— including Nick Kroll, Maya Rudolph and David Thewlis reprising their Big Mouth roles. 

Pieces Of Her

The last time we saw Toni Collete grace our screens in a Netflix series was when Unbelievable dropped and we all lost our collective marbles. It was great, no? So it goes without saying her next show, Pieces Of Her, is an unmissable piece of content you need in your life.

In a sleepy Georgia town, a random act of violence sets off an unexpected chain of events for 30-year-old Andy Oliver and her mother Laura. Desperate for answers, Andy embarks on a dangerous journey across America, drawing her towards the dark, hidden heart of her family.

All Of Us Are Dead

We hate to make parallels to Squid Game but let's just say All Of Us Are Dead is the new K-series that will fill that void. A group of students trapped in a high school find themselves in dire situations as they seek to be rescued from a zombie invasion of their school. It’s heinous, it’s messy and it’s damn amazing.

The Sinner

The Sinner season four is here and look, regardless of your season three thoughts—you’re going to watch it. As always, Detective Harry Ambrose finds himself investigating atrocious murder cases, this time, within the mysterious happenings of a small fishing town.

The House

We’re calling it, this is the year animation will truly shine so set your sights on Netflix’s fresh animated dark comedy, The House. This series is, unsurprisingly, about a house and the three wacky tales of the individuals that made it their home. The stop-motion anthology has been making big headlines so make sure you don’t miss out and watch it here.​

Cheer

It feels like an eternity since we first set our sights on the nationally-ranked Navarro College Bulldogs Cheer Team from Corsicana, Texas. The docuseries was an Emmy-winning breakout sensation and our non-athletic souls were privy to learning all things mat talk, the difference between spotters and flyers and every intricate detail of the cheer-lebrity world.

Now, season two is here (January 12) and this time there’s buzz around Navarro’s newfound stardom that threatens to alter the dynamic of the cheer team, COVID-19 upends the 2020 cheer season and a serious criminal accusation is levied at one of the teammates. Against that dramatic backdrop, the new nine-episode season expands to showcase Navarro’s fiercest rival as well—Trinity Valley Community College. 

Lost In Space

In the third and final season of Lost in Space, the stakes are higher than ever and the Robinson family's survival instincts will be put to the ultimate test. After a year of being trapped on a mysterious planet, Judy, Penny, Will and the Robot must lead the 97 young Colonists in a harrowing evacuation—but not before secrets are unearthed that will change their lives forever. Meanwhile John and Maureen must battle overwhelming odds as they try to reunite with their kids. The Robinsons will have to grapple with the emotional challenge of not just being lost—but being separated from the ones they love... as they face the greatest alien threat yet.

Hellbound

Unbelievable demonstrations of hell take place in the middle of Seoul right in front of crowds. Mysterious beings condemn individuals to be Hellbound, and otherworldly beings appear exactly at the specified time to kill the condemned in a brutal burning.

Rising above the utter chaos resulting from these inexplicable supernatural occurrences is the commanding voice of Jung Jinsu, the leader of an up-and-coming religious organization, The New Truth. He claims that only sinners are marked for condemnation and that these occurrences represent the divine will to make humans righteous. A group of his followers with blind faith, the Arrowhead, take into their own hands the punishment of those who go against the divine will. 

Narcos: Mexico

Set in the 90s, when the globalization of the drug business ignites, Season three examines the war that breaks out after Felix’s arrest. As newly independent cartels struggle to survive political upheaval and escalating violence, a new generation of Mexican kingpins emerge. But in this war, truth is the first casualty - and every arrest, murder and take-done only pushes real victory further away…

 

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Image credit: Netflix

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