The streaming juggernaut that is Netflix has so many original series to offer, and that means that not every one of them will be a huge hit with audiences. However, they've also certainly created shows that have jetted to the top of everyone's radar and have surpassed every critic's expectations.
Of course, not every show can be an immediate success. In fact, there are some series that were surprisingly under-viewed and even poorly rated - that ended up being pretty decent hits. It's time to binge all those that fans couldn't help but eventually fall in love with.
Iron Fist (2017-2018)
There are a lot of Marvel series on Netflix, and fans have become infatuated with Jessica Jones, Daredevil, and more. However, the first season of Iron Fist definitely fell flat, and it was received as pretty boring and lackluster.
Nonetheless, Marvel shot forward with a second season, and to everyone's surprise, it was actually much better received by both critics and fans. It couldn't quite hang on, but at least it gained more viewers and interest as it progressed.
Grace And Frankie (2015-)
There are a lot of mixed reviews when it comes to this comedy series - and it's typically about its attempt to balance drama and humor. While the first season had mixed reviews, it hung on for a second, and its sharper focus on drama has been better received by critics.
Clearly, Grace and Frankie found its path, because this show is now one of the more popular comedies on Netflix, and is heading into its seventh season! This is definitely one show that learned to please its viewers.
Dark (2017-2020)
This show's reviews went up and up with each season, with its final episode in season 3 being the highest yet - clocking in at a whopping 9.7/10 on IMDb and 97% for audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This is one of those shows that only gained more popularity as it went on.
Dark was a hidden Netflix gem back in 2017, but thankfully, it finally gained the recognition it deserved by those who kept giving it a chance through the second and third seasons.
Love Is Blind (2020-)
The pandemic of 2020 likely had a lot to do with this series becoming one of the most viewed shows on Netflix, but that doesn't mean that both critics and viewers were apprehensive about sharing some love for it.
Love Is Blind is cringy, awkward, and somehow really entertaining because of it, but once the hype continued to drag on, fans of this show only continued to speak out with each passing episode. Despite some hesitation, this show eventually convinced Netflix viewers that it was okay to talk nonstop about it. Of course, season two is coming.
The Umbrella Academy (2019-)
The Umbrella Academy was immediately popular, but critics weren't sold when the first season was released. It was considered to be a bit typical and didn't have its own space to thrive. However, after viewers received a second season, critics stepped back and applauded.
After finally hitting its stride, critic scores skyrocketed, and this series has only continued to gain viewership. With the brilliant Elliot Page at its forefront, it's hard not to fall in love with this show as it goes on.
Lost In Space (2018-)
This sci-fi series takes place on an alien planet, and to everyone's disappointment, it was pretty boring. The first season definitely didn't get the recognition that the creators and Netflix thought it would receive.
However, Netflix still renewed it, and for everyone that stuck it out - they were pleasantly surprised. The second season of Lost in Space was enough to get viewers back on its side, and there's even a third season in production now.
Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019)
This show wasn't exactly ever bad, but it was certainly one that had all Netflix subscribers on the fence about. Drew Barrymore is a zombie, and that was enough information to keep most viewers a bit apprehensive about joining in on the show.
However, after the hype around Santa Clarita Diet continued to increase and those who actually watched it continued to love it, seasons two and three only grabbed more viewers and higher ratings. It may be canceled now, but it managed to rope in a pretty large audience.
Fuller House (2016-2020)
This show probably didn't need to be made, and it's only real purpose is some nostalgia for all those that deeply miss Full House. Unfortunately, the first season of this new comedy series was poorly received.
However, Netflix kept on renewing it, and to everyone's surprise - the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes just kept going up with each season! Fuller House managed to save itself to some degree and clearly had enough growing viewership to keep going until 2020.
13 Reasons Why (2017-2020)
13 Reasons Why might be the epitome of a controversial television series. Its very first season blew up the internet and roped in tons of viewers, but its highly debated content made it simultaneously one of the poorest received shows and one of the most popular on Netflix.
After the initial controversy subsided, Netflix continued to hammer out new episodes - and people continued to watch. It isn't to say that the ratings went up, but the fanbase of this show was loyal, and the critics definitely took a step back from harping on it.
BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
This animated comedy series is the perfect example of a show that might take a handful of episodes before viewers really realize they can't stop watching it. BoJack Horseman has always been a bit on the sidelines and has definitely been up for scrutiny.
However, this series only went up in both viewership and critic scores for each passing season and lasted for a whopping (and entertaining) six seasons. This is a hidden gem that finally pulled people over to its side - which was rightfully deserved.