Netflix is a pioneer in the entertainment industry. Time and time again, they will produce generation defining shows like Stranger Things, Squid Game and Sex Education. But despite these award winning, amazing shows being so successful, it doesn’t mean that they have awful, poorly written eye-candy shows that do just as well. Netflix will either produce absolute god tier shows or deplorable garbage, and each example does just as well financially.

Let’s start positively: what makes shows like Stranger things so successful? Three things: story, dialogue and acting. The story of Stranger Things is incredible. It feeds off of the conspiracy theories we are constantly bombarded with and makes them reality with a needed twist of horror. The acting is great especially from the kids, Milly Bobby Brown really makes this show what it is. Eleven is such a bizarre but believable character and she totally pulls it off. Lastly, the dialogue is actually how kids of the age of the characters would talk, using age appropriate language instead of shows like Outer Banks.

Speaking of Outer Banks, let’s talk about bad Netflix shows. I actually enjoyed the first season of Outer Banks, the story was so excellent and the pacing of that story was what made it so good. The constant thought of the gold was hanging over your head the entire time you were watching the series, and the development of that gold storyline moved the whole plot forward. Combined with a plot twist at the end of the season it makes it a joy to watch. However, the writing and acting totally sucked. John B, the main character, was supposed to be 17, but talked like he was 28, his age in real life. All the actors on this show are beautiful as well, considering they’re not teenagers and in their late 20’s. 

In the second season, the story melted away and dissolved to a muck of unbelievable circumstance and terrible pacing, two things that destroy a Netflix show. The first two episodes could have been the whole season, and the resolution of the end of the last season felt quick and forced. They also introduced a new treasure into the show around halfway through the season, and it took a sideline to the main plot as they focused on killing the big bad of the series, a fabulously written villain that made your skin crawl. This combined with no improvement or dialogue made me turn off the season just two episodes from the finish, and I feel no regret for that decision. 

A good Netflix show cares about the things that make TV great, while the bad ones focus on what makes TV popular. It is hard to convince someone to produce an amazing, award winning product when you can make just as much money rushing a season and giving half effort on all the production. Ultimately, Netflix is a business, and they can choose to make bad shows and roll around in money, but I hope they stick to their current trend with shows like Squid Game. 

A good Netflix show cares about the things that make TV great, while the bad ones focus on what makes TV popular. (Netflix)