Best shows to watch on Netflix right now – December 2021

Not sure what to watch next on Netflix? Here's a handy guide.

From award-winning original series to all-time classics, here are the best shows you can stream on the platform in December 2021. "Arcane" is an animated science fantasy adventure show that tells the origin story of two of the playable champions from the popular video game "League of Legends." "Squid Game" is a survival horror Netflix show that tells the story of 456 people who play a series of deadly children's games in order to escape deep financial debt.  "Maid" is a new miniseries starring Margaret Qualley ("Once Upon a Time in Hollywood") based on Stephanie Land's memoir, "Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive." It tells the story of a single mother fighting to provide for her child by cleaning houses.  One of Netflix's hottest new shows is this steamy period romance about the siblings of the high-society Bridgerton family looking for love in Regency-era London. The show is produced by Shonda Rhimes ("Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal.") "Sex Education" is a British ensemble comedy-drama that follows teens navigating the world of sexual intimacy.  TV Guide's best show of all time is finally coming to Netflix. The sitcom created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David begins streaming on October 1. Amateur bakers compete to impress celebrity chefs. The fourth season of "The Great British Baking Show: Holidays" arrives on Netflix December 3.  This pulse-pounding Spanish thriller became the most-watched non-English series of all time in 2020. It follows an nine-person team executing two complex heists. "The Witcher" is a fantasy series based on books and video games of the same name.  Fans rejoiced when Netflix acquired this streaming series sequel to "The Karate Kid." The fourth season premieres December 31. "Queer Eye" is a reboot of a reality show in which five gay men offer tutorials in fashion, culture, nutrition and personal style. The sixth season premieres December 31.  Omar Sy stars in this French mystery thriller about a master thief who seeks to steal back the necklace his father was falsely accused of stealing. Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh is the first woman of color to chair the struggling English department at a major university in "The Chair." "Big Mouth" is a critically acclaimed animated comedy starring Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Jessi Klein, Jason Mantzoukas, Fred Armisen, Maya Rudolph and Jordan Peele. It centers around awkward teens grappling with puberty. The first season earned a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes out of 23 critic reviews. So far, five seasons have been released, with the most recent season being released November 5. "The Crown" is a historical drama about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Over four seasons, it has recounted major events from 1947 to the early 1990s. The show has been nominated for 63 Emmy Awards thus far.  "Sweet Tooth" is a fantasy drama based on the comic book of the same name. It follows a hybrid human-deer boy, who ventures out in a post-apocalyptic world.  Tim Robinson ("Saturday Night Live," "Detroiters") created this high-energy sketch series for Netflix. Guest stars include Vanessa Bayer, Cecily Strong, Will Forte, Patti Harrison, Andy Samberg, Fred Willard, Tim Heidecker and Bob Odenkirk.   "Shadow and Bone" is a new fantasy series about a mapmaker who discovers she has a power that could free her country. She must learn how to wield it, while running from those who seek to destroy her.  "BoJack Horseman" is a surprisingly poignant animated comedy about a half-man, half-horse struggling in Hollywood after being one of its most successful sitcom stars.  "Stranger Things" is a science-fiction horror Netflix original set in 1980s Indiana. It follows a group of kids searching for their friend, and the supernatural adventures that ensue.  "Community" is a cult-classic sitcom that resurged in popularity after Netflix acquired it in 2020.  "Midnight Mass" is a new horror series released in September. It tells the story of an isolated island community, and supernatural events that begin there, following the return of a disgraced convict and introduction of a charismatic priest.  "Rhythm + Flow" is the first original music competition produced by Netflix. In its inaugural season, eight unsigned rappers try to impress the judges to win a $250,000 cash prize.  In 2020, the popular action adventure series from Nickelodeon found a home on Netflix, where it quickly set viewing records for children's series that the platform has hosted.  "Feel Good" stars Mae Martin in a semi-autobiographical romantic comedy about a comedian recovering from addiction while falling for a heterosexual woman. Both six-episode seasons are available on Netflix.  "Bodyguard" is a British political thriller series starring Richard Madden ("Game of Thrones") as a police sergeant tasked with protecting the home secretary. Although he despises her politics at first, the two form a relationship neither would expect.  Alastair Fothergill ("Planet Earth," "Blue Planet") created this nature documentary, narrated by the legendary David Attenborough.  Mindy Kaling created this series about a first-generation Indian-American teen navigating high school.  "The Queen's Gambit" was a sensation when it premiered on Netflix. The limited series follows the orphaned Beth Harmon out-maneuvering her own demons en route to becoming the best chess player in the world.  "Ozark" is an Emmy Award-winning series starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney. It follows a couple who move to Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri to aid a money laundering scheme.  All seven seasons of "Orange is the New Black" are available to binge on Netflix. The original series, about a woman who gets sent to prison for her role in an international drug smuggling operation, earned 21 Emmy nominations during its run.  "Nailed It!" is a cooking competition for true amateurs. Each episode features three average bakers who struggle to replicate extravagant and complicated cakes and confections, often to hilarious results.  "Arrested Development" is a sitcom about the dysfunctional Bluth family trying to move on after their father is sent to prison.  David Fincher executived-produced and directed several episodes of this psychological crime thriller, which follows the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit in the late 1970s as they get into the heads of the country's most dangerous criminals.  "Lucifer" is an urban fantasy. It follows the Devil as he leaves Hell to run a Los Angeles nightclub and work as a consultant to the Los Angeles Police Department.  This teen comedy, based on the novel series of the same name, follows a babysitting business started by five middle-school friends. So far, one season is on Netflix, with a second coming in late 2021.  Tina Fey created this wacky and lovable sitcom about a young adult adjusting to New York City after being rescued from a doomsday cult.  Based on the critically acclaimed young-adult novel series of the same name, this dark comedy follows three orphans being tossed to worse-and-worse foster homes. "The Staircase" is a true crime documentary. It follows the trial of Michael Peterson, who was accused of murdering his wife.  Chuck Lorre, the creator of such shows as "Two and Half Men" and "The Big Bang Theory," made this series about an aging acting coach and his agent coming to terms with their lives in Hollywood.  This stylized fantasy show follows a dysfunctional adopted family of superheroes who unite to solve the mystery of their dead father and stop the oncoming apocalypse.  Alison Brie stars in this critically acclaimed dramedy about a struggling actor who joins a women's wrestling TV show in 1985 Los Angeles.  "The Good Place" is a fantasy comedy from Michael Schur ("The Office," "Parks and Rec") that follows a woman who is welcomed into an exclusive afterlife utopia after her death.  "The Circle" is a new take on the reality genre. It's a mixture of "Big Brother" and "Catfish." Contestants can communicate only through text, presenting themselves any way they want.  "Peaky Blinders" is a British period series that follows the criminal activity of the Shelby family after World War I.  Lisa Hanawalt ("BoJack Horseman") created this animated sitcom that features all-star voice talent from Tiffany Haddish, Ali Wong and Steven Yeun. The series follows the exploits of a toucan and her songbird friend.  "You" is a twisty, suspenseful thriller about a bookstore manager obsessed with an aspiring writer.  "Schitt's Creek" is an Emmy Award-winning sitcom created by and starring father and son Eugene and Dan Levy. It follows the once-wealthy Rose family, who have to relocate to a small town they once bought as a joke.  "Narcos" tells the story of the DEA agents attempting to bring down Pablo Escobar and the Medellín cocaine cartel in 1980s Columbia.  The "Narcos" companion series follows the development of the drug trade in Mexico. Season 3 debuted November 5, with new episodes released weekly.  "Grace and Frankie" is a sitcom starring six-time Emmy Award-winner Lily Tomlin and two-time Academy Award-winner Jane Fonda. Their characters are brought together after their husbands fall in love with each other.  Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe should check out this series about a former convict with superhuman strength and unbreakable skin. "Atypical" is a coming-of-age comedy about a high-school senior with autism who ventures into the world of dating, much to the distress of his overprotective mother.  Standup comic Bill Burr created and stars in this animated sitcom about a man and his wife (Laura Dern) raising a family in 1973 Pennsylvania.  Netflix rebooted this beloved 1980s cartoon with crisp animation and stellar storylines to excite children and nostalgic fans alike.  "Kim's Convenience" is a Canadian sitcom about a Korean Canadian family running a corner store in Toronto. The first season received a perfect 100% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Formula 1 racing has surged in popularity among Americans, thanks to this docuseries that chronicles the quest for the Formula One World Championship. "Cheer" is a six-episode docuseries that follows Monica Aldama as she coaches the Navarro College Bulldogs Cheer Team toward a national championship. Often cited as one of the best shows of all time, "Breaking Bad" recounts the evolution of a chemistry teacher who starts cooking crystal meth to raise money for his cancer treatments.

Hailee Steinfeld leads the ensemble voice acting cast that has received critical acclaim. As of November 9, the series has a perfect 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and an immaculate 98% audience score from more than 500 reviews.  The series became a phenomenon during October, rising to become the most-watched Netflix series of all time.  The series, which premieres on October 1, has already received rave reviews. Judy Berman from Time called it a "poignant, layered and persuasive drama," and said its "greatest strength is its multidimensional characters." "It's an unqualified triumph. ... 'Bridgerton' is Jane Austen meets 'Scandal' meets 'Gossip Girl' meets 'The Favourite,' resulting in a wonderfully anachronistic mashup with gorgeous visuals, high-end production values and suitably larger-than-life performances by the talented cast," raved Richard Roeper in his review for the Chicago Sun-Times. The first three seasons were released to universal acclaim, with the most recent receiving a 100% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The show has already been renewed for a fourth season.  All 180 episodes, from classics like "The Soup Nazi" and "The Contest" to the controversial finale, will be available to watch. In 2020, it entered the top 10 most-streamed shows in America, according to Nielsen ratings.  Each of the first three seasons received a perfect 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. The second part of the fifth and final season is scheduled to be released December 3.  It stars Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, a magically enhanced monster-hunter. The second season premieres December 17.  Set 34 years after the fight between Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence, the story follows Lawrence as he reopens the Cobra Kai dojo.  In his review for TVLine, Andy Swift praised the show for featuring "genuine connection between people from starkly different walks of life who might otherwise never cross paths." "The series also doesn't waste a single minute, packing each and every moment full of suspense. Put all of that together, and it's an early frontrunner to steal a spot as one of the best shows of the year," according to Karen Han of Slate.  "It's richly observed, wittily scripted, brilliantly cast and subtly acted," wrote TIME Magazine's Judy Berman. "The Crown remains, by far, the best soap opera on television," wrote critic Anita Singh in her review of the third season for The Telegraph.  "The performances are strong throughout... but it's the consistently inventive writing and robust filmmaking that makes the project stand out. It's heartfelt and fantastical at the same time," wrote Brian Tallerico in his review for RogerEbert.com. Regarding the second season, James Poniewozik of The New York Times wrote: "Blisteringly funny. But it's more than that. ... The new season is as bizarrely funny as the first, but it can also shade bittersweet, even poignant. Over and over, the sketches find a twisted path to pathos." In her review for Decider, Meghan O'Keefe stated that Netflix finally had its own "Game of Thrones." She wrote: "'Shadow and Bone' delivers pure escapism with timely social commentary and good old-fashioned soapy storytelling. It is the next big fantasy sensation."  It features an all-star voice cast of Will Arnett, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins, Aaron Paul and Amy Sedaris. "There may be other equally great shows to watch this summer, but I guarantee you won't have more fun watching any of them than you will watching 'Stranger Things,'" wrote David Wiegand of the San Francisco Chronicle in his review of the first season.   The show follows the disbarred lawyer Jeff Winger, who joins a study group after he is forced to go to community college to earn a legitimate degree. It stars Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Yvette Nicole Brown, Alison Brie, Donald Glover, Ken Jeong and Chevy Chase. "Tension builds as 'Midnight Mass' tightens the screws of its plot under the viewer every episode. The characters knuckle under and the audience goes under with them," wrote Katherine Smith of Paste. Cardi B, Chance the Rapper and T.I. serve as the show's judges. Guest judges include Tay Keith, London on da Track, Miguel, Ty Dolla $ign, Jhené Aiko, Tory Lanez, Twista, Royce da 5'9", Lupe Fiasco, Killer Mike, Quavo, Big Boi, Snoop Dogg, Anderson Paak and the late Nipsey Hussle. It follows Aang, the last of his kind, as he learns to wield the four elemental powers and bring peace to the world.  "'Feel Good' accomplishes so much in its tight six episodes that it's both a blessing and curse that it leaves the viewer wanting more," wrote IndieWire's Jude Dry of the second season.  "This show excels at both the daring, gasp-inducing twist and the methodical construction of slower-burning thrills," according to Daniel D'Addario of Variety.  In her review for Vanity Fair, Sonia Sarayia wrote: "A painfully beautiful eight-hour experience, bewitching in its loveliness and diversity even as it agitates, relentlessly, for human action against climate change." "'Never Have I Ever' is not Mindy Kaling's funniest comedy, but it is perhaps her most honest. In short, it is terrific," according to Allison Shoemaker of RogerEbert.com. In her review for Paste, Allison Keene wrote: "With excellent pacing and a sure sense of itself out of the gate, 'The Queen's Gambit' is a work of art-riveting, radiant, and simply spellbinding. Like Beth, it triumphs through its devotion to a love of the game." "Bateman's commanding performance powers a gripping, twisty, sometimes spotty yarn that plays like Breaking Bad in reverse," according to Jeff Jensen of Entertainment Weekly.  "In terms of character and ambitious writing and acting, 'Orange Is the New Black' is certainly one of the best shows going," declared Hank Stuever of the Washington Post.  Comedian Nicole Byer and renowned French pastry chef Jacques Torres judge each episode with a guest. There are six seasons on Netflix, plus two holiday specials.  It aired for three seasons on Fox from 2003 to 2006 before being canceled. In 2007, Time magazine named it one of the 100 best TV shows of all time. Netflix acquired the rights and made two additional seasons.  In his review for The Telegraph, Ed Power wrote: "It's a remarkable achievement and one of those rare 'binge-watch' shows that lives up to the billing. You really will want to snaffle it down in one sitting." Tom Ellis has received acclaim for his portrayal of the titular character. Netflix released the sixth and final season this September.  Meghan O'Keefe of Decider wrote a rave review of the show, saying: "Netflix's new version of 'The Baby-Sitters Club' is a total triumph. It's sweet, funny, hopeful, but most of all, encouraging."  Ellie Kemper, Tituss Burgess, Carol Kane and Jane Krakowski star in the Netflix original series.  Neil Patrick Harris stars as Count Olaf, who attempts to steal the children's inheritance at every stop.  The series won a Peabody Award in 2005.  It stars Academy Award-winners Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin. The comics it was based on were written by My Chemical Romance founder Gerard Way. The series has an ensemble cast led by Tom Hopper and Elliot Page.  "Glow is joyous, delightful, smart and funny television that showcases the complicated dance of strength and vulnerability in women," according to Allison Keene of Collider.  Kristen Bell, Jameela Jamil, D'Arcy Carden, Manny Jacinto and Ted Danson star in the series that won the Emmy Award for outstanding comedy series in its last two seasons.  Well-liked contestants then become "influencers" who can eliminate others from the game. Netflix released the third season of the hotly-discussed show this September.   The ensemble cast is lead by Cillian Murphy, but also features Tom Hardy, Adrien Brody, Aidan Gillen and Anya Taylor-Joy.  "A rare treat of a show. ... Hanawalt finally gets to play in a sandbox entirely of her own making, and the results are as weird as they are wonderful," wrote Caroline Framke of Variety.  In a original review for the show, Margaret Lyons of The New York Times wrote: "'You' is a vicious thrill; smart and mean in all the right ways, with a devilish sensibility and a clever, inviting pessimism, like the friend who wants you to sit in the back with her and make jokes." Catherine O'Hara, Annie Murphy and Emily Hampshire also star. All six seasons are available to binge on Netflix.  All three seasons are available to binge on Netflix now.  The show holds an 85% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 92% audience score.  The seventh and final season, currently in production, will make the show Netflix's longest-running original program.  Luke Cage can also be seen with Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Iron Fist in the Netflix miniseries "The Defenders." In his review for TV Guide, Matt Roush wrote: "Terrific and moving family comedy, which can make you laugh out loud then choke back tears with the manipulative panache of 'This Is Us.'" So far four seasons have been released. The fifth and final season premieres November 25.  Kevin Smith created and produced the series. It stars Chris Wood, Mark Hamill, Sarah Michelle Gellar and "Game of Thrones" alums Liam Cunningham and Lena Headey.  In his review for Vulture, Bryan Washington wrote: "I haven't laughed as hard all year, with feeling, as I have alongside the series." "Trust me, watch it. You won't regret it," wrote Paul Tassi in his review for Forbes.  The fascinating and inspiring series holds a 97% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.  It stars Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Bob Odenkirk and Giancarlo Esposito.