The Rise of Netflix Original Shows

BY TREVOR MONROE

Staff Reporter

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services among students, offering many different television shows.

Junior Steven Monroy has a couple of shows that he enjoys in his free time.

“I believe ‘Breaking Bad’ to be the best series of all time, and it retains its greatness after watching it multiple times,” said Monroy. “It puts the viewer in this interesting narrative about a man who has to provide for his family through illegal means.”

“Breaking Bad” is the story of chemistry teacher, Walter White, played by Brian Cranston, who has developed Stage 3 lung cancer. He decides to pursue a career in methamphetamine production with a former student, Jesse Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul, to ensure that his family has a secure future.

Brian Cranston is also known for the television series “Malcolm in the Middle.” Aaron Paul can be seen in the 2014 movie “Need for Speed,” as well as in “Black Mirror.”

“ ‘Black Mirror’ always provides psychological thriller episodes that make me think,” said Monroy. He and his friends will talk about the episodes they watch for hours.

“Black Mirror” is an anthology series (in which each episode is a stand-alone story, not narratively tied to any other) that explores the moral and ethical dilemmas that might arise with advancements in technology in the not-so-distant future. The series is still in production, five seasons in.

“Stranger Things” is another sci-fi thriller series on Netflix. It features nostalgic 1980s themes and sci-fi monsters.

“I really liked how it had a non-stereotypical interpretation of the 80’s,” said sophomore Luke Mallory. “People usually think about ‘Back to the Future.’ ”

“Stranger Things” follows the story of a group of kids who encounter supernatural beings and uncover government secrets. The show was released in 2016 and currently has three seasons.

“13 Reasons Why” is another Netflix original series that has grabbed the attention of students – even those outside of the United States. Junior Daria Rudakova said she watched it with her friend in Russia.

“13 Reasons Why” is based on the book of the same name by Jay Asher. Both tell the story of teenager Clay Jensen’s quest to understand what drove his classmate Hannah Baker to commit suicide, which Hannah explains herself on a series of cassette tapes she recorded before she died.

Due to its graphic nature, there has been some controversy about the Netflix adaptation. According to the Associated Press, the finale of the first season included a graphic suicide scene, which was eventually pulled. Brian Yorkley, the creator of the show, said that he wanted to “make sure no one would ever wish to emulate it.”

Netflix as a company has had an effect on how people consume their media. Professor John Kofron thinks that the effect is a positive one.

“It’s forcing competition between the networks, which is generating a lot of great programming on Netflix and competing networks,” said Kofron.

Netflix’s newest original show, “The Politician” (which stars Ben Platt, Zoey Deutch, and Gywneth Paltrow), was released on Sept. 27.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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