Here are a few shows to look out for while you’re on netflix

Netflix might be new to many but the streaming service made its way to South African shores in January 2016. It may have taken a while but South African audiences have definitely caught onto the hype. Now that everyone has hopped on, here are some shows you HAVE to watch:

5. THE CROWN

If you’re into that posh British royalty life then this series is for you. Set in the 1940s, the hour-long series covers the life of Queen Elizabeth II in her younger years. Following the death of her father, as she took reign as a 25-year-old, it is no secret that many are obsessed with the Royals since any move they make involves some form of uproar.

Watch how they manage to prevent any scandal and international pressures as you bask in the retro fashion and glittery crown.

There is beauty in every scene, from the people to the costumes. With the role of Queen Elizabeth II played by Claire Foy, her stellar performance makes each episode feel like you too reside in the royal palace. Also a plus, the show does not hide the kind of complexities it takes to maintain a legacy.

4. SHADOW

Set in Johannesburg, a former top cop’s young daughter is brutally murdered. Shadrach Khumalo played by Pallance Dladla takes it upon himself to find justice not only for his daughter but for others as well. His partner Max helps him navigate the criminal underworld as it is not for the weak and its rare conditions are out there for all to see. The cast members make this role look effortless. Sure, Shadow isn’t Fast and the Furious but you can expect thrilling action scenes.

Besides it being a South African series, this action is so thrilling, you’ll want to be the one jumping off tall buildings. There is a level of optimism with the show as well, with each ending, striving to uplift. Despite criticism about Amanda Du Pont’s ever-changing accent during the show, Shadow paints a picture on the true state of South Africa. Always refreshing to watch, it shows that there is always more than meets the eye.

3. RUSSIAN DOLL

It’s your 36th birthday party and all you’d like to do is enjoy a party with your friends. This is not exactly the way how things turned out for Nadia, played by Natasha Lyonne. She is trapped at the same time, at the exact spot in front of a mirror, on her birthday and keeps reliving it.

This may be fun if your party was out of this world but each episode takes her on a different journey. This comedy-drama is packed with twists as she ventures out on a journey to find out what may be causing all of this to happen. As we look into love, life, death and friendships, Nadia tries to figure out why this happened. This is the kind of show that makes you cry as hard as you laugh. Nadia may die in different ways at the end of each night but she always wakes up to even more mystery.

2. UMBRELLA ACADEMY  

Recently brought back for a second season, Umbrella Academy has 76% on Rotten Tomatoes. Set in 1989, this series follows a dysfunctional superhero family. When a billionaire decides to adopt 7 out of 43 infants, born to various women who had no signs of being pregnant, he trains young children to save the world. It’s all rosy until the family unit is broken. Like most families, there is always a black sheep, that one person who falls off or goes their own way and the family may not agree with. One of the kids is exactly that, especially when they decide to write a tell-all book bringing the entire family to collapse. This series is filled with suspense, drama and action.

Disclaimer: It takes a bit of time for the show to get interesting but keep watching to get the hang of it. For those who always go on about how the book is better, Umbrella Academy is based on a graphic novel too.

1.  QUEER EYE

This series takes viewers on an emotional journey as The Fab 5 (made up of a food and wine specialist, interior designer, grooming consultant, fashion designer and a culture expert) go on a journey to change people’s lives. The Fab 5 step into a variety of people’s lives, mostly pairing them with individuals in need and listen to their personal heartwarming and emotional stories. Each expert helps builds them up with confidence. It goes deeper than just the improvement of appearances, it is holistic, exploring themes of self-love through various emotions.

There is a sense of fun, tear-filled moments and it is highly addictive. Its realness is definitely what makes people continue to watch. The show encourages positive energy. I would mention a downside but there really isn’t, it is an overall feel-good show well with worth the watch.