Netflix originals and licensed series in 2017 reshaped how audiences discovered prestige television. The year brought binge-ready narratives and diverse genres that defined modern streaming habits.
Below is a curated overview of Netflix best shows 2017, highlighting standout series, key genres, and what made this year significant for streaming.
| Show | Genre | Premiere Date | Seasons in 2017 | Key Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stranger Things 2 | Sci-fi horror | October 27 | 1 | 80s nostalgia, ensemble cast |
| The Crown Season 2 | Historical drama | December 8 | 1 | Royal intrigue, period detail |
| Sense8 Season 2 | Sci-fi drama | June 9 | 1 | Global cast, immersive mythology |
| 13 Reasons Why | Teen drama | March 31 | 1 | Serialized mystery, social issues |
| Ozark Season 1 | Crime thriller | July 21 | 1 | Moral complexity, tight plotting |
Key Genres and Trends in Netflix Best Shows 2017
Science Fiction and Fantasy Dominance
Genre franchises like Stranger Things 2 and Sense8 Season 2 attracted viewers seeking immersive worlds. High-concept premises and cinematic visuals defined this trend.
Gritty Crime and Moral Drama
Ozark launched as a standout crime series, blending family drama with cartel tension. Its grounded stakes contrasted with more fantastical offerings.
Serialized Teen Storytelling
13 Reasons Why tapped into intense YA source material, driving conversation around mental health and teen agency. Its cliffhanger finale fueled rapid binge behavior.
Global Reach and International Originals
Non-English Language Hits
While the major 2017 releases were English-led, Netflix continued investing in international originals, broadening its global viewership and content diversity.
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
Accolades and Audience Reception
Several Netflix best shows 2017 earned award nominations and strong viewer ratings, validating streaming as a platform for premium storytelling. Marketing campaigns emphasized urgency and exclusivity.
Moving Forward from Netflix Best Shows 2017
- Note genre patterns that sustained audience engagement across the year.
- Track how international investment expanded content variety beyond English originals.
- Observe the balance between serialized narratives and event-format releases.
- Use this year as a benchmark for streaming quality and production scale.
- Consider how viewer expectations set in 2017 influenced later series development.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which Netflix original show had the strongest launch in 2017?
13 Reasons Why dominated attention in early 2017, with social media buzz and high completion rates driving its cultural footprint.
Did any long-running series conclude in 2017 on Netflix?
Most major Netflix originals continued past 2017, though some limited series wrapped their runs, contributing to a sense of event viewing.
How did 2017 Netflix releases compare to traditional TV ratings?
Streaming metrics emphasized completion rates and weekend peaks, offering a different benchmark than weekly linear TV measurements.
Were there notable documentaries or unscripted hits in 2017?
Documentary offerings gained visibility, with true crime and music features complementing scripted hits and broadening platform appeal.