Netflix is all about its original series at the moment -- hardly a week goes by where some permutation of the phrase “Netflix’s rich stable of original series” isn't weaved into an article -- but Netflix has a sprawling catalog of entertainment on tap, including some real gems from yesteryear. When one needs their next fix after watching Matt Murdock punch ninjas on the rooftops of Hell’s Kitchen or Frank Underwood weave a machination, look no further than these three classic, yet oft-overlooked, series.
“Firefly” (2002-2003)
The grand-daddy of cult classics, “Firefly” is an offbeat sci-fi western that is known as much for its glittering cast and dialogue as it is for its tragically short single-season run.
Joss Whedon’s characteristic cerebral writing elevates the premise above the episodic, poor man’s “Star Wars” it could have been, with a rag-tag crew of misfits adventuring aboard a charismatic clunker of a starship.Expect meditations on war, existing on the fringes of society and horrific government abuse.
The show's ensemble cast has been roundly praised time and time again since the show’s cancellation, but those praises bear repeating. Leading man Nathan Fillion is brooding and charming by turns, which brings tremendous depth to his much-beloved character: traumatized war veteran turned smuggler Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds. The rest of the cast’s performance is similarly multifaceted, with Summer Glau as super-powerful torture victim River Tam being a standout among standouts.
The time taken to get through the single season of "Firefly" is time well spent, if only so one can feel superior the next time “The Big Bang Theory” (2007-present), or another televised dumpster fire invokes “Firefly” to enhance its nerd cred.
“Freaks and Geeks” (1999-2000)
Before he started churning out so-so romantic comedies (including the series “Love” (2016), which the Daily reviewed back in March), Judd Apatow served as executive producer on the sole season of “Freaks and Geeks,” a heart-breakingly poignant look at the timeless pain of growing up, as seen through the eyes of a collection of early '80s suburban teens.
There aren’t many shows that can inspire so heartfelt a think piece as Nick Hilbourn’s musing on Bill Haverchuck for HeadStuff.org or be so acclaimed as having the “Greatest Scene in Television History” or to have launched so many careers: Martin Starr plays shaggy-haired Satanist Bertram Gilfoyle on HBO’s “Silicon Valley”(2014-present), and Seth Rogan, Jason Segel and James Franco are all household names. Come for the gangly, younger versions of celebrities, stay for the ache of adolescence.
“House of Cards” (1990)
Before Kevin Spacey came to embody Machiavellian efficacy as Frank Underwood in Netflix’s smash-hit original series “House of Cards” (2013 - present), the BBC adapted Conservative politician Michael Dobbs' novel into the 1990, four episode mini-series “House of Cards.”
Set in the aftermath of Margret Thatcher’s resignation, “House of Cards” follows Chief Conservative Whip Francis Urquhart (Ian Richardson) as he attempts to scheme his way into 10 Downing Street.
Overflowing with a kind of smarmy, emotionally repressed and public schoolboy Englishness, “House of Cards” is an unflattering look at the unsavory characters that populate the upper echelons of British politics. The show’s production values are a touch dated, but the Shakespearean overtones and excellent acting keep the original rendition of “House of Cards” tense and worth watching. Ian Richardson does a better job of breaking the fourth wall than Kevin Spacey is ever likely to.
Each of these three shows will last through a weekend of dedicated binging or could be stretched across a handful of evenings by more restrained watchers. However one chooses to view them, all three are a welcome change of pace from the shows that dominate Netflix’s offerings.
The Gold in Netflix’s back catalog: three timeless shows for your next binge
