Top 10 Streaming Platforms and Their Best Original Series

The landscape of television and film entertainment has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Streaming platforms have revolutionized how we consume media, offering unprecedented access to a vast array of content at our fingertips.

These digital services have not only changed viewing habits but have also become major players in content creation, producing some of the most talked-about and critically acclaimed shows of our time.

This article delves into the top 10 streaming platforms, exploring what makes each unique and highlighting their standout original series.

Whether you’re a casual viewer or a dedicated binge-watcher, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the ever-expanding world of streaming entertainment.

The 10 Best Streaming Platforms and Their Best Original Series

Here are the most popular streaming platforms where you can watch the best series:.

1. Netflix

Netflix stands as the undisputed titan of the streaming world. Founded in 1997 as a DVD-by-mail rental service, Netflix pivoted to streaming in 2007, a move that would reshape the entire entertainment industry.

Today, with over 230 million subscribers across more than 190 countries, Netflix has become a global cultural phenomenon.

What sets Netflix apart is not just its vast library of licensed content but also its aggressive push into original programming. The company invests billions of dollars annually in producing new shows and movies, spanning every genre imaginable.

This strategy has paid off, with Netflix originals frequently dominating cultural conversations and awards ceremonies.

Netflix’s Best Original Series: “Stranger Things”

Since its debut in 2016, the Duffer Brothers’ “Stranger Things” series has grown to be Netflix’s top offering. Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, during the 1980s, the show follows a group of young friends who become embroiled in supernatural mysteries.

The impact of “Stranger Things” extends beyond viewership numbers. It has spawned a massive merchandising empire, influenced fashion trends, and even boosted sales of Eggo waffles due to a character’s fondness for them.

The show’s ability to create a shared cultural experience in an era of fragmented media consumption is a testament to its widespread appeal.

Other notable Netflix originals:

1. “The Crown”: This lavish historical drama chronicles the lives of Queen Elizabeth II and the British royal family. Known for its meticulous attention to detail and stellar performances, “The Crown” has won numerous awards and sparked renewed interest in royal history.
2. “Black Mirror”: This sci-fi anthology series explores the dark and sometimes unintended consequences of technology in modern society. Each episode presents a unique story, often with a twist ending that leaves viewers pondering long after the credits roll.
3. “Orange Is the New Black”: Based on Piper Kerman’s memoir, this dramedy set in a women’s prison was one of Netflix’s first big hits. The show was praised for its diverse cast and exploration of complex social issues.

2. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video, launched in 2006 as Amazon Unbox, has grown to become a major player in the streaming world. As part of Amazon’s Prime subscription service, it offers a unique value proposition, bundling streaming content with other benefits like free shipping and music streaming.

Prime Video distinguishes itself through its integration with Amazon’s vast e-commerce ecosystem. Subscribers can easily rent or purchase movies and shows not included in the Prime library, and the platform offers add-on subscriptions to other channels like HBO and Showtime. This creates a one-stop-shop for entertainment needs.

Best Original Series: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” a series that Amy Sherman-Palladino created, debuted in 2017 and quickly rose to prominence on Amazon. Set in late 1950s and early 1960s New York City, the show follows Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a housewife who discovers her talent for stand-up comedy.

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” has won numerous awards, including multiple Emmys and Golden Globes. Its success demonstrates Amazon’s ability to produce prestige television that appeals to critics and audiences alike.

Other notable Amazon Prime Video originals:

1. “The Boys”: This darkly comedic superhero series offers a subversive take on the genre, exploring what might happen if superheroes abused their powers.
2. “Fleabag”: Created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, this comedy-drama broke the fourth wall and won critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of a woman navigating modern life in London.
3. “The Man in the High Castle”: Based on Philip K. Dick’s novel, this alternate history drama imagines a world where the Axis powers won World War II.

3. Disney+

Launched in November 2019, Disney+ quickly established itself as a major force in the streaming landscape. Backed by the immense library of The Walt Disney Company, including properties from Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, Disney+ offers a unique blend of beloved classics and new original content.

Disney+ stands out for its family-friendly focus and its ownership of some of the most popular franchises in entertainment.

The platform has also become known for its Premier Access feature, which allows subscribers to watch certain new Disney films at home the same day they’re released in theaters, for an additional fee.

Best Original Series: “The Mandalorian”

The first live-action Star Wars series was “The Mandalorian,” which Jon Favreau created. Set five years after the events of “Return of the Jedi,” it follows a lone Mandalorian bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy.

The Mandalorian” not only became an instant hit but also played a crucial role in driving subscriptions to Disney+. Its success paved the way for numerous other Star Wars series on the platform.

Other notable Disney+ originals:

1. “WandaVision”: This miniseries marked the beginning of Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on television, blending the style of classic sitcoms with the Marvel superhero world.
2. “The World According to Jeff Goldblum”: This documentary series follows actor Jeff Goldblum as he explores the science, history, and people behind everyday objects and ideas.
3. “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”: This meta-take on the popular Disney Channel movies follows a group of high school students as they stage a production of “High School Musical.

4. Hulu

Hulu, launched in 2007, has evolved from a joint venture between several major media companies to become a key player in the streaming wars. Hulu, which is now a majority-owned subsidiary of Disney, attracts many cord-cutters with its distinctive combination of on-demand content and live TV options.

What sets Hulu apart is its next-day availability of many current network TV shows, a feature that keeps viewers up-to-date with their favorite series without needing a cable subscription.

Hulu also offers a Live TV plan, which includes access to dozens of live channels alongside its on-demand library.

Best Original Series: “The Handmaid’s Tale”

Based on Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale” premiered in 2017 and quickly became Hulu’s flagship series. Set in a dystopian future where a totalitarian society subjects fertile women to child-bearing slavery, the show has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards.

The Handmaid’s Tale” has won numerous Emmy and Golden Globe awards, including becoming the first series on a streaming platform to win the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. Its success helped establish Hulu as a destination for prestige television.

Other notable Hulu originals:

1. “The Great”: This historical comedy-drama offers a satirical, anachronistic take on the rise of Catherine the Great, empress of Russia.
2. “Only Murders in the Building”: Starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, this comedy-mystery follows three true-crime podcast enthusiasts who find themselves caught up in a real murder mystery.
3. “The Act”: Based on true events, this crime drama miniseries explores the shocking story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard.

5. HBO Max

HBO Max, launched in May 2020, is WarnerMedia’s entry into the streaming wars. Building on the prestigious HBO brand, HBO Max offers a vast library that includes content from HBO, Warner Bros., DC, Cartoon Network, and more.

The platform has quickly become known for its high-quality content and big-budget productions.

What sets HBO Max apart is its combination of HBO’s award-winning series, a large catalog of beloved shows and movies, and new Max Originals. The platform has also made waves with its decision to release Warner Bros.’s entire 2021 film slate simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max.

Best Original Series: “Succession”

While technically an HBO series rather than an HBO Max original, “Succession” has become one of the most talked-about shows on the platform. The Jesse Armstrong-created drama follows the dysfunctional Roy family, owners of a vast media empire, as they struggle for control of the business.

“Succession” has won numerous awards, including Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series. Its popularity has grown with each season, cementing its place as one of HBO’s most successful current series.

Other notable HBO Max originals:

1. “The Flight Attendant”: This comedy-thriller starring Kaley Cuoco follows a flight attendant who wakes up in a hotel room with a dead man and no memory of what happened.
2. “Hacks”: This comedy-drama explores the dark mentorship that forms between a legendary Las Vegas comedian and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.
3. “Station Eleven”: Based on Emily St. John Mandel’s novel, this post-apocalyptic drama follows survivors of a devastating flu as they attempt to rebuild and reimagine the world.

6. Apple TV+

Apple TV+, launched in November 2019, represents Apple’s ambitious foray into original content production. Unlike many of its competitors, Apple TV+ focuses entirely on original programming without a back catalog of licensed content.

This approach allows Apple to curate a library of high-quality, star-studded productions.

What sets Apple TV+ apart is its emphasis on quality over quantity. With a smaller library than some competitors, Apple focuses on delivering premium content across various genres.

The service is also deeply integrated with Apple’s ecosystem, coming pre-installed on Apple devices and offering seamless playback across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.

Best Original Series: “Ted Lasso”

“Ted Lasso,” developed by Bill Lawrence, Jason Sudeikis, Joe Kelly, and Brendan Hunt, has become Apple TV+’s breakout hit. The comedy series follows an American football coach who is hired to manage an English soccer team, despite having no experience with the sport.

“Ted Lasso” has won numerous awards, including Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor for Jason Sudeikis. Its success has been crucial in establishing Apple TV+ as a serious contender in the streaming wars.

Other notable Apple TV+ originals:

1. “The Morning Show”: This drama series, starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, explores the cutthroat world of morning television.
2. “For All Mankind”: This alternate history series imagines a world where the global space race never ended.
3. “Severance”: Directed by Ben Stiller, this sci-fi thriller follows employees of a company that uses a medical procedure to separate their work and personal memories.

7. Peacock

In July 2020, NBCUniversal introduced Peacock, which took a distinctive approach to the streaming market. Offering both free and premium tiers, Peacock provides access to a wide range of content from NBCUniversal’s vast library, including current NBC shows, classic series, and original programming.

What sets Peacock apart is its tiered pricing model, which includes a free, ad-supported option. This strategy allows the platform to reach a broad audience while also offering premium features for paying subscribers.

Peacock is also notable for its live sports offerings, including Premier League soccer and Olympics coverage.

Best Original Series: “Poker Face”

Natasha Lyonne stars in Rian Johnson’s “Poker Face,” a mystery-of-the-week program. The show follows Charlie Cale, a casino worker with an extraordinary ability to tell when someone is lying, as she solves crimes across the country.

“Poker Face” has received critical acclaim for its fresh take on the detective genre and Lyonne’s performance. Its success demonstrates Peacock’s ability to produce high-quality original content that can compete with more established streaming services.

Other notable Peacock originals:

1. “Bel-Air”: This dramatic reimagining of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” offers a contemporary take on the classic sitcom.
2. “Girls5eva”: This musical comedy follows a one-hit wonder girl group from the 90s as they attempt a comeback.
3. “Rutherford Falls”: Co-created by Ed Helms, this comedy explores the relationship between a small town and the Native American reservation it borders.

8. Paramount+

Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) rebranded and relaunched in March 2021 as Viacom’s flagship streaming service. It offers a vast library of content from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, and more, alongside original programming and live sports.

What sets Paramount+ apart is its diverse content offering, which spans news, sports, and entertainment. The platform is home to live NFL games, UEFA Champions League matches, and 24/7 news coverage from CBS News.

This variety makes Paramount+ an attractive option for viewers seeking a comprehensive streaming package.

Best Original Series: “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” created by Akiva Goldsman, Alex Kurtzman, and Jenny Lumet, is a prequel to the original “Star Trek” series.

Set in the years before Captain Kirk’s five-year mission, it follows Captain Christopher Pike and the crew of the USS Enterprise as they explore new worlds across the galaxy.

“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” has been praised for its optimistic tone and return to the spirit of exploration that defined the original series. Its success has helped solidify Paramount+ as a go-to destination for science fiction fans.

Other notable Paramount+ originals:

1. “The Good Fight”: This spin-off of “The Good Wife” continues to tackle timely legal and political issues with sharp writing and strong performances.
2. “Mayor of Kingstown”: Created by Taylor Sheridan, this crime drama explores power dynamics in a small Michigan town where the prison system drives the local economy.
3. “iCarly”: This revival of the popular Nickelodeon sitcom brings back most of the original cast for a more mature take on the characters’ lives as adults.

9. Discovery+

Launched in January 2021, Discovery+ is a streaming service focused on non-fiction programming. It brings together content from Discovery’s family of networks, including Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, OWN, Travel Channel, and Animal Planet.

What sets Discovery+ apart is its vast library of reality TV, documentaries, and lifestyle programming. With over 55,000 episodes from more than 2,500 shows, Discovery+ offers a unique value proposition for fans of non-fiction content.

Best Original Series: “Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines”

Joanna Gaines, a well-known designer and television personality, hosts the cooking show “Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines.” Each episode features Joanna sharing her favorite recipes and the stories behind them, all filmed in her home kitchen in Waco, Texas.

Magnolia Table” has become one of Discovery+’s most popular original series, leveraging the existing fanbase of Joanna Gaines and the Magnolia brand. Its success demonstrates the platform’s ability to create lifestyle content that resonates with its target audience.

Other notable Discovery+ originals:

1. “90 Day: The Single Life”: This spin-off of the popular “90 Day Fiancé” franchise follows former cast members as they navigate the dating world.
2. “Mysterious Planet”: Narrated by David Schwimmer, this nature documentary series explores some of the most unusual places on Earth.
3. “House Hunters: Comedians on Couches Unfiltered”: This show features comedians providing hilarious commentary on episodes of the long-running “House Hunters” series.

10. Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll, founded in 2006 and acquired by Sony in 2020, is a streaming service dedicated to anime and manga. It offers a vast library of Japanese animation, including simulcasts of new episodes shortly after they air in Japan, making it the go-to platform for anime fans worldwide.

What sets Crunchyroll apart is its focus on anime content and its role in legally bringing Japanese animation to a global audience. The platform has also expanded into producing original anime series, further cementing its position in the anime industry.

Best Original Series: “Tower of God”

“Tower of God” is an action-fantasy anime based on a popular Korean webtoon by SIU. The series follows a boy named Bam as he enters a mysterious tower in search of his friend Rachel, facing numerous challenges and battles as he climbs the tower’s floors.

“Tower of God” marked Crunchyroll’s entry into producing its own original anime series. Its success demonstrated the platform’s ability to identify and adapt popular source material, as well as its potential to become a major player in anime production.

Other notable Crunchyroll originals:

1. “The God of High School”: Based on another Korean webtoon, this martial arts series follows high school students competing in a tournament where the winner’s wish will be granted.
2. “Onyx Equinox”: This original anime-inspired series draws from Mesoamerican mythology to tell an epic story of humanity’s survival.
3. “High Guardian Spice”: This Western-produced animated series follows four girls training to become guardians and protectors of the world.

Conclusion

Each platform we’ve explored brings something unique to the table, whether it’s Netflix’s vast library and groundbreaking originals, Disney+’s beloved franchises, or Crunchyroll’s anime focus.

As the “streaming wars” continue, competition between platforms is likely to intensify. This competition can benefit viewers, driving platforms to produce better content and improve their services.

However, it also presents challenges, as the fragmentation of content across multiple services can make it difficult and potentially expensive for viewers to access all the shows they want to watch.

Whether you’re a fan of epic dramas, quirky comedies, thought-provoking documentaries, or anime adventures, there’s a streaming platform and an original series waiting for you to discover. Happy streaming!