Netflix original series to watch this year

Stranger Things
Originally titled ‘Montauk’, this hour-long supernatural drama from Matt and Ross Duffer stars Winona Ryder as a working-class single mum whose son disappears under mysterious circumstances. In addition to giving Ryder what sounds like a meaty role, we can’t wait to see what kind of creepiness the Duffer brothers have in store for us after their spooky ‘Wayward Pines’.
Premieres July 15

The OA 
We’re excited for this show even though Netflix hasn’t released a single detail about its plot (though it’s believed to have some mystery elements). The reason? It’s the first television offering from Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, the team behind ‘The East’ and ‘The Sound of My Voice’. Whatever the series ends up being, it’s sure to be thought-provoking, original and more-than-a-little weird.

Lady Dynamite 
Sometimes, there is justice in the world. Brilliant comedian Maria Bamford finally gets her due with this new mockumentary that’s being compared to ‘Louie’. The first season will be released later this year, and includes similarly hilarious guest stars like Sarah Silverman, Jenny Slate, June Diane Raphael and Tig Notaro.

A Series of Unfortunate Events 
This hilariously dark children’s book series is practically begging for an adaptation, but all hope seemed lost after the bungled 2004 film. Luckily, Netflix has come to the rescue with this new television series, a format that seems more appropriate for the story anyways. The show may not have Meryl Streep, but as long as it doesn’t cast a hammy Jim Carrey it should be a step up from the last go-around.