8+ Best TV Shows on Netflix 2017: Must-See Binge!


8+ Best TV Shows on Netflix 2017: Must-See Binge!

The focus is on television series accessible through the Netflix streaming platform during the calendar year 2017. This encompasses original productions commissioned by Netflix, as well as licensed content acquired from other studios and networks, available to subscribers within that timeframe. Examples include inaugural seasons of shows that premiered in 2017 and continuing seasons of established series.

The availability of diverse entertainment options via streaming services in 2017 represented a significant shift in television consumption. It allowed for on-demand viewing, a departure from traditional scheduled broadcasts, impacting viewership habits and the overall entertainment industry. Examining the content available during this specific period provides insight into the strategic direction of Netflix at that time and the evolving preferences of its user base.

Analysis will encompass prominent original series released, the licensed content that contributed to the platform’s appeal, and the impact these offerings had on subscriber growth and engagement. Specific genres and notable titles will be considered to illustrate the breadth and depth of entertainment options available.

1. Original programming

Original programming constituted a core element of the content strategy for the streaming platform during the specified year. These productions, commissioned and owned by the platform, served as a key differentiator in a competitive market and a means of attracting and retaining subscribers.

  • Content Differentiation

    Original programming provided unique content not available on other platforms, attracting viewers seeking exclusive entertainment. Series produced during this period helped establish a distinct brand identity, moving beyond simply hosting licensed shows.

  • Creative Control

    Commissioning original series provided greater creative control over content, allowing the platform to target specific demographics and cater to evolving viewer preferences. It allowed for experimentation with different genres and formats, potentially leading to groundbreaking shows.

  • Long-Term Asset

    Original programming constitutes a valuable long-term asset for the platform. Ownership allows for perpetual streaming rights, reducing reliance on renegotiating licensing agreements and providing a stable content library. Successful series can also lead to spin-offs and franchise development.

  • Global Reach

    Original series often targeted global audiences, featuring international cast and settings, subtitled and dubbed into multiple languages. This strategy expanded the platform’s subscriber base beyond domestic markets, contributing to its international growth.

The commitment to original programming in this period reflects the platform’s shift towards becoming a major content producer and distributor. The investment in creating and owning its content library was a calculated strategy to establish a competitive advantage and secure its long-term viability within the entertainment industry.

2. Licensed content

During the period under examination, licensed content constituted a significant portion of the platform’s available television series. This category encompasses programming acquired from external studios and networks, providing a diverse array of options for subscribers and supplementing the platform’s original productions.

  • Catalog Breadth

    Licensed content significantly expanded the platform’s catalog, offering a broader range of genres and established series to attract a diverse audience. This included popular network shows, classic television, and films, catering to varying tastes and preferences. For example, acquisition of shows like “Friends” (though availability periods have varied) significantly boosted viewership during periods of availability.

  • Audience Acquisition

    The availability of familiar and widely-recognized television series through licensing agreements proved instrumental in attracting new subscribers. The appeal of established brands and popular shows served as a strong incentive for individuals to subscribe to the platform, complementing the draw of original programming. This content created an easier transition for viewers moving from traditional television to streaming services.

  • Content Stability

    Licensed content, particularly long-running series, provided a stable and reliable viewing option for subscribers. The consistent availability of these shows contributed to subscriber retention by offering familiar and comforting entertainment options, reducing churn and reinforcing the value proposition of the subscription service.

  • Strategic Fill

    Licensing agreements strategically filled gaps in the platform’s original programming, providing content in genres where the platform had limited original offerings. This ensured a more well-rounded catalog and catered to a wider range of viewer interests, maximizing the appeal of the platform to a broader demographic.

The incorporation of licensed television series into the streaming platform’s catalog during this period demonstrates a strategic approach to content acquisition, balancing the draw of original programming with the reliable appeal of established brands. This balance contributed significantly to the platform’s growth and success during that timeframe by offering a diverse and compelling entertainment library.

3. Genre diversity

The breadth of genre representation within the platform’s offerings during the year under scrutiny is a critical indicator of its content strategy and its appeal to a wide subscriber base. The diversification of genres ensures audience engagement and retention, catering to varied tastes and preferences. This influences subscription numbers and the overall perceived value of the platform.

  • Dramatic Series

    Dramas constituted a significant portion of the available content, ranging from crime thrillers and legal dramas to family-oriented series and historical narratives. The platform’s investment in dramas served to attract viewers seeking compelling storytelling and complex character development. Examples include series that saw new season releases in the year. These series provided long-form narrative arcs that encouraged sustained engagement and critical acclaim.

  • Comedy Programming

    Comedies provided lighthearted entertainment and contributed to the overall appeal of the platform. Sitcoms, stand-up specials, and dramedies catered to viewers seeking escapism and laughter. The availability of diverse comedic styles ensured that a broad audience could find content aligned with their humor preferences. The platform’s commitment to comedy reflected an understanding of the importance of providing accessible and entertaining content alongside more serious offerings.

  • Science Fiction and Fantasy

    Science fiction and fantasy programming garnered considerable attention and contributed significantly to the platform’s subscriber growth. Series in these genres often attracted dedicated fan bases and generated substantial online discussion and engagement. The investment in high-quality science fiction and fantasy demonstrated a willingness to cater to niche audiences and explore innovative storytelling formats, exemplified by successful original series.

  • Documentary and Non-Fiction

    Documentaries and non-fiction programming offered viewers informative and educational content, catering to those seeking factual entertainment. True crime documentaries, investigative journalism series, and nature documentaries expanded the platform’s appeal beyond purely fictional narratives. This content contributed to the perception of the platform as a source of diverse and intellectually stimulating programming, attracting viewers interested in a broader range of content.

The conscious effort to cultivate genre diversity reflects a comprehensive content strategy designed to maximize audience reach and ensure long-term subscriber loyalty. The blending of original productions with acquired content across various genres contributed significantly to the platform’s success and solidified its position as a leading entertainment provider.

4. Critical reception

Critical reception served as a crucial barometer of success for television series on the platform during the year. Reviews and commentary from professional critics influenced public perception, impacting viewership numbers and the overall brand image of the platform. Positive critical acclaim frequently translated to increased subscriber acquisition and retention, whereas negative or lukewarm responses could hinder a show’s performance and potentially lead to its cancellation or diminished promotion. For example, the highly positive reception of the second season of “Stranger Things” solidified its position as a flagship series and fueled subscriber growth. Conversely, series that received negative reviews often struggled to gain traction, regardless of marketing efforts.

The platform actively utilized critical reception in its marketing strategies. Positive reviews were prominently featured in trailers, advertisements, and on the platform’s interface to highlight the quality and appeal of its content. Awards nominations and wins, directly resulting from critical acclaim, further enhanced the perceived value of the platform’s offerings and reinforced its position as a producer of high-quality television. However, the platform also faced challenges in navigating the influence of critical reception, particularly when dealing with divisive series that appealed strongly to specific audiences but received mixed reviews from critics.

In summary, critical reception was integral to the success and perception of television series available on the platform during this period. It functioned as a key driver of viewership, subscriber growth, and brand image. Understanding the nuanced interplay between critical assessment and audience response remains a critical consideration for content strategy and platform performance. Series that defied critical predictions, either by exceeding or falling short of expectations, highlight the complex factors at play in determining a show’s overall success.

5. Subscriber growth

The availability of television series through the streaming platform in 2017 directly correlates with subscriber growth. Content serves as the primary driver for attracting and retaining individuals, and the specific composition of available programming during that year influenced the platform’s ability to expand its user base. The success of original productions, coupled with the acquisition of popular licensed content, played a pivotal role in the increase in subscription numbers. The platform’s strategy of investing in exclusive shows and securing rights to established series directly fueled its expansion during that period. For example, the release of new seasons of successful original series such as “Stranger Things” and “Orange is the New Black” created significant spikes in new subscriptions.

Analyzing subscription data alongside content release schedules from 2017 reveals a demonstrable connection. Months with major original series premieres or the addition of highly sought-after licensed content experienced above-average subscriber growth. This indicates that viewers actively chose to subscribe based on the specific shows offered. Further, subscriber retention was also influenced by content availability. A consistent stream of new and engaging television series discouraged cancellations, maintaining a steady subscriber base. The platform’s ability to anticipate and cater to viewer preferences, as evidenced by its content decisions during 2017, directly contributed to sustained growth throughout the year. Licensing deals that brought in popular and critically acclaimed content, like the Marvel series, also contributed substantially.

In conclusion, the array of television series accessible on the streaming platform in 2017 served as a fundamental catalyst for subscriber growth. The strategic blend of original productions and licensed acquisitions, aligned with viewer demand, proved essential in attracting new users and retaining existing ones. The interplay between content offerings and subscription trends underscores the platform’s strategic reliance on television series to achieve its growth objectives. Misjudging the audience tastes or not giving sufficient content to audience also has a direct impact, leading to lower audience engagement and eventually drop in subscriptions.

6. Cultural impact

The television series made available on the streaming platform in 2017 exerted a demonstrably significant cultural impact, influencing trends, conversations, and social discourse. This influence stemmed from the accessibility of content, the diversity of narratives presented, and the global reach of the platform itself. Shows that resonated with audiences during this period transcended mere entertainment, shaping perceptions and prompting widespread discussion on various social and political issues. The popularity and pervasiveness of specific series contributed to the formation of shared cultural touchstones. For instance, the second season of “Stranger Things” spurred a revival of 1980s nostalgia and significantly impacted fashion and music trends. Its success also led to discussions around themes of friendship, adolescence, and overcoming adversity. Similarly, series addressing complex societal issues, such as identity, inequality, and mental health, fostered important dialogues and contributed to increased awareness.

The platform’s global reach amplified this cultural impact, enabling television shows to connect with audiences across diverse geographical locations and cultural backgrounds. Subtitles and dubbing facilitated the consumption of content in multiple languages, expanding the potential reach of these narratives. The result was a globalized viewing experience, where audiences from different countries could engage with the same storylines and characters, fostering a sense of shared cultural experience. This global phenomenon led to the creation of international fan communities and the cross-cultural exchange of ideas and perspectives. Examples of this global impact include the international appeal of series like “La Casa de Papel” (Money Heist), which, although released later, demonstrates the potential for the platform’s content to generate widespread cultural resonance beyond its country of origin, a trend that was taking shape in 2017. The show became a global phenomenon, influencing fashion, music, and even political activism. The critical acclaim and audience embrace of several original shows during this year created a cultural shift. These shows provided a novel form of storytelling and had a lasting impression on society.

In summary, the television series available on the streaming platform in 2017 significantly influenced cultural trends, discourse, and awareness. The platform’s commitment to diverse narratives and its global reach amplified this impact, creating shared cultural experiences and fostering discussions on important social and political issues. While quantifying the precise impact remains a challenge, the widespread conversations and cultural trends sparked by these shows underscore their significance. The content not only reflected society but also actively contributed to shaping it, highlighting the platform’s role as a powerful force in the contemporary cultural landscape.

7. Global reach

The global reach of the streaming platform significantly influenced the selection and distribution of television series in 2017. Content acquisition and production decisions were strategically aligned with the objective of appealing to a diverse international audience, thereby maximizing subscriber growth and revenue generation across multiple regions.

  • Content Localization

    The platform invested heavily in content localization, including subtitling and dubbing television series into numerous languages. This facilitated accessibility for viewers across different linguistic regions, breaking down language barriers and fostering a broader audience engagement. For instance, the availability of “Narcos” with multilingual support expanded its viewership in Latin America and Europe.

  • Regional Content Production

    The platform also commissioned original television series in various countries, reflecting local cultures and languages. This strategy aimed to cater to specific regional preferences and attract viewers seeking culturally relevant content. The success of series such as “Dark” (Germany) demonstrates the effectiveness of producing region-specific television series for global distribution.

  • Licensing Agreements

    Global licensing agreements played a crucial role in securing the rights to distribute existing television series in multiple territories. These agreements expanded the platform’s content library and provided subscribers with access to a wider range of programming from different countries. The inclusion of popular British television series, for example, broadened the platform’s appeal to Anglophone audiences worldwide.

  • Cultural Sensitivity

    The platform exercised caution in selecting and distributing television series to avoid cultural insensitivity or offense in certain regions. Content was often reviewed and adapted to align with local customs and values, ensuring responsible and respectful representation. The handling of potentially controversial content, like depictions of religious or political issues, required careful consideration to maintain positive relationships with international audiences.

The convergence of content localization, regional production, strategic licensing, and cultural awareness initiatives highlights the platform’s deliberate approach to leveraging its global reach in 2017. The impact of these strategies is evident in the platform’s international subscriber growth and the increasing popularity of its television series across diverse cultural landscapes.

8. Viewing trends

The analysis of viewing trends within the streaming platform’s user base during 2017 offers essential insights into the success, impact, and evolution of its available television series. These trends reveal shifts in viewer preferences, the consumption patterns of different demographics, and the overall effectiveness of the platform’s content strategy.

  • Binge-Watching Adoption

    The practice of binge-watching, consuming multiple episodes of a television series in rapid succession, became firmly established as a dominant viewing behavior during this period. This trend was facilitated by the platform’s on-demand accessibility and the release of entire seasons simultaneously. Original series designed to encourage binge-watching, with cliffhangers and interconnected storylines, saw increased engagement and completion rates. The accessibility of entire seasons influenced how shows were written, encouraging continuous storylines over episodic ones.

  • Genre-Specific Popularity

    Certain genres experienced surges in popularity during 2017, reflecting broader cultural trends and audience preferences. For example, true crime documentaries gained significant traction, driven by series like “Making a Murderer” (though originally released prior to 2017, its continued popularity influenced the genre). Similarly, science fiction and fantasy television shows continued their upward trajectory, attracting dedicated fan bases and generating substantial online discussion. These genre trends guided content acquisition and production decisions, shaping the platform’s content library.

  • Mobile Viewing Growth

    The increasing prevalence of mobile devices and improved mobile internet connectivity contributed to a rise in mobile viewing. Subscribers were increasingly consuming television series on smartphones and tablets, prompting the platform to optimize its interface and streaming quality for mobile devices. This trend had implications for content design, as creators began to consider the viewing experience on smaller screens, emphasizing visual clarity and audio quality. The mobile adoption was a shift in the industry landscape.

  • Cross-Device Consumption

    Viewing habits during the specified timeframe reveal a pattern of cross-device consumption, where users began watching content on one device and seamlessly transitioning to another. This behavior was enabled by the platform’s account synchronization capabilities, allowing viewers to pick up where they left off across various devices. The trend reflects the evolving expectations of viewers, demanding flexibility and convenience in their viewing experience. This cross-device functionality has improved viewer retention and made the watching seamless.

These viewing trends, observed during 2017, highlight the evolving relationship between viewers and television content on the streaming platform. The adoption of binge-watching, the rise of specific genres, the growth of mobile viewing, and the prevalence of cross-device consumption collectively shaped the platform’s content strategy and influenced the production and distribution of television series. By understanding these trends, the platform was able to effectively cater to its audience and solidify its position as a leading entertainment provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following addresses common inquiries regarding television shows accessible via a particular streaming service during the calendar year 2017. The information provided aims to clarify aspects related to content availability, platform strategies, and industry trends of that period.

Question 1: What specific factors determined which television series were available on the platform in 2017?

Availability was governed by a combination of original productions commissioned by the platform, licensing agreements with external studios and networks, and regional distribution rights. Content decisions were often driven by data analysis of viewer preferences and strategic objectives to attract and retain subscribers.

Question 2: How did the platform’s original programming contribute to its growth in 2017?

Original series served as a key differentiator, providing exclusive content unavailable elsewhere. Successful original productions significantly boosted subscriber acquisition, enhanced brand recognition, and solidified the platform’s position as a content creator.

Question 3: What role did licensed content play in the platform’s content strategy during that year?

Licensed content provided a broader catalog, attracting a more diverse audience with established television series and familiar brands. It supplemented original programming, ensuring a well-rounded entertainment library and contributing to subscriber retention.

Question 4: How did the platform address regional variations in content preferences in 2017?

The platform employed content localization strategies, including subtitling and dubbing, to cater to different linguistic regions. Additionally, it commissioned original series in various countries, reflecting local cultures and appealing to regional tastes.

Question 5: How did viewing trends, such as binge-watching, influence content production during this period?

The rise of binge-watching encouraged the production of television series with continuous storylines and cliffhangers, designed to encourage sustained engagement. The simultaneous release of entire seasons facilitated and reinforced this viewing behavior.

Question 6: What was the overall cultural impact of television series available on the platform in 2017?

Television series available on the platform exerted a notable cultural influence, shaping trends, sparking conversations, and fostering social discourse. The platform’s global reach amplified this impact, contributing to shared cultural experiences and promoting cross-cultural exchange.

The aforementioned points offer a comprehensive overview of the prominent considerations surrounding the television series landscape on the streaming platform during the specified year.

Analysis will now transition toward considering the lasting legacy of that year’s programming choices and their effect on subsequent platform strategies.

Guidance on Content Exploration

This section presents instructive points derived from examining television series availability on a particular streaming service during a given year. These guidelines inform content consumption and critical analysis.

Tip 1: Analyze the Balance Between Original and Licensed Content:

Evaluate the proportion of original series versus licensed content. Original programming signifies the platform’s investment in unique content, while licensed content often provides familiar titles and genre diversity. Consider how this balance shaped the viewing experience.

Tip 2: Evaluate Genre Diversity:

Assess the variety of genres represented. A diverse catalog caters to broader audience preferences and suggests a strategic approach to content acquisition. Identify dominant genres and potential gaps in the platform’s offerings.

Tip 3: Examine Critical Reception and Awards Recognition:

Explore the critical reception of key television series. Positive reviews and awards nominations often correlate with higher quality and broader appeal. Analyze the critical consensus and identify series that achieved critical acclaim.

Tip 4: Assess the Platform’s Global Reach:

Consider the availability of content in multiple languages and its cultural relevance across different regions. Evaluate the platform’s efforts to localize content and appeal to international audiences. Observe if certain content receives larger audiences globally.

Tip 5: Compare Content Across Platforms and Over Time:

Benchmark the platform’s offerings against competitor platforms during the same period. Analyze how the platform’s content strategy evolved in subsequent years. Identify trends in content acquisition and production.

Tip 6: Research Licensing Agreements:

Investigate significant licensing agreements that influenced content availability. Understand the terms and conditions of these agreements, including expiration dates and territorial restrictions. Identify content that was removed or added due to licensing changes.

Tip 7: Study Viewing Trends and Data:

Investigate available viewing data and trends related to consumption behaviors. Determine popular content and viewing patterns. Data analysis should focus on genre preferences, peak viewing times, and device usage to provide a robust overview.

Implementing these guidelines enhances the capacity to critically examine content decisions and comprehend the dynamics within the streaming media landscape. Careful analysis of elements such as original productions, genre offerings, and audience data enables a more refined comprehension of the intricate interplay between platforms, content producers, and viewer behavior.

The following section will present the conclusion of this discussion.

tv shows on netflix 2017

Examination of “tv shows on netflix 2017” reveals a pivotal moment in the evolution of streaming television. The integration of original series and licensed acquisitions defined a strategic direction that influenced subscriber expansion and solidified the platform’s position. Genre diversity addressed a wide spectrum of viewing preferences, while critical reception and cultural relevance amplified viewership and brand perception. Consideration of viewing trends and global accessibility underscores the interconnected aspects of platform strategy.

Further research can investigate the long-term consequences of content decisions made in 2017, evaluating the influence on subscriber loyalty and subsequent competitive strategies. Insight into this historical context is fundamental to comprehending the current trajectory of the streaming entertainment sector and its continuous influence on the evolving nature of television production and consumption.