11 of this year’s finest and worst Netflix series

The critics thought “Dead End: Paranormal Park” charming and entertaining.

Zach Barack and Kody Kavitha provide the voices for several characters in “Dead End: Paranormal Park.”

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Teens Barney (Zach Barack) and Norma Khan (Kody Kavitha) navigate new employment at a spooky theme park where demons and ghouls run amok in the animated comedy “Dead End: Paranormal Park.”

Critics applauded “Dead End’s” representation at the forefront as well as its delightful, offbeat style of comedy.

“‘Dead End: Paranormal Park’ is without a doubt one of the best animated programs of the year to date. It is an entertaining supernatural adventure with a tremendous amount of heart “Sarah Fields contributed to Tell-Tale Television.

The Australian thriller ‘Heartbreak High’ surprised critics.

Ayesha Madon, Chloe Hayden, and James Majoos on “Heartbreak High.”

LISA TOMASETTI/NETFLIX

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Amerie (Ayesha Madon) becomes a social outcast when the mural she painted depicting everyone’s past relationships becomes public.

The Australian show, which is a reboot of a 1994 series, was praised highly by critics.

Wenlei Ma commented for News.com.au that “Heartbreak High” is a “new, distinctively Australian, and distinctively 2022 series that doesn’t pay lip respect to nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake.”

“Heartstopper” was universally praised by critics.

On “Heartstopper,” Kit Connor and Joe Locke.

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novel of the same name, “Heartstopper” follows Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) as they come to grips with their sexuality and their budding romance.

“Heartstopper” was sufficiently sincere and earnest to win over even the most cynical critics.

Patrick Lenton said for The Sydney Morning Herald, “It may seem sweet, but the ability with which ‘Heartstopper’ portrays these very sincere emotions seems capable of melting even the hardest and most cynical of hearts.”

“How to Change Your Mind” enthralled critics.

The essay “How to Change Your Mind” by Lori Tipton.

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Alex Gibney guides viewers on a trip through four chemicals — MDMA, LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline — and the effects they have on the human mind in this documentary series.

Gibney’s presentation as well as his explanation of disclosing fresh discoveries wowed the critics.

Bob Strauss said for the San Francisco Chronicle, “‘How to Change Your Mind’ offers a variety of insightful perspectives that can be mind-blowing.”

The “Sins of Our Mother” documentary-drama received nothing but praise.

“Sins of Our Mother” was performed by Charles Vallow, Colby Ryan, and Lori Vallow.

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

The series investigates the disappearance of a suburban mother’s children, as well as the bloody trail of murder and cultist ideas that emerge during the inquiry.

The documentary series and showrunner Skyler Borgman’s notable direction received mostly positive reviews from critics.

“With a concise and direct narrative approach, Borgman makes ‘Sins Of Our Mother’ about as terrible a voyage into the collapse of one person’s mind as is possible,” Decider’s Joel Keller commented.

The critics have nothing but acclaim for “Savage Beauty.”

Rosemary Zimu on the novel “Savage Beauty”

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

On her quest to redemption, Zinhle (Rosemary Zimu) rises through the ranks of the rich Bhengu family and exploits their beauty industry.

Critics praised “Savage Beauty,” claiming that the suspenseful drama kept them on their toes.

Ineye Komonibo wrote for Refinery29 that ‘Savage Beauty’ is a fast but exciting film from beginning to end. It has everything a good drama need, including sex, secrets, and controversy, and it does so through a genuine South African perspective.

According to critics, “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey” is a must-watch series.

Scene from Netflix’s “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey”

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

The documentary series “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey” examines the origins of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the long-lasting effects of leader Warren Jeffs’ predatory behavior.

According to critics, “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey” kept them glued to their televisions.

Strauss wrote for the San Francisco Chronicle, “At a time when American women’s rights are assailed by a broader array of religion-based groups, this plain paper demonstrating how extreme it might get appears quite relevant.”

Critics adored how “Human Resources” introduced “Big Mouth” to the globe.

Scene from the Netflix series “Human Resources”

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

The spin-off of the animated comedy “Big Mouth” explores the workplace humor behind Maury (voiced by Nick Kroll) and Connie (also voiced by Nick Kroll) (voiced by Maya Rudolph).

According to critics, “Human Resources” was a deserving sequel to the hit animated Netflix comedy.

Elly Belle wrote for AV Club, “Familiarity with ‘Big Mouth’ may attract viewers, but ‘Human Resources’ specific humor and insight on humanity will keep them watching.”

The documentary series “Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives” was acclaimed for its bingeability.

Sarma Melngailis on “Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.”

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

Sarma Melngailis, a renowned vegan chef, falls for a dangerous man who claims he can help her realize her wildest ambitions provided she wires him millions of dollars.

The series, which was based on true events, was well-structured and simple to stream in a single weekend, according to critics.

“Tired of true-crime stories receiving a dramatic makeover, being absurdly stretched out, or relying too heavily on re-creations?” James Croot inquired in his Stuff review. Netflix’s latest four-part documentary series is ideal for binge-watching.

“The Sandman” captivated critics.

Tom Sturridge discusses “The Sandman”

Laurence Cendrowicz/Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

Based on Neil Gaiman’s comics, “The Sandman” follows Morpheus (Tom Sturridge), the master of dreams, as he escapes captivity after 106 years and strives to restore cosmic equilibrium.

The majority of reviews hoped that the fascinating fantasy drama will receive a second season.

Valerie Anne said for Autostraddle, “On the one hand, it’s a fantasy adventure narrative, and on the other, it’s a philosophical examination of the concepts of dreams, lying, hope, and destiny.”

On the other side, “Is It Cake?” failed to impress certain commentators.

Mikey Day on the song “Is It Cake?”

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 60%

Mikey Day, the host of the game show “Is It Cake?”, challenges players to create cakes that resemble inanimate objects.

Some critics viewed the concert as light, airy entertainment, while others were irritated by the inflated premise.

Dustin Rowles wrote for Pajiba, “‘Is It Cake?’ would have been marginally bearable if they had confined each episode to 20 minutes or so, entirely redesigned the structure, and saved Mikey Day this humiliation. However, at roughly 40 minutes per episode, it is both terrible and endless.”

“First Kill” showed potential but was not universally praised by critics.

Hook, Sarah Catherine, “First Kill.”

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 58%

Juliette Fairmont (Sarah Catherine Hook) sets out to make her first vampire kill after her sixteenth birthday. Instead, she develops affections for Calliope Burns (Imani Lewis), a teenager descended from generations of monster hunters.

Critics praised the series’ depiction and humanity, but believed that the overarching plot was poorly executed.

Caroline Framke wrote in Variety that despite “First Kill’s” efforts to hit all the right notes, the series feels more like an uncanny valley imitation of what it’s trying to be than a compelling story in its own right.

The majority of critics felt that the “Resident Evil” series added little to the franchise.

Ella Balinska on “Resident Evil.”

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 55%

Based on the video games and films of the same name, “Resident Evil” begins 14 years after the world descended into nightmare chaos, with a group of scavengers attempting to make sense of a world decimated by the Umbrella corporation.

Many critics viewed “Resident Evil” as a bad effort to resurrect a franchise that had lost momentum.

Ben Travers wrote for IndieWire, “For the majority of its eight-episode first season, ‘Resident Evil’ is a jumble of objectives, likely to satisfy very few fans of the property (whether they’re lovers of the video games or movies).”

The reception to “The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window” was mixed.

“The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window” by Kristen Bell.

Netflix’s “The Woman in the House Across from the Girl in the Window”

Rotten Tomatoes score: 54%

Inspired by melodramas such as “The Girl on the Train” (2016) and “Woman in the Window” (2021), the comedy miniseries pokes fun at female-led murder mysteries with wine-guzzling Anna (Kristen Bell) at the heart.

The satirical sitcom garnered some acclaim, particularly for Bell’s humorous acting skills, but ultimately received tepid reviews.

Noah Berlatsky said on Wealth of Geeks, “Despite great leads and a number of potentially exciting ideas, it’s not a very good rip-off of a rip-off.”

According to critics, “Keep Breathing” was difficult to watch.

Melissa Barrera discusses the song “Keep Breathing”

RICARDO HUBBS/NETFLIX

Rotten Tomatoes score: 53%

On “Keep Breathing,” attorney Liv Rivera (Melissa Barrera) takes a lift to Inuvik, Canada, only to discover that she is the sole survivor of a plane disaster in the Canadian Arctic.

Most critics agreed that Barrera earned acclaim for her performance as the lead, but recognized that the plot failed too frequently to be ignored.

Brittany Vincent wrote for IGN Movies that “Keep Breathing” is well-shot, well-acted, and well-meaning. “However, as far as the story itself is concerned, there is no need to watch this mediocre adaptation of the survival genre when so many other series have done it better.”

“Devil in Ohio” was not the adaption that critics desired.

Lilah Fitzgerald and Julia Benson on “Devil in Ohio”

Netflix was designed by Ricardo Hubbs

Rotten Tomatoes score: 50%

Based on the novel by Daria Polatin, “Devil in Ohio” follows psychiatrist Dr. Suzanne Mathis (Emily Deschanel) as she works with Mae (Madeleine Arthur), the young victim of a satanic cult.

The critics desired more from the small-town drama.

Paul Tassi wrote for Forbes, “I can easily imagine this story being converted into a quality HBO series like ‘Sharp Objects,’ ‘The Outsider,’ or ‘Mare of Easttown,’ but it’s miles below any of those.”

According to critics, “The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On” was difficult to even hate-watch.

Netflix’s “The Ultimatum” contestants.

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 36%

The hosts, Nick and Vanessa Lachey, put diverse couples to the test by daring them to commit or break up in order to assist them improve their romantic relationships.

The majority of critics believed that “The Ultimatum” lacked empathy and credible guidance.

Briana Lawrence wrote for The Mary Sue, “The show is a train wreck, which I already knew it would be, but I expected it would be more entertaining.”

“God’s Favorite Idiot” did not receive many positive reviews.

God’s Favorite Idiot stars Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy.

Vince Valitutti/Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 33%

Clark Thompson (Ben Falcone) obtains the capacity to communicate with God after being struck by lightning on the apocalyptic comedy “God’s Favorite Idiot,” all while falling in love with his coworker Amily (Melissa McCarthy).

Critics believed that the cast’s talents were underutilized in the comedy.

Given the talent involved, John Doyle wrote for Globe and Mail that “everything about this series is shockingly sloppy and unambitious.”

The critics felt that “The Pentaverate” lacked a humorous impact.

Mike Meyers is the main character in “The Pentaverate.”

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 28%

Mike Myers stars as a Canadian journalist, with seven other guys, as the truth of a centuries-old society is revealed.

The critics could not dispute that it was good to see Myers back on screen, but the six-episode comedy series failed to entertain them.

Although it’s great to see Mike Myers back in action, the series’ premise and comedy are lacking, as observed by CineXpress’ Fico Cangiano.

Critics became sick of “Echoes’” convoluted narrative.

Michelle Monaghan discusses “Echoes”

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 24%

Gina McCleary (Michelle Monaghan), who discreetly switched places with her identical twin, must face the music when her sister Leni goes missing.

Some reviews praised Monaghan’s acting, but the majority of reviewers believed the plot left much to be desired.

“‘Echoes’ offers an intriguing mystery at its core, but the series is bogged down by a predictable plot and perplexing sequences between this pair of twins,” said film critic Austin Burke.

Most reviews found the comedy “Hard Cell” to be antiquated and worn out.

Catherine Tate discusses “Hard Cell”

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 20%

Catherine Tate portrays a range of characters on the mockumentary “Hard Cell” who reside in and unsuccessfully govern a women’s prison.

Even Tate’s oldest supporters occasionally found it difficult to witness the uncomfortable comedy.

Vicky Jessop, writing for the London Evening Standard, stated, “This has the makings of an excellent show.” “Much like its protagonists, they’ve merely been locked behind multiple bars; as a result, the whole affair stumbles at the starting line and never reaches its stride.”