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NYT best series list features Netflix and sparks debate

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2026-09-28 04:02 UTC → 2026-10-06 10:39 UTC · added ~~removed~~

~~Netflix titles in New York Times~~ NYT best series list features Netflix and sparks debate

The New York Times released a ranking of the 100 best television series of the 21st century, which featured several Netflix productions. Netflix titles accounted for 16% of the critical selection, with 12 being Netflix originals and four being acquired or co-produced works. Among the notable entries included in the list were ‘The Crown’ (#20), ‘BoJack Horseman’ (#44), ‘House of Cards’ (#48), ‘Stranger Things’ (#53), ‘Squid Game’ (#72), and ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (#81). Regarding the South Korean thriller ‘Squid Game’, editor Jeremy Egner described the series as a ‘violent critique of capitalism’ that highlights the ‘destruction of humanity through competitive sports’. Following the release, the list sparked controversy regarding its methodology and specific omissions. The ranking was compiled by surveying hundreds of industry experts, including actors, showrunners, and executives. Critics noted that the exclusion of iconic series like ‘The Sopranos’ resulted from strict criteria requiring series to premiere after January 1, 2000. Other criticisms focused on the inclusion of niche comedies and miniseries over major hits such as ‘The Walking Dead’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, and ‘24’. Observers also questioned the validity of ranking vastly different genres—including reality television, comedy, and drama—on a single scale, leading to debates over how to compare diverse television formats in the streaming era.

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