Netflix Turns 25: Here Are 5 Defining Shows That Shaped Netflix Into a Streaming Giant

Our beloved streaming platform completed its silver jubilee on 29th August 2022.
The journey of Netflix has been long and one that saw evolutions of internet
technology. From boxy computers to slim smartphones, the streaming giant become
what it did by surviving and thriving by giving the audiences what they wanted.

[data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==]

It supported people’s sanity during the pandemic in tough times, and that is the
power of entertainment. Netflix opened a door for shows to reach international
audiences through its foreign language shows, proving that amazing content can
break language barriers too. The credit of which goes to its most successful
shows. Here are five picks that led to the rise of Netflix.


5 DEFINING SHOWS THAT MADE NETFLIX WHAT IT IS TODAY

STRANGER THINGS

This sci-fi mystery thriller is currently the most talked about Netflix show. A
Duffer brother’s creation, the show is based in the 80s and follows high
schoolers high-schoolers who set on a search for their mixed friends. The hunt
leads them to a research lab subject named Eleven, who reveals to them a world
of evil experiments, portals, and dangerous enemies. The lead cast includes
Millie Bobby Brown [https://netflixjunkie.com/tag/millie-bobby-brown/] (Eleven),
Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Joseph Quinn (Eddie), and Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler)
amongst others.



It has won a long list of awards including People’s Choice Awards, Kids Choice,
and AFI Awards. The first season of Stranger Things
[https://netflixjunkie.com/tag/stranger-things/] itself received a watch time of
1.35 billion hours in the first 28 days of its airing. While the second season
received views of 427.4 million hours.

Stream this show on Netflix
[https://www.netflix.com/watch/80077368?trackId=255824129]

SQUID GAME

This remains one of the first, most famous Netflix International shows. This
Korean survival drama thriller covers a contest with 456 players, who are in
desperate need of money. They participate for the chance to win the US $35
million by playing childlike games at the cost of their lives. It mirrors the
issues of Capitalism in Korea but managed to connect with audiences around the
world. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk created the series based on his own economic
struggles in life. The main cast includes Jung-Jae (player 456), Park Hoo-soo
(player 218), Wi Ha-Joon (police officer), and HoYeon Jung (Player 067).

[data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==]

ALSO READ: 11 Baffling Inspirations That Lead to the Creation of Netflix’s Most
Successful Show, ‘Stranger Things’
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-sort-of-like-the-stranger-things-effect-rick-and-morty-voice-actor-compares-the-show-to-netflixs-most-successful-original-show/]

Squid Games [https://netflixjunkie.com/tag/squid-game/] has one season and nine
intense episodes. The show and its actors won several awards including Golden
Globes, Screen Actors Guild Award, and Prime Time nominations. The first season
received a record-breaking watch time of 1.65 billion hours in the first 28 days
of it airing.

Squid Games is available for streaming on Netflix
[https://www.netflix.com/watch/81262746?trackId=255824129]

THE WITCHER

The medieval fantasy drama is based on the book series The Witcher by Polish
writer Andrzej Sapkowski. The storyline follows Geralt of Rivia and Princess
Ciri of Cintra, who he must protect to prevent her Elder Blood and magical
powers from being exploited at the hands of pursuers. The show is created by
Lauren Schmidt and Hissroch and has had two seasons so far. It stars Superman’s
British actor Henry Cavill (Geralt of Rivia), and Anya Chalotra (Ciri) amongst
others.



The Witcher [https://netflixjunkie.com/tag/the-witcher/] was nominated for
several awards including Webby Awards (won), British Society of
Cinematographers, and Dragon Awards. etc. The first season received a watch time
of 541 million hours in the first 28 days of its airing and the second one
received 484.3 million hours.

ALSO READ: “Shedding one character to go and talk about another”: Graham
McTavish Unveils His Obsession For Fantasy Dramas, Including ‘House of the
Dragon’ and ‘The Witcher’
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-shedding-one-character-to-go-and-talk-about-another-graham-mctavish-unveils-his-obsession-for-fantasy-dramas-including-house-of-the-dragon-and-the-witcher/]

You can stream The Witcher on Netflix
[https://www.netflix.com/watch/81246470?trackId=255824129]

13 REASONS WHY

The show is based on Jay Asher’s 2007 novel of the same name. The plot is a bit
delicate and revolves around the life, of a high school girl suicide. She leaves
behind a stash of cassettes that would reveal the reasons behind her suicide and
the people responsible for it. It’s emotional and captures the lives of those
affected by her death.

[data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==]

The Netflix original was created by Brian Yorkey and stars Dylan Minnette
(Clay), Katherine Langford (Hannah Baker), and Christian Navarro (Tony Padilla)
in the lead. Some of the awards it won were the Guild of Music Supervisors
award, Television Academy Honors, and nominations for awards like People’s
Choice and Golden Globes. The first season itself received a watch time of 511.9
million hours in the first 28 days of its airing while the second season
received a watch time of 475.6 hours.

Stream this show on Netflix
[https://www.netflix.com/watch/80117471?trackId=255824129]

MONEY HEIST 

Another foreign language series that topped the charts was the Spanish show
Money Heist [https://netflixjunkie.com/tag/money-heist]. The crime drama follows
the robbers during their heist for major robberies. The show can be recognized
by the character’s avatar of a red hoodie and a mask worn during the robberies.
The Alexa Pina creation has a total of 5 seasons and stars Ursula Corbero,
Alvaro Morte, and Itziar Ituno in the lead.



The show won Iris awards, International Emmy Awards, and Fotogramas de Plata
amongst others. The first season itself received a watch time of 619 million
hours in the first 28 days of its airing while the second season received a
watch time of 426.4 hours.

You can stream Money Heist on Netflix
[https://www.netflix.com/watch/81246013?trackId=255824129]

Netflix shows tend to outperform each other and the platform is only growing
bigger. The 25-year-old was a lovechild of Reed Hasting and Marc Randolph and on
its birthday this year, the platform released a beautiful video
[https://twitter.com/netflix/status/1564346147006689280?s=20&t=xw-tDURWQ7RgRVy1i9cPQQ]
of its progress so far.

 

Neha Subhash

Comment

Netflix Turns 25: Here Are 5 Defining Shows That Shaped Netflix Into a Streaming Giant - Netflix Junkie

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Neha Ghag is a prime-time entertainment writer for Netflix Junkie, who has written nearly 1000 articles, immersing herself in pop culture. Writing was not her first choice, but she has now found solace in unraveling the fascinating stories of public figures' personal and professional lives. Neha is a fan of classic hip-hop and psycho thrillers, and she can talk endlessly about Kanye West. Her contribution to NJ's live coverage of big events such as Oscars 2023 has been invaluable. Neha firmly believes in the art of storytelling and aspires to become a renowned columnist. When she's not writing, she indulges in her love for travel and exploring new places.

https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-netflix-turns-25-here-are-5-defining-shows-that-shaped-netflix-into-a-streaming-giant

Netflix Turns 25: Here Are 5 Defining Shows That Shaped Netflix Into a Streaming Giant - netflix-junkie

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<p>Our beloved streaming platform completed its silver jubilee on 29th August 2022. The journey of Netflix has been long and one that saw evolutions of internet technology. From boxy computers to slim smartphones, the streaming giant become what it did by surviving and thriving by giving the audiences what they wanted.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49702 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="https://netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1_ZD8DuAoFXXqIA2HfU7vWjQ.jpeg" alt="" width="1000" height="666" data-sizes="auto" data-srcset="https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1_ZD8DuAoFXXqIA2HfU7vWjQ.jpeg 1000w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1_ZD8DuAoFXXqIA2HfU7vWjQ-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1_ZD8DuAoFXXqIA2HfU7vWjQ-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>It supported people&#8217;s sanity during the pandemic in tough times, and that is the power of entertainment. Netflix opened a door for shows to reach international audiences through its foreign language shows, proving that amazing content can break language barriers too. The credit of which goes to its most successful shows. Here are five picks that led to the rise of Netflix.</p>
<h2>5 Defining shows that made Netflix what it is today</h2>
<h4><em>Stranger Things</em></h4>
<p>This sci-fi mystery thriller is currently the most talked about Netflix show. A Duffer brother&#8217;s creation, the show is based in the 80s and follows high schoolers high-schoolers who set on a search for their mixed friends. The hunt leads them to a research lab subject named Eleven, who reveals to them a world of evil experiments, portals, and dangerous enemies. The lead cast includes <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/tag/millie-bobby-brown/">Millie Bobby Brown</a> (Eleven), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Joseph Quinn (Eddie), and Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler) amongst others.</p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Stranger Things | Official Final Trailer | Netflix" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b9EkMc79ZSU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>It has won a long list of awards including People&#8217;s Choice Awards, Kids Choice, and AFI Awards. The first season of <em><a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/tag/stranger-things/">Stranger Things</a></em> itself received a watch time of 1.35 billion hours in the first 28 days of its airing. While the second season received views of 427.4 million hours.</p>
<p>Stream this show on <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/80077368?trackId=255824129" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Netflix</a></p>
<h4><em>Squid Game</em></h4>
<p>This remains one of the first, most famous Netflix International shows. This Korean survival drama thriller covers a contest with 456 players, who are in desperate need of money. They participate for the chance to win the US $35 million by playing childlike games at the cost of their lives. It mirrors the issues of Capitalism in Korea but managed to connect with audiences around the world. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk created the series based on his own economic struggles in life. The main cast includes Jung-Jae (player 456), Park Hoo-soo (player 218), Wi Ha-Joon (police officer), and HoYeon Jung (Player 067).</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-25201 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="https://netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/8ef647e5-a82e-4134-b29b-600dc4e4ec3b-squidgame_unit_101_625.jpg.webp" alt="" width="1025" height="1025" data-sizes="auto" data-srcset="https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/8ef647e5-a82e-4134-b29b-600dc4e4ec3b-squidgame_unit_101_625.jpg.webp 1025w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/8ef647e5-a82e-4134-b29b-600dc4e4ec3b-squidgame_unit_101_625.jpg-300x300.webp 300w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/8ef647e5-a82e-4134-b29b-600dc4e4ec3b-squidgame_unit_101_625.jpg-150x150.webp 150w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/8ef647e5-a82e-4134-b29b-600dc4e4ec3b-squidgame_unit_101_625.jpg-768x768.webp 768w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/8ef647e5-a82e-4134-b29b-600dc4e4ec3b-squidgame_unit_101_625.jpg-600x600.webp 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1025px) 100vw, 1025px" /></p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-sort-of-like-the-stranger-things-effect-rick-and-morty-voice-actor-compares-the-show-to-netflixs-most-successful-original-show/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">11 Baffling Inspirations That Lead to the Creation of Netflix’s Most Successful Show, ‘Stranger Things’</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/tag/squid-game/"><em>Squid Games</em></a> has one season and nine intense episodes. The show and its actors won several awards including Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Award, and Prime Time nominations. The first season received a record-breaking watch time of 1.65 billion hours in the first 28 days of it airing.</p>
<p>Squid Games is available for streaming on <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/81262746?trackId=255824129" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Netflix</a></p>
<h4><em>The Witcher</em></h4>
<p>The medieval fantasy drama is based on the book series The Witcher by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski. The storyline follows Geralt of Rivia and Princess Ciri of Cintra, who he must protect to prevent her Elder Blood and magical powers from being exploited at the hands of pursuers. The show is created by Lauren Schmidt and Hissroch and has had two seasons so far. It stars Superman&#8217;s British actor Henry Cavill (Geralt of Rivia), and Anya Chalotra (Ciri) amongst others.</p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="THE WITCHER | MAIN TRAILER | NETFLIX" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ndl1W4ltcmg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/tag/the-witcher/"><em>The Witcher</em></a> was nominated for several awards including Webby Awards (won), British Society of Cinematographers, and Dragon Awards. etc. The first season received a watch time of 541 million hours in the first 28 days of its airing and the second one received 484.3 million hours.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ: </strong><a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-shedding-one-character-to-go-and-talk-about-another-graham-mctavish-unveils-his-obsession-for-fantasy-dramas-including-house-of-the-dragon-and-the-witcher/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Shedding one character to go and talk about another”: Graham McTavish Unveils His Obsession For Fantasy Dramas, Including ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘The Witcher’</a></p>
<p>You can stream The Witcher on <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/81246470?trackId=255824129" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Netflix</a></p>
<h4><em>13 Reasons Why</em></h4>
<p>The show is based on Jay Asher&#8217;s 2007 novel of the same name. The plot is a bit delicate and revolves around the life, of a high school girl suicide. She leaves behind a stash of cassettes that would reveal the reasons behind her suicide and the people responsible for it. It&#8217;s emotional and captures the lives of those affected by her death.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-41792 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="https://netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/13reasonswhy-1280-1491312965271_160w.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" data-sizes="auto" data-srcset="https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/13reasonswhy-1280-1491312965271_160w.jpg 1280w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/13reasonswhy-1280-1491312965271_160w-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/13reasonswhy-1280-1491312965271_160w-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/13reasonswhy-1280-1491312965271_160w-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></p>
<p>The Netflix original was created by Brian Yorkey and stars Dylan Minnette (Clay), Katherine Langford (Hannah Baker), and Christian Navarro (Tony Padilla) in the lead. Some of the awards it won were the Guild of Music Supervisors award, Television Academy Honors, and nominations for awards like People&#8217;s Choice and Golden Globes. The first season itself received a watch time of 511.9 million hours in the first 28 days of its airing while the second season received a watch time of 475.6 hours.</p>
<p>Stream this show on <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/80117471?trackId=255824129" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Netflix</a></p>
<h4><em>Money Heist </em></h4>
<p>Another foreign language series that topped the charts was the Spanish show <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/tag/money-heist"><em>Money Heist</em></a>. The crime drama follows the robbers during their heist for major robberies. The show can be recognized by the character&#8217;s avatar of a red hoodie and a mask worn during the robberies. The Alexa Pina creation has a total of 5 seasons and stars Ursula Corbero, Alvaro Morte, and Itziar Ituno in the lead.</p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Money Heist | Series Trailer | Netflix" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_InqQJRqGW4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>The show won Iris awards, International Emmy Awards, and Fotogramas de Plata amongst others. The first season itself received a watch time of 619 million hours in the first 28 days of its airing while the second season received a watch time of 426.4 hours.</p>
<p>You can stream Money Heist on <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/81246013?trackId=255824129" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Netflix</a></p>
<p>Netflix shows tend to outperform each other and the platform is only growing bigger. The 25-year-old was a lovechild of Reed Hasting and Marc Randolph and on its birthday this year, the platform released a beautiful <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix/status/1564346147006689280?s=20&amp;t=xw-tDURWQ7RgRVy1i9cPQQ">video</a> of its progress so far.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


“Shedding one character to go and talk about another”: Graham McTavish Unveils
His Obsession For Fantasy Dramas, Including ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘The
Witcher’

“sort of like the Stranger Things effect”: ‘Rick and Morty’ Voice Actor Compares
The Show to Netflix’s Most Successful Original Show

2bf0de2f134c17508722bf8b7ba170c8

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As Netflix completes its Silver Jubilee, Here is a list of shows that led to the streaming platform's massive growth.

https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/Neha_Ghag_NJ.png

Neha Subhash Ghag

As Netflix completes its Silver Jubilee, Here is a list of shows that led to the streaming platform&#039;s massive growth.

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Netflix Turns 25: Here Are 5 Defining Shows That Shaped Netflix Into a Streaming Giant

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