There is something about the month of December that makes one feel oddly nostalgic, not just for the year that zoomed by but for the good ol’ times we generally believe always happened in the past. If you want to relive your past, we will help you do just that with our curated list of essential series available to stream on Netflix.
You can embark on this nostalgic journey through the television landscape of the 2000s, and Netflix offers a treasure trove of iconic series that defined the era.
Whether you’re craving the sun-soaked drama of California’s elite or the supernatural adventures of two brothers on the road, there’s something for everyone on this list of essential series.
Here are five essential series from the 2000s that are ready to be rediscovered or enjoyed for the first time on Netflix this weekend.
Five essential series to binge on Netflix this weekend:
The OC (2003)
Welcome to the affluent enclave of Orange County, where sun-kissed beaches and debutante balls mask a world full of saucy secrets and teenage drama.
Created by Josh Schwartz, The OC followed the life of Ryan Atwood, a troubled teenager taken in by the Cohen family. With a stellar cast including Mischa Barton, Ben McKenzie, Adam Brody, and Rachel Bilson, the series captured the highs and lows of teenagehood, twisted family dynamics, and first love against the picturesque backdrop of Southern California.
Gossip Girl (2007)
Also created by Josh Schwartz, along with Stephanie Savage, Gossip Girl took us into the glamorous and cutthroat world of Manhattan’s elite. The series took the notion of anonymous gossip-mongering in a post-TMZ world to new heights.
This addictive drama revolved around the lives of uber-privileged teenagers navigating love, betrayal, and scandal. With an ensemble cast led by Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, and Penn Badgley, Gossip Girl ended up defining the era’s fashion and pop culture like few others of its time. Pop fashion quizzes based on the show divided the world into Serenas and Blairs, and we took part merrily.
Supernatural (2005)
If you hear the word Supernatural and ‘Carry On My Wayward Son’ by Kansas doesn’t immediately start playing in your head, then it is time to a (re)watch.
Brothers Sam and Dean Winchester took centre stage in Supernatural, a long-running series that blended horror, fantasy, and family drama. Created by Eric Kripke, the show followed the Winchester brothers as they hunted demons, ghosts, and other supernatural entities. Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki delivered standout performances as the charismatic and occasionally relatably bickering siblings.
Six Feet Under (2001)
Explore life, death, and everything in between with Six Feet Under, a critically acclaimed HBO drama created by Alan Ball, which is now available to stream on Netflix.
Set against the backdrop of a family-run funeral home, the series delved into the lives of the Fisher family as they grappled with mortality, relationships, and their own inner demons. The ensemble cast, including Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, and Frances Conroy, delivered powerful performances, making Six Feet Under a poignant exploration of the human experience.
Gilmore Girls (2000)
If nothing else on this list appeals to you, then you can once again journey to the charming town of Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls, a heartwarming series created by Amy Sherman-Palladino.
The show revolved around the close-knit relationship between single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory. Filled with witty dialogue, quirky characters, and small-town charm, Gilmore Girls explored themes of family, love, and the pursuit of your highest ambitions with a spark not so easily captured by most contemporary shows. Plus, Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel’s endearing performances make this series a timeless favourite.
