Which new shows are releasing on Netflix in 2021, and when? Once again, the streaming service has a wide variety of international productions in the works, and locked-down streamers will have plenty to consume over the course of the year. With so much content to access, however, some Netflix shows may get lost in the shuffle. Our guide will help you stay focused on the major releases, and hopefully lead you to some hidden gems as well.
In 2020, The Queen’s Gambit was undoubtedly the most well-received original Netflix series. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy as fictional chess prodigy Beth Harmon, the Scott Frank series earned praise for its filmmaking aesthetics, along with its central performance and subversive storytelling. Meanwhile, Unorthodox and Homemade similarly earned strong reviews but may still be unknown to many Netflix streamers. On the flip side, The Haunting Of Bly Manor was an immensely-popular release, while Sweet Magnolias emerged as a breakout hit for the streaming service.
During the first weeks of 2021 alone, Netflix has already released a variety of trending series. There’s a new Martin Scorsese docuseries to check out, along with a comedy show featuring none other than Nicolas Cage, and also a French series based on a famous literary character. Moving forward, Netflix has some big releases on the schedule, in addition to numerous highly-anticipated shows that are expected to premiere later in the year.
Behind Her Eyes
Based on Sarah Pinborough’s eponymous 2017 novel, Behind Her Eyes stars Simona Brown (Outlander, The Little Drummer Girl) as a single mother who falls in love with her new boss David (Tom Bateman; Murder on the Orient Express), and then meets his alluring wife, Adele (Eve Hewson; Robin Hood). Behind Her Eyes, a six-episode series that is “Coming Soon,” was adapted for Netflix by The Punisher showrunner Steve Lightfoot.
Clickbait
A thriller series, Clickbait stars Adrian Grenier (Entourage) and Betty Gabriel (above in Get Out) as Nick and Sophie Brewer, respectively; a couple who gets caught up in a social media scandal. Zoe Kazan (The Big Sick) co-stars as Pia Brewer, and Jessie Collins (Person of Interest) portrays a social media poser named Emma Beesley. Clickbait was created for Netflix by Tony Ayres and Christian White. As of now, a release date hasn’t been set.
Colin in Black and White
Still without a release date, Colin in Black and White stars Jaden Michael as Colin Kaepernick, an NFL quarterback who made headlines in 2016 by kneeling during the U.S. national anthem; an act of protest against continued police brutality against Black Americans. The Netflix series will follow the subject’s younger years, and co-stars Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) and Mary Louise Parker (Weeds) as Colin’s adoptive parents, Rick and Teresa. Colin in Black and White is co-produced by Kaepernick and Ava Duvernay (Selma, When They See Us), with the former also providing voiceover narration.
Country Comfort
Country Comfort stars Katharine McPhee (above in Scorpion) as Bailey, a country singer from the South who becomes the nanny for a cowboy named Beau (Eddie Cibrian; Rosewood) and his five children. As Bailey contemplates the next move in her career, she discovers that Beau and his family have musical talent. Country Comfort was created for Netflix by Caryn Lucas, who previously executive produced The Nanny starring Fran Drescher. A release date hasn’t been set.
DeadEndia
Based on the eponymous graphic novel series by Hamish Steele, DeadEndia is a Netflix comedy series about haunted employees who investigate a possible portal to Hell. Zach Barack voices a trans teenager named Barney, and Kody Kavitha voices a neuro-diverse character named Norma. DeadEndia co-stars Emily Osment (Hanna Montana), Kathreen Khavari (Big Little Lies), Clinton Leupp (Girls Will Be Girls), and Alex Brightman (Documentary Now!). A release date hasn’t been set.
Fate: The Winx Saga
Based on the Nickelodeon animated series Winx Club, Netflix’s live-action series follows a girl named Bloom (Abigail Cowen; Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Stranger Things) as she navigates a realm know as the Otherworld. Co-starring Danny Griffin (The Gentlemen) and Hannah van der Westhuysen (The Bay of Silence), Fate: The Winx Saga is scheduled for a January 22 release.
Firefly Lane
Set for a February 3 release on Netflix, Firefly Lane is based on Kristin Hannah’s eponymous 2008 novel. Katherine Heigl (Grey’s Anatomy) stars as Tully Hart, a “cool girl” who forms a friendship with Kate Mularkey (Sarah Chalke; Scrubs) in 1974. The series takes place over three decades in the Pacific Northwest, and co-stars Ali Skovbye (The Man in the High Castle) and Roan Curtis (The Magicians) as younger versions of Tully and Kate, respectively.
Ginny & Georgia
“Coming Soon,” per Netflix, Ginny & Georgia follows a 15-year old named Ginny Miller (Antonia Gentry) who is like a sister to her 30-year-old mother, Georgia. When the past follows the the two women to New England, Georgia must protect her family at all costs. The 10-episode Netflix series was created by Sarah Lampert. Ginny & Georgia co-stars Jennifer Robertson (Schitt’s Creek), Felix Mallard (Locke & Key), Scott Porter (The To Do List), and Raymond Ablack (Orphan Black).
Halston
Ewan McGregor headlines the main cast as the first American celebrity fashion designer, Roy Halston Frowick. The five-part limited series follows the subject’s rise and fall, and marks the latest Netflix project from Ryan Murphy, who recently developed series such as The Politician, Hollywood, and Ratched. In Halston, Rory Culkin (Signs) co-stars as Joel Schumacher, and Rebecca Dayan (The Neon Demon) portrays Elsa Peretti. The series is “Coming Soon.”
Headspace Guide To Meditation
Narrated by Andy Puddicombe – a former Buddhist monk and co-founder of the Headspace meditation app – Headspace Guide To Meditation is an eight-episode animated series that released in January 2021. Each 20-minute episode includes lessons about meditation techniques, and ends with a guided meditation sequence.
History of Swear Words
Another January 2021 release, Oscar winner Nicolas Cage (Leaving Las Vegas) hosts a “loud and proudly profane” series about profanity. The six-part series explores the cultural impact of various expletives, and features comedians such as Sarah Silverman, Jim Jefferies, and Nikki Glaser. History of Swear Words was co-produced by Funny or Die.
Hit And Run
In Hit and Run, a Tel Aviv widower named Segev Azulay (Lior Raz; Fauda) searches for his wife’s killers in the United States. Sanaa Lathan (Love & Basketball) stars as Segev’s ex-girlfriend, and together they learn about the deceased’s dark and disturbing past. Hit and Run is “Coming Soon,” per Netflix, and co-stars both Gregg Henry (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Igal Naor (Fauda).
Jupiter’s Legacy
Based on Mark Millar and Frank Quitely’s eponymous comic series, Jupiter’s Legacy follows the world’s first generation of superheroes, who plan for their children to take over their roles. When the younger characters fail to live up to expectations, the old guard must re-asses their plans. Jupiter’s Legacy stars Josh Duhamel (Transformers), Ben Daniels (The House of Cards), and Leslie Bibb (Iron Man). The series hasn’t been officially scheduled yet.
Lupin
Released in January 2021, Lupin follows a “gentleman burglar” named Assane Diop (Omar Sy). Twenty-five years after his late father was falsely accused of a crime, the Senegal native seeks vengeance in France. Lupin was inspired by the fictional character Arséne Lupin – the subject of various stories by Maurice Leblan – and co-stars Vincent Londez (Into the Night) as Capitaine Romain Laugier.
Masters of the Universe: Revelation
Directed by Kevin Smith, Masters of the Universe: Revelation follows original characters from the He-Man franchise, such as Skeletor (Mark Hamill; Star Wars) and Evil-Lyn (voiced by Lena Headey; Game of Thrones). A premiere date hasn’t been set, but the six-episode animated series is expected to release in 2021. Masters of the Universe: Revelation also includes voice performances from Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones), and Alicia Silverstone (Clueless).
Maya And The Three
Created, written, and directed by Jorge Gutierrez, Maya and the Three follows a warrior princess who recruits three legendary fighters to help save the world of humankind and gods. The cast for the nine-part Netflix series hasn’t been announced, nor has a release date been set.
Midnight Mass
Midnight Mass focuses on an island community that experiences miraculous events after the arrival of a mysterious priest. The Netflix series marks the latest project for Mike Flanagan, who is best known for creating and directing The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor, along with the Stephen King adaptations Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep. Midnight Mass features an ensemble cast, including Zach Gilford (Friday Night Lights), Kate Siegel (Hush), Annabeth Gish (The X-Files), and Henry Thomas (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial). The series is “Coming Soon.”
Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer
Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer examines the hunt for Richard Ramirez, a serial killer who terrorized the residents of Los Angeles and San Francisco during the mid-’80s. Scheduled for a January 13 release, the docuseries was directed by Tiller Russell, and includes first-person accounts from numerous interviewees. Previously, Ramirez was featured in both American Horror Story season 5 and American Horror Story season 9.
Pieces Of Her
In Georgia, random acts of violence affect the lives of Andy Oliver (Bella Heathcote; The Neon Demon) and her mother Laura (Toni Collette; Hereditary). Andy then investigates her family’s past while traveling across America, and reaches some disturbing conclusions. Based on Karin Slaughter’s eponymous 2018 novel, Pieces of Her co-stars David Wenham (Lord of the Rings) as Jasper Queller. The series is “Coming Soon,” per Netflix.
Pretend It’s a City
Pretend It’s a City examines the life and times of New York writer Fran Lebowitz. The documentary features interviews set all across the Big Apple, and provides “a double dose of NYC attitude” with appearances by Martin Scorsese, who directs the seven-part production. Pretend It’s a City released on January 8, 2021.
Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness
Based on the Capcom video game franchise, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness follows Resident Evil 2 protagonists Claire Redfield and Leon S. Kennedy. The voice cast for the anime series hasn’t been announced, but the series is expected to premiere in 2021.
Shadow and Bone
Scheduled for an April 2021 release, Shadow and Bone was developed for Netflix by acclaimed screenwriter Eric Heisserer (Arrival). The fantasy series is based on Leigh Bardugo’s novel franchise, which focuses on a female soldier who acquires special powers and navigates a world of darkness. Shadow and Bone stars Jessie Mei Li (Last Night in Soho) as Alina Starkov and Freddy Carter (Pennyworth) as Kaz Brekker.
Spriggan
Directed by Hiroshi Kobayashi, Spriggan centers on a modern organization that aims to eliminate an all-knowing ancient civilization from history, and follows the titular group of elite secret agents. Confirmed for a 2021 release, Spriggan is based on the Shogakukan manga series that was written by Hiroshi Takashige and illustrated by Ryoji Minagawa.
Surviving Death
A January 2021 release, Surviving Death is based on Leslie Kean’s eponymous book. The six-part series features interviews with people who had near-death experiences, and addresses existential questions associated with life and death, and what may happen in the great beyond. Surviving Death was directed by Ricki Stern.
The Netflix Afterparty
Hosted by comedian/actor David Spade, The Netflix Afterparty premiered in January 2021. The on-going series includes interviews with performers from popular series on the streaming service, with the first episode featuring cast members from Cobra Kai. American comedian Fortune Feimster co-hosts The Netflix Afterparty.
The Serpent
The Serpent stars Tahar Rahim (A Prophet) as the real-life French serial killer Charles Sobhraj. Set during the 1970s, the eight-episode series explores the subject’s “master of disguise” persona, and the tragic events that led to his 1976 arrest. The Serpent originally premiered on BBC One in January 2021, and will release on Netflix later in the year. The series co-stars Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who) as Marie-Andrée Leclerc and Ellie Bamber (Nocturnal Animals) as Angela Knippenberg.
Tribes of Europa
Set in 2074, Tribes of Europa follows three siblings who survive a mysterious global disaster. As war rages amongst different factions, Kiano (Emilio Sakraya; Tatort), Liv (Henriette Confurius; Line of Separation) and Elja (David Ali Rashed; Tigermilch) attempt to maintain their peaceful ways while planning for the future. Created by Philip Koch, Tribes of Europa is “Coming Soon,” per Netflix.
Vikings: Valhalla
Set 100 years after the series Vikings, Michael Hirst and Jeb Stuart’s narrative continuation, Vikings: Valhalla, follows the real-life figures Leif Erikson, Freydís Eiríksdóttir, Harald Hardrada and William the Conqueror. In November 2020, the following actors were cast: Kenneth Christensen (The Legacy), Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (Game of Thrones), Frida Gustavsson (The Witcher), and David Oakes (The Borgias). A release date hasn’t been set.
Yasuke
Created by LeSean Thomas, Yasuke stars Lakeith Stanfield in a voice role as an African warrior known as the Black Samurai. Little information has been revealed about the Netflix series, but it’s expected to release in 2021. Yasuke features original music from composer Flying Lotus.
Other 2021 Netflix TV Shows (Confirmed & Likely)
50M2: A hitman assumes a new identity in Istanbul neighborhood.
Drama Queen: Arab star Abla Fahita is chased by the law and society.
Bangkok Breaking: A thriller about a man who must unravel a city-wide conspiracy with a Bangkok journalist.
Dale Gas: Mexican street racer Kike Guerrero tries to live a normal life but enters a life of crime.
Daughter from Another Mother: Two women develop a plan after their babies were exchanged at birth.
Dive Club: Teenagers search for their missing friend after a storm in a small coastal town.
EDEN: Netflix’ first Japanese anime.
High-Rise Invasion: A high school student lost in an “abnormal space” gets followed by masked killers.
Generazione 56K: An Italian couple tries to maintain a healthy relationship while discovering the internet.
Godzilla Singular Point: A franchise anime series from director Atsushi Takahashi.
Goldfish Wife: A drama series based on the manga Kingyo Tsuma.
Kajko and Kokosz: A Polish animated series about Slavic warrior friends and their dragon companion.
La Venganza de las Juanas: A Mexican series about women who share an identical birthmark.
Life in Colour: Sir David Attenborough explores how color plays a role in animal interactions.
Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce): Three radio show co-workers deal with their crumbling marriages.
Otwórz oczy: A woman copes with the death of her family and meets a mysterious man at a treatment center.
¿Qué pasó con Sara?: The first Netflix series written by a Chilean.
Pacific Rim: The Black: An anime series about Australian siblings who look for their missing parents.
Sharkdog: An animated series about a 10-year-boy and his half shark, half dog pet.
Sexify: A Polish series about women who create a sex-themed app.
The Journalist: A Netflix adaptation of the 2019 film The Journalist.
The Way of the Househusband: A Netflix adaptation of Kousuke Oono’s manga.
Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: A spin-off of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga.
Terra Vision: A story about the invention of the Google Earth algorithm.
Todo va a estar bien: Produced by Diego Luna, a Mexican comedy series about family and relationships.
Trese: Based on the eponymous Filipino graphic novel, a series following occult detective Alexandra Trese.
Vampire in the Garden: Set in the future, a human girl wants to play the violin, and a female vampire wants to see a wider world.
Young Royals: A Prince explores his true self at a boarding school.
