The best Netflix shows released during the coronavirus pandemic

By Megan Riedlinger 4:57am PDT, Aug 31, 2020

One of the best gems to hit Netflix since the coronavirus pandemic started? "Love on the Spectrum," a heartwarming reality series about people on the autism spectrum who are on a quest to find love. This sweet Australia-based show found its way to Netflix in July 2020 and has garnered fans ever since. You'll fall in love with stars like Michael and swoon over the romantic story Thomas shares with Ruth. Already binged this one? Don't worry, Wonderwall.com is rounding up the rest of the best Netflix series that have dropped amid the global health crisis. Keep reading to find your next binge-sesh…

"#blackAF" brought the laughs and some fabulous fashion (seriously, we can't decide whose wardrobe we want more — Kenya's or Joya's!) in April. The series was created by "Black-ish" creator Kenya Barris, who stars as a fictional version of himself alongside Rashida Jones, who plays his wife. The hijinks of his wealthy Los Angeles-based family have already scored the show a green light for a second season.

"Selling Sunset" was the gift that kept on giving during the pandemic, bringing with it the nostalgia of those sweeping Los Angeles aerial shots a la MTV's "The Hills" (thanks to shared producer Adam DiVello!), the drama of the best Bravo franchises and the real estate glamour of the fanciest HGTV shows. In other words, the series is reality television perfection! For those who weren't already on board after season 1 dropped in 2019, 2020 delivered two seasons — season 2 in May and season 3 in August. Both are filled with beautiful homes while season 3 features scandal (like Chrishell Stause's shocking and sudden divorce from actor hubby Justin Hartley) and an epic wedding (Christine Quinn's).

Say hello to your friends! The show "The Baby-Sitters Club" — a remake of the wildly popular series and film based on the books of Ann M. Martin — hit Netflix in July. A new generation got to meet a subtly tweaked cast of babysitters. There's a little more diversity but still the same great tales of the tween club members.

For those who want to take a break from constantly re-watching "The Office," Netflix has a great option: "Space Force," which shares both a creator and star with the iconic sitcom. Greg Daniels is behind this Steve Carell-led workspace comedy, which also stars John Malkovich and Lisa Kudrow.

Bringing some Hallmark Christmas movie vibes in May was "Sweet Magnolias," a sweet and simple series revolving around three middle-aged best friends dealing with divorce, motherhood and romance in their small town.

Quarantine allowed many to catch up on what has been a quiet favorite of Netflix watchers — "Ozark." Season 3 of the drama dropped in late March and let viewers enjoy the latest escapades of the Byrde family and the drama that comes with working for a Mexican cartel.

Looking for a family-friendly game show? "Floor is Lava" showcases contestants following a very simple rule — don't fall into the lava — and competing to win $10,000 and a lava lamp trophy. There are 10 episodes of this addictive and easy-to-watch show.

On the heels of the smash success of "Love is Blind," the Netflix reality dating series "Too Hot to Handle" garnered some serious buzz. Released in April, this show challenged its beautiful contestants to refrain from any form of PDA with a format that feels like "Bachelor in Paradise" meets "Love Island."

Netflix's new drama "Blood & Water" hit the streaming service in May. The South Africa-based series got renewed for a second season just a month after its release. It revolves around a high schooler attempting to determine the whereabouts of her missing sister.

"Workin' Moms" season 4 hit Netflix in May to the delight of all the mamas who've been busy working while also being full-time moms in quarantine. The hilarious comedy continued to bring the laughs and doses of #momlife realness in its latest installment.

The addictive soapy teen drama "Outer Banks" hit Netflix in April. Part mystery, part action-adventure and part romance, the show has already been renewed for second season and made bona fide teen heartthrobs out of many in its young cast.

Season 5 of "Queer Eye" premiered in June and continue to bring the happy tears and smiles. It follows Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, Bobby Berk and Jonathan Van Ness as they continue to change lives over 10 heartwarming episodes.

"Unorthodox" landed on Netflix early in quarantine. In March, this drama debuted to tell a unique story about arranged marriages in Orthodox Judaism set against the backdrop of Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood. It's based on an autobiography and is actually the first Netflix series done primarily in Yiddish. But don't let the subtitles detract you — the miniseries is seriously compelling as it follows main character Esty escaping from her restrictive lifestyle and running away to Berlin, Germany.

"Indian Matchmaking" debuted on Netflix in July. The controversial reality series showcases the complicated world of setting people up within the Indian community. It follows Sima Taparia, a marriage consultant based in Mumbai as she traverses the globe to make matches for her clients and their families.

In July, Zac Efron fans got a treat when "Down to Earth with Zac Efron" hit Netflix. The documentary series follows the actor as he traipses all over the world and focuses on nature, green energy and sustainable living. For those missing travel, the show lets viewers get away to France, Puerto Rico, England, Iceland and Peru, among other places.

In need of a new reality TV family to follow? "DeMarcus Family Rules" gives you an inside look at the lives of Jay DeMarcus — the bassist from country music group Rascal Flatts — and his clan. The show dropped in August with six episodes that follow the Nashville-based musician and his fam.

"Fuller House" released the second half of its final season, season 5, in June. The show ends forever with a triple wedding, wrapping up the stories of the eldest Tanner girls in a way that even included a Joey McIntyre (of New Kids on the Block fame) cameo.

The eagerly anticipated second season of "Dead to Me" dropped in May, delighting fans who binged to find out what was happening with Christina Applegate's Jen and Linda Cardellini's Judy's crazy tale. Don't worry, there's still plenty of James Marsden (spoiler alert!), as he still pops up on the show — this time as the late Steve's twin brother.

Mindy Kaling's darling teen comedy "Never Have I Ever" dropped on the streaming service in April. The series, which centers around an Indian American high schooler played by newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, is loosely based on Mindy's own upbringing. Another fun fact: It's narrated by tennis player John McEnroe.