The powerhouse of video streaming is dominating the entertainment industry, and they still have so much in store for binge-watchers. Whether it’s primetime dramas, comic book serials, crime documentaries, or the latest movies, Netflix is constantly adding new content to its service.
However, most of that content belongs to other networks. The service famously makes deals with all kinds of media outlets to acquire the some of the most popular content on television, but lately Netflix has been doing a ton of content-creating of its own.
While it already streams plenty of its own hit original movies and TV shows, a truckload of Netflix exclusive content is on its way with A-list actors, writers, and filmmakers. For this list, we’re going to look at Netflix’s biggest upcoming projects to see if your new favorite show is right around the corner. There’s something here for everybody — drama, action, comedy, horror, animation — and this list only scratches the surface.
Keep in mind that these productions are in various stages of development, and some of them may never even make it to consumers. Some projects were just announced, some are in the middle of shooting, and some might be ready to drop in only a few weeks. Don’t skip over something you’ve never heard of, though — some of these new properties already sound destined for binge-worthy glory.
Are you bored and looking for something new to watch? Are you buried under your list of Netflix recommendations from friends? Regardless where you fall, be prepared to find a new obsession.
Here are 29 Netflix Projects Currently In Development.
Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina
Riverdale has become a flagship series on the CW, introducing a whole new generation to the world of Archie comics with a noir twist. One element of Archie’s world seemed to be missing, though — Sabrina, the teenage witch.
No longer a lighthearted sitcom and instead based on the 2014 comic of the same name, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina was reportedly designed as companion show to CW’s Riverdale. However, the show will instead land on Netflix with a two-season, 20 episode run.
It’s expected to hit Netflix later this year, starring Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men, The Legend of Korra), as Sabrina Spellman.
Oh, and Salem the cat will be there too.
The Witcher TV Series
The famous novel series by Andrzej Sapkowski (and critically acclaimed video game series) is getting the Netflix treatment. The Witcher is being developed by Plastige Image animation studio in association with Netflix, and is currently in the casting process.
The show will follow series protagonist Geralt of Rivia as he hunts fantastical monsters, with the show’s director stating that the project will take much inspiration from the video game franchise.
Despite being in early stages, the production already sounds promising. Who knows — if The Witcher comes together, Netflix may have a hit fantasy series up their sleeve to rival HBO’s Game of Thrones.
Stranger Things, Season 3
Everybody’s favorite sci-fi throwback will be returning for its third season, and naturally it’s being kept quite secret. Little is known about it other than some of the basics.
The show will pick up in 1985, during the height of Back To The Future’s popularity.
Most of the cast is returning with newcomer Maya Hawke as “Robin”, alongside three new additions that have not yet been cast. The gang got a pay raise for the upcoming season and other some behind-the-scenes sizzle, no footage is public yet.
San Diego Comic Con sounds like a safe bet for those eagerly awaiting a first look, but the rumor is that the season won’t drop until 2019.
Fast and Furious Animated Series
Fast fam should rejoice, as the over-the-top action franchise is coming to the small screen. The Fast and Furious animated series is coming to Netflix courtesy of their deal with Dreamworks Animation Studios.
The show will follow Tony Toretto, who — like his big-screen cousin Dom — becomes entangled in the world of international crime and car-centric action.
The project even has film series producers on board, including Vin Diesel himself.
Dreamworks is at the top of its game lately, with shows Trollhunters and Voltron: Legendary Defender being big hits on Netflix. Hopefully Fast and Furious will join their ranks as another source of family-friendly action.
The Umbrella Academy
This darling comic illustrated by Gabriel Bá and written by Gerard Way (yes, yes, from My Chemical Romance) is getting a Netflix series.
The Umbrella Academy, which follows a family of disparate, dysfunctional superhero siblings, will be landing on Netflix sometime later this year.
The show is already filming with Way onboard as executive producer, and a cast including Oscar nominees Ellen Page and Mary J. Blige.
Of course, this isn’t the first time The Umbrella Academy was set to be adapted. The series was optioned for a Universal Studios movie back in 2015, although the plans fell through. Thankfully, with Netflix’s experience with Marvel television, this production sounds like it’s right at home.
Lost In Space, Season 2
This reboot of the classic TV show took many by surprise. Lost in Space has been a dormant franchise since the critical failure of the 1998 film, but the Netflix series turned out to be a fun, family-driven sci-fi with high production value. If you haven’t checked it out, it might be worth a try — especially since season two is officially on its way.
There’s no release date just yet, but plans for the second season were already in the works before the show was even renewed.
Lost In Space made a comeback with season one, but the mixed reviews show that there is still room for improvement.
It’s a solid update to an aging franchise, so hopefully season two means more danger for Will Robinson, and less danger of cancellation.
Maniac
Cary Fukunaga, the director behind Jane Eyre, True Detective season 1, and Beasts of No Nation, is at the helm of a new Netflix comedy series called Maniac.
Maniac is based on a Norwegian television show of the same name, and stars Jonah Hill and Emma Stone.
The black comedy will follow two people living amazing (and imaginary) lives, who discover they have actually been trapped in a mental institution. Little is known about the project aside from its basic premise and glimpses via first look photos, though it is expected to hit the service later this year. The two will also be joined by Sally Fields and Justin Theroux.
She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power
If Voltron: Legendary Defender is any indication, Netflix and Dreamworks should be rebooting plenty of ’80s cartoons. Next on their list? She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.
This He-Man off-shoot is set for a major return (without He-Man around, this time) later this year. She-Ra is already fully cast and is helmed by Noelle Stevenson, illustrator on the beloved Lumberjanes and Nimona comic series.
With the newfound prevalence of female superheroes and many more to come, this seems like the perfect series to bring back. Between the creative talent and the track record of the Netflix-Dreamworks partnership, it sounds like a surefire hit.
The Irishman
Martin Scorsese’s biopic about the infamous slaying of Jimmy Hoffa was originally slated for release in theaters. However, as the budget for the film began to climb, Paramount Pictures, STX Entertainment, and the film’s personal financiers became less interested in its development.
Netflix acquired the rights to The Irishman, meaning the project will be a Netflix-exclusive release.
The film’s inflated budget (reportedly going from $100 million to $140 million) is the result of high-end digital de-aging effects. Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci are supposedly going to appear nearly 30 years young in flashback sequences. These ambitious effects can make or break the film, so let’s hope they’re worth the money.
Guillermo Del Toro Presents 10 After Midnight
Visionary (and now Oscar-winning) filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro has a passion project heading to Netflix, and it’s one that will make horror fans very, very happy.
Guillermo Del Toro Presents 10 After Midnight is an upcoming horror anthology series, consisting of Del Toro’s “personally curated stories that are both equally sophisticated and horrific.” Does this sound incredible or what?
Del Toro is an extremely versatile filmmaker— from Hellboy to Pan’s Labrinth to Pacific Rim to The Shape of Water, he has tackled dozens of genres with tons of his own personal flair. While the series is still in early stages, it already sounds like one of the most unique projects slated for Netflix.
House of Cards, Season 7
One of Netflix’s most popular in-house productions is returning for its sixth and final season — without its lead, Frank Underwood. After the many allegations against Kevin Spacey were made public, Netflix briefly suspended production on House of Cards before Spacey was removed entirely.
The final season will consist of eight episodes and will feature Robin Wright’s Claire Underwood in the lead as the show wraps up loose-ends.
The sixth season was supposedly going to be the last season anyway, but it’s a shame that Spacey’s controversy has tainted the series during its final stretch.
The Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance
Jim Henson’s 1982 cult classic fantasy is getting a prequel series on Netflix.
The Dark Crystal is beloved for its groundbreaking special effects and notably darker aesthetic from Henson’s typical work. This creatives behind Age of Resistance hope to recreate the original’s signature look, and it sounds like they’re right on track.
The production is being handled by The Jim Henson Company, using a blend of CGI and trademark puppetry to bring the world of Thra to life again.
The series will be helmed by Louis Leterrier, director of The Transporter, The Incredible Hulk, and Now You See Me. There is currently no release date for the project.
Locke And Key
The supernatural horror comic by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez has had an adaptation in production for a while now. The series was originally set for Hulu, but after passing on the pilot episode, the production was picked up by Netflix and is now getting an overhaul, including the replacement of main cast members and It director Andy Muschietti.
Locke and Key follows three siblings who discover magic keys that open passages to other dimensions.
Through these passages comes a demon, who hunts the siblings to take the keys for itself.
With Stranger Things at peak popularity, this sounds like another hit for Netflix — let’s just hope that the show’s redevelopment isn’t a wasted effort.
Dolemite Is My Name
Eddie Murphy has been out of the spotlight for too long. Thankfully, he has plans to make a gracious return in the Netflix exclusive Dolemite Is My Name, a biopic about musician-entertainer Rudy Ray Moore.
Moore was famous for his comedy and music, but mainly for playing Dolemite in his titular blaxploitation film series. The movies follow the heroic kung-fu fighter named Dolemite as he protects his community.
Eddie Murphy has long been interested in the biopic, and it sounds like the right balance of comedy and drama to get him back in the limelight. The supporting cast also features A-list talent, with the likes of Craig Robinson, Keegan Michael Key, and Wesley Snipes onboard.
The Carmen Sandiego Animated Series and Movie
Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? She’s probably somewhere in the Netflix offices, as the company plans to launch two new projects based on the titular edutainment icon.
The first production is a Carmen Sandiego animated series starring Jane the Virgin’s Gina Rodriguez, set for 2019.
Netflix also purchased the film rights for the franchise, so Rodriguez is expected to reprise the role in live-action.
Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego? is a multimedia franchise revolving around super-criminal Carmen Sandiego, who adventures around the world to steal priceless items. The franchise aims to teach children geography, and now it’ll do so on Netflix.
The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs
From Raising Arizona to The Big Lebowski to O Brother Where Art Thou?, Joel and Ethan Coen have produced countless hits. While the brothers certainly aren’t done making feature films, they are finally trying their hand at their own TV western — The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.
The show is a six-episode anthology series made up of original short stories by the Coen brothers.
Some cast members have already been announced, including Liam Neeson, James Franco, Zoe Kazan, and frequent Coens-collaborator Tim Blake Nelson as the titular Buster Scruggs. The show doesn’t have a specific release date just yet, though it is expected to land on Netflix sometime later this year.
Ratched
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’s infamous villain, the abusive Nurse Ratched, is getting her own Netflix series. Ratched will be a prequel and origin story, detailing her early life and the events that form her into the monstrous, vindictive head nurse of the Salem State Hospital.
The classic film is widely regarded as one of the best ever made, and Louise Fletcher’s portrayal of Nurse Ratched has become synonymous with evil and villainy.
It’s probably not the origin story that everybody was clamoring for, but the show already sounds pretty intense.
Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story, Ocean’s 8) will portray young Nurse Ratched in the two-season, 18-episode series.
The Politician
A pilot for a show called The Politician was quite the hot ticket earlier in the year, as the bidding war surrounding it ended once it received a series order by Netflix.
This upcoming comedy series will star Dear Evan Hansen’s Ben Platt as Payton, an aspiring politician who must deal with the stress of a new political race every season.
Platt is joined by Oscar-winners Gwyneth Paltrow and Barbara Streisand in unknown roles.
Raising Dion
Based on a short film and comic by Dennis Liu, this upcoming Netflix series deals with the struggles of a single mother named Nicole Reese and her son Dion. Dion discovers that he has mysterious superhuman powers, which his mother tries to keep secret from looming evil forces.
The show is currently in the casting process, with many names already attached. Shadowhunters’ Alisha Wainwright and newcomer Ja’Siah Young will portray Nicole and Dion Reese, with Michael B. Jordan set to play Mark Reese, Nicole’s husband.
The superhero genre might be getting stale for some, but it’s nice to see that a fresh superhero story is getting a major adaptation.
The Spy
You might know him for his comedic roles in Borat and The Dictator, but Sacha Baron Cohen is going to star in a Netflix series that sounds far more serious.
The Spy is an espionage drama about Eli Cohen, Israel’s top secret agent during the 1960s.
The six-episode miniseries will star Cohen — as the spy, Cohen — as he goes undercover in Syria in order to undermine the country’s regime.
This seems like a radically different role for Cohen — the funny one — and it will be interesting to see what he brings to it. He will be joined by Noah Emmerich (The Americans) and Alexander Siddig (Game of Thrones).
