Netflix's Biggest Disappointments: Avoid These 15 Shows at All Costs

Given the streamer's reputation as the go-to platform for high-quality TV series, it may come as a surprise to learn about the worst shows on Netflix. Despite the increasing number of Netflix originals, the platform has managed to maintain a strong track record. Initially, Netflix attracted subscribers by offering popular shows like Friends and The Office for streaming. Although these shows have since moved to their respective networks' platforms, Netflix has excelled in creating its own exclusive content.

While shows like Santa Clarita Diet were unfortunately canceled prematurely, the majority of major current series on Netflix are still worth watching. However, not every show on the platform lives up to expectations, as evidenced by the worst shows on Netflix. For every thrilling and well-crafted supernatural series like Stranger Things or Wednesday, there are obscure Iron Man imitations or unintentionally humorous dramas about Sigmund Freud. Rest assured, Netflix has likely ensured that these shows won't appear in any subscriber's algorithm, regardless of how peculiar their most-watched shows may be.

15 Hoops (2020)

Hoops failed to achieve the same level of success as other popular adult animation shows like Rick and Morty, despite being one of Netflix's attempts in that direction. The series revolves around a high school basketball coach with a fiery temper, who frequently uses vulgar language and verbally harasses his students. Despite having Jake Johnson in the lead role and a talented supporting cast of comedy actors, the humor falls flat. Unlike its satirical and clever counterparts, Hoops comes across as more mean-spirited and unpleasant. As a result, Netflix made the decision to cancel the show after just one season.

14 Away (2020)

Hilary Swank stars in the lead role of Away, portraying an astronaut torn between her duty to embark on a mission to Mars and the emotional struggle of leaving behind her husband and child. Despite boasting an impressive cast, the series has surprisingly remained under the radar. While Away benefits from a generous budget like many other Netflix productions, the visual effects merely serve as a facade, concealing a narrative that failed to resonate with both critics and viewers. Although the show had potential, the characters and premise lacked depth, resulting in a disappointing experience.

13 Roman Empire (2016-2019)

Roman Empire is a captivating blend of history and drama, immersing viewers in the fascinating era of the Roman civilization. With its compelling portrayal of iconic figures like Julius Caesar, Spartacus, Cleopatra, Pompey, and Mark Antony, the show offers a glimpse into their lives and the events that shaped the empire. While adorned with stunning period costumes and meticulously choreographed fight sequences, the viewing experience can sometimes feel burdensome. Critics have scrutinized the dialogue and performances, noting the absence of efforts to elevate the content beyond what is commonly found in middle school history books. In comparison to the plethora of exceptional shows and movies centered around the Roman Empire, Roman Empire falls short in its ability to captivate and compete.

12 Space Force (2020-2022)

Space Force, starring Steve Carrell and co-created by Greg Daniels, had all the ingredients to become a successful comedy series. With its topical satire and surprising cameos, the show seemed promising. However, despite the significant investment in impressive special effects, the lack of jokes was a major disappointment, especially considering Daniels' previous work on The Office and Parks and Recreation. Moreover, as a science-based sitcom centered around the military, Space Force faced criticism for its scientific inaccuracies.

11 Richie Rich (2015)

Following the release of the 1994 film Richie Rich, which has since gained a dedicated following, the 2015 Netflix series serves as the latest interpretation of the beloved Harvey Comics characters. However, it is unlikely to achieve the same cult status as its predecessor. The series revolves around a young boy who suddenly becomes a trillionaire and resides in a lavish mansion filled with toys and even a robotic maid. While this premise seems to promise endless entertainment and mischief, the show falls short in terms of production value, promoting materialism, and presenting Richie as a character who is too spoiled to be relatable or likable.

10 Freud (2020)

Freud is a captivating period thriller set in 19th-century Vienna, where a young Sigmund Freud crosses paths with a psychic medium. Despite its release during the COVID-19 pandemic, the series went largely unnoticed and failed to generate significant interest. Interestingly, the title may mislead viewers as it deviates greatly from the renowned psychologist's actual life. Moreover, the few elements that do align with his biography are riddled with historical inaccuracies. In essence, Freud can be likened to Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter in its departure from depicting the true essence of the respective historical figures.

9 Hache (2019-2021)

Hache is the fifth original series from Spain that Netflix has released. However, while the streaming platform has found great success with Spanish movies like The Platform, the same cannot be said for Hache. The show revolves around Helena, a sex worker, who attempts to infiltrate a cartel by winning the affections of its leader. The idea for the show was inspired by Verónica Fernández, the creator, who came across an article discussing Luciano's organization of the heroin trade route from Asia to America. Regrettably, the actual adaptation of this concept in Hache falls short of capturing the intriguing nature of the original story.

8 Game On! A Comedy Crossover Event (2020)

Game On! A Comedy Crossover Event is a Netflix special that brings together multiple Netflix sitcoms, including The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia, The Big Show Show, Mr. Iglesias, and Family Reunion. The special showcases a talented cast, including Eva Longoria, Gabriel Iglesias, Tia Mowry-Hardrict, and Paul Wight, a.k.a. The Big Show, among others. However, the crossover didn't generate much excitement, as Netflix is not particularly known for its comedic sitcoms. Game On! A Comedy Crossover Event suffered from an abundance of unfamiliar characters for the audience.

7 Tiny Creatures (2020)

While Tiny Creatures may initially seem like a typical documentary about animals, it sets out to engage children in a more entertaining manner. However, this approach has faced criticism for bordering on the absurd in its educational family series. What's even more concerning is that some viewers have accused this pseudo-documentary of promoting animal abuse. In response to these allegations, the show's director, Jonathan Jones, an Emmy winner, has reassured everyone that no animals were harmed during the production. He further clarified that scenes involving predators and prey were filmed on separate days. Nevertheless, the peculiar and off-putting tone of this children's show remains a point of contention.

6 Sexy Beasts (2021)

The second season of Sexy Beasts shows some improvement compared to its first season, but that still doesn't say much about this unique British dating game show. Unlike popular shows like Love Island or The Bachelor, Sexy Beasts takes a different approach with its contestants dressing up in elaborate makeup, resembling their chosen "beast." The series becomes particularly intriguing when the couples venture into public spaces, such as going on a date in the midst of a cheese shop, all while sporting these bizarre costumes. While dating shows often explore creative concepts, Sexy Beasts takes it to a whole new level of weirdness and lack of relatability.

5 ReBoot: The Guardian Code (2018)

ReBoot: The Guardian Code, a live-action/CGI continuation of the '90s computer-animated series, ReBoot, fails to live up to its predecessor and disappoints Netflix viewers. Although the show has a child-friendly tone that may appeal to young toddlers, there are far superior animated options available for this age group. It is important to remember that creating content for young audiences should not compromise on quality or depth. The original 1994 series showcased a much higher level of creativity and does not deserve to be overshadowed by this underwhelming legacy sequel.

4 Ultraman (2019-2023)

Though Western audiences may not be familiar with it, Ultraman is a fictional superhero that has gained immense popularity in Japan since the 1960s. Over the years, however, Ultraman's fame has dwindled to the point where it is now considered one of the most obscure TV superheroes. Netflix saw an opportunity to revive this iconic character and created its own Ultraman show. Regrettably, the streaming platform unintentionally contributed to Ultraman's obscurity. Despite releasing episodes up until 2023, the computer-generated animation falls short in terms of visual appeal, and the story feels lacking despite having decades' worth of source material to draw from.

3 Racket Boys (2021)

Racket Boys, a South Korean Sports drama, fell short in delivering its fish-out-of-water tale. The storyline centers around a father and his son who relocate for the father's new job, involving the task of guiding a group of badminton players, reminiscent of the Bad News Bears, to regain their former mediocre success. However, the depiction of Indonesians in Racket Boys caused uproar among viewers, particularly from Indonesia, due to its negative portrayal of the country. The Netflix release portrays Indonesians as cheaters lacking sportsmanship, and unfortunately, the Ted Lasso-like narrative fails to overshadow these problematic elements.

2 Jinn (2019)

Jinn, an Arabic supernatural drama, sparked immediate controversy and uproar upon its release. Set in the city of Petra, the show revolves around magical genies, known as Jinn, and the teenagers who must prevent them from causing chaos in the world. However, the series faced backlash after airing five episodes, as one of the female characters was depicted kissing two different men in separate scenes. The portrayal of these "immoral scenes" led a Jordanian prosecutor to attempt to halt the broadcast (via Deadline). Nevertheless, the criticism towards Jinn extends beyond these controversies, with the performances and script being cited as lacking refinement, resembling a first draft.

1 Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness (2021)

Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness is a four-episode miniseries that combines horror and action through CGI animation. It takes inspiration from the popular video game series of the same name. While Hollywood has faced challenges in adapting Resident Evil in the past, with the financially successful yet critically panned Paul W.S. Anderson-directed franchise, and a short-lived animated Netflix series that didn't live up to its potential, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness aims to change that. The story revolves around Leon's investigation of a hacking attempt on the White House, only to encounter a horde of zombies instead. With beloved characters from the franchise taking center stage, the series has the potential to become a resounding success.