Netflix is a wonderful service, and still one of the leading streaming platforms out there. But even with all the Netflix originals, and the rich content library – the American version of Netflix still has more content, and TV shows that can only be found there.
From ongoing hit shows like Grey’s Anatomy and The Walking Dead, to classics like Supernatural and The Twilight Zone – there are some real gems “hidden” on the Netflix version that sits across the pond.
- Note: This post was written in collaboration with NordVPN.
So why are we looking at TV shows that are only available on the US version of Netflix? Because there’s a way for Netflix subscribers in the UK to watch the US version of Netflix (as well as other countries).
We cover the method of doing this in detail on our How To Watch American Netflix in The UK article, but in short, it means using a top VPN – like NordVPN – to bypass streaming geo-blocks.
Update: NordVPN’s early Black Friday Deal is now LIVE
NordVPN is celebrating Black Friday early – and is offering its cheapest price in 4 years for the 2-years-plan.
So if you were thinking about subscribing, so you could watch more shows on Netflix US – this is the time.
What Is A VPN?
Let’s start with a short explanation on what a VPN actually is, and why you need it to bypass geoblocks and watch Netflix US.
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. A VPN lets you create a secure connection between your device (PC/phone/tablet/etc’) and another computer.
Then, you use THAT computer (or Network) to browse the internet – so now, it’s as if you’re sitting next to that other computer – wherever in the world it may be – and using IT for your internet browsing.
This is where the streaming services come in – if you connect to a VPN server in the US, it’s as if you’re actually in the US – and will show you Netflix’ catalogue.
That being said, Netflix – and many other streaming services – try to actively stop their customers from using VPNs. Which is why you need a VPN service that can bypass those geo-blocks.
The top VPN services (like NordVPN) also safeguard your privacy – so websites won’t be able to trace and track your browsing. When you’re browsing the internet without a VPN, websites can save your IP, which they can use to get information about you – such as where you are in the world.
Why Use NordVPN?
There are a lot of VPN services out there these days, but you’ve surely heard of NordVPN – and for good reason.
They have more than 5,000 high-speed servers in more than 60 countries, which means you get top performance wherever in the world your streaming service is located – US or otherwise.
Plus, they have no bandwidth or data limits (and streaming video can consume a lot of data).
And most importantly in this case, NordVPN always make sure to stay ahead of the curve Netflix’ geo-blocking, doing what it takes to unblock those blocks. Plus, they’re good for other US streaming services (check our guide) as well – not just Netflix.
And, to top it all – their pricing is very affordable, especially if you take the two-years plan.
For more technical information on how to use NordVPN for Netflix – check out this help page on their site.
OK, Enough with the tech-talk – let’s move on to talking about those TV shows that are only available on Netflix US!
Some of these shows are also available in the UK on other services, but if you already have a Netflix subscription, this is a nice way to save. And – some shows aren’t available anywhere else in the UK…
1. Grey’s Anatomy
For such a popular show, that’s been running for more than 17 years – it’s really sad to see how its UK fans have been treated in recent years.
Grey’s Anatomy, if you need a reminder, was created by Shonda Rhimes and stars Ellen Pompeo as Dr. Meredith Grey, who works at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, with her friends, colleagues and romantic interests.
For years, the show has been ABC’s highest-rated drama, and is the longest-running prime-time drama on its network.
Thankfully, the show is available on Netflix US – from Season 1 all the way up to Season 16. The newest season, 17, will most likely become available a short while after it airs in the US.
2. The Walking Dead
Another long-running series that’s been breaking viewer records and staying fresh and riveting even after more than 10 years.
The Walking Dead is a TV series based on the comic book created by Robert Kirkman. The TV version was originally developed by Frank Darabont (who directed The Shawshank Redemption, among others), who then left during the second season due to creative and financial differences.
The show is a horror drama set in a post-apocalyptic world infested with zombies, or “Walkers” as they’re called on the show. Over the years, it saw many loved (and hated) cast member come and go – but it remains the ultimate binge-watch material.
3. The Blacklist
The Blacklist is an American action/crime show that stars James Spader as a mega-criminal (Raymond “Red” Reddington) who has managed to escape the clutches of the FBI for years, until he voluntarily decides to start working with them – for mysterious reasons.
He also insists on working with rookie FBI agent Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone) with whom he has peculiar ties.
While The Blacklist sometimes feels like a procedural, it’s filled with suspense and ongoing plot threads that slowly unravel throughout its long (and still ongoing) run. Spader’s performance is truly brilliant, as he chews up every scene he’s in.
4. The Arrowverse Shows
The CW’s DC TV universe, also known as the “Arrowverse”, is made up of several shows based on popular DC Comics characters.
It all started with Arrow (hence the name), which follows the adventures of the Green Arrow. Then came The Flash, with the wonderful Grant Gustin, and things blew up from there, with Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow – and that list keeps growing.
Each show holds up on its own – but it’s the most fun when you follow episodes in order, because each year has a crossover event that unites characters and stories from all the shows into a single 3-4 episode arc.
So having all the episodes from all the shows available on one platform is the best way to watch.
5. Charmed
Charmed was a wonderful TV series from the last ’90s, about three sisters who also happened to be witches.
In 2018, a reboot of Charmed was created. It again follows the lives of three sisters, Macy, Mel and Maggie, who discover they are a trio of good witches.
While critics are divided, the new version did quite well and has already been renewed for a fourth season. If you loved the original incarnation, you should at least give this one a try – but try not to compare it to the original too much – just enjoy the magic (pun intended).
6. Criminal Minds
There are a lot of procedurals out there – but there aren’t too many that were a hit for so many years – 15 seasons in Criminal Minds’ case.
The show follows a group of FBI profilers who are part of the Behavioral Analysis Unit. They use psychological profiling to investigate crimes, and – in good TV fashion – are also the ones who go in the field to chase those criminals while risking their lives.
Some cast members we replaced over the years, some stayed for the whole run – the earlier seasons are particularly good, and things got a bit tired towards the end – but it’s always a riveting watch.
7. Supernatural
The longest-running American fantasy TV show, Supernatural ended its brilliant run in 2020, after 15 seasons and 327 episodes – all of which are available on Netflix as of this writing.
The show revolves around two brothers (portrayed by Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki) who hunt monsters and supernatural beings. The first season was a bit slow, and consisted mostly of “monster of the week” episodes, but as the show progressed, longer arcs and recurring characters and themes took front and centere.
It can be scary at times, so keep that in mind, but it’s a brilliant show if you’re into that genre – full of drama, scares and some laughter thrown in as well.
It was always a bit hard to find the show on UK television, and its local fans have often been mistreated – so it’s good to finally have a place where you can watch it all from beginning to end.
8. Stargate SG1
Another long-running series that lasted for 10 seasons (with a few spin-offs as well) and ended on a high-note back in 2007. It’s based on the Stargate film by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich.
Stargate SG-1 takes place in an Earth where the “Stargate” has been discovered – an alien device that can transport people between a network of similar Stargates, scattered around the universe. The show follows SG-1, a military team that goes on missions across the galaxy.
Don’t let the fact that it’s from 15 years ago fool you – many of the episodes still feel fresh, the science fiction stories and ideas are brilliant, and the core cast – Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Shanks, Amanda Tapping and Christopher Judge is wonderful.
9. Weeds
A somewhat underrated dark comedy series that ran between 2005 and 2012, and was created by Jenji Kohan (who later created Netflix’ Orange Is The New Black).
Weeds follows Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker) a widow and a mother who turns to selling marijuana in order to support her family. While the premise was often compared to Breaking Bad, Weeds is much more of a comedy (albeit a dark one), though it’s often as heart breaking as it is funny.
10. The Twilight Zone
The classic series that ran between 1959 and 1964, The Twilight Zone, created by Rod Serling, influenced so much of the TV we watch today (such as Black Mirror, and a modern Twilight Zone reboot that launched in 2018).
Each episode of the show is a single contained story – it can be a science fiction story, fantasy, even horror – usually with a surprising twist at the end. Plenty of stars (of its time, or those who later became stars) appeared in episodes of the series, including William Shatner, Burt Reynolds, Robert Redford and many others.
Some episodes might seem a bit slow today – but others have remained just as thought-provoking as they were back then.