Dear Hollywood, I love my sequels and remakes as much as you love making money off them. But after one too many scrolls past a part-five film or reboot announcement on Instagram, my queue is starting to feel a little too predictable. And listen, I like to think I am a pretty self-aware gal, so let me add that I am fully aware I’ll probably watch half of these sequels and adaptations with great joy (I’m already in my theater seat for The Devil Wears Prada 2). But as fun as all that nostalgia can be, my welcoming embrace of these novelties is starting to wear thin. I get the business of it all—reboots make money, and that money supposedly makes room for some of those more original TV show ideas I crave. But lately, my watchlist has leaned a little more reboot-y and a lot less original.
If you, like me, have found yourself seated on your couch, craving some original, risky, actual fresh-from-the-brain storytelling, you’ve come to the right place. These original TV shows and movies might have gotten swept away in the sea of book-to-movie adaptations, but they are still worthy of a Friday evening. Read on for 14 original TV shows and movies that are just as good, if not better than your favorite reboot.
Original Shows
Big Mistakes
I always need a little splash of comedy for my weekday evening routine, and this original is my favorite one currently streaming. Dubbed as a crime comedy for “the girls and the gays,” according to The New Yorker, the show centers on a pair of siblings who are blackmailed into working for gangsters after stealing a necklace for their dying grandmother. Created by Dan Levy from Schitt’s Creek, and I Love LA’s Rachel Sennott, the show’s fallout is just as entertaining as Morgan (Taylor Ortega) and Nicky (Levy) are terrible at crime.
Beef (Season 2)
After sweeping the Emmy train two years ago, Beef is back for Season 2 with a fresh new cast and a chaotic new storyline. Still one of the boldest, loudest, and most original TV shows on streaming, the real strength in Beef is its ability to turn those subtly relatable, everyday tensions into something insanely sharp, morally questionable, and painfully funny. Be forewarned, though, watching this season with a partner might test your relationship, but it’s still—without a doubt—entertaining. Inspired by a real-life “heated debate” the show’s creator overheard between his neighbors, this season follows two couples at a prestigious country club whose lives spiral into a blackmail-fueled mess.
Task
There are a lot of detective crime shows out there, and a lot of them star Mark Ruffalo as some sort of troubled law-enforcement figure. But after what feels like a decade of detective performances, Ruffalo’s crime-drama aura has undoubtedly peaked in Task. Instead of treating the crime itself as the show’s center of gravity, Task leans more into the emotional unraveling, letting that character erosion drive the tension and suspense. I haven’t felt this moved by a detective show since True Detective. So if you’re into character-driven dramas with slow-burning suspense, here ya go.
Overcompensating
A laugh-out-loud chaos train with lovable characters just trying their best is my cinematic love language. This show follows a group of young adults navigating identity during the messiest transition of life (college), and it’s the kind of throw-on watch perfect for relaxing after a long day. Plus, the fact that it doesn’t have a “based on the best-selling novel” sticker on it makes it even more perfect for my watchlist right now. Overcompensating is one of those cheesy feel-good watches that also makes me shed a tear or two. It’s definitely an original TV show that deserves a spot in your queue.
Pluribus
I watched Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul way too late in my life, but ever since I discovered the worlds of Vince Gilligan, I have declared myself available for anything and everything he writes into existence. This time, it’s his new show, Pluribus, which has already been praised by critics as one of the best pilot episodes of all time. It is truly a masterclass in world-building, and if you love the sci-fi genre, this Apple TV+ pick is worth opting for a monthly trial. I won’t say too much—because the show really does work best going in blind—but the setup follows Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn), one of the few people in the world immune to a mysterious virus that takes over the world. And Carol, one of the most miserable people in the world, has to be the one to save it.
Rooster
When my mother-in-law threw on this feel-good comedy, I couldn’t help but find myself peeking in from the kitchen table to try and catch a glimpse of what Greg Russo (Steve Carell) and his college acquaintances were up to. The new series follows a never-went-to-college novelist who is invited to teach at a New England liberal arts school. Greg is a professor who can’t help but also behave like a student, enjoying the breaking-of-innocence novelties like beer pong and parties. Oh, and his daughter also teaches at the school, which makes these acts a little more complicated. Despite the messy plot, it’s actually a very sweet show overall—with a splash of Robby Hoffman flair that makes it even better.
Hacks
If I could be besties with any fictional character, the tenaciously charming Gen Z baddie, Ava Daniels, would be at the top of my “people I’d love to gossip over a fruity drink with.” With its fifth and final season out, Hacks is still one of the funniest 30-minute laughs on streaming right now. If you love a plot that shows off the entertainment industry’s gritty teeth and comedic bite, Hacks is one of the best to jump into. Plus, there’s no waiting game between seasons.
Original Movies
The Drama
If you’re online at all, you’ve probably already seen some of the moral debate around the making of this movie. It’s the kind of film that will either make you want to throw your phone at the screen or leave you sitting in a wounded headspace for a week. However this movie leaves you, it is undoubtedly one of the most controversial stories of 2026. Personally, I really admired how boldly The Drama engaged with a conversation that’s so culturally relevant, and made it feel even more uncomfortably close than it already is. Without giving too much away, the story follows a couple whose relationship is pushed to its limits after an intimate, seemingly stable confession at a round table unravels into something far more complicated. Quickly forcing the two to confront truths about unconditional love and forgiveness.
Sorry, Baby
Guys, I mean it when I say this might be one of the most life-changing movies I’ve ever watched. I think we each get a few very specific, almost fateful moments when a quote, film, or person enters our lives and says exactly what we need to hear, and Sorry, Baby really did that for me. Its perspective on grief, life, kids, and the strange way all three can interact with each other resonated with me. Written by, directed by, AND starring Eva Vicor, this comedic drama follows a young woman navigating the aftermath of a terrible, personal event—all while trying to rebuild her sense of self and what life can look like.
Good Fortune
Starring Keke Palmer, Keanu Reeves, Aziz Ansari, Seth Rogan, and more, this feel-good comedy follows an inept angel who meddles in the lives of a tech bro and a struggling odd-jobs worker. It flew under the radar a bit when it first came out, but recently found me on Hulu, and I was so glad it did. With this much comedic talent, Good Fortune is obviously set up to be fun, but it also has some heartfelt messaging that helps the jokes land with even stronger footing. Thinking about how 70% of the major comedy films last year were adaptations, sequels, or based on existing material, stumbling upon a medium-budget movie like this feels like finding an old iPod you forgot you loved—it’s definitely clunky and has its flaws, but still feels good to press play.
Send Help
I am not the biggest horror buff these days (I’m a chicken), but when I saw this film in the middle of January with nothing to do but freeze, the idea of taking a horrific tropical getaway with Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien sounded more tempting. I was honestly not expecting much, which is maybe why it ended up being such a good film, but Send Help was such a fun date night pick for my partner and me. And don’t worry, whether you love horror or can barely handle a paper cut, this one leans more fun than terrifying. An original screenplay, the movie follows an asshole boss, Bradley, and employee Linda, who become stranded on a remote island after a plane crash. Forced to rely on each other as survival instincts kick in, their trust in one another slowly starts to unravel.
Roommates
Roommates isn’t necessarily the best movie in the world, but it’s undeniably charming if you’re in the mood for something easy and a little cheesy. And if it’s between this star-studded original and another Colleen Hoover adaptation, I’ll take the new comedy for 200 right now. Starring Adam Sandler, Sadie Sandler, and Chloe East, this sweet, low-stakes comedy follows a group of young Gen Z college roommates who are forced to navigate early adulthood and clashing personalities after Devon asks cool-girl Celeste to be her roommate.
The Mastermind
After watching Josh O’Connor in La Chimera, I couldn’t help but put myself down a filmography rabbit hole for some more of his films. I landed in 1970s Massachusetts with The Mastermind, where O’Connor portrays an art thief, Mooney, who wanders into a museum in broad daylight and steals four paintings. But for him, holding onto the art proves to be much more difficult than stealing it. O’Connor delivers a quietly brilliant performance with lots of questions around self-absorption and a little humor.
Twinless
For my fellow indie movie lovers, this hidden gem has been quietly making an impact online ever since its release, and it’s definitely meant to be felt more than just watched. Twinless can be very intense and not always an easy watch, but if you let it in, it really does move you. Full of unexpected turns and a very different kind of Dylan O’Brien performance than Send Help, this one leans more into a raw and vulnerable kind of unsettling. The plot focuses on two men, Roman and Dennis, who meet in a support group after each losing their twin. It’s a very unique storyline, which gives it enough originality points to make this list for me.
Madigan Will, Contributing Writer
As a contributing writer and former Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Madigan has written and edited content across every topic under the digital media sun. As the oldest of four siblings, she brings a big-sister perspective to her work, helping readers discover new ways to maximize their everyday.
