It’s time to catch up on all the binge-worthy summer Netflix originals that you may have missed while soaking up some sun and enjoying the beautiful weather this summer. Many series hit Netflix with a strong comeback, while others did not fare as well.

“Stranger Things”

     “Stranger Things” is a horror supernatural science fiction original that premiered on July 15 and staring Winona Ryder (“Experimentor”), David Harbour (“Black Mass”) and Finn Wolfhard (“Supernatural”). 

     Since its premiere, it has gained critical acclaim for its setting, acting, music and other elements. It pulled in a 9.1 out of 10 rating on IMDB.

     Viewers are captivated by the unique story-line. Set in the 1980s, it follows a group of boys, teenagers and adults as they battle the dark forces to rescue a missing boy.

     The show’s combination of horror with mystery and suspense are just some elements that make this show so addicting. The “80s” nostalgia complements the show more, as the characters try to solve plot mysteries in a pre-internet, GPS and cellphone era.

     It’s not long before viewers are introduced to a strong character named Eleven, played by Millie Bobbie Brown (“Intruders”) who is one force to be reckoned with and will likely have a strong lead in the series as it progress.

Overall, this show is enjoyable and is definitely on the must-watch list to end the summer on a great note.

“Orange is the New Black”

     “Orange is the New Black” made a stronger comeback this summer premiered its fourth season on June 17 staring Taylor Schilling (“The Overnight”), Michael Harney (“Bad Hurt”) and Kate Mulgrew (“The Principle”).

     The story picking up where viewers last left the characters. However this time the season continues stronger than last season as viewers see an instant change in the characters. They’ve grown so much over the seasons and it’s easy to see how tough, hardened and experienced with prison life they’ve become. This is noted with Piper Chapman, Red and Alex Vause.

     The plot seems more humorous, with more dark humor than ever before. The plot is less about Chapman now and more about the women of the prison as a whole.

     Now that viewers have followed these characters for four seasons, producers were able to introduce viewers to new antagonism with a new level of excitement. Even the staff story-lines seem more interesting, as they battle for control of the prison in the midst of a chaotic atmosphere and high turnover rate.

     Overall, this show has improved on many levels from last season and is worth another chance for viewers who have fallen off the prison band wagon.

“Marco Polo”

     “Marco Polo” came back on July 1, staring Lorenzo Richelmy (“Hybrids”), Benedict Wong (“The Martian”) and Joan Chen (“Caira Declaration”). The first season was jam-packed with adventure, suspense and romance at every turn and kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

     Something happened along the line with season two. Polo himself is demoted more than before, becoming one of the weakest characters on the show. His only redeeming element is the burning story line between him and his love interest, Kokachin. Kublai Khan however has become a strong lead in the story line as the show takes us through plot twists surrounding his court.

     Khan has grown so much as a character between seasons as his passionate, stubborn and vulnerable personality shows through and he is the driving force of the show.

     Season two struggles to grasbviewers with its sloppy and slow-paced story and its messy attempt at improvement from season one.  Its greatest highlight is still the production elements, sets and scenery, costumes design and score.

     Viewers are only left wondering why the show is even called “Marco Polo” when Polo himself slowly gets shoved into the background.

     The second season produces low ratings, filling the internet with rumors of cancellation as Netflix has yet to confirm a third season likely due to budget issues for the expensive and visually dazzling flop.