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Reviewed By Hayden Winter
Introduction
YouTube isn’t just for vlogs, tutorials, or music videos anymore. With its growing library of original series, the platform offers high-quality content that rivals major streaming services. From heartwarming documentaries to thrilling dramas, YouTube Originals bring new stories and fresh perspectives. Here are five of the best original YouTube series you should watch!
The Rise of YouTube Originals
YouTube Originals have grown quickly over the past few years. What started as a platform for short, fun videos has now become a place for full-length series and movies. YouTube saw the chance to create unique content for its users, and with YouTube Originals, they’ve attracted millions of viewers who want something fresh and exciting. This rise shows that people are ready for new kinds of entertainment that go beyond traditional TV.
Benefits of Watching YouTube Originals
One of the biggest benefits of YouTube Originals is that they’re easy to access. Unlike traditional TV shows, you don’t need a cable subscription to enjoy them, and they’re available worldwide. These shows also cover a wide range of genres, so there’s something for everyone—whether you love action, comedy, drama, or documentaries. Plus, many of these series are short and can be easily watched on the go, which fits well with busy lifestyles.
The Role of YouTube Originals in Modern Entertainment
YouTube Originals play a key role in shaping modern entertainment. With a mix of established stars and new talents, these shows bring fresh perspectives and ideas. They often tackle topics that resonate with younger viewers, like mental health, social issues, and personal growth. By giving creators the freedom to experiment with different themes and styles, YouTube Originals help keep entertainment current and relevant.
5 Original YouTube Series To Watch
1. Cobra Kai: Action-Packed Drama for Karate Fans
One of the most successful original series on YouTube, Cobra Kai revives the beloved Karate Kid story. Set decades after the original movies, the series follows Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso as adults with unresolved rivalries.
With engaging fight scenes, complex characters, and a storyline that mixes nostalgia with fresh drama, Cobra Kai appeals to fans of the original films and newcomers alike. This show has since gained a large fanbase, leading it to be picked up by other streaming services.
2. Impulse: A Superpower with a Twist
Impulse introduces a fresh take on the superhero genre. The story revolves around Henry, a teenager who discovers she has the ability to teleport. However, this superpower brings its own struggles and dangers.
With a dark, mysterious tone, Impulse explores themes of power, trauma, and survival, setting it apart from more traditional superhero shows. It’s a compelling watch for those who enjoy character-driven narratives and unique takes on the supernatural.
3. Liza on Demand: A Lighthearted Comedy Adventure
For fans of comedy, Liza on Demand is a perfect pick. Starring YouTube personality Liza Koshy, this show follows her character as she takes on odd jobs in a gig economy to make a living.
The series is filled with humor, lighthearted moments, and relatable challenges that millennials and Gen Z viewers can connect with. It’s an easy-to-watch, feel-good series that showcases Koshy’s comedic talents and offers a glimpse into the lives of young adults hustling in today’s world.
4. Wayne: A Gritty and Dark Road Trip Adventure
Wayne is an action-comedy that takes viewers on a wild journey with its protagonist, Wayne, who’s determined to recover his father’s stolen car. Alongside his girlfriend, Del, Wayne travels across the country, facing countless challenges.
This series blends humor with gritty, violent action and explores themes of loyalty, justice, and love. It’s an underrated gem among YouTube Originals that has gained a loyal fanbase for its unique storyline and memorable characters.
5. Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated: A Deep Dive into a Star’s Life
For documentary lovers, Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated is a must-watch. This in-depth documentary offers a raw and honest look into the life of Demi Lovato, exploring her rise to fame, personal struggles, and journey to recovery.
With intimate interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, this documentary provides insight into the challenges of fame and the importance of mental health. It’s a powerful series that resonates with fans of Lovato and viewers interested in celebrity documentaries.
YouTube Originals: Bringing Fresh Content
YouTube has evolved from being just a platform for user-generated videos to a full-fledged source of original series. These series bring new, exciting content to viewers around the world. Unlike traditional TV shows, YouTube Originals are designed to be accessible, relatable, and perfect for the digital age. They offer a mix of genres that appeal to a wide audience, giving people fresh stories and unique perspectives.
Why You Should Watch These Original YouTube Series
The growth of YouTube Originals has opened up a new way to experience diverse stories. Whether you’re looking for action, drama, comedy, or a meaningful documentary, YouTube has something to offer. These five series showcase the platform’s ability to provide high-quality entertainment, making it an excellent choice for your next binge-watch.
By adding these unique shows to your watchlist, you can enjoy fresh storytelling, creative concepts, and immersive characters that are pushing the boundaries of digital content.
Growth of Content Diversity in YouTube Originals
One of the exciting aspects of YouTube Originals is the variety of content they offer. Unlike traditional TV networks, YouTube has the freedom to explore different genres and themes, which makes its original series stand out. Whether it’s comedy, drama, action, or documentary, YouTube Originals provide a wide range of shows for all kinds of audiences. This diversity attracts people of different interests and backgrounds, making YouTube Originals a go-to place for unique entertainment.
Strong Connection with the Audience
Another benefit of YouTube Originals is the close connection between creators and their audiences. Many of the creators behind these shows are already popular on YouTube, so they bring their followers along for the ride. This direct connection means the content often feels more personal and relatable. Fans of these creators are more likely to watch their original series because they already have a bond with the person behind the camera.
Original YouTube Series and Young Viewers
YouTube Originals are especially popular with younger viewers, such as millennials and Gen Z. These generations are used to watching content online rather than on traditional TV, so YouTube is the perfect platform for them. The shows often cover topics that are relevant to young people, like relationships, career struggles, and finding personal success. This makes the series more appealing to a younger audience, who are looking for stories that reflect their own experiences.
The Growing Popularity of YouTube Original Documentaries
In addition to scripted shows, YouTube Originals has also found success with documentaries. These documentaries often offer an inside look at celebrities’ lives, important social issues, or trending topics. For example, Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated gave fans a closer look at the singer’s personal journey. Documentaries like this are growing in popularity because they give viewers real, unfiltered stories that can be both inspiring and eye-opening.
Collaborations with Big Names in Entertainment
To keep growing and standing out, YouTube Originals has partnered with well-known stars and creators. Big names in Hollywood and the music industry have signed on to create content for the platform. This helps bring in more viewers who are fans of those celebrities. Collaborations like these give YouTube Originals more credibility and attract an even wider audience, helping the platform compete with bigger streaming services.
The Impact of Global Reach
One of YouTube Originals’ biggest strengths is its global reach. Unlike traditional TV shows that may be limited to certain regions, YouTube Originals are available to viewers all over the world. This international audience gives creators the chance to share their stories with a much larger group of people. It also allows for more diverse content, as creators from different countries can share their unique perspectives and cultures with the world.
Challenges Facing YouTube Originals
Despite their popularity, YouTube Originals face challenges in competing with larger streaming services. Platforms like Netflix and Disney+ have big budgets and huge libraries of shows, which can make it hard for YouTube Originals to stand out. Additionally, not all viewers are used to watching full series on YouTube, so it may take time for some people to embrace these shows. These challenges mean that YouTube needs to keep finding ways to attract and keep its audience.
The Future of YouTube Originals
The future looks bright for YouTube Originals. As more people turn to online platforms for entertainment, YouTube is in a good position to expand its original content. With a strong foundation and a global audience, YouTube can continue to offer unique series that speak to today’s viewers. If YouTube Originals keep creating diverse, engaging shows, they will likely play an even bigger role in the world of streaming entertainment.
Analysis Table: Key Themes and Audience Appeal
| Series | Key Themes | Audience Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Cobra Kai | Rivalry, redemption | Nostalgic fans of Karate Kid, action lovers |
| Impulse | Superpowers, survival | Superhero fans, drama enthusiasts |
| Liza on Demand | Comedy, gig economy | Comedy lovers, young adults |
| Wayne | Loyalty, justice | Action-comedy fans, those looking for unique stories |
| Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated | Fame, mental health | Documentary lovers, fans of celebrity insights |
Comparative Table: Series Tone, Genre, and Viewer Ratings
| Series | Tone | Genre | Average Viewer Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobra Kai | Intense, action-packed | Action, drama | 4.7 |
| Impulse | Dark, mysterious | Sci-Fi, thriller | 4.5 |
| Liza on Demand | Lighthearted, humorous | Comedy | 4.3 |
| Wayne | Gritty, humorous | Action, comedy | 4.6 |
| Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated | Raw, introspective | Documentary | 4.8 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, YouTube Originals have become an important player in the world of online entertainment. With a wide range of shows, strong audience connections, and global reach, they offer something unique that keeps viewers engaged. While there are challenges, like competition from other streaming platforms, YouTube Originals continue to grow and evolve. As the platform continues to invest in original content and collaborations with big names, its influence in the entertainment industry will only increase. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, drama, or documentaries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the world of YouTube Originals.
