September is here, folks, and with it comes a fresh batch of binge-worthy entertainment on Netflix, along with the sad farewell to some favorites. As usual, the streaming giant is taking us on an emotional rollercoaster: offering shiny new gems while cruelly snatching away beloved classics, leaving you in a puddle of tears and existential dread as you realize your queue might never truly be complete.
But don’t worry—I’m here to guide you through the highlights of what’s new, what’s leaving, and what you should be watching before it’s gone. Let’s dive into the world of streaming with our Wi-Fi cranked up and our emotional support snacks within arm’s reach.
What’s New on Netflix in September 2024
If you’ve been eagerly awaiting fresh content to devour, September is your month. Netflix is rolling out a smorgasbord of new series, films, and documentaries, because who needs sunlight, right? Here’s a peek at what’s worth your valuable screen time this month.
1. The Last Astronaut (Netflix Original Series)
Space is cold, dark, and lonely, much like a Monday morning without coffee, which makes The Last Astronaut a perfect metaphor for life. This gritty sci-fi series follows the sole survivor of a doomed Mars mission who stumbles upon a conspiracy back on Earth. And if that doesn’t sell it for you, the trailer promises a healthy dose of suspense, action, and philosophical quandaries that will make you question whether you’re using your Netflix subscription for personal growth or mere procrastination.
2. Unsolved Mysteries: Season 6 (Netflix Original)
Ah yes, Unsolved Mysteries, because nothing says “relaxing evening in” like unresolved crime stories that will make you double-check your locks before bed. Season 6 promises to bring more jaw-dropping cases and paranormal phenomena, the kind that will have you muttering, “How is this still not solved?!” while you scroll Reddit at 3 a.m., convinced you’ve cracked the case yourself. Spoiler: You haven’t.
3. The Cook-Off (Netflix Original Film)
In a world where culinary shows have become the new reality TV drama, The Cook-Off takes things to a new level of ridiculousness. Picture this: cutthroat amateur chefs, a high-stakes competition, and enough sabotage to rival an episode of Succession. Add in a charismatic host who seems one minor insult away from throwing a frying pan at someone, and you’ve got a recipe for binge-worthy disaster.
4. The Twilight Saga (Yes, All of It)
That’s right, Twilight fans—it’s your time to shine again. You can now relive Bella’s eternal lack of facial expressions, Edward’s brooding, and Jacob’s shirtless transformation scenes as the entire saga makes its way back to Netflix. Whether you’re a diehard fan or someone who pretends to hate it but secretly watches it after a couple glasses of wine, Netflix has your guilty pleasure ready to stream.
5. CyberPunked: Season 1 (Netflix Original Series)
This animated series takes a cheeky, dystopian dive into the future where humans are more addicted to tech than ever, like, say, 2024 but on steroids. CyberPunked is part action-adventure, part social commentary, and 100% a reason to avoid that notification that your screen time went up 25% this week. With stunning animation and dark humor, it’s set to be a hit among fans of shows like Black Mirror and Rick and Morty.
6. Killer Bees: A Nature Docu-Thriller (Netflix Original Documentary)
Netflix seems to be on a mission to make us terrified of everything, including bees. Killer Bees is not your run-of-the-mill nature documentary; it’s essentially a horror film in disguise. Narrated by an eerily calm British voice (as all good nature docs should be), this thriller highlights the world of aggressive, swarming insects that can, and probably will, haunt your dreams. Pro tip: Don’t watch it outside. Or near flowers.
7. Sandy & Max: The High School Reunion (Netflix Original Film)
Remember that high school reunion you didn’t go to? Well, Sandy and Max didn’t skip theirs, and now we get to watch the chaos unfold. This Netflix rom-com sees two unlikely former classmates team up to survive the social torture of their 20-year reunion. Expect cringe-worthy moments, forgotten crushes, and that one classmate who became unexpectedly successful while you’re still figuring out how taxes work.
What’s Leaving Netflix in September 2024
Now, as much as Netflix giveth, it also taketh away. Prepare yourselves for some heartbreak as several popular titles make their exit. These goodbyes might sting, but I promise you’ll get through this… probably by starting another binge-watch session to numb the pain.
1. Breaking Bad (ALL Seasons)
Breaking Bad is one of those shows people won’t stop telling you to watch, like a cult you don’t quite want to join but secretly kind of want to. Unfortunately, if you haven’t already, time is running out. Walter White and Jesse Pinkman will be leaving Netflix by the end of September, and so will your chance to finally understand what all those “I am the one who knocks” memes were about.
2. Inception (2010)
Nolan fans, we’re sorry. It’s time to dream a little smaller. The mind-bending world of Inception is heading out this month. No longer will you be able to host debates about whether the top finally stopped spinning or how many layers deep the dream really went (or whether you’re actually in a dream right now). We hope you’ve cracked the code because come October, the only place you’ll be spinning tops is in your imagination.
3. The Office (U.S. Version)
Let’s face it, The Office leaving Netflix is like your favorite coffee shop closing down—it’s devastating but also probably a sign to move on with your life. While it’s had a good run on Netflix, the paper-pushing antics of Dunder Mifflin are set to leave the platform. So if you still haven’t memorized all of Dwight Schrute’s beet farm facts, now’s your chance.
4. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
The animated hit that redefined what a superhero movie could be is web-swinging its way out of Netflix. If you haven’t yet seen Into the Spider-Verse, seriously, what are you waiting for? It’s got heart, stunning visuals, and a killer soundtrack—and it’s about to be gone faster than you can say “multiverse.”
5. Parks and Recreation (ALL Seasons)
If The Office leaving wasn’t bad enough, Parks and Recreation is also packing its bags. Leslie Knope and her gang of lovable misfits are off to another streaming service, and I don’t know about you, but I’m already panicking about where I’ll get my dose of Pawnee, Indiana’s finest citizens. This is your last chance to binge-watch Ron Swanson’s glorious mustache or catch up on Tom Haverford’s entrepreneurial schemes.
6. The Notebook (2004)
Oh, the emotional wreckage. The Notebook, the film responsible for approximately 87% of all Netflix rom-com-induced sob fests, is leaving us too. Time to put on your comfiest sweatpants, grab some tissues, and revisit the whirlwind romance of Noah and Allie before it’s gone for good. If you’re into crying over other people’s fictional love lives, now’s your moment.
7. Friends (ALL Seasons)
This one stings—again. Friends has become the boomerang of the Netflix catalog, coming and going so many times that I can’t keep track. If you’re the kind of person who puts on Friends as background noise, well, you’ll need to find another form of comfort TV come October. Time to get your last fix of Central Perk before Ross and Rachel take yet another break—this time for good.
Final Thoughts
September 2024 is a mixed bag for Netflix fans. From sci-fi thrillers and animated adventures to the return of everyone’s favorite vampires (I’m looking at you, Twilight), there’s plenty to get excited about. But be prepared to say goodbye to some iconic titles, too. It’s the eternal cycle of the streaming service: new obsessions are born, old favorites are lost, and we all continue to ask ourselves, “Why don’t I just buy these shows on DVD?”
So stock up on snacks, cancel your plans, and dive headfirst into this month’s new offerings. And for the love of all that is good and holy, finish Breaking Bad before it’s gone. You’ll thank me later.