6 best Netflix shows to watch (and 3 to skip) in May 2023

You might think that the beginning of the year is the most exciting time of the year for Netflix shows, but we haven’t even gotten started yet! The first half of the year brought us Ginny & Georgia, Outer Banks, and The Night Agent among others, but the build up to summer could be the most thrilling time for new releases on Netflix.

In May 2023, a number of hugely anticipated, buzz-worthy new Netflix shows will make their debut. Not only will fans be getting new Bridgerton content this spring, but a series spinoff of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before arrives and Arnold Schwarzenegger also makes his series debut. There’s also a new animated series and some reality TV for good measure.

But it can’t all be worth watching. Each month when Netflix reveals its new release slate, there’s so much upcoming content that it’s impossible to fit it all in. And let’s face it, some of the series just aren’t for everyone. There’s a few Netflix shows debuting in May 2023 that are better left skipped.

Best Netflix shows to watch in May 2023

Below are the best Netflix shows to watch in May 2023, and of course, there’s a small batch of shows you don’t have to rush to check out. Let’s begin with arguably the most highly anticipated new release show of the month, the Bridgerton prequel Queen Charlotte.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

Watch! Bridgerton fans, it’s your time to shine! No, Bridgerton season 3 isn’t coming in May 2023, but the prequel limited series Queen Charlotte premieres on May 4. The series traces the beginnings of the titular queen, who we know and love from the sire series. She comes of age and to power, all while falling in love with King George. Don’t miss this Bridgerton story!

XO, Kitty

Watch! From one spinoff to another, Netflix is on quite the franchise roll this May. The long anticipated To All the Boys series spinoff XO, Kitty finally drops on May 18 and centers on Lara Jean Covey’s little sister Kitty (Anna Cathcart). In the series, Kitty reconnects with her long-distance boyfriend and finds that love and relationships are a bit more complicated when the shoe is on the other foot.

Jewish Matchmaking

Skip! Hot on the heels on Netflix’s popular reality series Indian Matchmaking, the streamer launches the new edition of the series called Jewish Matchmaking. In the series, singles in the United States and Israel turn to Jewish matchmaker Aleeza Ben Shalom to help find their soulmates. If it’s your cup of tea, check it out on May 3. Otherwise, skip it.

Mulligan

Watch! If you have been missing adult animated sitcoms on Netflix, there’s a new one that’s right up your alley. From the team behind Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and 30 Rock, Nat Faxon lends his voice to Mulligan as the titular Matty Mulligan. As one of the few survivors after Earth is destroyed, Mulligan has to help rebuild society from scratch. It’s a tall order! Also featuring the voices of Chrissy Teigen, Tina Fey, Sam Richardson, Dana Carvey, and Phil LaMarr, don’t miss the 10-episode first season on May 12.

Queer Eye season 7

Watch! The Fab Five are back in Queer Eye season 7! In the seven-episode seventh season of the Emmy Award-winning Netflix original reality series, the crew travels to New Orleans to help transform the lives of some folk who need a bit of a push toward a new beginning. The long awaited new season drops into our watch lists on May 12.

Love Village

Skip! You might have exhausted a bit from the dating competition series (and there’s still one more on this list!), but Netflix debuts another new reality show in the form of Love Village. The Japanese dating show releases on May 2 and centers on a group of eight women and men who move into a home together outside of the business of the real world in the hopes of love blooming. Skip it if Love is Blind gave you all the mess you needed for now.

The Ultimatum: Queer Love

Watch! Sweet Magnolias star JoAnna Garcia-Swisher brings her charm to the new season of The Ultimatum as the new host. The Ultimatum: Queer Love features all queer couples comprised of women and non-binary individuals laying down an ultimatum in their relationship: either get married or move on with someone else. The surely electric and drama-filled new season drops on May 24.

FUBAR

Watch! He’s back! Arnold Schwarzenegger makes his television debut in the new Netflix original series FUBAR. The action star and former governor stars in the series as Luke, a CIA agent who must work together with his fellow CIA agent daughter. Along the way, the learn a lot about each other. The series combines action and comedy and will be a fan-favorite when it premieres on May 25.

Queen Cleopatra

Skip! The new docuseries executive produced by Jada Pinkett Smith has already drawn controversy from critics and audiences ahead of its premiere on May 10. Queen Cleopatra explores the life of Cleopatra, and while her heritage has been debated and ignored by Hollywood, the docudrama re-examines this history. Pass on this particular title if you aren’t interested in docuseries.

What Netflix shows will you be watching and skipping on Netflix in May? Share your picks in the comments, and stay tuned to Netflix Life for more news and updates!