2014 Series Once Dismissed for 'Mediocre Writing' Ranked the 'Best Netflix TV Series of All Time'
Since Netflix began producing original shows, the streaming giant has released several series that have developed passionate fan followings who adore them. With so many of the company's shows to choose from, most people would agree that deciding which deserves to be named the best is a difficult task. What many people wouldn't expect is that the series a highly respected outlet chose for that honor was once dismissed for having "mediocre writing."
Why 'BoJack Horseman' Was Ranked the 'Best Netflix Show of All Time'
In January 2026, ComicBook.com published its list of the "10 Best Netflix TV Series of All Time" and named BoJack Horseman in the No. 1 slot. While that was a huge honor, it is even more meaningful that the show had previously topped a similar ranking from arguably the most famous publication of all time. In July 2022, Rolling Stone published its list of the "20 Best Netflix Shows of All Time" and ranked BoJack Horseman at No. 1.
Rolling Stone's write-up labeled the animated series an "indisputable Netflix masterpiece" that was "a parody of modern dramas about middle-aged male antiheroes." It also praised BoJack Horseman for being "laugh-out-loud ridiculous and as soul-crushingly sad a show as has been produced during the streaming era."
ComicBook.com's explanation for its choice featured a powerful quote about what makes the celebrated series so special: "It is ironic that a cartoon about a talking horse is the most human show on Netflix." The outlet went on to celebrate the animated series as a character study that grappled with serious topics like depression, fame, and accountability. Notably, the outlet also spotlighted the series for using "incredibly inventive" writing to "push the boundaries of what animation can achieve."
ComicBook.com's '10 Best Netflix TV Series of All Time, Ranked'
- No. 10 You (2018)
- No. 9 Love, Death + Robots (2019)
- No. 8 Sex Education (2019)
- No. 7 Orange Is the New Black (2013)
- No. 6 The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
- No. 5 The Queen's Gambit (2020)
- No. 4 Narcos (2015)
- No. 3 Ozark (2017)
- No. 2 Dark (2017)
- No. 1 BoJack Horseman (2014)
Who Dismissed 'BoJack Horseman' For Having 'Mediocre Writing'
BoJack Horseman ran for six seasons, which premiered on Netflix between 2014 and 2020. Seasons two through six of the show all secured Rotten Tomatoes scores of 96% or higher. In fact, two of those seasons earned rare 100% scores from the website. However, the show's first season definitely wasn't celebrated by critics in the same way, as its 71% score shows.
A brutal August 2014 SFGate review proved that, despite how celebrated the show became, it wasn't immune to harsh criticism. It accused BoJack Horseman of being "saddled with mediocre writing" and compared it to "being invited to a party at a well-appointed home by people you don't really want to spend time with." The review went on to argue the series was "not well written," featured "dialogue" that was "rarely funny," and "wasted" its potential. It is fascinating to ponder how the reviewer felt about the later, more universally acclaimed, seasons.
Next: Netflix Quietly Removes New Original Series That Fans Loved
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 27, 2026 at 10:30 AM.