3 inspiring shows you need to watch on Netflix this summer

The Good, the Smart, and the Funny. I've got you covered for the summer with these 3 Netflix shows.

The Good: 'The Crown'

3 seasons, 30 episodes in total

The series depicts the life of Queen Elizabeth II and the British royal family, alongside major British historical events. The first two seasons feature the talented Claire Foy as the young queen. And in season 3, we jump ten years ahead to meet Oscar winner Olivia Colman as queen and the excellent Helena Bonham Carter as her sister.

What makes this show truly remarkable is that you get an inside look at the actual life of the royal family, and the constant battle between their private struggles and the need to put on a perfect front. The characters' imperfections, played beautifully by the cast, make their story relatable and moving. And of course, the gorgeous vintage dresses and the handsome British men also help the plot. Altogether, this show is the perfect combo between drama, romance, and 'Herstory.'

The Smart - 'Explained'

2 seasons, 30 episodes in total

Imagine this - you're at a small get-together at a friend's house when a heated debate starts over plant-based food and veganism. After watching the latest 'Explained' episode 'The Future of Meat,' you explain to your friends the complexity that goes into making cultured meat. (You can also tell them how cute the kids' blind veggie burger tasting test was - minute 14:11 is priceless!).

The collaboration between Netflix and Vox Media nailed the formula for documentary television. The average episode is 20 minutes long, and each one focuses on a different subject. From the history of tattoos to the racial wealth gap, the show explores the topics in-depth and in an entertaining manner. Each episode is also voiced by a different famous guest narrator, such as Hilary Swank and Rachel McAdams. So basically, this show is the smart girl's secret trick for knowing cool facts.

The Funny - 'Rake'

5 seasons, 40 episodes in total

This comedy-drama is a true Australian hidden gem. The name of the show, which derives from Australian slang, means 'trouble maker' and 'womanizer.' And the main character, criminal defense barrister Cleaver Greene, is indeed that. Greene, played by Richard Roxburgh, is the kind of man who always dabbles at the edge of catastrophe and doesn't play by the rules. But he is also witty, charming, and captivating.

We accompany Greene and the people in his life through the seasons, and side-by-side, we meet the many characters who go through Sydney's legal system. The 'legal' stories change each episode and usually share a sarcastic tone that challenges moral ideas; sometimes, it's funny and sometimes very emotional. The main characters' stories focus mainly on their love lives and are threaded with honesty and humor. The outcome is a legal drama mixed with a romantic comedy and a dash of quirky Australian humor.