What to Watch on Netflix September 2017: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Releases

In September 2017, Netflix released a diverse array of content that cemented its transition from a content aggregator to a production powerhouse. Key highlights included the third season of Narcos, the fourth season of the critically acclaimed BoJack Horseman, the debut of the viral mockumentary American Vandal, and the harrowing original film First They Killed My Father.

Looking back from 2026, September 2017 remains a watershed moment in the history of streaming media. During this period, Netflix was aggressively pivoting toward original "Netflix Originals" to insulate itself from the looming "streaming wars" as competitors like Disney and WarnerMedia began preparing their own platforms. This month was particularly notable for how it balanced returning heavy-hitters with experimental new formats that would later become staples of the platform.

The Return of the Heavy Hitters: Established Originals

By late 2017, Netflix had established several "prestige" series that viewers expected to return annually. September saw the return of two shows that represented the peak of Netflix’s global and creative ambitions.

Narcos: Season 3 (September 1, 2017)

The primary concern for many fans heading into September 2017 was how Narcos would survive without its central figure, Pablo Escobar. Season 3 proved that the series was less about a single man and more about the systemic nature of the drug trade. Shifting focus to the Cali Cartel—the "Gentlemen of Cali"—the season introduced a more corporate, sophisticated version of villainy.

The narrative followed Javier Peña (played by Pedro Pascal) as he attempted to dismantle an organization that was deeply embedded in the political and economic fabric of Colombia. This season was praised for its tighter pacing and the introduction of compelling characters like Jorge Salcedo, the cartel's head of security. For viewers interested in geopolitical thrillers and historical dramatizations, this was the month's premier "must-watch" title.

BoJack Horseman: Season 4 (September 8, 2017)

While many animated shows struggle to maintain quality by their fourth year, BoJack Horseman used September 2017 to deliver what many critics still consider its best season. Season 4 moved away from the titular character for several episodes to explore the backstory of his mother, Beatrice Horseman, and the introduction of Hollyhock, a young horse searching for her biological parents.

The season dealt with heavy themes of generational trauma, dementia, and the complexities of family. It also featured the experimental episode "Time's Arrow," which used fragmented animation to depict the internal experience of memory loss. From the perspective of 2026, this season remains a benchmark for how adult animation can tackle psychological depth and structural innovation.

The Rise of the "Viral" Mockumentary: American Vandal

On September 15, 2017, Netflix released a show that many initially dismissed as a joke. American Vandal was a pitch-perfect parody of "true crime" documentaries like Serial and Netflix’s own Making a Murderer. The premise—investigating who spray-painted lewd images on 27 cars in a high school parking lot—seemed thin, but the execution was masterful.

The series treated its juvenile subject matter with extreme gravity, using forensic analysis, cell phone footage, and social media timelines to uncover the truth. In doing so, it provided a remarkably accurate portrayal of modern high school life and the dangers of a rush to judgment. It became a viral sensation in September 2017, proving that Netflix could successfully experiment with niche genres and achieve mainstream success.

High-Profile Original Films and Directorial Ambition

September 2017 was also a month where Netflix’s film division began to gain significant critical respect, moving beyond "straight-to-video" quality into the realm of Academy Award contenders.

First They Killed My Father (September 15, 2017)

Directed by Angelina Jolie, this biographical historical thriller was based on Loung Ung's memoir. It depicts the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia through the eyes of a child. The film was notable for its use of the Khmer language and its unflinching, immersive cinematography. It served as a reminder of Netflix's commitment to international stories and its willingness to fund difficult, non-commercial projects.

Gerald's Game (September 29, 2017)

Director Mike Flanagan, who would later become a cornerstone of Netflix horror with The Haunting of Hill House, adapted this "unfilmable" Stephen King novel. Most of the movie takes place in a single room with a woman (Carla Gugino) handcuffed to a bed after her husband dies during a sex game. The film was a critical triumph, praised for its psychological intensity and Gugino’s powerhouse performance. It remains one of the best Stephen King adaptations available on the platform.

New Animation and Comedy Landmarks

Adult animation and stand-up comedy specials were two pillars of the Netflix strategy in 2017, and September provided significant entries in both categories.

Big Mouth: Season 1 (September 29, 2017)

Created by Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg, Big Mouth premiered at the very end of the month. While its crude humor and graphic depictions of puberty were polarizing, the show was lauded for its honesty regarding the adolescent experience. It introduced the "Hormone Monster" as a physical manifestation of teenage urges, a concept that would sustain the show through many subsequent seasons.

Jerry Before Seinfeld (September 19, 2017)

In terms of comedy specials, September featured a high-profile "homecoming" for Jerry Seinfeld. Part documentary and part stand-up set, this special saw Seinfeld return to the Comic Strip Live club in New York City, where he started his career. It provided a look into his creative process and his early joke notebooks, appealing to both casual fans and comedy purists.

Licensed Content: The Last Days of the Disney Deal

In September 2017, the landscape of licensed content was very different than it is today in 2026. Netflix still held a lucrative deal with Disney, allowing them to stream major theatrical releases shortly after their home video windows.

Why September 2017 Mattered for Netflix

The releases during this month were not just about entertainment; they represented a shift in how the platform was perceived by the industry. Before 2017, Netflix was often seen as the place where old TV shows went to die. By September 2017, it was the place where new cultural conversations were born.

1. Genre Diversification: From the true crime parody of American Vandal to the heavy historical drama of First They Killed My Father, Netflix proved it could handle multiple genres simultaneously without losing brand identity.
2. Global Content: Narcos and Club de Cuervos (Season 3, released Sept 29) showed that non-English or bilingual content could thrive on a global scale.
3. Creative Freedom: Directors like Mike Flanagan and Angelina Jolie were given the resources to make films that traditional studios might have deemed too risky or too niche for wide theatrical release.

Troubleshooting and Viewing Requirements (2017 Context)

For those accessing Netflix during this period, several technical factors influenced the "watchability" of these titles.

• Streaming Tiers: To watch Narcos or BoJack Horseman in 4K Ultra HD, users required the "Premium" plan, which at the time was priced significantly lower than current 2026 rates.
• Device Support: 2017 was the year HDR (High Dynamic Range) began to go mainstream. Netflix was one of the few platforms offering HDR10 and Dolby Vision support for its original series, provided users had compatible smart TVs or set-top boxes like the Apple TV 4K (which also launched in September 2017).
• Offline Viewing: The "Download" feature, which had been introduced shortly before, was crucial for travelers wanting to watch American Vandal or First They Killed My Father without an active internet connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the most popular show on Netflix in September 2017?

While Netflix did not release specific viewership numbers in 2017 (as they started doing more transparently later), third-party data and social media trends suggested that Narcos Season 3 and American Vandal were the most discussed and widely viewed programs of the month. Narcos benefited from an established global fanbase, while American Vandal grew rapidly through word-of-mouth.

Was Star Trek: Discovery available on Netflix in the United States?

No. In the United States, Star Trek: Discovery was exclusive to CBS All Access (now Paramount+). However, Netflix held the international distribution rights, releasing episodes weekly starting September 25, 2017, in over 188 countries. This was a common source of confusion for subscribers at the time.

Why did Disney movies like Mulan and Hercules leave Netflix later?

In 2017, Disney announced its intention to launch its own streaming service (Disney+), which eventually led to the expiration of the licensing deal that brought titles like Hercules, Mulan, and Beauty and the Beast to Netflix. September 2017 was part of the "golden era" where a single Netflix subscription granted access to both Disney and Netflix Originals.

Is BoJack Horseman Season 4 appropriate for children?

Despite being an animated show about a horse, BoJack Horseman is strictly for adult audiences. Season 4, in particular, deals with complex psychological issues, drug use, and trauma. It was rated TV-MA in 2017. Parents looking for family content in September 2017 were redirected to titles like Fuller House Season 3 (released Sept 22) or the Disney licensed library.

How did American Vandal get a second season?

The critical and commercial success of the first season in September 2017 was so significant (including a Peabody Award win) that Netflix quickly greenlit a second season. The "mockumentary" format proved to be highly cost-effective and popular with younger demographics.

Recommendation for Retrospective Viewing

If you are revisiting this era of television from 2026, the most enduring recommendation is to watch BoJack Horseman Season 4 followed by American Vandal. These two shows represent the "high-low" spectrum of what made 2017-era Netflix special: one offering some of the most profound emotional storytelling in the history of the medium, and the other offering a brilliant, satirical look at modern culture that remains relevant nearly a decade later.

For those interested in the evolution of horror, Gerald's Game is an essential watch to see the early development of Mike Flanagan's style, which has since dominated the horror genre on streaming platforms.