9 Netflix UK September 2019 Releases You Missed

In September 2019, Netflix UK released a diverse slate of content that marked a significant shift toward prestige limited series and international co-productions. While hits like Top Boy dominated the headlines, nine specific releases—including the dramatic thriller The Spy, the experimental procedural Criminal: UK, and the gripping miniseries Unbelievable—remain essential viewing for subscribers looking to explore the platform's historical deep cuts in 2026.

The autumn of 2019 was a pivotal moment for streaming services in the United Kingdom. As the "Streaming Wars" began to intensify with the looming launches of competing platforms, Netflix pivoted its strategy toward high-concept, auteur-driven content and expansive international storytelling. This particular month saw the debut of several "Originals" that pushed the boundaries of traditional television structure.

From Sacha Baron Cohen’s departure from comedy into Mossad espionage to the launch of Ryan Murphy’s multi-million-dollar creative partnership, the releases of September 2019 laid the groundwork for the global content ecosystem we navigate today. If you missed these titles during their initial launch, they offer a fascinating look at the creative risks Netflix was willing to take during its rapid expansion phase.

1. The Spy

Released on September 6, 2019, The Spy remains one of the most underrated entries in the espionage genre. Created by Gideon Raff—the mind behind the Israeli series Prisoners of War (which inspired Homeland)—this six-episode limited series features Sacha Baron Cohen in a transformative dramatic role.

Cohen portrays Eli Cohen, a real-life Egyptian-born Jewish clerk turned Mossad secret agent who successfully infiltrated the highest levels of the Syrian government in the 1960s. The series is a masterclass in tension, focusing less on gadgetry and more on the psychological toll of maintaining a double life. Cohen’s performance is restrained and haunting, stripping away the caricatures he is known for to reveal a man slowly losing his identity to his alias, Kamel Amin Thaabet.

The production design meticulously recreates 1960s Damascus and Tel Aviv, using a desaturated color palette that emphasizes the bleakness of the Cold War era. For viewers in 2026, The Spy serves as a poignant reminder of the historical complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, anchored by a career-best performance from its lead.

2. Criminal: UK

September 20, 2019, saw the debut of an ambitious experimental project titled Criminal. This was a global anthology series consisting of four separate three-episode installments set in the UK, France, Germany, and Spain. The UK segment stands out for its claustrophobic intensity and high-caliber guest stars, including David Tennant and Hayley Atwell.

The brilliance of Criminal: UK lies in its self-imposed limitations. Every second of the show takes place within the confines of a police interrogation room, an observation suite, and the hallway outside. There are no flashbacks and no action sequences—only the psychological "cat and mouse" game between detectives and suspects.

This format places an immense burden on the script and the actors. David Tennant’s performance in the first episode is particularly noteworthy, as he plays a man accused of a horrific crime who maintains a chillingly calm "no comment" stance for the majority of the runtime. In an era of bloated 10-episode seasons, Criminal: UK is a refreshing example of how much tension can be built through dialogue alone.

3. Unbelievable

While Unbelievable (released September 13, 2019) received critical acclaim, it is often categorized as "difficult viewing" and consequently bypassed by those looking for lighter entertainment. Based on the 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning article "An Unbelievable Story of Rape," the series follows Marie Adler (Kaitlyn Dever), a teenager charged with lying about being raped, and the two female detectives (Toni Collette and Merritt Wever) who eventually uncover the truth.

The series is a stark critique of the systemic failures within the justice system regarding sexual assault. It avoids the sensationalism often found in true-crime procedurals, opting instead for a grounded, empathetic approach to victimhood and trauma. The chemistry between Collette and Wever provides a compelling procedural backbone, but Dever’s performance is the emotional heart of the show.

In 2026, Unbelievable remains one of the most significant pieces of social commentary Netflix has ever produced. It is a vital watch for anyone interested in how investigative journalism can be adapted into a narrative format that respects its subjects while maintaining narrative drive.

4. Shadow

As Netflix's first South African original series, Shadow (released September 6, 2019) represented a major milestone for the platform’s African content strategy. Set in Johannesburg, the series follows Shadrach "Shadow" Khumalo, an ex-cop turned vigilante who possesses a unique physiological trait: he cannot feel physical pain due to a childhood accident.

While the "superhero" element is present, the show functions more as a gritty neo-noir thriller. It explores the rampant crime and corruption in post-apartheid South Africa, providing a localized perspective on the "justice outside the law" trope. Pallance Dladla delivers a physical and brooding performance as the titular lead.

For UK audiences, Shadow offered a window into a production landscape that was, at the time, largely underrepresented on global streaming platforms. It paved the way for later South African hits like Blood & Water and Queen Sono, making it a key piece of streaming history.

5. Bard of Blood

Released on September 27, 2019, Bard of Blood was a high-stakes Indian spy thriller produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. Based on Bilal Siddiqi’s novel, the series stars Emraan Hashmi as Kabir Anand, a disgraced intelligence agent who is called back into the field for a rescue mission in Balochistan.

The series is notable for its high production values and its attempt to bring a "Bond-style" international scale to Indian digital content. It deals with complex themes of cross-border terrorism, political betrayal, and the personal cost of espionage. While it faced some criticism for its geopolitical portrayals, its technical execution—cinematography, stunt choreography, and pacing—was top-tier for its time.

As Netflix continues to grow its Indian subscriber base in 2026, Bard of Blood stands as an early example of the platform’s commitment to big-budget, local-language content that can travel globally.

6. Skylines

For fans of gritty urban dramas like Narcos or Gomorrah, the German series Skylines (released September 27, 2019) is a hidden gem. Set in the heart of Frankfurt, the show intertwines the worlds of hip-hop, organized crime, and high finance. The story follows a talented young hip-hop producer who gets caught between his dream of making it big at a major label and the criminal ties of the label's owner.

The series is lauded for its authenticity, featuring cameos from real figures in the German rap scene and a soundtrack that serves as a pulse for the narrative. It explores how the music industry can be used as a front for money laundering and how the "hustle" culture of hip-hop overlaps with the cutthroat world of Frankfurt's banking district.

Despite its quality, Skylines was canceled after one season, partly due to legal disputes regarding the inspiration for its characters. This makes it a "lost" masterpiece of European television that deserves a second look from international audiences.

7. In the Shadow of the Moon

This Netflix Original film, released on September 27, 2019, is a genre-bending mix of police procedural, sci-fi, and noir. Directed by Jim Mickle, the movie stars Boyd Holbrook as a Philadelphia police officer who becomes obsessed with a mysterious serial killer whose crimes defy scientific explanation.

The killer resurfaces every nine years, and as Holbrook’s character ages, his obsession destroys his personal life. The film’s central conceit—which involves time travel and the future of American political stability—is ambitious and thought-provoking. While it received mixed reviews for its complex internal logic, its visual style and the commitment of its lead actors make it a standout sci-fi thriller.

In the Shadow of the Moon is a prime example of the "mid-budget" sci-fi film that found a home on streaming when theatrical distributors were pivoting toward franchises. It remains a fascinating experiment in structural storytelling.

8. The Politician (Season 1)

September 27, 2019, marked the debut of The Politician, the first series born from Ryan Murphy’s massive overall deal with Netflix. Starring Ben Platt as Payton Hobart, a wealthy student determined to become President of the United States, the show begins with his cutthroat campaign for high school student body president.

The series is characterized by Murphy’s signature "hyper-real" aesthetic—vibrant colors, fast-paced dialogue, and a satirical take on the American elite. The supporting cast, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Lange, brings a level of prestige that was rare for "teen dramas" at the time.

While it is a satire, the show offers a biting critique of ambition and the performance of identity in the digital age. In 2026, the political machinations of the show feel surprisingly prescient, making it a worthy re-watch for those who initially dismissed it as a mere "Glee" successor.

9. Between Two Ferns: The Movie

Rounding out the month on September 20, 2019, was the feature-length adaptation of Zach Galifianakis’s awkward web series. While many feared that the short-form "cringe comedy" wouldn't translate to a 90-minute film, Between Two Ferns: The Movie succeeded by leaning into its own absurdity.

The film follows Zach as he takes his public-access show on the road to fulfill a dream of hosting a network talk show. It features a relentless parade of celebrity cameos—including Matthew McConaughey, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Brie Larson—all of whom are subjected to Galifianakis’s hilariously offensive questions.

The movie works because it doesn't try to be more than what it is: a vehicle for some of the best improvisational insults in modern comedy. It’s a perfect "palate cleanser" after the heavy themes of The Spy or Unbelievable.

Comparison of Key September 2019 Releases

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these 2019 releases still available on Netflix UK in 2026? Yes. Since these titles are "Netflix Originals," the platform typically retains the global distribution rights indefinitely. Unlike licensed content (such as Friends or The Office), these shows and movies are part of the permanent Netflix library, though availability can occasionally change due to regional legal disputes (as seen briefly with Skylines).

Which of these shows are suitable for binge-watching? The Spy and Criminal: UK are highly recommended for binge-watching due to their short episode counts and high-tension pacing. Unbelievable is also structured for a continuous watch, though its heavy emotional subject matter may require breaks for some viewers.

Did any of these series receive a second season? The Politician received a second season (released in 2020), and Criminal: UK also returned for a second "series" with new guest stars like Kit Harington. However, The Spy and Unbelievable were always intended as limited series with definitive endings. Skylines and Shadow remained single-season entries.

Why did The Spy get so much attention compared to others? Much of the buzz around The Spy was centered on Sacha Baron Cohen’s departure from his "Borat" and "Ali G" personas. It was a major "prestige" moment for Netflix, proving they could attract A-list comedic talent for serious, award-contending dramatic work.

Is Between Two Ferns: The Movie a sequel to the web series? It functions more as an expansion. It uses the same "mockumentary" style and "talk show" segments but adds a fictionalized road-trip narrative to connect the interviews. You do not need to have seen the web shorts to enjoy the film.

Practical Recommendation for Viewers

If you are looking for the highest quality among these missed gems, start with Unbelievable. It represents the peak of Netflix’s dramatic storytelling and remains one of the most socially relevant series in the catalog. If you prefer high-stakes tension without a long-term commitment, The Spy offers a complete, gripping narrative in just six hours. For those interested in the evolution of the platform’s international reach, Skylines provides a unique, atmospheric look at a side of Germany rarely seen in mainstream media.