We’ve been keeping track of all the 4k content Netflix has been offering since day one when series like House of Cards and Better Call Saul were groundbreaking in terms of streaming quality. Over time, and as more seasons are added, quite a few shows have been upgraded from their original HD format to 4k Ultra HD.
Sometimes there are mislabels in the title descriptions, and, we can’t be 100% sure of the labels because sometimes HD quality is so good it’s hard to tell the difference. With that said, here are some changes we’ve seen to the video and audio specs of these popular series on Netflix.
- Popular TV series Designated Survivor started on ABC, but when Netflix took over distribution of Season 3 the show was upgraded to 4k with Dolby Vision.
- Netflix Original Series The Crown was upgraded to Dolby Vision with Season 3, and since then the first two seasons also added HDR. The series was always available in 4k with audio in Dolby 5.1.
- A+E Networks’ Longmire was originally just in broadast HD, until Netflix took over in 2015 with Season 4 and upgraded the video quality to 4k.
- Formula One: Drive to Survive added Dolby Vision for expanded color range. When we first listed the series it was just 4k Ultra HD.
- The latest episodes of Chef’s Table have been upgraded to Dolby Atmos audio.
- Peaky Blinders was only offered in HD up until Season 5 where the episodes were upgraded to 4k with both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
- Most seasons of Orange is the New Black only stream in HD, but as of Season 4 the show upgraded to 4k Ultra HD.
- The first parts of Spanish-language series Money Heist were presented in HD, but after Netflix took over distribution in 2017 the show was upgraded to 4k (although previous episodes render very sharp and may even be labeled wrong).
- The first season of sci-fi series Glitch is only in HD (and labeled as such on the description), but Seasons 2 and 3 stream in 4k.
- Israeli TV series Fuada is still labeled as HD, but the third season has been upgraded to 4k. Seasons 1 and 2 have a high quality though that is probably 4k.
Maybe previous seasons of shows in HD will be upgraded to 4k in the future with or without HDR and Atmos. For now, there seems to be a trend to produce streaming shows in the highest quality home video formats available.
See our complete list of 4k, HDR & Atmos titles on Netflix. Read our article How To Watch 4k/HDR on Netflix. And, learn how to take advantage of higher quality audio in How To Get Dolby Atmos On Netflix.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with additional Netflix titles.
