Selena Gomez's Netflix Hit: 'Wizards' Was First

Hey guys! So, a lot of you have been asking, "Selena Gomez started in which Netflix original series?" It's a great question, and one that might surprise some of you! While Selena Gomez is a massive star today, with blockbuster movies and chart-topping music, her journey to superstardom actually kicked off a little earlier than you might think, and it wasn't directly on Netflix as a brand new original series in the way we think of Netflix Originals today. Instead, her foundational work that later found a huge audience on Netflix was actually a Disney Channel show. You might be scratching your head, thinking, "Wait, Disney Channel?" But stick with me, because this is where it all began and how it eventually became a massive hit on Netflix.

The Early Days: Disney Channel and "Wizards of Waverly Place"

Before she was gracing the Netflix algorithm with her presence in shows like "Only Murders in the Building," Selena Gomez was a fresh face on the Disney Channel. Her breakout role came in the beloved series "Wizards of Waverly Place." This show, which premiered in 2007, followed the Russo family, a trio of siblings who are secretly wizards living in New York City. Selena played Alex Russo, the witty and often mischievous middle child who was constantly trying to balance her magical training with the everyday drama of being a teenager. The show was a huge success, running for four seasons and spawning a TV movie. It was here that Selena honed her acting chops, developed her comedic timing, and built a massive fanbase. Think about it – this was her first major role, and she absolutely killed it. She went from being a talented young actress to a household name, all thanks to Alex Russo and her magical, albeit chaotic, family.

The Netflix Connection: How "Wizards" Became a Streaming Sensation

Now, here's where the Netflix part comes in. While "Wizards of Waverly Place" was a Disney Channel original, it wasn't a Netflix original in the sense that Netflix produced it from the get-go. However, like many beloved shows from the past, it found a massive second life and an entirely new generation of fans when it became available for streaming on Netflix. This is a super common phenomenon, right? Shows that were huge hits on network television or cable channels get added to streaming platforms, and suddenly, a whole new audience discovers them, or existing fans get to binge-watch their favorites. "Wizards of Waverly Place" was no exception. Its clever humor, relatable characters, and fantasy elements made it perfect for binge-watching. Millions of people, including many who might have been too young to catch it during its original run or who missed it the first time around, discovered Selena Gomez's early work on Netflix. This streaming success is a testament to the show's enduring quality and Selena's undeniable star power. It essentially turned a classic Disney show into a modern streaming phenomenon, solidifying its place in pop culture history and, for many, serving as their introduction to Selena Gomez's acting career. So, while the show itself wasn't a Netflix production, its journey to widespread popularity among a new demographic was undeniably cemented by its availability on the platform.

Beyond "Wizards": Selena's Netflix Journey Continues

But hey, Selena's relationship with Netflix didn't stop there! Even after "Wizards of Waverly Place" concluded its run, she continued to explore different roles and projects. While not a Netflix original in the initial sense, her early success on the platform paved the way for her to star in other projects that were produced or distributed by Netflix. A prime example, and one that really brought her back into the Netflix spotlight in a big way, is the critically acclaimed series "13 Reasons Why." Selena wasn't just an actress in this show; she was also an executive producer. This series, which tackled heavy themes of teen suicide, bullying, and mental health, was a massive talking point and a huge hit for Netflix. It showcased Selena's growth as an artist and her interest in more mature and impactful storytelling. Her involvement as an executive producer demonstrated her influence behind the camera as well, helping to shape a show that sparked important conversations. It's really cool to see how she transitioned from being the star of a Disney show to a powerful force behind a Netflix production that had such a significant cultural impact. This project really proved that she's more than just a pretty face; she's a savvy businesswoman and a thoughtful storyteller.

"Only Murders in the Building" and the Power of Streaming

And let's not forget her more recent, incredibly successful venture: "Only Murders in the Building." While this show is an Hulu original, not Netflix, it's still a massive part of her current success and often gets discussed in the same breath as her other streaming hits. The show sees Selena starring alongside comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short as Mabel Mora, a young artist entangled in a murder mystery within her luxurious New York apartment building. The series has garnered widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, including Emmy nominations for Selena herself. It’s a perfect example of how streaming platforms have become the new frontier for television, attracting top talent and producing high-quality content. The chemistry between the three leads is absolutely electric, and Selena holds her own, proving her comedic timing and dramatic range are as strong as ever. The show's clever writing, engaging plot, and excellent performances have made it a must-watch, further cementing Selena Gomez's status as a bona fide television star. It highlights her ability to choose compelling projects and deliver outstanding performances, making her a valuable asset to any streaming platform. The fact that this Hulu show is so popular really shows how interconnected the streaming world is and how talent like Selena's transcends individual platforms, finding audiences wherever quality content resides. It’s a testament to her versatility and enduring appeal in the modern entertainment landscape.

The Takeaway: Selena's Enduring Appeal

So, to wrap things up, guys, when you ask, "Selena Gomez started in which Netflix original series?" the most accurate answer is that her initial major breakthrough that gained massive traction on Netflix was "Wizards of Waverly Place," a Disney Channel show that found huge success in streaming. Later, she made significant waves with Netflix productions like "13 Reasons Why" as an executive producer. Her journey is a fantastic example of how careers are built, how shows gain new life through streaming, and how talented individuals like Selena Gomez continue to evolve and conquer the entertainment world, one hit project at a time. It just goes to show that whether it's Disney, Netflix, or Hulu, Selena Gomez has a knack for picking projects that resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impact. She’s a true powerhouse, and we can’t wait to see what she does next! Keep an eye on those streaming platforms; you never know where you'll see her next!