Well, that just happened: your professor just gave you the breakdown of how the rest of the semester will go and it dawns upon you--the semester is almost over. Then it really sets in--finals are in a few weeks and you couldn't be less prepared.
One class has you writing a 12-page paper SINGLE-SPACED, two classes have cumulative final exams--as if you remember everything since syllabus week, and you're just completely overwhelmed. So now you have two options: study like crazy until Finals Week, or procrastinate your ass off by watching TV. I suggest the latter, and here's how to do it:
If you're looking for laughs:
"Broad City"
Broad City is one of those shows that just gets your life. Everyone can identify with either Abbi or Ilana, and can pick out their friend to match. These two girls conquer NYC 20 minutes at a time. With only three seasons, it's a solid procrastination tool if you're looking for a quick fix.
"Brooklyn 99"
How can a person not love Andy Samberg. If you miss all the times he made you laugh on SNL, then here's your show. Whether you like detective shows or not, you can enjoy the culturally relevant humor. It's hard not to laugh with a cast like Brooklyn 99's and just like Broad City, it's a quick watch.
If you're dying for some drama:
"How To Get Away With Murder"
Shonda Rhimes has done it again--she's found a way to reel you back in no matter how many times you've sworn you'd never go back to Shonda Land. HTGAWM hooks you in from the very first scene and before you know it you're caught up and begging for new episodes. Viola Davis leads an all-star cast that is the perfect blend of characters. Get ready to laugh, cry, and definitely not study.
"Elementary"
One show I actually haven't seen much of, but is great nonetheless. Johnny Lee Miller is your modern day Sherlock Holmes, solving crimes with Lucy Liu as his Watson. This one will keep you guessing what's going on as the dynamic duo figures it out in a way normal people can't.
If you want a taste of trashiness:
Any of the "Real Housewives"
The ultimate stop for learning about people who are mildly famous and crazy rich. The Housewives have the most unbelievable drama, no seriously you can't believe the stuff they fight about in this show. Somehow no matter how little you care about these people, their constant drama keeps you entertained for a good hour. No need to start from the beginning, just pick up at the start of a season, and trust me Andy Cohen can fill you in.
"Hell's Kitchen"
Hell's Kitchen is different than your average cooking competition for a few reasons. If you're looking to expand your cursing vocabulary this is the show for you--Gordon Ramsay insults like no one else. It seems like being an ex-con or mentally unstable is a requirement for the contestants which always leads to some solid amusement. Oh, yeah, there's also cooking on this show--that stuff is good too.
If you're feeling food:
"Cutthroat Kitchen"
When "Good Eats" ended, you cried a bit at the loss of watching Alton Brown. Well, the Food Network gods have answered your prayers with Cutthroat Kitchen. Three rounds of cooking and sabotage for the chance to win $25K is one of Food Network's most entertaining shows. Of course, evil Alton has fun dealing out the sabotages and you will love rooting on your favorite chef. Who do you go for--the underdog or the hard core bidder?
"Worst Cooks In America"
Wanna feel good about your cooking abilities? This show will make you feel like a professional from the beginning. It's usually Anne Burrell taking on another known chef to see who can do the best at transforming awful chefs into near professionals. You get to follow people as they work hard (and sometimes fail hard) at improving their skills.
Bonus: Shows to watch following their finales
" The Office"
There isn't much to say about this amazing show. Nine seasons of laughs, tears, and awesomeness--if you haven't watched "The Office" yet, make it your number one priority.
"Parenthood"
One of the most heartwarming shows I've seen. Skip studying to watch a big family go through life together. The cast is packed with great actors and actresses like Dax Shepard, Craig T. Nelson, Lauren Graham, and Mae Whitman. You'll feel like you're part of the Braverman family from beginning to end.
Alright, get to it--that paper won't write itself and let's be real neither will you. No matter what you're in the mood for there's always something good to watch.