I, like many other people in my generation, enjoy a good binge watching session. Whether it be a comedy, drama, or fantasy show, I just find it relaxing to go live in a different world for a few hours...or days. I've enjoyed my fair share of TV shows both on and off Netflix. I figured it was time to share my wisdom of what are some of the best shows out there, shows that will make it impossible not to click "watch next episode." And just in case you don't have the time to read my small summaries or if you just want to watch a better idea of what these shows are about, each title link will send you to a quick preview. Watch away, my fellow bingers.
This show is a crime thriller/drama starring Megan Boone as Elizabeth Keen a new FBI agent. When the FBI’s most wanted man, Raymond Reddington (played by James Spader) shows up to the FBI and offers to turn himself in so long as he gets to speak to Liz, quite a few questions arise. Reddington claims he has a “Blacklist” that will help the FBI find criminals they didn’t even know existed. This is one of the most creative, fast paced, and interesting show’s I’ve watched in a long time.
2. BBC Sherlock
A British made show following a modern day Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and John Watson (Martin Freeman). Now I know fans of this show can be a bit overeager and perhaps even turn people away from watching it, but I promise you there’s a reason it has such a large fan base. Each episode is 90 minutes long but with how cleverly written this show is, you’ll find yourself shocked how quickly those 90 minutes can go. The acting is brilliant, and the plot leaves you guessing. This is a show I’ve made several of my friends watch when they asked for suggestions, and they all had nothing but positive things to say once they finished (quite quickly might I add).
3. New Girl
This is a comedy starring Zoey Deschanel as Jess Day, a teacher who moves into a loft with three guys she doesn’t know after being cheated on by her boyfriend. It follows the adventures the four roommates find themselves in and their day-to-day lives. This is one of the better comedy shows I’ve watched. Every character is enjoyable and shows a lot of growth throughout the seasons. I catch myself laughing at least once every episode. This is a great show to watch if you need to be cheered up or simply could use a smile.
4. House
Following the brilliant diagnostic doctor Gregory House (Played by Hugh Laurie), this is one of the more clever dramas I’ve watched. While each episode follows a very similar set up, the varying diseases House deals with leaves you guessing. The best part of the show is not the medicine however, but the life and growth of House and his team. While this is a drama, House’s witty interaction with his team and friends left me laughing out loud regularly.
5. Parenthood
Following a large extended family living in Berkeley, California, this show is incredibly heartwarming. It features daily struggles, as well as traumatic events, each family member is dealing with. Each character is complex and interesting to follow and watch develop. By the time you’re done watching this show, you will have shed a few tears and want to be calling up your family to tell them how appreciated they are.
This show revolves around the question: What if our storybook characters were real and lived in our world? It focuses on the main characters of Snow White, Prince Charming, their daughter Emma, and the Evil Queen. This is one of my absolute favorite shows I have ever watched. In a world of magic spells and curses, literally anything can happen. You’re on the edge of your seat every season trying to figure out which characters will show up next and what will happen to them. The writers re-imagine most of the classic fairytales into more complex stories and give depth to every character featured. If you have even a slight interest in fantasy, I guarantee you will not be disappointed with this amazing show.
This show stars Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, an overeager parks and recreation government worker in the small Indiana town of Pawnee. This is one of the wittiest and funniest shows out there. Many people have heard of the more famous, similarly made shows: The Office and 30 Rock. However, for me, Parks and Rec is the best of the three. Every character is hysterical and likable. I still remember having to pause the show quite a few times because I was laughing so hard at the dry humor. This show is not only funny, but it is touching and sweet as well. It’s another one of those shows that offers you a smile and some comfort no matter what kind of day you’re having.
8. Teen Wolf
Now hear me out, I know this show is on MTV and the special effects are…less than admirable. However, it is one of my very favorites. It stars Tyler Posey as Scott McCall, a high school student in Beacon Hills, California, who gets bitten by a werewolf. The writing is spectacular, the characters have so much strength and maturation, and the plot always leaves you wondering what will happen next. Another pure fantasy show, each season tries to solve a mystery source of trouble for Scott and his friends. This show is the one I watched the fastest on this list…and I watched it during Finals Week if that tells you anything of how addictive it is.
I mean it couldn’t be a list of binge worthy shows without this gem could it? While this show is talked about constantly and you’ve probably heard at least one major detail of the plot, there is a reason it is so discussed. It follows Meredith Grey who starts out as an intern surgeon at a hospital in Seattle. While Meredith is technically the main character of the show, there are so many characters on this show, all with their own unique stories, that I don’t think I could name them all on the spot. This show is phenomenal. There isn’t enough words for me to use to explain how well written and fantastic it is. Every single character is complex, diverse, likable, and shows unbelievable growth. Every side story is interesting and often either heartbreaking or heartwarming – sometimes both. It’s corny to say, but I’ve definitely learned more than one life lesson from watching Grey's.
10. Friends
I mean c’mon, if you haven’t watched at least one episode of this show before, have you even watched television? Following six friends in New York City and their day-to-day lives, this show is one that I think everyone should at least watch a season of. It is my all time favorite show and I can still watch episodes I’ve seen three times and find myself laughing. This show just makes you happy, it’s as simple as that. And I mean they don’t call it a classic for nothing.
So go ahead, ignore your responsibilities and get binging!
