It’s summertime again, and we know what that means: free time! However, if you’re like me and many other people and are not traveling far or need a break from socializing, Netflix is there for you. So, if you’re in the “show hole” or need a night to relax with a good show, I put together a list of 10 must-see shows, in my opinion, that are on Netflix.
1. "The Walking Dead"
Seasons 5 of 6 (Continuing)
"The Walking Dead" follows police officer Rick Grimes, his family and other survivors as they go through the zombie apocalypse. What makes this show stand out is its focus on the characters and how each day could be their last. Those who know me, know that this is by far my favorite show. Sure, some seasons slow down, but it's needed. This show is based off the on-going comic book series, which I also recommend reading. "The Walking Dead" also has a companion series called "Fear The Walking Dead," which is in its second season. Season 7 begins in October.
2. "Orange is the New Black"
Seasons 4 of 4 (Continuing)
Friday marked the release of "Orange is the New Black"'s fourth season. The show follows Piper Chapman who is sentenced to 15 months after being convicted of a crime from her past. At some point, we learn about every character's story and how they got to Litchfield. Even though season three slowed things down, it's a solid show overall. What I love about the show is how it offers a lot of life lessons and the strong female presence. I think we can agree that is needed.
3. "Supernatural"
Seasons 10 of 11 (Continuing)
"Supernatural" is probably the one show you might be sick of seeing, as it's often on Tumblr (because they have a GIF for everything). However, give the Winchesters a chance. The show focuses on brothers Sam and Dean Winchester as they go into the family business of hunting the supernatural and saving people. The show is much more than that and definitely stirs emotions. Believe me, I did not expect to love this show, but I fell for it quite hard. Season 12 starts this fall.
4. "House of Cards" (U.S. version)
Seasons 4 of 4 (Continuing)
As a politics nerd, this show was a stand out to me. I heard everyone talking about it, and I fell in love with it as soon as I started it. Based off the original '90s U.K. show, the Netflix original follows Frank Underwood's rise to power in Washington alongside his equally strong wife, Claire. It's not for everyone due to its dark nature, but it's certainly good. The fourth season is by far its best due to its intensity and fresh direction going into the next season due in 2017.
5. "Daredevil"
Seasons 2 of 2
I will just say I am not a fan of many superhero shows. However, "Daredevil" is one unique show. What makes Daredevil cool is that it dives into its villains and explores darker elements of the protagonists, which I think makes them interesting. So far, the show has not been renewed nor cancelled, but there is a Punisher spin-off in the works as the character is introduced in season two.
6. "Parks and Recreation"
Seasons 7 of 7 (ended)
If you're a teenager or young adult, you have heard about this show at some point. While the show ended its run, it's memorable and the comedy is relatable. The cast is diverse and has a memorable main character through Leslie Knope as she makes her way through challenges in life and politics to achieve her dreams. It's relatable to all young adults. Once you start, it is hard to stop so set aside time to watch.
7. "Breaking Bad"
Seasons 5 of 5 (ended)
I think this was probably the first show I really binge watched. Everything about this show is magic. Each season gets better, which is crazy rare. The chemistry between all of the characters is absolutely unbelievable. If you end up liking this show, I also recommend "Better Call Saul," which has its first season on Netflix.
8. "Mad Men"
Seasons 7 of 7 (ended)
I'm still not sure how it happened, but I immediately loved this show right from the pilot. I'm a sucker for time-period dramas, so it was neat to see a show from the '60s and its glamour and and disillusion. The show is about an ad agency and the challenges facing it and those of the people who work there. Don Draper, the show's main character, is a successful man who displays confidence, but there is more to learn about him in the series. I thought "Breaking Bad" was binge-worthy, but this one is right up there. The supporting characters and female leads help this show and see the period through different lenses.
9. "Torchwood"
Seasons 4 of 4 (ended)
"Torchwood" is a spinoff of "Doctor Who" that focuses on Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper as they work for Torchwood Institute that deals with extraterrestrial cases. The show starts out pretty slow, but hang in there because the show really gets good. I recommend taking the afternoon to watch season three (Children of Earth) straight through, as it's only five episodes. Overall, the quality of the show matches "Doctor Who." Yes, I am still mad that "Doctor Who" is not Netflix.
10. "Sons of Anarchy"
Seasons 7 of 7 (ended)
Again, "Sons of Anarchy" is another show I never anticipated to watch, but of course, I ended up watching it anyway. Now this show follows a motorcycle club, sure, but it also follows a family. The conflict between members of the club, especially Clay and Jax, make up the foundation of the show, as Jax tries to piece together who he really is. Jax tries to find balance, and I think that's what we're all going for at some point. It has its high and low seasons – you'll be able to figure out which ones once you start – but it is very addicting.































