As every student knows, procrastination is never a good idea... but it's so fun sometimes. While I can't officially condone the practice, I have been known to procrastinate a little bit (or a lot, like a lot a lot). I can already hear my friends laughing at me for downplaying my procrastination, as I'm something like the queen of procrastinating, but that's beside the point. Here is a list of things to watch on Netflix when you know you should be doing your homework but you just can't bring yourself to do it because, if you're anything like me, you know that Netflix recs are the bomb.
1. "Stranger Things"
By now, I'm sure everyone who doesn't live beneath a rock has heard about this new show. It just came out this summer, and with a cast full of kids and including Winona Ryder, it's definitely a hit. Though the first season only has eight episodes, it's a must-watch, and you'll definitely finish quickly. I watched the whole thing in less than a week. Once you start, you can't stop: you have to know what happens next... which makes it even worse that we have a year until the next season!
2. "Gossip Girl"
"Gossip Girl" is one of my absolute favorite shows (see my recent article about it), and it never stops being a good watch. I'm on my third time through now, and it has yet to get old or boring. While it might not be the most thoughtful or engaging show in the world, it's still definitely worth the time.
3. "Supernatural"
With ten seasons (and counting) available on Netflix, there is plenty of material here for you to procrastinate to your heart's content. "Supernatural" is the perfect combination of comical and emotional, and there's actually much to be learned from the show. The majority of the show is based on myths and legends, and there is clearly a good amount of research that goes into making the information as accurate to where it comes from as possible.
4. "Glee"
Some of the jokes (and acting) at the beginning are a little cringey, but this is definitely a fun show to binge. It's full of storylines that touch on diversity and character development, and the characters themselves are phenomenal to watch because there's someone for everybody to identify with. The music is just a bonus in this show.
5. "American Horror Story"
There are four seasons available on Netflix, but they don't have to be watched in order. While Ryan Murphy, the show's creator, has made clear that the seasons are all connected, they can be watched in any order... though I would recommend going in order, as the first season definitely had the best characters and season two had the best storyline.
6. "Jane the Virgin"
This is my favorite show for many reasons. The characters are absolutely wonderful, the drama is just over-the-top enough to make it both hysterical and nerve-wracking, and the issues Jane faces are, for the most part, realistic and relatable... Plus, the love triangle will have you repping #teamMichael or #teamRafael before you know it.
7. "Jessica Jones"
"Jessica Jones" is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it can easily be watched as a standalone. It has one of the best television villains I can think of, as David Tennant's Kilgrave has a charm that makes him beyond terrifying. Krysten Ritter is also phenomenal, like always, and her portrayal of Jessica makes her as relatable as any 'super' can be.
8. "Parks and Recreation"
Though it ended less than two years ago, "Parks and Recreation" feels like it has been around forever. The cast is full of comedy's biggest names, and they certainly are the largest part of its success. The writing is also absolutely wonderful, as the one-liners will be remembered for a ridiculously long time.
9. "Make Happy" / "What"
Bo Burnham's two most recent specials are both available on Netflix, and, combined, they're two hours of comedic existential crises. His comedy does get a bit darker from "What" to "Make Happy," but either special is worth the watch if you're just looking for an hour or two to kill instead of a lot of time for a whole series. His comedy is especially unique because he's a musical comic, which gives him more to work with.
10. "The Comeback Kid" / "New in Town"
Like Bo Burnham, John Mulaney has two specials on Netflix. His comedy is almost entirely comprised of storytelling, which he does in the same monotone voice except for when he's mimicking someone. His stories are funny enough that you don't care whether they're true or not, and his on-stage personality is just fun to experience.
11. "Heathers"
Like with "Gossip Girl," I've already written an article about how much I love this movie. It's an '80s cult classic starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, and I genuinely believe that it is slept on. It's a dark comedy that is so much fun to watch with friends, and it will provide plenty of comebacks to use in future conversation.
12. "Rent"
This movie, based on the Broadway musical of the same name, is beautiful and inspiring. Everyone should watch it. There are so many lessons hidden within the two hours of this film, and it is probably the best example of diversity and love that I could think of. The characters are realistic, and the issues they face are so accurate for the time and place (1990 New York City). Just a warning, though: you will cry, so don't bother trying not to.
This list could go on forever, especially considering I watch way too much Netflix, but with everything I've provided, you should be set for at least first semester, if not this whole year. Now, go forth and procrastinate!
