This time of the semester can get pretty stressful. After calculating the grade I need to make on my next test in order to pass, and realizing I only have a couple of weeks left to write that paper that I’ve known about all semester, my anxiety can be pretty high. When I get to the point that my brain can’t even spell out my own name anymore, I say “forget it” and turn to Netflix. If you’re like me, maybe a night in with a glass of wine and TV is exactly what you need. Here are a few of my suggestions.
1. Prison Break
In summary Michael gets himself (and his newly map tattooed body) purposely thrown into prison so he can break his brother, Lincoln, out. Some seasons are better than others, but as a whole it's definitely a binge worthy series. Also, I bawled my eyes out during the final episode.
2. Weeds
It might sound silly, but this show taught me several life lessons. First, don’t let a rich, predominately white, neighborhood fool you. A good percentage of them are probably doing something illegal. Second, grief is hard and everyone possess things differently. And last but not least, don’t give a crap what anyone else thinks about you.
3. American Horror Story
I’m happy to say that I was obsessed with this show long before Lady Gaga appeared (but welcome to the club, little monsters). However, she without a doubt made this past season phenomenal, and definitely deserved that golden globe. This show always seems to grasp that inner darkness people have, and mix it with a bit of attitude and comedy. Also, Sara Paulson is probably one of the best actresses I've ever seen, just saying.
4. Parks and Recreation
If you like the comedy style of The Office, you’ll like Parks and Rec. Leslie’s spunky “in it to win it” attitude mixed with April’s witty and pessimistic character never fails to make me laugh. And I’m a big sucker for funny guys, so I was all about that pre Guardians of the Galaxy Chris Pratt.
5. Transparent
Let me tell you what, this show is changing things. I’ll never forget when I binged watched the first season last year and I felt emotional, but comforted at the same time. The Amazon Original series follows Maura/Moppa, as she comes out as transgender to her family and the people around her. The entire cast is amazing. As I was watching each of their lives and interactions play out, I felt like I was actually apart of the family.
6. Psych
This is one of those shows I wish more people watched, simply for the fact that I want to connect with someone over my love for it. It follows Shawn, a man who finds his niche by pretending to be a psychic. When in realty he’s just really skilled at noticing details. Some people fall for it, while others constantly call him out on it. The show is packed with references from the 80’s and 90’s, and has an overall “simple” comedy that you’re bound to laugh at, at least once.
7. Orange is the New Black
I don’t know if the creators of this Netflix Original series were expecting it to blow up as much as it did, but people, myself included, lost their minds over it. And rightfully so! Since I have never been to a women’s prison, and I don’t plan on every being in one, I’m going to have to just take this show as my experience (however inaccurate it may be). Also, queer women probably haven’t had this much representation in main stream television since the L word, and that’s like, a big thing.
8. Greys Anatomy
If you have college age friends that are girls, I’m sure you’ve heard by now that you need to watch Grey’s Anatomy. I mean, they’re speaking words of wisdom though. This show has inimitably taught me valuable life lessons and caused me to shed many late night tears. Through the relationships each character has with another and with themselves, you’re sure to connect with something.
*Warning: only start this show if you know you’ll be able to block off a month or two of commitment. Trust me, you will lose self-control and you will binge watch all 12 seasons.
9. Broad City
The hilarious Comedy Central series is based on a popular web series created by the two main actors, Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson. The two girls are helping pave the new wave for women in comedy. Between drugs, sex, and the compounds of female friendships, no topic is off limits. And one of the executive producers is Amy Poehler, so you know it’s going to be quality content.
10. Once Upon a Time
If you’re a Disney/fairytale nut like me, and most of my friends, you will fall in love with this show. It’s been so fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) to see how they put their own little spin on all of the classic stories I grew up with. Also, two of the main characters that are married in the show, are actually married in real life. That’s ultimate OTP goals.
11. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
This Netflix Original series has one of the most unique storyline’s I’ve ever seen, but that’s what makes it so interesting. It’s packed with an incredibly talented cast that have the ability to deliver one liners like it’s the most natural thing on earth. Co-creator and producer Tina Fey did an amazing job with this one. All of the episodes for season two will be available to stream on April 15, so you better hurry and binge season one!
12. Orphan Black
Two words: Tatiana Maslany. The story line is that there’s a set of clones, or sisters, and someway or another they are trying to figure out where they came from and what their purpose is. Maslany has played up to nine different characters, and they’re all completely different. She performs them each with such detail and uniqueness that I honestly forget it’s the same actress sometime. Seriously, I don’t know how this woman hasn’t won an Emmy yet.
Happy binging, friends.
