College is a time for discovering yourself, living away from home for the first time, and procrastinating -- yes, it is inevitable. If you are going to procrastinate (trust me, you will) you should do it correctly by watching a killer TV show for three days straight without sleep, food, or water -- just kidding -- sort of. Here are my picks for the best TV shows to binge watch in college or end of high school. You will get hooked, trust me.
1. Grey's Anatomy
If you have not seen "Grey's Anatomy", you are missing out. This show is a truly captivating and amazing creation -- Shonda Rhimes knows exactly what she is doing. I cannot explain this one anymore. Also, it's really great to re-watch the whole series and have it playing in the background while you are cleaning, getting ready, doing homework, etc.
2. One Tree Hill
OMG Sophia Bush as Brooke Davis is everything you could ask for and more. This 2000s series focuses on high school and basketball, plus family drama, love and so much more. I am incredibly sad that this show ended, but it was amazing. (P.S. -- shoutout to Nicole for getting me hooked.)
3. Friday Night Lights
Similar to "One Tree Hill", but "Friday Night Lights" focuses on football - and who doesn't love high school drama and football in Texas? I am in love with this series and Minka Kelly. Watch.
4. Orange is The New Black
Reasons NOT to go to prison: this TV show. A Netflix original, "OTNB" is an incredibly well-done series on what happens when you go to a women's prison. Interesting, dynamic characters' backstories unfold throughout the show, making you crave more. The biggest plus to this show is that when a new season premiers, the WHOLE season is out for your binge-watching pleasure. Enjoy!
5. Dexter
If you are a "CSI" or "Law and Order" junkie like me, then "Dexter" is an excellent choice. This show focuses on Dexter, a police forensic analyst who kills criminals in his spare time due to the fact that he's basically a psychopath. This show can get gory at times, but it is so, so worth it!
6. The X-Files
Are conspiracy theories your thing? Then I have the show for you! I welcome you to "The X-Files"! My favorite part about this TV show is the fact that is was made in the '90s, so the lack of technology and knowledge is amazing and hilarious. Also, the reboot season premiered this year, so you can have the best of both worlds with the old and the new.
7. Scandal
Shonda Rhimes is a TV show mastermind, and "Scandal" is not exception. A presidential affair and a strong female lead (hi, Kerry Washington)? This show has it all, including endless twists and turns and the accompanying drama. This show is not everyone's cup of tea, but I do suggest you give it a try.
8. The Vampire Diaries
Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev -- need I say more? With an exceptionally attractive cast paired with an equally interesting plot, "TVD" is perfection. (Shoutout to Lesley for getting me hooked on this one.) I strongly suggest you watch the first season before you say "no" if you're skeptical -- it is nothing like "Twilight", I can assure you!
9. Friends
Another must-see is "Friends". If you haven't already watched all 10 seasons, where have you been living? This show is filled with hilarious jokes, amazing cast members (Brad Pitt anyone?), and unforgettable memories. Plus, the theme song should be every best friend's anthem to each other.
10. Charmed
I became obsessed with this show whilst in London during my first semester. I had always seen reruns on TV every now and then, but watching the entire series was a magical experience -- no pun intended. Holly Marie Coombs from Pretty Little Liars is adorable in her younger years, and Alyssa Milano is pure perfection. A true must-watch!
11. Gilmore Girls
I think that every mother and daughter should be required to watch this show, tbh. Gilmore Girls is an all-time favorite of mine and is full of amazing wisdom and adorable quirks that I would like to think Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel actually possess. Give it a watch -- it only gets better as the seasons progress. (PLUS, a reboot is coming to Netflix this year!)
12. Gossip Girl
Blake Lively as Serena Van der Woodsen and Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf are my spirit animals, and Ed Westwick as Chuck Bass is my dream husband. If you do not know who I am referring to, then you are truly living under a rock. "Gossip Girl" was a groundbreaking show that made every girl want to live in New York City and attend glamorous parties when they were 16...but alas not all of us were gifted with this opportunity. A show about high school drama may not be intriguing to all, but the characters in the show are the truly important part of the show.
13. Skins
THE BRITISH SERIES NOT THE AMERICAN ONE! "Skins" was an amazing show and I am in love with so many of the characters. Plus, Gilly from "Game of Thrones" plays Cassie in two of the seasons. Actually, a lot of the "Skins" cast make reappearances in other TV shows like "Reign", and even in some movies. "Skins" was an amazing show about adolescence and the struggles of growing up, but mostly about the gift of friendship -- I know, it sounds corny, but it is true.
NOTE: There are a handful of other TV shows like "Supernatural" that I did not include simply because I have not watched them, but I do know how much they are loved. If you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments for others to see!
