Everyone has a different way of getting over the semester. Even if the semester went well, the stress from readings, papers, projects, etc. lead to some kind of weight on students’ shoulders. And yes, a major way that people combat the feeling of constant responsibility is by binge=watching television shows.
So, here are some of my favorite (and not exactly popular) TV shows that can help you de-stress no matter what way you like handling it. Here are four different groups of people and the shows I think coincide with the way they like to forget about the previous semester.
Before I start, I wanted to make it known that I don’t use Netflix or Hulu. I use a different site. However, I assume most of these will be on either or can be found by doing a quick search online. All of the shows I’m listing will be on the site I use unless otherwise specified or I link to a different location in the text.
For Those Who Like Being Surrounded By Friends:
At some point during the semester, you may have felt like Chandler, but watching "Friends" lets you know that they will be there for you. Just like they were there back during the late '90s.
"How I Met Your Mother"
Hopefully, you felt like this going into exams. If not, watch HIMYM, and get enough awesomeness from Barney.
"Will and Grace"
Another feeling you may have related to throughout the semester, this show has close-knit friends that are extremely honest with one another. The comedic aspect helps a lot. Just do a quick search online and you should be able to find all the episodes to get you over the events of the semester.
For Those That Like Reverting Back to Childhood:
Going back and watching this series is fantastic as an adult. There are a ton of things I missed when I was younger. Highly recommend watching Goku continue to kick ass.
"Animaniacs"
This was my favorite cartoon growing up. Getting to watch it now is even better. Check out the Wheel of Morality and figure out the lessons that you should learn.
(I also suggest bingeing on Disney movies.)
For Book Lovers Who Love to Escape Reality:
Ladies, meet Jamie Fraser: the love of my life and the one person my husband is jealous of, as he should be. I read "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon before the TV series was launched. This is definitely for a more mature viewer, as there is sexual and other graphic content. The end of the season is very difficult to watch, but reading the book helps a little bit in being prepared. I'm so excited for season two coming out next year.
This show is based on the world created in Grimm's Fairy Tales. And it takes it to a whole new level. The relationships of the characters on the show is perfect. It mixes humor with the drama of everything going on there. It creates a different world that is existing alongside us and the end result is fantastic.
"Once Upon a Time""Grimm" and "Once Upon a Time" are similar in that they are based on fairy tales and twist them into a new direction. Again, having a different world existing alongside us, it makes it hard to not believe in the magic that can be a part of all of us.
"Penny Dreadful"
Based on Frankenstein, Dracula, and Dorian Gray, the plot of this story is much darker than a lot of other TV shows. However, I recommend that if you like scarier movies that this is a show you need to check out. Just maybe keep the lights on.
"Gotham"
Anyone familiar with Batman knows what Gotham is. If you're a fan, check out the show to see how it all started.
"The X-Files"
This is a show for those more into escaping into the unknown. You may not want magic. You want other beings that exist beyond the knowledge of science. If that's the case, this show is for you.
For Those Who Laugh It Off:
We have all been Phil at some point. This show will make you realize that crazy things happen all the time and will make your life look a little normal. However, the laughs they cause make you feel like you're part of the family.
"Archer"
Now, "Archer" isn't for anyone. My husband showed me this show, and I originally hated it. But it has grown on me a little. This is the show that is so dumb that it allows your brain to just shut down and make you laugh. Even though it is animated, it has very mature subjects. It is definitely made up of stupid humor, so don't say I didn't warn you.
"30 Rock"
We are all Kenneth at some point, and we are also Liz Lemon. The show brings together some big names for some big laughs. I still miss Tina Fey and miss this show.
"Scrubs"
This is one of the original comedies that I watched growing up. Just watch it. The humor in each character is something worth appreciating.
Happy bingeing!



































