Winter break is both a blessing to students everywhere. With the end of exams, we can now relax in our homes and enjoy the holidays without stressing over grades or deadlines. However, with no homework and a ton of extra free time, we might find ourselves bored and staring at the ceiling. Luckily for us, websites like Netflix and Hulu exist. Streaming sites like these mean that there are now thousands of shows old and new that we can binge watch whenever we want. However, it's sometimes difficult to pick a show to watch and keep you occupied during the break. I've compiled a list of the top 5 shows to keep you entertained during your free time.
1. The Walking Dead
Popular and exciting, this is a show that will keep your heart racing throughout the night. Based off a comic series of the same name, this show follows a group of people as they experience the zombie apocalypse. The survivors also have to handle human nature as they struggle to figure out not only who to trust, but who will help them survive. This show is one of the most popular shows on TV and the most popular show that isn't from one of the major networks. It has infiltrated pop culture and you can't go anywhere without seeing a reference to the show. I recommend this show because it's a chilling reminder of what humans are capable of, and how quickly we can turn on each other when a crisis happens. The zombie design is phenomenal, and I got attached to the characters very quickly. The first season is a little slow but it gets exciting during the second season and with five seasons on Netflix, this is definitely one to watch when you have time.
2. Supernatural
With 11 seasons and over 200 episodes, this one might take up a bit of your time. "Supernatural" is the longest-running sci-fi show in North America and has generated a cult following. This show started out as two brothers trying to find their dad while hunting ghosts and monsters right out of urban legends. However, throughout the course of 11 seasons, they tackle angels and demons and gain many friends and allies throughout the way. I first got into this show because of an interest in the lore, and an interest in two fairly-relatable characters. What caused me to love the show was a fascinating story, funny characters and amusing monster-of-the-week episodes, and a general theme of loyalty above anything else. This is easily my favorite show right now, and even if you only enjoy certain seasons this is a show to watch now.
3. Jessica Jones
This is the newest show on my list, only coming out about a month ago. In that month it has managed to make a splash on social media, getting rave reviews from both critics and viewers alike. What makes this show phenomenal is that it's action-packed, terrifying, and has social commentary that will leave you thinking long after the last episode is finished. This show, based off the Alias comic series, follow a private investigator with super strength obtained in an accident. She is recovering from an encounter with an abusive mind-controller, who comes back to try and control Jessica for good. Between the acting, the plot, the action, and the amazing cinematography, this is a show you won't be able to stop watching.
4. Doctor Who
A popular British show, this is another one that will take up a good chunk of your time. "Doctor Who" has become a cultural phenomenon in Britain and has had a cult following here in the states. "Doctor Who" follows the life of The Doctor, a Time Lord who takes multiple forms whenever he is killed. He flies through space and time in a ship called the TARDIS, and always manages to end up saving the planet from some alien who wants it dead. Each season gets better and better, and I have yet to see a Doctor that I haven't loved. The companions give the Doctor a much-needed human companion, and help the Doctor out of many tough situations. Finally, the villains are the funniest and scariest villains on TV today. Whether you start with the reboot or from the very beginning, you'll have a fun winter break watching this show.
5. American Horror Story
After encountering finals and holiday stress, you might think that you can't find anything scarier, right? Wrong. "American Horror Story" has been on for five years, creating a new storyline each season, and they are all terrifying. All from the mind of the creator of "Glee" (yes I'm as shocked as you are). With each new season, you get a new monster and a new protagonist to root for each year, and each mystery is wrapped up at the end, even if it's more twisted than most endings.
Winter break is loads of fun. Unfortunately, it can also be pretty boring. Luckily, Netflix exists to entertain us with some of the best shows in TV. Hopefully, by the end of 2016, there will be new shows to binge and the shows I recommended will be just as entertaining. Have fun bingeing!
