In today's modern forms of procrastination, nothing really beats continuous streaming of television shows. As cable and access television compete with original shows for companies like Netflix, HBO, and Hulu, more and more TV series are being streamed online for the binge=watching purposes of the modern procrastinator. That being said, sites like Netflix offer myriad shows, movies and original series to marathon one after the other at this very moment. Sometimes, a TV show marathon is just necessary after a busy week at school, the office, or just life in general. Here are some shows that will help take the stress off. Grab some pajamas, some snacks and in true binge-watching fashion, do not plan on moving for at least seven hours.
1. "The Office" (US), nine seasons, TV-14, 22 mins
This is a great show to marathon if you are looking for a highly entertaining, feel good comedy with unforgettable characters. Based off of the British show "The Office," this show also happens to be, in my opinion, one of the only successful U.S. adaptations of a British show. Each episode is around 22 minutes, which means you can fit an episode in at any point throughout your day, like between classes or even while you are eating lunch or breakfast. Steve Carell is fantastic and carries the show with his crude jokes and multiple personas. How he is the manager, I will never know. If you aren’t a fan of Carell, or this doesn’t seem like your kind of comedy then, if anything, watch it for one of the most epic television romances of all time, Jim and Pam. If your future looks like it’ll be spent in a boring office all day, this will give you some hope that it might actually be fun sometimes.
2. "Daredevil," one season, TV-MA, 54 mins
When I say the word “Daredevil” you might automatically think back to the 2003 movie starring Ben Affleck, but think again. "Daredevil" the series is brought to us by the Netflix gods and finally does the character Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, some justice. For those of you who aren’t really into the whole superhero thing, you still might enjoy this. The show is a bit dark and can get violent with the intense fight scenes, but what it isn’t is an over-the-top, special effects, flying alien destroy the planet, generic, superhero movie or show. It is actually kind of realistic like, "hey, superheroes really can get hurt, and the bad guys sometimes are misunderstood and have feelings sometimes." Another aspect of the show that is very interesting is that most of the series is split in half with showing Daredevil’s perspective but also getting to see the main villain’s story, Wilson Fisk. All of season two is set to premiere on Netflix March 18.
3. "Lie to Me," three seasons, TV-14, 43 mins
Based off of the real life Dr. Paul Ekman and the Ekman Group, Dr. Cal Lightman played by Tim Roth and his crew, the Lightman group, solve cases by reading facial expressions and body language to see through lies. This criminal drama will keep you on the edge of your seat every episode with a variety of different cases, from murder to kidnapping to political scandals. This show definitely has that “thing” that sets it apart from other criminal dramas. Also, Tim Roth is fantastically insane.
4. "The 100," three seasons, NR, 43 mins
IMDb’s description for this sci-fi/mystery/drama is explained as “set 97 years after a nuclear war has destroyed civilization, when a spaceship housing humanity's lone survivors sends 100 juvenile delinquents back to Earth in hopes of possibly re-populating the planet.” This is one of those shows I recommend to literally everyone, even a stranger at the movie store. The 100 explores social hierarchies and group dynamics in such a fascinating and realistic way it is mind blowing. The writing is exceptional, with complex characters and twists and turns that will always surprise you. You can watch seasons one and two on Netflix, and season three on the CW Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. Seriously go do it, you will not regret it.
5. "Portlandia," TV-14, six seasons, 22 mins
An Emmy-nominated sketch-comedy series that parodies life in Portland, Oregon, featuring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, will have you laughing and booking your next vacation to experience the weirdness of Portland yourself. The characters are very memorable (check out the feminist bookstore sketch), and the sketches are relatable even if you don’t live in Portland. The show also has an awesome list of guest stars that appear in multiple episodes, including Aubrey Plaza, Olivia Wilde, and Steve Buscemi. Jeff Goldblum, Natasha Lyonne, and Kristen Wiig. If "The Office" isn’t your kind of comedy, give "Portlandia" a chance and check out five seasons of the weirdness for yourself, with season six available to watch on Thursdays at 10:00 p.m. on IFC.
