It's been scientifically proven that exposure to diverse cultures and lifestyles through fiction can increase empathy toward those cultures and lifestyles in real life. What better way to spend winter break than by putting on your pajamas, logging onto Netflix, and empathizing with your fellow human beings?
While the series below explore themes of social justice and commentary, they also offer engaging and entertaining stories fit for a post-finals marathon. This is by no means a complete list, and these shows aren't perfect, but they're a step in the right direction.
1. "Master of None"
"Master of None" is Aziz Ansari's first major gig post "Parks and Recreation." Part sitcom, part autobiography, the show follows fledgling actor "Dev" as he navigates modern relationships, the entertainment industry, and life as a second generation immigration.
Where to watch: Netflix.
2. "Orphan Black"
This unexpected cult hit stars Tatiana Maslany as "Sarah" (and "Allison," and "Rachel," and "Tony," and "Cosima," and "Helena"). What first appears to be a typical, twisty clone thriller soon reveals a deeper conversation about a woman's bodily autonomy.
"Orphan Black" smashes the Bechdel test, even if Maslany is often in conversation with herself.
Where to watch: BBC America, Xfinity On Demand.
3. "Whatever This Is."
A web series from creator and writer Adam Goldman. Like Goldman's first acclaimed web series, "The Outs," "Whatever This Is." explores young ambition and what it means to be gay in New York. Unlike "The Outs," "Whatever This Is." actively works to reflect the diversity of its city setting.
Where to watch: Vimeo.
4. "In The Flesh"
"In The Flesh" is an atmospheric British import mini-series that had a short, if well-received, run before falling victim to BBC budget cuts. It subverts a lot of the notions you might have about queer horror, confronting small-town xenophobia, religious fanaticism, homophobia, mental illness, and the aftermath of suicide. With, you know, zombies.
Where to watch: BBC America.
5. "Sense8"
This show is exactly what you'd expect from Andy and Lana Wachowski, creators of "The Matrix" — high octane, a little confusing, totally insane. It's an ambitious ensemble series about telepathy, made possible only through tricky practical effects.
"Sense8" is one of the few shows to feature a trans woman in a leading (kick-ass) role and is notable for its inclusivity across the board.
Where to watch: Netflix.
6. "Blackish"
2015 was an interesting year for the sitcom. With beloved staples like "Parks and Rec" retiring, cancelled cult favorites like "Community" resuming on streaming sites, and classics like " The Office" already long off the air, there seemed a dry spell in network comedy. One show that made it out unscathed? "Blackish." Consistently warm and consistently funny, this portrait of the modern black family proves that there's still hope for the sitcom.
Where to watch: ABC, Xfinity On Demand.
7. "Jessica Jones"
The superhero genre has always been something of a boys' club. Not so with Netflix's latest original series, "Jessica Jones." Here, we have a main female character, well-developed female supporting characters, and women working behind the scenes and on the script. Handled with surprising subtlety, the central narrative is that of an abuse survivor working through her trauma.
It's also a lot of fun.
Where to watch: Netflix.
8. "Humans"
The channel that gave us "The Walking Dead" is offering up a different sort of dystopia. In this version of the future, technology allows for the development of humanoid robots — so humanoid, in fact, that these "synths" look, talk, and act exactly like the living people they've been created to serve. When a band of synths gains self-awareness and goes rogue, chaos ensues.
It sounds like your run-of-the-mill man versus machine story, but "Humans" presents an interesting social allegory: who gets to be considered a "person," and why?
Where to watch: AMC, AMC Online, Xfinity On Demand.
9. "Parks and Recreation"
Long live this kind-hearted NBC comedy. "Parks and Recreation," which just had its series finale this year, saw women in positions of power, a diverse yet cohesive workplace, Ben Wyatt (eating soup alone), and the triumph of positivity over cynicism. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out. Treat yo'self.
Where to watch: NBC, Xfinity On Demand, Hulu, Netflix.
