Watching TV in real time seems like a distant memory at this point. I really can't remember that last time I purposely sat down with the intention of watching whatever was airing at 8 PM that night. It is for this exact reason that things like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime exist. My sanity (any my crazy college schedule) are ever-grateful for the endless opportunities to binge watch. So, here's a solid round-up of series you can binge watch to get you through the semester.
1. How To Get Away With Murder
This drama/thriller/mystery (and sometimes comedy?) starring Viola Davis is really one that you can't stop watching. Davis plays not-quite-law-abiding defense attorney Annalise Keating and has won two SAG awards and an Emmy for this portrayal. There's love, sex, murder, and a goofy (but still attractive) Matt McGorry. What more could you want?
Where to watch? Netflix
How much? 1 Season
2. Sens8
This Netflix original is unlike anything else you'll find on online streaming right now. It was filmed on six continents with local actors from cities like Seoul, Nairobi, London, Chicago, and more. The cinematography, acting, and plot are all A+. P.S. Netflix also has a cool mini-doc about the making of the series!
Where to watch? Netflix
How much? 1 Season, plus the Making Of special
3. The Man in the High Castle
This Amazon original is under-rated and really is a hidden gem. It takes place in 1950's post-WWII America. The twist lies in the fact that the world exists as if the Axis powers (i.e. Japan and Nazi Germany) had won the war. It will make you cringe. The USA's east coast is run by Nazi powers and the west coast by the Japanese. Not only is the plot interesting, but the amount of work and thought that went into creating the story's world is staggering.
Where to watch? Amazon Prime
How much? 1 Season
4. Gossip Girl
Okay so this is totally a guilty pleasure, but it really is an entertaining binge. The characters don't have much depth, but sometimes, that's exactly the kind of show you need. You get to live vicariously through a bunch of reckless rich kids in Manhattan and it'll make you feel even worse about your Ramen-filled binge nights. Perf.
Where to watch? Netflix
How much? 6 seasons
5. Blue Mountain State
This one is perfect for totally mindless watching. It's a comedy about a state college and mainly centers around their football team and their antics. The fan following is huge and there are even actual Blue Mountain State University hoodies in existence. There's even a spin-off movie based on one of the wildly popular secondary characters, Thad. It'll take you back to college, even if you have yet to graduate.
Where to watch? Netflix
How much? 3 Seasons, plus the movie
6. Friends
This is a classic and I pretty much just feel obligated to include it. Everyone's seen at least one episode of Friends and has probably been compared to at least one member of the cast. The show catapulted the careers of pretty much every single one of the stars, the most notable being Jennifer Aniston. If you haven't seen Friends, you're seriously missing out on a major pop culture milestone. Get to it.
Where to watch? Netflix
How much? 10 Seasons
7. White Collar
If you have any interest in the FBI or white collar crime (think bank robberies and art heists), this is the show for you. Matt Bomer stars as a criminal-turned-FBI-informant who still manages to get himself into plenty of sticky situations. And he's really hot. While the show follows the typical crime show plot type (i.e. a new case every episode), there are some really great over-arching plotlines that make it worth-while.
Where to watch? Amazon
How much? 6 Seasons
8. Covert Affairs
This is, to be honest, pretty similar to White Collar, but it deals with the CIA and international crime instead. (Bravo, USA, for knowing what works).Piper Perabo (Coyote Ugly and Cheaper by the Dozen) plays Annie Walker, an over-achieving new recruit to the CIA. There's plenty of love triangles, and also plenty of Annie beating the shit out of criminals.
Where to watch? Amazon
How much? 5 seasons
9. Skins UK
This is perfect for satisfying your need for ridiculous, raunchy, drama-filled TV. It's pretty much the British version of Gossip Girl, with more drugs and sex and less money. The series is set up so that the characters completely change every two seasons. Because of this, there are six seasons but three "generations" of characters. This really prevents the story lines from going stale and let's you connect with new characters throughout. Honestly, as dumb as it is, I think it's a great show and I may or may not have cried at the finale. And, for the love of God, please don't watch the American version.
Where to watch? Netflix
How much? 6 seasons, plus 1 recap season
Honorable mentions include: Suits, Law and Order: SVU, Criminal Minds, Breaking Bad, and Game of Thrones.
