"What TV is extremely good at and realize this is 'all it does' is discerning what large numbers of people think they want and supplying it." — David Foster Wallace
And yes, that includes Netflix.
While I am thankful for all the modern amenities we have today — antibiotics, hot showers, air conditioning- I'm a little wary about some. Not totally against, just wary. Like Hoverboards. They look cool, but I don't really understand how they work or why they're called hoverboards in the first place (they don't even hover). There are lots of good things about the world we live in today, but I think the best thing is that we have most of the options that people in the past had along with what our generation has created.
This is where Netflix comes in. Yes, I like Netflix. It's fun to turn off your brain sometimes and get swept up in what Jim and Pam are up to. The problem happens when we forget that there are other options.
So I'm not going to try to turn you away from Netflix. Instead, I'm going to offer some substitutions to the most popular shows on Netflix that are even better than logging in and zoning out.
1. "Supernatural"
Super cool show about two brothers fighting (and sometimes not fighting) the forces of evil. It somehow manages to be dark, deep, and ,mysterious as well as simultaneously hilarious.
My recommendation:
Written by two fantasy writers before they were the big names they are now, the book explores themes of nature vs. nurture through a comical account of a possible apocalypse. Plus, you'll learn what the word nice really means (I won't spoil it for you).
2. "The Walking Dead"
Literally the highest rated show on television right now. Stress, power, and an exploration into how the human spirit holds up under apocalyptic conditions. It's also very spooky.
My recommendation:
So wonderful, so dark, and will leave you with so many questions. Also, and I am only telling you this because I trust that you will read the book first, the movie is on Netflix.
3. "House of Cards"
Politics! Betrayal! Murder! So much to love with so many twists and turns. #FrankUnderwood2016 #AnyoneButTrump
My recommendation:
Slightly more challenging, but if you can keep up with Frank and Claire, you can definitely hang with Richard. All of the same great elements of House of Cards with some bangin' tights. Check out those calves!
4. "Master of None"
Aziz talks about life for millennials today while commenting on sexism, parents, dating, and food. It's poignant, funny, and actually very interesting.
My recommendation:
I threw this book across the room once I finished it. The story of Lenore Beadsman builds wonderfully as all of the themes of her life come together in a larger narrative revolving around a talking bird, a missing grandmother, and a jealous boyfriend.
5. "Orange is the New Black" or "Prison Break"
Do you like crime? Backstory? An exploration into the power of women? Kissing? Have I got the book for you
A mystery of epic proportions. Bonus points if you can figure out what his crime actually was. I still have a few theories.
While Netflix is definitely a satisfying source of entertainment, let's try to remember it's not the only form of it. These books are all amazing in different ways and while you need to put a little bit more brain power into your down time, you get to cast the stories yourself. As David Foster Wallace said, "The reader becomes God, for all textual purposes. I see your eyes glazing over, so I'll hush."
