Within recent years, web series have gained greater popularity because of their easy accessibility for those without cable, short lengths that are perfect for the typically busy millennial, and wide range of genres that can all be found on one site: YouTube. I know it seems pretty daunting for those who have no idea where to start, so here’s a list of my four personal favorites to get you started.

1. Video Games High School

If you’re looking for something a little bit nerdy and majorly hilarious, check out Freddie Wong’s VGHS, where your gaming skills can get you a scholarship to the prestigious school that trains gamers in various genres such as First Person Shooter or Race Games. The series follows school newbie Brian as he navigates his new school, makes new friends and enemies alike, and does whatever he can to be the best gamer ever. Yes, it’s just as geeky as it sounds. But it also focuses on the different relationships one has in high school–rivalries, whether they be friendly ones or not; best friendships; first loves; and those between teenagers and their parents. Whether you like video games or not, it’s a fun ride, so prepare to get schooled!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JqR3GVqib4&list=PLsMtUWKCmBPRFzqglpk4YQlNFy8wzSXBN

2. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

This was actually the first web series I ever watched, so it’s very dear to my heart. Anyone who loves Jane Austen can appreciate this witty, modern take on her classic novel Pride & Prejudice. The series is set in the form of a vlog done by grad student Lizzie Bennet, and we get to watch her navigate her way through her final project while juggling her friendships, her sisters, and the ever-annoying Darcy. Full of laughs and heart, you’ll be quoting these lines for awhile after watching Lizzie learn that first impressions aren’t always what they seem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KisuGP2lcPs&list=PL_ePOdU-b3xcDyyzeR5NjxeLEElsqYzn1

3. Carmilla

Okay, vampires? Sounds good. An almost entirely female cast? That’s amazing! Almost all the characters are canonically queer? Sign me up, please! Breaking barriers since it first came out, the Canadian series "Carmilla" has won numerous awards for its breakthrough take on the novel of the same name. Enter college freshman Laura Hollis as she, along with her gang of gingers, tries to figure out what happened to her M.I.A. roommate Betty. Not to mention mysterious Carmilla who’s taken over Betty’s side of the room and who has a habit of drinking people’s blood. Yup, nothing can go wrong here… All’s fair in love and war, after all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4QzRfvkJZ4&list=PLbvYWjKFvS5rX2yv-k5AJ8oxPoZ9zHcpe&index=1

4. Nothing Much to Do

Based off Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, this was also filmed in vlogger format. Originally it’s meant to document Beatrice Duke’s experience as she lives with her cousin Hero and goes to Messina High, but it slowly becomes focused on the different relationships between various characters as the drama unfolds. Told through multiple vloggers’ points of view, we’re able to get very different, and often hilarious, interpretations of the events happening. Beatrice may not have come to Messina wanting a boyfriend, but maybe Ben isn’t such a bad candidate after all? If you’re interested, check it out along with its sequel, Lovely Little Losers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iakDRoQg-sM&list=PLgtRIWtmHefNSmhLGzm87bM6AKzWvD-ls

These are only a few of the series that the web has to offer. There are many sci-fi, mystery, drama, literature-inspired, and action-focused ones out there. I just tend to stick with the rom-coms. So if you’ve been wanting to check one out, give it a try. I promise you that there’s something out there for everyone.