If you have been anything like me this Christmas break, you have watched way too much Netflix. It's honestly embarassing how many hours I have logged these past couple of days. That being said, I consider myself a Netflix connoisseur. I've probably watched at least an episodes of every Netflix show on catalogue, and I've definitely found a few shows that I could watch over and over again.
I've probably annoyed all of my friends by recommending countless shows, but I do believe that I have finally nailed down the ultimate list. I will admit that the number one spot should go to Game Of Thrones, but since it exists solely on HBO, it did not make the cut. Log into your Netflix account, pop some popcorn, and get cozy because these shows will become your new addictions this holiday season.
6. Arrested Development
This show follows son Michael Bluth while he takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. However, the rest of his spoiled, dysfunctional family are making his job unbearable. This show has a very sarcastic and dry sense of humor, but the jokes are hilarious. I finished this show recently, and it was an easy watch but entertaining enough to keep me coming back. The plus side is that it features the awkward Michael Cera, and there is a new season coming out in a few months! It took me a long time to start this show, but it totally captured interest. It also has some of the best one-liners and inside jokes out there.
5. Parks and Recreation
I will be the first to admit, I'm a huge fan of Parks and Rec. I own a "I Met Little Sebastian at the Pawnee Harvest Festival" t-shirt, and I quote Ron Swanson on the daily. This show takes a seemingly boring group of government employees and instead creates a show full of lively characters who get into the funniest predicaments. The all-star cast includes Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, Rashida Jones and pre-Jurassic Park stud Chris Pratt. The only reason it is ranked lower is because the first season can be a little a long and hard to watch. Overall, Parks and Rec is an essential part of the Netflix experience.
4. Reign
I like to refer to Reign as "Medieval Gossip-Girl"- it has drama, betrayal and young rich teenagers living as royals in France. It follows a historical timeline, focusing on Mary Queen of Scots and her struggles in living palace life. The show includes famous historical figures such as Nostradamus, Catherine de Medici, and has an episode or two devoted to the Black Plague. As a history buff, I really enjoy how the show has stuck to mostly accurate historical background. I've learned a good deal watching this show, and it actually came in handy when I was studying for my world history final this semster. Also, the female characters wear Free People incorporated into their royal gowns, which is pretty cool.
3. One Tree Hill
Oh OTH, how you played with my emotions. This is the quintessential 00’s TV show that everyone was obsessed with back in the day. While I may have been a few years behind the hype, One Tree Hill changed the game for me. Chad Michael Murray was at the top of his Cinderella Story fame, and became every girls favorite character. OTH did a great job in creating the bittersweet ending of high school, new loves, and unexpected experiences that shaped the characters. The show also has a killer soundtrack, as well as guest stars like Fall Out Boy, Jimmy Eat World, Grace Potter and Cheap Trick. It also has one of the best theme songs of all time.
2. Gossip Girl
Like most girls, I started Gossip Girl not thinking much about it, but it quickly turned into one of the greatest shows I have ever watched. The show focuses on teen socialites living fabulous lives in the Upper East Side, and a mysterious “gossip girl” who spreads rumors about the characters and generally ruins lives.
You are either #teamserena or #teamblair and have a love/hate relationship with Chuck Bass. This show perfectly captures the complications of friendships and the struggles to reach your goals. If no one spoils the ending for you, consider yourself lucky. I can hardly describe how much this show means to me, so do yourself a favor and just watch it. XOXO
1. Skins UK
I started this show over the summer and I absolutely fell in love. Skins follows a group of middle-class teens living in Bristol, South West England. The plot is so raw and real, and the characters go through struggles that everyone can relate to. It can be controversial at times because of the strong language, drug and alcohol use, but what makes this show special is the format. It follows British students final two years of college, in what would be our junior and senior years in high school.
The junior year focuses on introducing the students, and the second year explores them deeper. Eventually, the characters part ways and are written out of the show, making the way for a new generation. I know I've annoyed all of my friends by suggesting this show, but I just can’t get enough of it. There is just something special about Skins that I haven’t found in anything else.
