Binge watching entire series on Netflix in just a few short days has become one of the most common ways for people to spend their free time. I can definitely say that I have spent my fair share of time watching episode after episode of shows that have long been off the air. I have found that most of my favorite shows to over-watch premiered during or before 2007. So here's my list of must-watch Netflix series that got their debut before '08.
1. "Saved by the Bell." Premiere: 1989.
Zack and Kelly's on and off romance, Screech's crazy and sometimes stupid antics, and all of that amazing 90's fashion made for an amazing TV series for all ages. This is one of my favorite shows to binge watch when I'm having a laid-back, relaxing day.
2. "Friends." Premiere: 1994.
This is exactly how I feel anytime someone mentions watching "Friends." Ross, Joey, Chandler, Monica, Rachel and Phoebe showed us what it truly meant to be 20-something in a big city, all while giving us tons of laughs.
3. "Charmed." Premiere: 1998.
This show has love, family, oh -- and world-saving magic. These three sisters kick evil butt on a weekly basis. It has everything a great dramedy needs. They protect the greater good all while trying to live their own normal life. We can all imagine how well those two mix together.
4. "That '70s Show." Premiere: 1998.
A baby-faced Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis got their first taste of fame on this show. Set in the '70s, this show brought no shortage of laughter and good times.
5. "Gilmore Girls." Premiere: 2000.
This show demonstrates a mother-daughter relationship that almost every girl I know would love to have. This show has it all: family, friends, love, and laughter.
6. "One Tree Hill." Premiere: 2003.
Wether your favorite part of the show was while they were in high school or after they graduated from college, this show is adored by millions. Lucas and Nathan Scott brought drama, sports and hot men all together in a great show about friendship and growing up.
7. "Supernatural." Premiere: 2005.
This show is quite a bit darker and more sinister than the previous shows. Sam and Dean, two very good-looking brothers, spend their lives crossing the country killing any hideous monster they can find. It has comedy and intense drama and here, everything that goes bump in the night is real and deadly.
8. "Grey's Anatomy." Premiere: 2005.
One of the most popular medical dramas on television, "Grey's" is still on the air. Twelve seasons later and the doctors at this hospital are still saving lives and stirring up drama as they do it. But if you plan on watching this series for the first time, be prepared to become addicted and grab a box of tissues for the many heartbreaking moments.
9. "Criminal Minds." Premiere: 2005.
"Criminal Minds" is a crime show unlike any other. The BAU doesn't just solve crimes, they delve into the inner minds of criminals in order to better track them down. An episode never fails to blow my mind with the amount of information they can infer about a criminal just from the crime and the way it is committed.
10. "Gossip Girl." Premiere: 2007
"Gossip Girl" brought us one of the strongest friendships on television. It also brought us entitled rich kids in New York, underage drinking and more than a normal amount of drama. But when every secret they have is published on the internet by an anonymous source, what should we expect?
11. "Army Wives." Premiere: 2007.
"Army Wives" took us into the everyday lives of the wives of our soldiers. I'm not entirely sure how accurate this show is, but it definitely was eye-opening to me. Everyone recognizes the sacrifices that our soldiers make, but this show allows us to see what sacrifices are required of their families. Grab some tissues for this show as well, because you will definitely need them.
Television has quickly become one of the main ways America spends its free time. Even though T shows today are pretty awesome, I think these shows that were first popular in the recent past deserve to be watched and enjoyed again. So next time you're unsure of what series to begin on Netflix, give one of these shows a try!
