I have compiled a short list of different series available to watch on Netflix, for those times when you have absolutely no idea what to watch—you just know you want to watch something. I am quite picky when it comes to shows, movies, and books, and these are ones that I loved.
1. Bob’s Burgers
A FOX animated show about a family—the Belcher’s. The family is hilarious, and each character has their own unique, amusing qualities. It’s great and easy to watch, and is perfect for when you’re looking for something that you won’t end up having to get too invested in or pay too much attention to. Personally, I don’t think any other “adult” animated show that I have watched compares to Bob’s Burgers. It is original, entertaining, and definitely a must-see from me.
2. Freaks And Geeks
An American teen comedy/drama that had aired back on NBC years ago. Despite its popularity, it was cancelled after only 12 episodes—which honestly, makes it a nice, quick watch. In a nutshell, it is about teenager Lindsay Weir and her younger brother Sam, and their experiences in high school. Lindsay’s friends are considered the “freaks,” and we follow her as she attempts to break from being a mathlete and academically driven student, to hanging out with the slackers and “cool” kids. Sam’s friends are considered the “geeks,” and we follow them as they navigate through a completely different side of the social world at school. In short, it is a quirky, nostalgic, realistic, and funny season that is worth the watch. Also, James Franco. YES.
3. Prison Break
A FOX serial drama revolving around two brothers—one in prison, being sentenced to death for a crime that he did not commit, and the other landing himself in jail with a plan to help his brother escape. You meet so many different characters, all with their own individual backgrounds and stories to tell. Full of drama, romance, suspense, and mystery!
4. Bates Motel
The A&E American horror/drama is a more “contemporary” prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s film—Psycho. It depicts the lives of mother, Norma, and her son, Norman Bates. Norman begins struggling with his mental illness, and we learn many dark, troubling facts about the Bates’ Family. It is scary, twisted, thrilling, and has an absolutely amazing cast. Vera Farmiga (Norma) is absolutely incredible, and Freddie Highmore (Norman) fits the role perfectly. This show was casted extremely well and definitely pulls you in from the start.
5. Dexter
Dexter, a Showtime crime/drama/mystery series, is centered on the life of blood spatter analyst, Dexter Morgan, who works for the Miami Metro Police Department. He secretly leads a double life as a serial killer… who kills other serial killers—ones the police department have failed to catch. Interesting premise, huh? Michael C. Hall (Dexter) is phenomenal, and admittedly, I had—and still have—a pretty big crush on him. If you watch it, you will understand. This show is something you would definitely have to invest a lot of time into, considering there are 8 seasons, but I promise you it is so worth it. To be honest, I tried starting Dexter multiple times and really struggled with getting into it. But push through it. And the ending. Oh my GOSH, the ending. It’s probably my favorite series of all time.
6. Skins U.K.
A British teen comedy/drama following the lives of teenagers in England. Each teen struggles with different issues—including: mental illness, substance abuse, bullying, dysfunctional families, etc. Each episode is named after and focused on one teen, and their individual struggles—whatever they may be. Unique from many other series, Skins changes its cast every 2 years, and introduces you to new characters, stories, and situations. Sure, situations are a bit overdramatized sometimes, but it is still a quality show. It is edgy, comedic, emotional, and honest, and different than any other series I have ever seen. To be honest, I feel like every 2 years when they change the cast, it gets a little worse. It goes in order for me: the 1st cast is my favorite, 2nd is my second favorite, and I never finished with the 3rd cast.
7. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
An American Sitcom on Netflix that focuses on the life of its main character, Kimmy Schmidt, as she adjusts to her new life in NYC after being rescued from an underground bunker in Indiana for 15 years. It is charming, quirky, goofy, and genuinely hilarious. The seasons are quick to watch, and it is an easy, entertaining story to follow. Also, Titus is one of the best characters I have ever been introduced to in a series. If you’re not going to watch, at least YouTube: “Titus Andromedon- Peeno Noir.” You won’t regret it.
8. Breaking Bad
An American crime drama aired on AMC, about Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston who is amazing,) a struggling teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. Walter turns to a life of crime, producing and selling meth to secure his family’s financial situation before he passes away. Once you start, you seriously cannot stop. Similar to Dexter, it took me a little bit to get into, but once you finally get into it, you are completely invested. This show definitely exceeded my expectations. I have never heard someone say they didn’t like Breaking Bad. A close second to Dexter for sure.
9. The Office
Everyone has seen it, and everyone loves it. If you haven't seen it--start now. It is a show I could watch countless times without ever stopping laughing or loving it.
10. New Girl
I often find myself zoning out and daydreaming of a life where I live as New Girl’s main character, Jessica Day. New Girl is a FOX American sitcom about Jess, a quirky teacher, who moves into a loft with 3 male guys in Los Angeles. This show is cute, goofy, emotional, hilarious, and just makes you feel good. It has a strong start, which is good, considering many shows take awhile for me to get into. Zooey Deschanel is amazing and so relatable, and every character on there is amusing and entertaining in their own way. I want to be friends with all of them!
11. Supernatural
An American fantasy/horror show following 2 (extremely good looking) brothers as they hunt supernatural creatures. Also a little hard to get into, but I was hooked towards the end of season 1. It is consistently entertaining, unexpectedly funny, and has an amazing soundtrack. It is a show definitely worth giving a chance.
