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The 12 Netflix Shows You Should Binge Watch

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The 12 Netflix Shows You Should Binge Watch
Geeks Mirage

Last week I said we had made it through the semester, but let’s be real; we’re all home for winter break now, lying on the couch or in bed, trying to figure out what to do with the day that doesn’t involve a ton of movement. Or, even worse, there’s some sort of snowstorm where you are, and you have no choice but to not leave the house. Luckily, there is a solution for both: Netflix.

It may or may not have gotten neglected over dead week and finals week, but in front of you sits three long weeks without much to do besides a holiday party here or there, and dragging yourself out to your local bar on New Year’s Eve. So, which shows are truly worth wasting an entire day of your life clicking next episode for? Here is a list compiled by my friends of the best shows to watch during the next few weeks, and why they are worth your time:

1. One Tree Hill

I’ve been a "One Tree Hill" fan for years (I am a slight "OTH" hipster in that I can say I rented the DVDs and watched seasons at a time on my computer before Netflix binge watching was even a thing), but I have been given some strong arguments for why I should watch it again. Namely, “Nathan Scott is the most beautiful human being alive.” Who could argue with that logic?

2. Gilmore Girls

The adventures of the residents of Stars Hollow were also a big favorite among the people who voiced their opinions. Since "Gilmore Girls" will be airing a reunion miniseries on Netflix in 2016, the end of this year is a perfect time to get caught up. The show was called “a feel good show, “cute, funny, and fun,” and a show where “you really get invested in the characters.” Plus, it’s always fun to watch Melissa McCarthy pre-"Bridesmaids" fame.

3. Prison Break

"Prison Break" is another show that will be getting a reboot for a limited number of episodes in 2016. This one airs more on the action-packed side than the two above it, and there seems to be no question that the show will keep you on your toes. In fact, the show was described to me as “a hell of a show with plenty of twists.” With the major plot line about a guy constantly trying to break out of maximum security prisons, that seems like a good bet.

4. 24

Even those of us who have never watched "24" know that “Jack Bauer” is synonymous with “ultimate badass,” as he was described to me as part of an argument for the greatness of the show. Each season takes place over the course of a day, in which Bauer is trying to stop a terrorist plot on the United States. The hour-by-hour format of each episode is a good argument for the intensity and twists and turns the show provides.

5. Boys over Flowers

It’s okay if you’ve never heard of this series; I hadn’t either when it was first brought up. In fact, this show comes from South Korea and is based off a Japanese anime. The main premise is a modern day Cinderella story in which a poor girl is offered a scholarship to a prestigious school, where she falls in love with the rich, popular boys on campus. The romance in the show was described as “dream worthy” and it seems to be a lot like an American teen dramedy. This is the show for you to watch if you are looking to add a bit of diversity to your Netflix lineup!

6. Hell on Wheels

I saw this show was a historical drama about the post-Civil War building of the Transcontinental Railroad and almost took it out (sorry, person who suggested this). However, in order to try and become better cultured in the world of TV, I checked out a trailer to get a better sense of what it was all about. Of course, I should know better than to doubt my friends’ tastes in shows. "Hell on Wheels" is not just a show about building a railroad; this show focuses mostly on a former Confederate soldier’s (“Cullen f****** Bohannon,” according to my source) plan to avenge the deaths of his wife and young son by Union soldiers during the war. Definitely not a boring historical drama.

7. Friday Night Lights

If I had a nickel for every time I was told to watch "FNL," I would have dropped out of school a long time ago. Cute boys, Southern accents, and small town football? These people might be on to something. I’m told to keep my eye out for star studs Tim Riggins and Matt Saracen, and that even girls are so inspired by Coach Taylor that they want to suit up and play for him on Friday nights.

8. Grey’s Anatomy

I was told to check out "Grey’s" because “[my] life will never be the same.” Unfortunately, Shonda Rhimes has already destroyed my soul time and time again. thanks to Meredith Grey and her fellow doctors. I’ve become less intrigued by the show as time has gone on, mostly because of *the thing* that I’ll be nice and not spoil for those who haven’t gotten to season 11 yet, even though you’ve probably heard about it a million times. This, however, could be a good argument to go back and watch the first few seasons of the show, to remember the good old days when people cut LVAD wires and started the trend of beginning nicknames with “Mc."

9. Arrested Development

I have always been intrigued by the seemingly hilarious antics of the Bluth family, and that was before I even really understood the plot. As it turns out, the idea of putting so many eccentric characters under one roof after they go from multi-millionaires to penniless makes it downright hysterical. The show was described as “quick and witty,” and the episodes are only about twenty minutes long, so even those with a short Netflix attention span can enjoy the show. This is another show that has gotten a reboot (and is getting a movie soon!) in the past few years, so now is a great time to start watching.

10. Louie

Before asking for opinions on the best shows to watch on Netflix, I genuinely thought I was the only 20-something on the planet who enjoyed Louis C.K.’s comedy and FX show. I am pleasantly surprised to find that’s not the case. If you’re someone who hasn’t heard of this show or has been turned off by the fact it’s about a middle-aged divorced guy who is raising his two young daughters, I promise that the hilarious situations Louie gets himself into and his standup routines throughout the show (similar to "Seinfeld’s" format) will completely change your mind. “It captures the most depressing aspects of life in the most amusing way,” was the response I got when I asked why someone liked the show so much. I couldn’t have said it better myself.

11. The West Wing

If you’re a political junkie but are tired of hearing about Donald Trump, "The West Wing" might be the show for you. It follows the lives of President Jed Bartlett, his family, and his staffers through both political and personal hurdles. Even if you aren’t completely into the world of politics, this show features a star-studded cast including Rob Lowe, Martin Sheen, Allison Janney, and Bradley Whitford that is sure to keep you entertained all the way through next November’s election, even though it won’t take you that long to watch it the first time through.

12. Scandal

Another political drama, but this one involves Shonda Rhimes again, so you know the twists and turns inside the White House are constant. This one features President Fitz Grant, except more importantly, it features Olivia Pope, who is a total boss and really does not need a man to complete her. She runs Pope and Associates in Washington DC, and works around the clock to clear the names of people who have been tarnished by, yes, scandals throughout the city. Olivia is also working basically around the clock to keep her own personal scandal under wraps. While her relationship with Fitz is a constant theme of the series, you really should be watching it for Jake. Trust me.

Hopefully this is enough Netflix to keep you satisfied until spring semester begins and your laptop is used for things like papers and Canvas assignments again. These shows are sure to keep you on your toes and provide you with a few laughs during the next few weeks.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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