With summer upon us, you are no doubt in need of some great shows to watch (read binge) on Netflix. Here are my faves to, hopefully, guide you in your quest to relax in the absence of homework and responsibilities.

Netflix Originals

1. "Orange Is the New Black"

If you haven't seen this show I'm not sure where you have been hiding for the past few years. The show has its funny points as well as points which will have you on the edge of your seat. Either way, it is a must see. With season four premiering on June 17, there are plenty of episodes to keep you entertained.

Once you have finished this series might I also suggest the Australian series along the same vein, "Wentworth." The show begins by following Piper Chapman as she enters prison for trafficking drugs long in her past. Through the series we begin to see the stories of the many other women who have found themselves incarcerated for various reasons.

2. "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"

This comedy is an absolutely hilarious take on what could be a much more somber topic. We see Kimmy liberated from a bunker where she and three other women were held by a false religious prophet. Kimmy finds herself trying to navigate in the world she has so long been apart from.

As she ventures into New York City, she meets new friends and finds interesting employment. With two seasons on Netflix this is a show I would highly recommend for when you need a good lighthearted laugh. I watched season two in one night, that's how great it is!

TV Dramas

1. "Breaking Bad"

Even if you have already seen this wonderful show about a chemistry teacher who makes meth to pay for his cancer treatments, you will still get sucked into binge watching it. With so many twists and turns the show will keep you on the edge of your seat and probably cursing as the characters make choices that will surely lead to bad things.

"2. "Scandal"

As a lover of all things Shonda Rhimes, "Scandal" is something I recommend to anyone. Fast paced and dramatic, the show is sure to entertain with some parallels to politics in the real world. Kerry Washington is amazing as Olivia Pope. Whether you will be rooting for Jake or Fitz is the real question.

3. "Grey's Anatomy"

As stated earlier I love all things Shonda. With so many seasons to watch, "Grey's Anatomy" is perfect binge-watching material. With drama left and right you may question if these doctors are cursed, and they very well may be. However, it all makes for a wonderful way to kill time. This show's finales are insanely crazy (watch out for season six and eight). My record for watching it all is three weeks during finals, however that was a few seasons ago. I challenge you to do it in four.

TV comedies

1. "Psych"

This older comedic take on the typical crime show is lighthearted enough to watch for hours, but with enough thought that you won't feel bored. The show follows psychic detective, Shawn Spencer, and his friend, Gus, as they solve crimes with the Santa Barbara Police Department. I highly recommend spending some summer days watching this show. With eight season, all of which are on Netflix, you have quite a long list to get through.

2. "Parks and Recreation"

"Parks and Rec" is likely a comedy you have already seen, but that doesn't make the second, or even third, time through any less enjoyable. The lighthearted humor will make you laugh until you cry. Along the way you will fall in love with the characters. Leslie Knope is the good intentioned public servant who fights for what she believes is right and has faith in the government. Ron Swanson is the Libertarian boss who, despite working for the city, has absolutely no faith in government. With a whole host of other unique characters, there is a piece for everyone to enjoy. Once you finish this series, check out its predecessor -- "The Office."

3. "New Girl"

Featuring Zooey Deschanel, New Girl is a sitcom focusing on the quirky life of Jess and her roommates. Jess isn't your typical girl, and neither is her living situation. The humor is light, but the show keeps you engaged. The characters don't magically have every problem solved, so the situations seem real. After a few hours you will be rooting for the characters and the couples. The show is still running on television, so when you finish with Netflix there will be more to watch!

Shows from across the pond (British)

1. "Cuckoo"

You may not have heard of this wonderful little comedy, probably because it is a British show. Never the less, the humor is quite funny and features some pretty well known actors. In the first season we see Andy Samberg play an American hippie who marries a British girl on her gap year. When the couple return to Britain, comedy ensues. In later seasons, Taylor Lautner takes on the comedic role in a way you never knew he was capable of. The former "Twilight" actor now plays the son of Samberg's character who has just left a cult and is now making his way in the world. With three seasons on Netflix, there are at least enough episodes for a weekend full of laughs.

2. "Black Mirror"

Hardly a comedy, this show will really get you thinking about the implications of many aspects of society. Each episode stands alone and deals with a separate issue that screws with your mind. My favorite episode addresses our dependence on television and reality television in the context of the amount of time we spend working towards trivial goals. Each season is three episodes long, but given the thought provoking nature of each episode it would probably be difficult to watch too many in one day.

3. "The IT Crowd"

This is the typical sitcom with a laugh track. Despite that cliche it is still surprisingly funny. The show is about the IT department of a company. Relegated to the basement and with a new manager the department is no shortage of comedy. I recommend this show when you are looking for something that isn't highly series long story line driven but will leave you laughing.

4. "Sherlock"

Honestly, one of the best shows Britain has to offer. Benedict Cumberbatch plays Sherlock Holmes so well, but the whole cast is great as well. Each season is only three episodes, so there are not a ton of episodes to watch. That being said, you can either binge watch them all or you may want to ration them out to prevent crazy withdrawals. The show is a great and modern spin on the Sherlock Holmes stories that are always reiterated in entertainment.