In the past month I have been at college, I thought I would have grown out of my television binge-watching stage I developed the moment my parents bought a Netflix account. Sadly, this has not been the case. While my eyes should be glued to my psychology textbook, they are instead set on my laptop screen. However, this is not a bad thing. By avoiding my education goals, I have discovered three television shows college students should watch, no matter their major or grade level. I was going to say five, but we all need to study at some point.
1. Friends
The classic sitcom that began airing before most of us were born demonstrates the true meaning of friendship in the funniest way possible. At the beginning of freshman year, we are all like Rachel Green in the pilot episode - we are lost in a brand new city and we only know about two people. Over the course of the series, her relationship with the supporting characters grow as do their relationships with each other. By the final episode, all six of them realize they can't (but can) survive without the other five. Honestly, isn't that what college is about? I always thought of my time in school to be the time where I meet my true best friends that will stick with me until the end (whenever the end may be). The characters in the show were able to do it no matter the amount of divorces, the relationship troubles, and wasted money at a local coffee shop. If they can do it, why can't we all do it?
2. Parks and Recreation
If I could vote for Leslie Knope in the upcoming election, I would in an instant. For those who have not seen an episode, Parks and Recreation follows protagonist Leslie Knope in her journey to making the government a better place in a hilarious, mockumentary-style television show similar to The Office. Though some view this show to be a rip-off of the hit starring Steve Carell (such as my younger brother), I always found this show to be more entertaining and easier to follow along with. Not to mention, Amy Poehler's goofy, waffle-obsessed character on the show reveals that no matter what situation anyone is in, things always get better. Boyfriend falls into a pit and breaks both of his legs? Fill the hole. A city-acclaimed miniature horse dies? Write a song for him. College may be rough, but there is always a bright side to everything that will leave you better than before. Not to mention, Leslie Knope is always available to help someone out.
3. Bob's Burgers
Bob's Burgers is a television show I got hooked on at the beginning of my junior year of high school. I watch new episodes every now and then when I'm not occupied with something else, and I still enjoy this show after two years. It follows the life of Bob Belcher and his family as they take on the daily tasks that life hands them (such as school, adolescent relationships, and owning a restaurant). I personally watch it because the main character's children are insane, but the show also reminds me of my own family. It was something I watched at home with my younger brothers, and watching episodes now helps me stay connected with them even though they are four hours away. No matter how crazy the escapade is, the three children in the television show have each other's backs at the end of the day just like my own siblings and I did and still do. Though we are apart, we are still one big family. The show has many other important lessons related to family, though the lessons given by Louise probably shouldn't be taken into consideration.
Hopefully these shows bring as much joy to your day as they do mine. They're quirky, suspenseful, and down-right addictive. They're great to watch alone, but even better to watch with a friend or two! Just don't forget to study for that up-coming test between episodes.
