I realize that the last thing I should be doing is encouraging all of you to procrastinate even further by watching shows on Netflix, but here we are—in an endless circle of fearing the unknown and comforting ourselves with the live's of fictional characters.
Nothing beats the feeling of sitting down with your favorite show for the next five hours. It is the ultimate love affair between a college student and their Netflix account. It is the modern love story, so beat the Romeo and Juliet.
I wish I didn't take so much pride in the fact that I've watched more television in the last five years than reading any new novels but trust me, I don't regret it. So consider me the expert on all things live streaming and bad television puns.
Here are the top 10 shows you all show watch on Netflix instead of going to your calculus class (just kidding, not really).
"House of Cards"
It seems that I actively search out shows that have an antihero/villain as the main character. I rave about it all the time because Kevin Spacey. That is all you need to know. I'm not kidding. Well, that and the fact that if you are into political dramas that feature a peach-picking farm boy turned politically ambitious Frank Underwood sided with his brilliant partner Claire Underwood, then this is the show for you.
"Grace and Frankie"
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to see Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in a show together after all this time, then watch "Grace and Frankie." It is surprisingly serious at times as opposed to straight-up humor and light to watch. Not really the most relatable show for college students to watch, as I've never been married for 30+ years and had my husband leave me for another man because he is gay, but such a great concept and some good comedic chemistry between the two leading ladies.
"Lie to Me"
I am forever bitter at Fox for cancelling this show. I hope they burn in the pit of their past mistakes which includes canceling this show so early on. Especially after the series finale, which should not even count as a series finale. *Shakes fist* Damn you, Fox! This show is a little gem on Netflix that recounts the story of an actual scientist who uses micro expressions to determine if someone is lying. It is the standard police procedural show but with a twist, and all of you should watch it. Plus, who doesn't love a little Tim Roth? (*slips a $20* Netflix, how about bringing back this show for closure? )
"Frasier"
I guess I should begin by saying that people need to give well-written sitcoms an honest try, especially this one. It is refreshing to find a show that provides characters as beautifully written as these. For the first time since a long time have I fallen in love with an entire cast, and I don’t say that lightly. I agree with most critics who phrase this show as the most successful spin-off in television history. "Frasier's" writing is so beautifully clever, yet keeps elements of complete honesty that leave me warm. Though I must admit, it had me reaching for my dictionary from time to time. I should also mention that this show built some of the most well-developed burns I have ever had the pleasure of seeing.
"The X-Files"
You guys thought I wouldn't include "The X-Files," right? Well, you thought wrong. *blows kiss to the sky for the alien.* Seriously though, if you are one of those people that know for a fact that the government knows of the existence of extraterrestrials and is hiding this fact, then Mulder and Scully are there for you. Mostly Mulder, but Scully decides to tag along for the ride. Also, who doesn't like aliens? Except the kind that want to take over the Earth. Those aren't that cool.
"Sons of Anarchy"
My favorite trash biker show that brings pain upon pain and introduces one of favorite female lead characters known as Gemma Teller. This show is not for the light-hearted, but it is for those who are biker enthusiasts because it has nothing to do with motorcycles. This could be your next favorite MacBeth-inspired show with a lot of blood, guts and gore, so you are welcome. Plus, watching Katey Sagal embody the role of Gemma is the greatest thing that happened in television history.
" Gilmore Girls"
I feel like the reputation of this show speaks for itself. The lead duo of mother and daughter are so beautifully written that I don't think anyone has ever written about being a single mother as well as Amy Palladino, and no one ever will. This show is, perhaps, the most relatable of all on this list for the simple fact that it is the most real. Every word uttered by each character brings us closer to their lives and our own. I would give this show 10/10, 100 percent recommended. Plus, if you ever want to be knowledgeable on all pop culture references, this show will keep you on your toes. Plus, did I mention it's coming to Netflix as a limited series? Yassss!
"The Fall"
This show has one of the best-written female leads of all time and is played by the incredible Gillian Anderson (thanks, aliens). It takes a spin on the crime theme and truly explores themes of feminism and violence against women through the story of a lead female cop and a serial killer. This show is extremely bleak and dark, but worth watching. The story will captivate you, and you will fall for Stella Gibson all the way.
"30 Rock"
You know, I would tell anyone to watch this simply because you have Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin delivering you great dialogue and having great chemistry as counterparts in the greatest friendship ever written. Plus, this show was created by none other than Tina Fey, and I'm pretty sure it is more of a documentary of what it is like to run a show on NBC. Great writing and great comedy. Also, every day I am convinced that I am Liz Lemon, and no one can convince me otherwise. Thanks, Tina Fey!
"The West Wing"
To end this list, all I have to say is: yes, I love political dramas. I thrive on political dramas that can carry narrative all the way through without having the need to add shock value and having people like Martin Sheen and Kevin Spacey leading the way with a great supporting cast. So, with that I leave you with "The West Wing," the best political drama ever written and rivals next to "House of Cards." You should watch both. You are welcome.
To be honest, choosing my top 10 shows from Netflix feels like choosing my favorite children (not that I would have more than 10 children in order to choose my favorite.) There so many other great shows out there, so do peruse through Netflix and take a chance on life or be an actual human being and interact with other people. In the end, it is up to you, but a lot of great dialogue has been written for television, and I feel it is just as important as reading a novel. (Somewhere in the world, an English Lit professor is telling me to bite my tongue.)
































