The summer vacation of TV shows is nearing. Most of your favorite television series are going to be put on hold and for a few months you’ll have to deal with a whole bunch of re-runs. Darn it, what can you do now? Well, I would suggest what my family and I do: try watching some older, already completed, shows.

What are some TV series options for you to occupy yourself with while your favorites are taking a break? Here is my list of top five must watch (or even re-watch) series:

5. "The Closer"

If you like crime-solving television shows, "The Closer" is definitely something to start watching. Created in 2005, this series consists of seven exciting seasons. The story revolves around a police detective and CIA-trained interrogator from Atlanta named Brenda Johnson who moves to Los Angeles to lead a squad that deals with sensitive, high-profile homicides. Not only are the cases they handle intriguing, but the characters in this show are entertaining and easy to get attached to. Also, it is always fun to watch Brenda’s interrogator skills come into play when attempting to obtain confessions. This series is interesting, often comedic and undoubtedly a must-watch.

4. "Prison Break"

From 2005 to 2009, "Prison Break" was quite a big hit on TV. I didn’t understand why until my father and I recently decided to watch a bit, and now we’re hooked. As the name suggests, this story is all about people trying to break out of prison. But it’s not as simple as it sounds. Michael Scofield, an ingenious structural engineer, deliberately gets himself thrown into the same jail where his brother, Lincoln Burrows, is being held and put on Death Row for a crime he did not commit. Michael then begins executing a series of elaborate plans to break Lincoln out and prove his innocence before it's too late. This show is one that you can’t help but want to binge-watch. It’s thrilling, inspiring and always leaves you wanting more. Truly a great show!

3. "Lost"

There are not many people I know who haven’t watched this show. Lost aired from 2004 to 2010, and its plot takes place on a mysterious island where the survivors of a plane crash are forced to inhabit. As the survivors search for a way off the island, we learn the stories and lives of each of the survivors, as well as discover many secrets about the island itself. This is another binge-watch kind of show that is full of exciting drama and keeps you on your toes. My family and I enjoyed this series so much that we have already started re-watching it. It’s a great show, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes inspiring adventurous stories.

2. "Merlin"

This is one of my favorite shows, even though it finished in 2012. This series take a new perspective to the classic medieval tales. We follow the lives of Merlin, an untrained sorcerer, and Prince Arthur, heir to the Camelot throne, as young men struggling to understand their destinies. Living in King Uther’s kingdom proves to be both difficult and dangerous for Merlin since the use of magic is banned and its users executed. He must keep his powers hidden as he works alongside Prince Arthur to defend Camelot against seemingly endless threats. In this humorous, action-packed and dramatic series we meet many legendary characters like Guinevere, Lancelot and Morgana. This is one of the best shows I have ever watched, and can easily re-watch it over and over again.

1. "Warehouse 13"

Another favorite of mine, "Warehouse 13" is a fun, hilarious and lovable show that my mother and I watch on an almost daily basis. This series is five seasons long and centers around two Secret Service agents, Pete Lattimer and Myka Bering, who are transferred to work in a top-secret, government-owned warehouse that stores dangerous and supernatural artifacts or relics. Their new job is to investigate paranormal or mysterious events around the world and snag, bag and tag whatever artifacts are the cause of them. Also, they help the warehouse’s caretaker, Artie Neilsen, protect and maintain the warehouse itself. This is an amazing, sometimes mind-blowing show with interesting concepts and engaging characters. Definitely a must watch!

You can find all of these shows on either Netflix, Shomi, YouTube or other online programs and websites. They all serve as great substitutes to your favorite shows while you wait for them to return with new seasons.