The Office (UK)
I’m sure we’re all familiar with the American spinoff starring Steve Carell, but its British predecessor is an equally entertaining watch. Ricky Gervais stars as the incredibly unfunny and untalented David Brent, who for no apparent reason, considers himself a role model and friend to his disillusioned coworkers. The mockumentary style comedy does not utilize straightforward jokes, but instead invites the audience to revel in the sheer awkwardness of day-to-day life. You’ll be hooked after one episode.
Netflix Status: All 6 episodes of season 1 currently streaming
Total Watch-time: 3 hours
Jessica Jones
Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), like the rest of the Marvel cast, possesses superhuman abilities; however, after being exploited and controlled by the telepathic villain, Kilgrave (David Tennant), she picks up work as a private eye, all while battling crippling PTSD. Jones is a lovable anti hero, a badass and a basket case. The show is dark, gritty, and more concerned with aftermath than origin stories. This show is not only groundbreaking in its portrayal of a complex female hero, but its confrontation with rape culture and the psychological consequences of sexual violence. It is beyond worth the watch.
Netflix Status: All 13 episodes currently streaming
Total Watch-time: 10 Hours and 50 minutes
Sherlock
If you haven’t already seen Sherlock, do you yourself a huge favor and start now. Benedict Cumberbatch stars as the brilliant, but abrasive, detective in modern adaptations of classic Conan Doyle stories, from The Hounds of Baskerville to A Study in Scarlet. It’s suspenseful, clever, and charming all at once. There are enough easter eggs and references to please the Holmes purist but plenty of action for the crime drama fanatic. With only 3 episodes per season, a Holmes binge is an ideal candidate for your last-week-of-break couch marathon.
Netflix Status: 3 full seasons streaming now; season 4 currently airing on PBS
Total Watch-time: 16 hours and 30 minutes
Freaks and Geeks
There’s a reason this teenage comedy set in the 1980s is both a cult and critic favorite. While a lot of TV shows set in high school can feel contrived and cheesy, Freaks and Geeks manages to be hilarious in an incredibly relatable and genuine way. As a bonus, the cast is filled with baby-faced iterations of huge stars like James Franco, Lizzie Caplan, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and Rashida Jones.
Netflix Status: All 18 episodes currently available
Total Watch-time: 18 hours
