It's summer! You know what that means? It's time to run into your room, lock yourself in with your computer, and have your eyes stinging for staring at the bright screen for eight hours straight. During the school year, you couldn't really binge watch at your full potential. But now, especially for those of us who just graduated high school, life has really settled down and we have time to break old records of how many hours we watched of a show in 2 days. The hardest decision is where to start. So many shows are calling for attention. So much exists on Netflix and Hulu. For the people overwhelmed by the choices, these are 11 shows that deserve to be watched.
1. "My Mad Fat Diary"
This show is perfect for binge watching. It's a short series, but that doesn't make it any less amazing. It has some very relevant themes such as drug use, body positivity, mental health, and sexuality. The characters are so easy to connect and will keep you guessing (and maybe crying)as you go on!
2. "Nashville"
You know how some shows start off great, but turn mediocre after a few seasons? Nashville is not one of those shows. It has been going on for a few years and is a good show for anyone. In all honesty, I'm not a fan of country music. But the country music on this show is amazing. You wouldn't expect so many quality episodes from a show that is about the music business. This show does not lack in drama.
3. "Orange Is the New Black"
I haven't had the chance to watch this one yet (I had a choice to buy either Netflix and Hulu. Hulu won). I know that everyone is in love with it though, and it would probably be worth watching.
4. "The Fosters"
This is the kind of show that has a moment in each episode that makes you want to yell "why the heck would you do that?" The unique premise is that there is a lesbian couple with five (biological, adopted or being fostered) children. They all love each other a lot, but they deal with some serious issues. The children make so many mistakes, but they move on with each challenge.
5. "American Crime"
This show messed my life up. As the name suggests, the show is centered on a crime that takes place before that start of the first episode in the season. The main focus isn't really who did the crime, but how the crime affects everyone in the story. It deals with all kinds of real world problems such as racism, rape, and drugs. It is the most powerful, most unique and my favorite on this list. The first episode may be a bit confusing, but this show is so good that if can only watch one show, watch this one.
6. "Scream Queens"
Scream Queens was extremely popular from all the stars in it (like Nick Jonas and Ariana Grande). It's about a sorority whose members that keep getting killed off by a crazy killer. A very weird blend of suspense and comedy, this show will have you wondering who's next and laughing from the stupidity of some characters. I'm getting ready for season two.
7. "Happy Endings"
Basically, the show is about six friends who are extremely close. Four of them are in search of love so sometimes the journey complicates their life. Sometimes it complicates their friendships. However, the show is hilarious because the characters are all silly and weird. You may feel a bit incomplete after watching since it was canceled before it was given a proper finale, but that shouldn't stop you.
8. "Awkward"
"Awkward" is special to me because it was the first show I ever binge watched. It has a balance of awkward situations and funny moments. Jenna is someone who has terrible luck in her sophomore year of high school that carries on. What makes this show great is her down to earth personality and the progress she makes along the way. You will eventually love her.
9. "How To Get Away With Murder"
If you haven't watched HTGAWM yet, what have you been doing with your life? Watch it now! The plot is that a lawyer/professor recruits a few law students to be her assistants, which may sound so boring, but it's not. It's so full of intensity and betrayal that I can't even multi-task. You never expect what's going to happen and the actors are amazing and gorgeous. 11/10 recommend.
10. "Quantico"
You probably have realized that I have an obsession with ABC shows, but it's because they are pretty fantastic. Anyway, the show starts with Alex Parish waking up to realize that a bomb went off in NYC and she is the prime suspect. It switches between the present and her past at Quantico, a training center for FBI. It's an emotional and suspenseful roller coaster, but it just finished its first season so you have time to catch up.
11. "Gravity Falls"
This is clearly the odd duck in the list. It may seem childish, but the story in this show is pretty deep. Mabel and Dipper, two siblings, live in a strange town with their uncle in the summer and end up revealing many of the town's dark secrets. The strong messages of love and courage makes "Gravity Falls" a show that is far beyond other cartoons. When I say love, it isn't just romantic interests, but love of friends, family and self. After finishing the series, you'll feel all fuzzy inside and realize you have a bit of Mabel and Dipper inside of yourself.