With the explosive popularity of Netflix in the past few years, I find myself wondering what the effect of binge-watching has on our cognitive abilities. I'm no scientist, but there's something definitely different about devouring several chapters of a book versus two seasons of a Netflix show. In the constant search for new content, Netflix adds new shows every month and many of them are not only interesting, but can teach you something.
1. "American Crime"
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"American Crime" examines the complicated social implications with crime and the personal stories behind them. It features the tension between the police and people of color, along with gang wars and mental health issues. In two seasons, the show creates relationships between characters that humanizes the crime they commit, leaving viewers with a better understanding of American crime.
2. "Black Mirror"
This Netflix original seems like a "Twilight Zone 2.0;" every episode resets with a different situation in a different era. The episodes all feature hypothetical situations that seem to foreshadow the way humans will interact with new technology or new threats. Each situation is entirely unique and gives viewers a new enigma to figure out.
3. "Stranger Things"
Another Netflix original that came out over the summer has exploded into pop culture. Reminiscent of an 80s sci-fi flick, the show features three lovable boys who lose their best friend and go on an adventure to find him. The show teaches viewers about the strength of friendship and about 80s culture. The much-anticipated second season was announced during the Super Bowl, coming out on Halloween.
4. "American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson"
This thriller dramatizes the classic story of the O.J. Simpson trial and all the circumstances surrounding it. Featuring beloved actors such as John Travolta, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Sarah Paulson, viewers learn about every ridiculous aspect of the case. The show has powerful undercurrents of racial tension between the LAPD and black people, along with the personal stories of different people in the crime. Viewers also learn about the beginnings of the Kardashians and how it impacted the children.
5. "American Horror Story"
One of my personal favorites, FX's "American Horror Story" kicked off the gory movement in pop culture. With cryptic characters and massive plot twists, AHS never fails to satisfy its viewers. Each season features a different storyline that viewers have to keep up with, along with real-life, historical serial killers. Viewers learn about slave culture, voodoo culture in New Orleans and the horrors of circus life.
6. "The OA"
This new Netflix original is one of the most confusing and intriguing shows I've seen in a while. "The OA" starts off in the middle of the plot and forces viewers to slowly uncover details as the story continues on. Prairie is a missing blind girl found after seven years with her sight cured. As Prairie uncovers the details of her life, viewers must put together the rest of the story.
7. "Orange is the New Black"
"Orange is the New Black" has become a household name in series on Netflix, even receiving a commonly-known acronym (OITNB). The wild, scandalous show is on its fourth season, while viewers patiently wait for the next to solve the cliff-hanger. Based on the true experiences of Piper Chapman, the show features a women's prison in New York and all the ridiculous trials and tribulations the women go through. It teaches viewers how women, very complicated in nature, live in a confined space with hundreds of other women.
8. "Narcos"
Another crime show, "Narcos" dramatizes the extravagant life of drug cartel lord Pablo Escobar. On its second season, "Narcos" shows viewers the gory life of a Colombia gangster through a tricky plot and historical accuracies. It revitalized the image of Pablo Escobar, and on this past Halloween you couldn't count how many Colombian drug lords were walking the streets.
9. "House of Cards"
Yet another Netflix original, Emmy-nominated "House of Cards" is a sensational political show that teaches viewers about the corruption of American politics. Kevin Spacey places a ruthless politician that will stop at nothing to get to the top of the political food chain. It also teaches viewers about the fundamentals of politics and offers a view of behind the scenes.
10. "How I Met Your Mother"
Another household name, "How I Met Your Mother" is a long-running sitcom that teaches viewers about life lessons and the ups and downs of life. It features flashbacks with a vibe similar to "Friends" that entertains viewers for nine whole seasons.
11. "Luke Cage"
A less popular Netflix original, Marvel's "Luke Cage" features a black superhero that is bulletproof. It carries the underlying theme of the relations between police and black people in the past 20 years and seems to speak on the injustice.
12. "New Girl"
Another one of my personal favorites, "New Girl" has become a sensation. With two seasons not yet on Netflix, viewers learn about seeing the humor in tough life situations and the growing pains of becoming an adult.
13. "Sherlock"
Part of BBC's Masterpiece series, "Sherlock" tells the classic tale of the fictional detective with new twists and exciting acting. Rivaling Robert Downey Jr.'s performance, Benedict Cumberbatch's depiction has become one of the most popular Sherlock Holmes in modern times. With three seasons on Netflix, viewers can solve Holmes' enigmatic puzzles and learn about the mysterious character.
14. "Shameless"
One of the more gaudy shows on Netflix, Showtime's "Shameless" has exploded into popularity. A relatable, dysfunctional family gives viewers a hilarious look into life in Southside Chicago. The misfortunes of the Gallagher family are addicting and hard to watch at the same time, like watching a car crash. With seven seasons and viewers patiently for the eighth, "Shameless" teaches viewers how to get up and keep moving.
15. "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"
A show on the rise, "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" weaves highly ironic musical numbers and exaggerated comedy to teach viewers about the stereotypes of women entering their late 30s. Rebecca's heightened emotions and imperfect body type creates a very relatable character that viewers can learn life lessons from.
16. "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" features a woman saved from an underground cult that is exposed to present-day New York City after 15 years of isolation. With an SNL vibe, the show satirizes many of today's problems, such as the treatment of gay people in mainstream network, racial issues and the gap between the rich and the poor.
17. "Skins"
"Skins" is a British cult comedy that features recurring characters and new faces within seven seasons. The gaudy show teaches viewers about the dramatic complications of growing up as a teenager in the 2000s, along with mental health issues, addiction, racial exclusion and homophobia. Many of the characters have gone on to the big screen, but will always be remembered for their performance on this coming-of-age show.
