Now that most students have left college campuses and are back home for the holidays, I'm sure they will have plenty of time to spend with friends and family, go on vacation, work, read, or whatever it is they enjoy. I know I'll be doing all of the above in addition to applying for numerous summer internships and preparing for next semester's classes.
However, when I become exhausted from working, filling out apps for internships I'll probably never hear back from, or chatting with my dad about economics (don't get me wrong, I love my dad and economics), one of my favorite downtime activities is to check out a new show on Netflix or binge on a show I've been watching.
If you find yourself with some free time (or lots of it), here are some of my Netflix favorites that are 100% binge-worthy:
1. Gossip Girl
When you sit down to watch an episode of "Gossip Girl", you'll probably end up watching two or three more. This show about the lives of Manhattan's elite will draw you in immediately with its countless romantic entanglements, the witty banter of Blair Waldorf, the interesting character arc of Dan Humphrey (better known as "Lonely Boy") and other aspects that will have you hooked on all the drama in no time. Of course, I can't forget to mention the charm that is Chuck Bass.
2. Friends
I've never met anyone who has seen "Friends" and didn't absolutely love it. The cast consists of six characters, each with his or her unique backgrounds and traits. Anyone who watches this show will find a trace of each character in themselves, whether that's Monica's OCD tendencies, Joey's stubborn moments or Chandler's incessant sarcasm. For me, as it is for many others, this show from the 90's and early 2000's is the ultimate comfort show and a true classic.
3. How I Met Your Mother
If you're a fan of "Friends", "How I Met Your Mother" is practically a modern-day version of it (though "Friends" will never get old). With five main characters instead of six, the sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" is about a guy named Ted Mosby who recounts the story of how he met his wife to his children. In telling his story, Mosby alludes to events from his past, events that make up the bulk of each episode. The comedy in this award-winning show is top-notch and definitely makes it another classic.
4. One Tree Hill
If you like "Gossip Girl" or enjoy dramas geared toward young adults in general, check out "One Tree Hill". You might watch the first couple of episodes and think it is simply another cheesy, sports-centered show about your typical group of high school students. In many ways, it is exactly that; however, if you keep watching, you'll find yourself hooked on all the drama, not to mention the absolutely perfect relationship between Haley and Nathan - a match made in TV show heaven.
5. Stranger Things
The Netflix original has been deemed last summer's greatest hit show, but it is much more than that since people continue to rave about it and has even racked up several awards nominations from the Screen Actors Guild and Critics' Choice. This sci-fi, psychological thriller has a cast made up of mostly children and tells the story of this group of kids who go searching for their missing friend. As they embark on this search, they also uncover truths about a covert lab experiment carried out by the government. Despite its kid-filled cast, "Stranger Things" is captivating to all audiences.
6. Parks and Recreation
If you have read some of my other Odyssey articles, like Going Home For Break As Told By April Ludgate or 12 Times Ben and Leslie Were Couple Goals, then you know I'm a "Parks and Recreation" enthusiast; so much so that I genuinely aspire to be Leslie Knope and to meet someone as caring and nerdy as Ben Wyatt. A man who hates the government yet is a bureaucrat himself. An intern whose every line is quotable. A government employee who has been called at least four different names and counting because no one cares enough to remember his real name. Need I say more about how hilarious this show is?
If you have any binge-worthy shows you've seen on Netflix, comment down below!