If anyone would tell you, television in college became my best friend when I'm was not studying or doing homework. There is only so much homework I can do at once! When I first started out, this was my thought:
"I can't stand reading another textbook right now. If I don't divulge my brain in something else, I will go insane!" Most college students will tell you the same thing. When the feeling of boredom or not feeling like doing homework at the present moment is overwhelming, then they find themselves watching some form of television, like reruns of shows or movies and shows on Netflix and Hulu.
As I have gathered either at home over breaks or here in the lounge with a group of friends, my interests in new television shows or even ones I watched before became an obsession. I mean, anytime I needed to just watch something, I would want to watch a particular show. It's addicting at times, but worth it when needing to breathe and forget.
Here are my top ten go-to television shows (and maybe yours as well) when I need to step away from everything else in life:
1. Law and Order: Special Victims Unit
This spin-off of the long running 'Law and Order' series has been my favorite since high school. Yes, there are plenty of touchy subjects in this show, but it is worth watching. It is packed full of information, suspense, cliff hangers, and dynamic characters such as Sgt. Olivia Benson and Det. Fin Tutuola. Who doesn't want to watch Benson kick some criminal butt and fight for victims?
2. Supernatural
Now, I nicely blame my friends for getting me hooked and captured by this show (you know who you are), which I didn't even know existed until this past spring. It has demons, angels, freakish monsters, romance, sibling rivalry (between Sam and Dean Winchester, played by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles), suspense, all different types of emotion and all kinds of craziness. It is so addictive and when my friends and I all gather in the lounge together, we are literally commenting, yelling, freaking out, crying and laughing hysterically at the television. It is an amazing show with amazing actors and intense, but fun, episodes.
3. Criminal Minds
The extra-creepy happenings is what this show is all about. The team will go to different states and work with the police to catch these criminals, who have done the most horrific things to people. The team is diverse in talents, personal life, and team work. It is very realistic with Hollywood flare mixed in. However, it does get gory (like Supernatural), so it's not in your favor if you can't handle it.
4. NCIS
This drama is one that I keep coming back to because of the humor and the family dynamic of the team. The characters have their own sense of humor and it helps them to be positive in a job that is difficult (like Criminal Minds, which is the FBI, and SVU, which is the NYC Police). Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon) is one of my favorites, because he holds the team together and has that father-figure mentality to watch out and protect his team. He also gives the famous head-slaps, which lightens the mood.
5. CSI: Miami
The atmosphere for this show is as hot and intense as the sun. The team works to solve similar cases like the other shows, but uses flashbacks as a common occurrence to bring more suspense. When you thought one criminal character was innocent, the flashback proves otherwise. This also shows what victims of those crimes went through before they survived or died. The one-liners from Horatio Caine (David Caruso) are classic and too good to pass up.
6. Chicago PD
A newer cop show within the past few years, this show has similar happenings and cases, but primarily focused in Chicago and that particular department. They have crossed over with a few shows (Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Law and Order: SVU) to solve cases together. My favorite character is Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush), because she came from a background of drugs and prostitution, along with an alcoholic mother. She was given a second chance by Sgt. Voight. She went through rehab and while working for his team, she helps other addicts recover and get their life back together. A valuable lesson I have learned is that no matter where in life you are, a second chance is worth fighting for.
7. NCIS: New Orleans
A newer cop show with a music flare to it. The teams solve cases similar to the other shows. The team is in Louisiana and enjoys the parades and music as a big part of that culture. There is not an episode without a form of music in it. Just watch the beginning credits and you will be hooked.
8. CSI
Like Miami, it is mainly focused on the teams who work in the lab to solve cases. If you're into science, you'll be in heaven. Even if you aren't, it's fascinating to see what processes they go through to nail the criminal for good. My favorite part about this show is the hint of humor and how dynamic the characters are.
9. The Mysteries of Laura
Though this show only lasted for two seasons, it left its mark. I love how this show was both serious and lighthearted, keeping the audience's attention. Debra Messing made this character so realistic with realistic issues, like divorce, love, heartache, working with her ex, balancing work and home, kids, etc. Plus, you had the characters you knew would be in a relationship from day one. Overall, I loved this show.
10. Blindspot
Even though I missed a good part of the season, I caught the middle and end of it, amazed by the acting. I love how the character's body is entirely coated in tattoos and they had to figure out who she was. She never gave up on trying to find each clue, finding herself then caught in the middle of a cover-up. A lesson from this show is that it is never too late to find out who you are and that journey does not have to be faced alone.
As a college student right now, my best advice is this: find your go-to shows, whether they are on this list or not. Find ones that spark interest and really capture you! You never know what you like until you watch it.
