We have reached the month of December, and you know what that means . . . No, not Christmas (well, yes Christmas, but that’s not the point) – winter break! After a 15-week semester that kicked my butt, I am more than ready for a few weeks of relaxation. Hopefully, many of you are like me and when I say “relaxation,” I mean “binge-watching Netflix.” So for all of you who have finished up their favorite shows and do not know what to watch during this winter break, I am here to help. Since not everyone has the same taste in shows as I do, I tried my hardest to put together a list of wide-ranging shows – from crime-dramas to comedies.
1. "Game of Thrones"
Number one on my list is my all-time favorite show, which I have watched (and read the books) since the pilot episode aired. While a little confusing at first, I urge everyone to stick with it. With each episode, it gets easier and easier to understand who the characters are and what is going on. George RR Martin does an exceptional job creating a world and characters you cannot help but fall in love with (ex: Jon Snow). The characters grow with each season in a way that makes you feel as if you actually know them. The show is filled with action, drama, sex, humor, awesome creatures and badass women. The show has made me scream, jump for joy, burst into tears and sit alone in a dark room thinking about what just happened. If you haven’t jumped on the “Game of Thrones” bandwagon yet, what are you waiting for?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/?ref_=nv_sr_1
2. "Gilmore Girls"
Where you lead, I will follow . . . “Gilmore Girls” is a feel-good, hilarious show about a mother and daughter who are best friends. Taking place in a small Connecticut town, it does not take long until you want to pick up your life and move to Stars Hollow. My sister once told me that, “this show is like comfort food,” and I could not agree more. I was hesitant to start the show, but after my best friend talked nonstop about it, I finally gave in, and I am glad I did. The show is refreshingly hilarious (just wait until you meet Paris Geller) with just the right amount of drama. It follows 16-year-old Rory Gilmore and her mom Lorelai through seven years of coffee, movie nights, heartbreak, weddings, school and Friday night dinners. When you’re done with the original series, be sure to watch the four revival episodes.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0238784/?ref_=nv_sr_2
3. "Parks and Recreation"
I have never laughed as hard as I did while watching this show. Created by and starring Amy Poehler, the show was bound to be hysterical. Starring alongside Amy Poehler is a hilariously perfect cast: Christ Pratt, Aubrey Plaza, Rashida Jones, Nick Offerman, Aziz Ansari, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Jim O’Heir and Rhetta. The key to a great comedy is not only witty writing, but also a cast with great chemistry . . . “Parks and Rec” has it all. While the first season is not nearly as funny as the rest of the series, it introduces the characters and is only six episodes. Get through the first season and I guarantee it will be worth it, especially once Adam Scott and Rob Lowe enter at the end of season two.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1266020/?ref_=nv_sr_1
4. "Breaking Bad"
I have yet to meet someone who watched “Breaking Bad” and did not absolutely love it. It took me a while to finally start watching the show because there was such a hype around it, but I can honestly say that it was even better that I expected. Surrounding a high school teacher who gets diagnosed with cancer and decides to make meth in order to make more money, the show does an excellent job in creating a plot that evolves alongside the characters in such a way that you feel emotionally attached in every way possible. There is a reason this show won a Golden Globe award and 16 Emmy awards.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0903747/?ref_=nv_sr_1
5. "Daredevil"
Taking place in the same universe as the Avengers, it is hard to imagine a show that lives up to the massiveness of that franchise. Yet somehow “Daredevil” manages to encompass everything that is great about Marvel without bringing in Chris Evans or Robert Downey Jr. While making slight nods at the Avengers (which is greatly appreciated), Daredevil holds his own as the main hero in this series. With great writing, acting and fight choreography, the show is extremely entertaining and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3322312/?ref_=nv_sr_1
6. "The Office"
Very similar to “Parks and Rec,” “The Office” is another must-watch comedy series. Starring Steve Carell as Michael Scott, the show is documentary-style and centers around a group of employees working in an office in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This was another show that took me a couple of episodes to really get into, but like “Parks and Rec,” once the show gets going, it is hilarious. Plus, getting to watch John Krasinski on your screen for nine seasons is totally worth it.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386676/?ref_=nv_sr_1
7. "How To Get Away With Murder"
I stumbled upon this show a few weeks ago and decided to watch it because Dean (Alfred Enoch) from Harry Potter was in it. I ended up binge-watching all two-and-a-half seasons in a week . . . I swear I’m still getting my schoolwork done, Mom. This show follows the talented Viola Davis as Annalise Keating, a law professor who takes five of her students into her firm to help out with real cases. The five students soon find out that making it through law school is the least of their problems. Creator Shonda Rhimes knocks it out of the park with this show.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3205802/?ref_=nv_sr_1
8. "Arrow"
While I am more of a Marvel girl than a DC girl, I am obsessed with “Arrow.” I have always been a big superhero fan, so watching the flood of superhero shows pop up over the past few years has been very exciting. The casting was done perfectly – in my opinion, there is no one more suited to play Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) than Stephen Amell. “Arrow” does a great job at tying in classic comic characters/plots while also bringing an air of originality to the show. Superhero fan or not, you should definitely give this show a try.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2193021/?ref_=nv_sr_1
9. "The Flash"
On the same note, “The Flash” (which takes place in the same universe as “Arrow”) is equally as amazing as “Arrow.” Grant Gustin, while not fitting the original Flash appearance, is fantastic in the role. Originating the role of Barry Allen in a two-episode arc of “Arrow,” he quickly got his own show a season later. This opened the door to amazing “Arrow-Flash” crossover episodes. Although it still maintains the amount of action and drama as “Arrow”, “The Flash” does have a lighter side to it.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3107288/?ref_=nv_sr_1
10. "NCIS"
Currently on its 14th season, “NCIS” is still going strong. A show that revolves around a Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) team, led by the infamous Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), it tends to touch upon current issues that we are dealing with. It’s entertaining and shocking, thrusting us into the middle of extravagant fights, all from the safety of our own home. With several of the main characters constant throughout all seasons, we get to watch these people we love grow and evolve. Its success has also spawned two spin-off shows, “NCIS Los Angeles” and “NCIS New Orleans”, though the original will always have my heart.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364845/?ref_=nv_sr_1
**Honorary mentions: “Jessica Jones,” “Scandal,” “Friends,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Seinfeld,” and “Modern Family”**
