You've ordered your books, bought your new clothes and posted all the pictures you could of your pets and friends from home...now what? Sure you could go back to school and study endlessly, but let's be realistic--you want to watch Netflix. The next question is, what should you watch? Don't worry. I reviewed the endless "shelves" of Netflix to find you the perfect binge-show for Spring Semester 2017.
1. Series of Unfortunate Events: Netflix
Just in case you missed the book hype during middle school Series of Unfortunate Events, originally written by Lemony Snicket, rehashes the unfortunate life of the Baudelaire orphans. The show, which is exclusive to Netflix, airs on Friday, January 13, giving you just enough time to binge before break ends or add it to your list.
2. Galavant: ABC
Originally aired on ABC, the series ended in January '16, but the ending of the show in no means took away it's comedic genius. Based in medieval times, the show takes you on a journey with the knight, Galavant, as he rescues a damsel in distress. The dramatic storyline is trivialized by sarcastic song-and-dance pieces.
3. The Crown: Netflix
The Netflix original series offers viewers a fictional look into the training and transition of Queen Elizabeth II. This show, while historically accurate, is chocked full of dramatic cliffhangers, sharp-tongued arguments, and tear-jerking scenes. Each episode runs an hour long giving you plenty of time to procrastinate...or study.
4. Sherlock: BBC
Just in case you don't already know about this hit series, now in its fourth series, from the British Broadcasting Corporating; Sherlock revamps the dusty old Sir Arthur Conan Doyle books into a modern-day-murder-mystery. From uncatchable, hi-tech bank robbers to a menacing Moriarty, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman's portrayal of Holmes and Watson will leave you on the edge of your seat and craving more.
5. The Flash: The CW
With love stories, epic fight scenes, tech babble and family lessons, The Flash is a show for anyone. Take 40 minutes of your day (or a whole day, as I often do), and you'll witness the vim and vigor of Barry Allen and the S.T.A.R. Labs team assisting him. Each episodes leaving you questioning every aspect of the series, but none the less leave you hooked.
6. Portlandia: IFC
Portlandia is perfect for anyone who has ever been told they have a dry, boring or weird sense of humor. Written, directed and portrayed almost entirely by Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, the show introduces viewers to various individuals unique to Portland, Oregon. Regardless of its accuracy, Portlandia is guaranteed to entertain...or confuse.
7. BoJack Horseman: Netflix
BoJack Horseman was seemingly written for fans of Family Guy, The Simpsons, The Cleveland Show, and South Park. BoJack Horseman, pictured above, is a B-List celebrity horse-man looking to redeem his long lost A-List celebrity status. The show takes brings you along for his struggles with Princess Caroline, a prissy cat who is his agent and ex-lover, introduces you to the colorful people of his past and gives you a peek into the alcoholic life he is trying to overcome. The show, while overflowing with tear worthy laughs, is melancholly as it guarantees an unrealistic emotional attachment to the world's most miserable, unbearable, rude, narrowminded and lovable horse the world has ever known.
8. Mad Men: AMC
I couldn't leave you without mentioning my Holy Grail binge show. Even on its third watch (yes, I have a problem), the show will leave you gobsmacked at its dark humor, historical accuracy, star-crossed relationships and at its overall ability to captivate. Whether you can sympathize with the egotistical ad man Don Draper, or would rather see him fall from his top-shelf throne, Mad Men will keep you occupied for hours. Follow the SCDP crew through the fifties, sixties and early seventies as they try to become New York's best ad agency, while simultaneously trying to find true love.
BONUS: If you are an Advertising or Public Relations major, you may find yourself benefitting from this show. As the show runs you'll witness historically significant ads (VW Lemon, Cadillac description ad, the first bikini ad, etc.). Not to mention the jargon frequented by the actors is shockingly correct, and can really give a leg up in introductory courses.
