Like almost every college student, I have an insane obsession with the television and movie streaming website that is Netflix. When everything in your life goes awry, your love life is a wreck, or you just need something to pass the time, Netflix is there for you. Whenever I hop on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, I always see someone post or tweet something along the lines of, "Netflix recommendations?" I have watched a heck of a lot of television on Netflix and I have come to realize that while some shows people suggest are awesome, some of them are also not worth the hype. This week, I decided to compile a list of television series on Netflix that are worth the hype.
"Stranger Things"
Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, Matthew Modine, Noah Schnapp, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, and Dacre Montgomery
Awards: Screen Actor's Guild Award, "Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series" (2016)
So many people have been raving about "Stranger Things" and rightfully so. A Netflix original series, the show takes place in 1983 in a small town in Indiana. A young boy named Will Byers disappears, a terrifying investigation follows that tries to locate and bring Will back home. As Will's family and friends search for answers, they uncover secret government and science fiction mysteries, all with the help of an unusual girl, Eleven. Only Season One is available on Netflix right now and there are only eight episodes in the season, so this series, as fast-paced as it is, is very quick to finish and become obsessed with. "Stranger Things" was renewed for a second season and will be released on October 31st.
"Orange Is The New Black"
Starring: Taylor Schilling, Laura Prepon, Michael J. Harney, Michelle Hurst (1), Kate Mulgrew, Jason Biggs (1-2), Uzo Aduba, Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, Taryn Manning, Selenis Leyva, Adrienne C. Moore, Dascha Polanco, Nick Sandow, Yael Stone, Samira Wiley (1-4), Jackie Cruz, Lea DeLaria, and Elizabeth Rodriguez
Awards: Emmy Award, "Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series" -- Uzo Aduba (2013); Emmy Award, "Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series" -- Uzo Aduba (2014)
The first original television series Netflix ever produced, "Orange is the New Black." is based off of Piper Kerman's best-selling memoir, "Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Woman's Prison." This dramedy is Netflix's most-watched series, and for good reason. The characters are well-developed and the plot and dialogue are funny, witty, and emotionally riveting. The series follows Piper Chapman, a young thirty-something-year-old woman who is incarcerated at Litchfield Federal Corrections for carrying drug money ten years ago. The series follows Piper and other inmates through their day-to-day lives while at Litchfield. What I like most about the series is that each episode tells the life of a different inmate or correctional officer prior to their time at Litchfield. There are four seasons currently on Netflix, and all have thirteen episodes each. Each episode will have you laughing, crying, or both and will want you wanting more. "Orange is the New Black" was just recently renewed for another three seasons, and you can watch season five on June 9th.
"Law and Order: Special Victims Unit"
Starring: Mariska Hargitay (1-present), Christopher Meloni (1-12), Ice-T (2-present), Richard Belzer (1-15), Dann Florek (1-15), Michelle Hurd (1-2), Stephanie March (2-5, 11), Tamara Tunie (7-12), B.D. Wong (4-12), Diane Neal (5-9), Adam Beach (9), Michaela McManus (10), Danny Pino (13-16), Kelli Giddish (13-present), Raul Esparza (15-present), and Peter Scanavino (16-present)
Awards: Golden Globe, "Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series" -- Mariska Hargitay (2005); Emmy Award "Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series" -- Mariska Hargitay (2006)
Have you ever watched any of the "Law and Order: SVU" marathons on USA? Like many of you, I have, and I got addicted to "SVU" very quickly. I can proudly say that I have seen every episode, which is quite a devotion. We all practically grew up with "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," as it's been on the air since 1999. The procedural drama follows Lieutenant Olivia Benson and the Manhattan Special Victims Unit on their pursuit of catching the worst sex crimes predators and offenders. The show is currently in its 18th season and just recently celebrated its 400th episode, which is a huge milestone in the television industry. It is most likely that "SVU" will be renewed for a 19th season, as it is still attracting a huge audience even eighteen years later. You can watch "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" every Wednesday night on NBC at 9 p.m. EST.
"Glee"
Starring: Dianna Agron (1-6), Jacob Artist (4-5), Melissa Benoist (4-5), Chris Colfer (1-6), Darren Criss (2-6), Jessalyn Gilsig (1-2), Blake Jenner (4-5), Dot-Marie Jones (3-6), Jane Lynch (1-6), Jayma Mays (1-6), Kevin McHale (1-6), Lea Michele (1-6), Cory Monteith (1-4), Heather Morris (1-6), Matthew Morrison (1-6), Alex Newell (1-6), Mike O'Malley (2-6), Chord Overstreet (2-6), Amber Riley, (1-6) Naya Rivera (1-6), Mark Salling (1-6), Harry Shum Jr. (2-6), Becca Tobin (4-6), and Jenna Ushkowitz (1-6)
Awards: Golden Globe, "Best Television Series -- Comedy or Musical" (2010, 2011); Emmy Award, "Outstanding Supporting Actress in A Comedy Series" -- Jane Lynch (2010); Golden Globe, "Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series" -- Jane Lynch (2011); Golden Globe, "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series" -- Chris Colfer (2011); Emmy Award, "Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series" (2011)
"Glee" holds a near and dear place in my heart, as I watched the show throughout my teenage years. The show follows Spanish teacher and Glee Club moderator, Will Schuester and his club of misfits. Mr. Schuester brings the Glee Club back to try and restore honor and glory to it, as it is looked upon as a club for losers. The show touches on many important issues, such as teen pregnancy, coming out and LGBT issues, bullying, eating disorders, romance, and so forth. While "Glee" is no longer on the air, you can find all six seasons on Netflix. Prepare to laugh, cry, and belt out in song.
"Breaking Bad"
Starring: Bryan Cranston (1-5), Anna Gunn (1-5), Aaron Paul (1-5), Dean Norris (1-5), Betsy Brandt (1-5), RJ Mitte (1-5), Bob Odenkirk (2-5), Giancarlo Esposito (2-4), Jonathan Banks (3-5), Laura Fraser (6), and Jesse Plemons (6)
Awards: Two-time Emmy Award Winner for "Outstanding Drama Series" (2013,2014); Emmy Award, "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series" -- Bryan Cranston (2008, 2009, 2010, 2014); Emmy Award, "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series" -- Aaron Paul (2010, 2012, 2014); Emmy Award, "Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series" -- Anna Gunn (2013, 2014)
My final suggestion comes in the form of "Breaking Bad." The series follows a high school chemistry teacher named Walter White who is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Tired of living a meek and underwhelming life, Walter turns to selling crystal meth along with one of his former students, Jesse Pinkman, in order to provide financial stability to his family after he dies. The series follows Walter's transformation into a ruthless crystal meth dealer, while also learning how to navigate the criminal world of drug dealing. A hit for AMC, while Breaking Bad is no longer on the air, you can watch all five riveting seasons on Netflix. Just a little warning: season one is a bit slow. Give the series some time and you'll eventually get hooked.
Hopefully, these five suggestions will provide you with new shows to watch on Netflix!