Netflix, Hulu, Apple Tv, they are all important to us binge watchers. "Netflix and chill" is a popular phrase that a lot of people use or just "Netflix and ____". Then we have our parents telling us that we're obsessed with TV and we just correct them and tell them that we are obsessed with so and so because the series is so good and you can't stop watching it. But you might even be able to validate your binge watching if you told your parents what you learned from the television series.
Grey's Anatomy
One of the most loved series also is the series that brings the greatest amount of salty water pouring from our eyeballs. People can take so much from this too. It's a show full of love, laughter, and yes, sadness, but it teaches value and friendship. Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey have the greatest friendship in television history. Personally, they taught me to have my own person and yes her name is also Kristina (which is just a really cool coincidence).
How I Met Your Mother
This series is one of my favorites. If you haven't watched it then you should because it's more than a guy telling about how he met his kids' mother. It's a comedy with a story line and it keeps you guessing throughout the entire series. But to validate watching this series, just tell your parents that it's a show that sets an example on relationships. To not settle because you're surrounded by people who are in relationships, to keep looking because settling because you can is the worst possible thing you could do. It also teaches to enjoy the moment in front of you with your friends by your side.
The Office and Parks and Recreation
Okay both of these shows are more of a guilty pleasure. But they are my go-to when I could use a good laugh or a pick me up because they are the funniest shows I have ever binge watched. They consist of many awkward moments, funny moments, and never any serious moments. But you do get the occasional tear jerkers; aka weddings, they always make me cry. Seriously though, they are worth the binging. Even Michael Scott would agree.
Gossip Girl
I know what you're thinking... what could this dramatic materialistic series have anything to do with life lessons? Just ask my friend Kenzie, we agreed that it teaches people that you don't need to be on the in to be important. And Blake Lively, as Serena, teaches young girls the power of a good personality and that we don't always need a man in our lives to be happy. Blair and Chuck teach us that we can't control our feelings and so stop avoiding them, trust yourself and you'll be happy. Serena and Blair teach us the value of friendship, that no matter what you and your best friend go through, there's a reason that God placed you together in the first place.
You might have noticed that friendship is illustrated in all of these shows. You can't have a series without cute friendships or relationships. No matter how ridiculous a show might seem, every series teaches a lesson. It's a part of the basics of writing. You have to have characters, a protagonist, antagonist, sidekick, or in the film world co-stars are important too. You need an expedition, rising action, conflict, climax, falling action and resolution; these all contribute to a good story. So next time your mother asks you why you're binge watching, just tell her you're learning something and you can prove it.
XOXO
-ACD