Spring Break has come to a close and finals week is not too far away, this is that time of the semester where procrastination is doomed to hit students hard. These are the shows you should commit to watching while you’re ignoring your studies.
Who are Lucious and Cookie? Olivia Pope has been kidnapped? Didn’t “Community” end? Is the money always in the banana stand?
With the right internet speeds and the perfect couch or bed, you are ready to answer all these questions. All you need is dedication, commitment and maybe some headphones.
For the Netflix users out there these are the shows your friends won’t stop bugging you about:
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt:
After debuting this past month on the streaming site, audiences can’t get enough of Tina Fey’s quirky and refreshing comedy about a former underground doomsday cult member who adjusts to life after coming out of her mole hole. The adorable Ellie Kemper brings spark and charm to this well written comedy that will have you bummed when you finish the 13 episodes.
Binge Watch Time: Just about six hours, aka a good “go to bed at 11 p.m. and fall asleep when the sun rises” binge.
Arrested Development:
If you’ve ever told someone you’ve never watched “Arrested Development,” you’ve probably been on the receiving end of some pretty demeaning glares. But hey, it’s not you’re fault you didn’t watch the FOX comedy that only had three seasons (2003-2006) before taking a seven year hiatus. In 2013, Netflix revived the series and the fandom rejoiced. With an All-Star comedy cast including Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett and Michael Cera. The beloved series is sure to make you laugh at the dysfunctional Bluth family’s misadventures in Southern California.
Binge Watch Time: Technically just about 26 hours, a good weekend binge. If you spread it out over 3 days, you should have no problem feeling semi-human after it.
Scandal:
Shonda Rhimes’ political thriller drama has a penchant for keeping audiences on their toes and constantly questioning if this stuff really happens in our nation’s capitol? Led by Kerry Washington as the “fixer” Olivia Pope, this drama doesn’t lag, with twists and turns unlike any other, . Political love triangles with the President, a secret undercover spies, assassination attempts, murderous vice presidents and gay republican White House weddings are just a few things that makes “Scandal” great binge watching TV.
Binge Watch Time: Just about 46 hours (including the current season that’s available on Hulu). Give yourself a week to watch this one.
House of Cards:
Frank Underwood played by Kevin Spacey is a ruthless politician in the heart of Washington D.C. and his wife Claire Underwood is the definition of cunning and sophisticated. They take the capitol by storm and no person or entity is safe in their path of destruction, all for the conquest of power. “House of Cards” has been described as the definition of addicting. It’s seen almost as a crime against pop-culture to not have seen this Golden Globe and Emmy winning Netflix series.
Binge Watching Time: There’s about 39 episodes and each run nearly an hour long.
Orange is the New Black:
No you’re not the only person in the world who hasn’t seen this, but you are part of the few. This Netflix original is absolutely a fan favorite and a recent pop-culture phenomenon. Based on a memoir of the same title, OITNB focuses on the ins and outs of a women’s prison. Although it does have it’s comedic moments, this show is actually a drama. You will find yourself crying and screaming at how amazing this show is.
Binge Watching Time: There’s 26 episodes which range from about an hour to an hour and a half. Catch up before new episodes are released in June.
Parks and Recreation
It’s over! It’s all over! Yes, the end of the fictional government office and the loveable characters aired their last episode a few weeks ago. But fear not, introduce yourself to one of the greatest written office comedies for television. If Leslie Knope doesn’t inspire you to actually do that homework assigned to you over break and if you don’t relate to Andy Dwyer’s goofiness or April Ludgate’s apathy, then you’re probably doing it wrong. Watch everything from their small humble beginnings to their final season. It was heartbreaking to see it go, but knowing that it can be revisited on the daily truly makes up for some of the pain.
Binge Watching Time: With 125 episodes at 22 minutes each, this show will take you about 46 hours to watch. Spread that out over a week for sure, but then again 46 hours equals to just under two full days of non-stop binging right? Cue eye twitching.
Hulu, mainly used for keeping up to date with current seasons of network TV shows. Audiences can also make use of it to catch up on some old favorites and discover some new ones.
Empire:
The debut drama of the spring focusing on the past and present of a hip-hop recording company has the twitterverse in an uproar. Secret illnesses, hesitations about coming out, old flames being reignited, sibling rivalries and music that’s topping the Spotify and iTunes charts in real life make this show the powerhouse of television this season. The show features guest stars like Snoop Dogg, Naomi Campbell and Fabolous to name a few. Audiences are already begging for season two.
Binge Watching Time: 11 episodes at about 44 minutes each with a two hour season finale. It will take you a full day to finish this pop culture phenomenon.
The Mindy Project:
Mindy Kaling is a boss by all definitions. She’s a writer, a producer and a director. It’s her colorful personality, bold writing and excellent production that makes “The Mindy Project” a show to catch up on. Centered around a OB-GYN’s office in Manhattan, the laughs do not stop coming. Alongside Kaling, Chris Messina, Ike Barinholtz and Adam Pally fit perfectly in the dysfunctional medical office. Its endearing and well written. The plot flows seamlessly from laugh out loud comedy to heartwarming drama . A nice light show to keep your eyes on if you want a simple binge to accompany your break.
Binge Watching Time: 67 episodes and about 23 minutes each, you’re looking at a 2-3 day binge with bathroom breaks and sleep included.
Community:
The show about community college no one believed in but now has a fandom unseen of for a comedy show. Dropped by NBC and then saved by Yahoo, this show is a bit all too familiar for Fullerton students living life in the junior college world. A little outlandish at times and always funny, “Community” holds its place in the cult-comedy world. Spend your break at school while not at school with Joel McHale, Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino), Chevy Chase and Gillian Jacobs.
Binge Watching Time: 42 hours worth of “Community is technically 110 episodes. But even better, the new Yahoo renewal of the show airs Tuesdays, so an new episode is just around the corner! Binge watch and be current? It’s the holy grail!
The Flash:
DC Comics beloved speedy superhero has found his home on The CW. The show is in the middle of its first season so it’s the perfect time to play catch up on the episodes. If you’re a fan of Arrow, you’ll fall in love easily with “The Flash.” Grant Gustin’s charming smile should be just enough, but there’s more to this well written and greatly produced show.
Binge Watching Time: Currently 16 episodes at about 43 minutes each, but you won’t find them all on Hulu. Try out The CW app, it’s free and all the episodes are on it, but you have to be willing to use a phone or tablet.
Catfish:
Admit it, we’ve all talked to that one guy or girl on Tinder and were prepared for them to be not who they say they are. “Catfish” is just that show that you know is going to end badly but you have to watch anyway. Follow Nev and Max as they document relationship conundrums around the country.
Binge Watching Time: 40 episodes each about 42 minutes each. This show is emotionally draining because of the reality aspect. Recommendation: watch this over an extended time period.
Ah yes, the joy of streaming and television. Sit back, relax, and make sure you actually use the restroom, eat and stay hydrated. Also, don’t put regularly scheduled activities aside for binge watching. no matter how much you want to know what happens in the next episode.