We are fortunate enough to live in the golden-age of television, and with Netflix having started their streaming service in 2007 it is our obligation as introverts to sit inside all day and browse the thousands of TV programs they have to offer.
Obviously, anyone can enjoy the list of shows I’m about to recommend, but it is introverted students like myself that will be able to take advantage and appreciate the art form that is staying in bed all day and watching multiple seasons of a show in one sitting.
In my life I’ve binge-watched an embarrassing amount of shows, but, unsurprisingly, that makes me sort of an expert when it comes to Netflix. If you see a show on this list that you haven’t watched, I can almost guarantee that if you give the show a shot, you’ll be running to thank me for making your life significantly better.
“Shameless”
This Showtime drama-comedy is an American adaptation of a British series of the same name. The show stars Emmy-winning actor William H. Macy and focuses on the Gallagher family, a dysfunctional group of siblings just trying to make ends meet in Chicago.
“Shameless” will have you on the edge of your seat with its drama that will truly have you caring for the well being of multiple characters. However, Shameless isn’t only dramatic and exciting, it’s also exceptionally funny with moments that will have even the most stoic of Netflix watchers laughing out loud.
“Shameless” truly shines in its execution of the day-to-day struggles that a poor family in Chicago might face. “Shameless” also sets itself apart from other shows with its terrific ensemble of characters. From alcoholic father, Frank, to wannabe gangster, Carl, this Showtime show has some of the best character development in television today.
Within a few episodes of the current seven seasons, you’ll likely become hooked and yearn to join the Gallagher family yourself.
If you decide to watch this excellent show, I would start soon or you’ll have quite the task in front of you seeing that season eight premieres on Nov. 5.
“Black Mirror”
“Black Mirror” is truly a unique show — each episode a roller coaster from start to finish. The critically acclaimed British sci-fi thriller, which was taken over by Netflix in 2016, is one that will have you questioning the reality you live in. “Black Mirror” is an anthology, meaning each of its current 12 episodes present a completely different story and setting with a different cast from the episode before.
Twelve episodes may not seem like a lot, but they can range from 40 minutes to an hour and a half, so there is plenty of content to binge. The show mainly focuses on not-so-distant dystopian futures, often focusing on technology and society as a whole.
The show has enlisted fantastic well-known and skilled actors in its three seasons including Jon Hamm from “Mad Men,” Jerome Flynn from “Game of Thrones” and Daniel Kaluuya from “Get out” to name just a few.
The brilliance of “Black Mirror” lies in the fact that, as an anthology series, there isn’t a real need to watch the episodes in any particular order. Also, with each episode being completely different than the others, not enjoying a particular episode won’t ruin the series as the next episode will be different in almost every way.
From the mind-bending twists of “Playtest” and “Shut Up and Dance” to the eerie dystopian settings of “The Entire History of You” and “White Christmas,” Black Mirror is without a doubt a show that will have you captivated from start to finish, questioning the nature of your reality and begging for more the minute you finish the final episode
A trailer for the fourth season of the series was recently unveiled, yet no official release date has been announced.
“New Girl”
This Fox comedy stars Zooey Deschanel playing Jess, who lives in a Los Angeles apartment with three men who soon become her best friends. This show revolves around Jess and her loft-mates and the everyday struggles of relationships, career choices and life in their early 30s. “New Girl” is smart, witty and absolutely hilarious.
Not only does Zooey Deschanel do a great job portraying the bubbly school teacher, but supporting characters like Nick, Schmidt and Winston make the show noteworthy. Each character is fully developed and fleshed out with intriguing quirks.
The series currently has six seasons and an impressive 138 episodes. A seventh and final season has been announced but is currently without a release date.
In those 138 episodes, “New Girl” has become one of FOX’s most beloved and watched shows, a feat it is without a doubt worthy of.
“Peaky Blinders”
The most recent show I’ve binge-watched is “Peaky Blinders.” This BBC gangster crime-drama is set in Birmingham, England, after World War I.
The show revolves around the “Peaky Blinders” gang and their leader Thomas Shelby, brilliantly played by Cillian Murphy.
Thomas Shelby and the rest of the Shelby family control Birmingham with poise and fear, and let no one stand in their way of climbing up the social ladder.
If you’re a fan of period pieces or history in general, like myself, you’ll likely enjoy this show.
The show’s non-stop excitement and drama separate it from others of its kind, and, with awe-inspiring performances from many different actors, “Peaky Blinders” will transport you to early 20th century England and have you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
Gang wars, illegal gambling and intense betrayals lie ahead for anyone who decides to watch this critically acclaimed series based on a real life English gang of the same name.
The show currently has three seasons and its six episode per season format makes “Peaky Blinders” an easy but exhilarating binge-watch throughout the 18 episodes.
BBC has renewed the show for a fourth and fifth season, and while no official release date for the next six episodes has been announced, Tommy Shelby and crew are expected to return to television in the last quarter of 2017.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
