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10 TV shows to binge watch

By Hannah Katz

The binge watch, we’ve all been there. It’s three in the morning on a Tuesday, and you know that you have to wake up for school in three hours, but you can’t stop compulsively clicking on that Play Next Episode button. It’s an inevitable situation. some shows are just too good to stop watching at a reasonable hour. Here are some of those shows that are worthy of your lack of sleep.

1)

Show: Freaks and Geeks

Stars: Linda Cardellini, James Franco, Jason Segel, Seth Rogen, and John Francis Daley

Rating on IMDB: 8.9/10

Summary: After her grandmother’s death, a high school mathlete starts hanging out with a group of burnouts while her younger brother navigates his freshman year.

Why it’s worthy of binging: Freaks and Geeks is the pinnacle of teen T.V. Despite its short airtime (only one season was ever made), this show managed to gain an amazing cult following over the years, thanks to the realistic portrayal of teenagers as well as the superb characters. This is a show you can definitely watch over the course of a few days or one day if you’re dedicated, and when you reach the final episode of the series, you’ll be begging for a reunion.

2)

Show: Mr. Robot

Stars: Rami Malek, Christian Slater, Portia Doubleday, Charly Chaikin, and Martin Wollstrom

Rating on IMDB: 8.9/10

Summary: Follows a young computer programmer who suffers from social anxiety disorder and forms connections through hacking. He’s recruited by a mysterious anarchist, who calls himself Mr. Robot.

Why it’s worthy of binging: Although not on Netflix, Mr. Robot deserves your love nonetheless. Mr. Robot is an edgy, gritty show that is very intense, while still managing to hold its full capacity back from the audience. This is a show that, while it may not be very healthy to watch in one sitting because of its vehement nature, will entrance viewers through the storyline and characters, and audiences won’t be able to stop watching

3)

Show:  The 100

Stars: Eliza Taylor, Bob Morley, Paige Turco, Marie Avgeropoulous, Lindsey Morgan,  and Isaiah Washington

Rating on IMDB: 7.9/10

Summary: Set 97 years after a nuclear war has destroyed civilization, when a spaceship housing humanity’s lone survivors sends 100 juvenile delinquents back to Earth in hopes of possibly re-populating the planet.

Why it’s worthy of binging: The characters are what make The 100 as good as it is. Yes, there are storylines and dialogue and acting that is all very good, but what keeps viewers clicking that Next Episode button is the development and interaction of the characters. Seeing the people audiences come to love grow and develop through situations the writers put them through is definitely what makes The 100 worth watching.

4)

Show: Criminal Minds

Stars: Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray Gubler, Thomas Gibson, Kirsten Vangsness, and A.J. Cook

Rating on IMDB: 8.2/ 10

Summary: The cases of the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), an elite group of profilers who analyze the nation’s most dangerous serial killers and individual heinous crimes in an effort to anticipate their next moves before they strike again.

Why it’s worthy of binging: Criminal Minds is riveting. It really is that simple. Getting a glimpse into the minds of criminals while watching the characters try to figure out just how to bring them to justice is enthralling, and audiences won’t be able to guess what cases come next, so they’ll just have to keep watching to see.  

5)

Show: How to Get Away With Murder

Stars: Viola Davis, Alfred Enoch, Jack Falahee, Aja Naomi King, Matt McGorry, and Karla Souza

Rating on IMDB: 8.3/10

Summary: A group of ambitious law students and their brilliant criminal defense professor become involved in a twisted murder plot that promises to change the course of their lives.

Why it’s worthy of binging: How to Get Away With Murder is another show that you can easily speed through in a day or two. This is an intense show that anyone who is a fan of dramas will love. The premise itself is very sensational, and the variety of talented actors and actresses ensure that the drama gets fully played out, and the assortment of talent ensures viewers that there will be at least one character that everyone resonates with and likes watching.

6)

Show: Parks and Recreation

Stars: Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, Aubrey Plaza, Aziz Anzari, Retta, and Jim O’Heir

Rating on IMDB: 8.6/10

Summary: The absurd antics of an Indiana town’s public officials as they pursue sundry projects to make their city a better place.

Why it’s worthy of binging: Ok so who hasn’t seen Parks and Rec at this point? Still, even if you have already watched it (maybe 2 or 3 times), it’s definitely worthy of a rewatch. The characters are realistic and the show is just the right balance of serious and comedic, making it a feel good comedy show that can be enjoyed time and time again.

7)

Show: Gilmore Girls

Stars: Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Scott Patterson, Kelly Bishop, and Melissa McCarthy

Rating on IMDB: 8/10

Summary: A drama centering around the relationship between a thirtysomething single mother and her teen daughter living in Stars Hollow, Connecticut.

Why it’s worthy of binging:  The IMDB summary does no justice for this heartwarming show. The smart and sassy pop culture quoting mother and daughter duo are the perfect incarnation of an exceptional family show. Viewers will fall in love with the contrasting personalities of Lorelai and Rory and cheer for them through both of their journeys through life. Gilmore Girls is a witty, well-written, well-acted show that everyone should watch at least once in their life.

8)

Show: Jessica Jones

Stars: Krysten Ritter, Rachael Taylor, David Tennant, and Eka Darville

Rating on IMDB: 8.4/10

Summary: A former superhero decides to reboot her life by becoming a private investigator.

Why it’s worthy of binging: This one is for comic lovers and feminists alike. Jessica Jones is an amazingly complex character, and viewers will be stunned as she develops even further through the 13 episode series on netflix. Audiences will cheer for the titular character as she fights against the show’s antagonist Kilgrave, and their hearts will break as Jessica’s past is slowly revealed. Jessica is the definition of an antihero, and her story will keep viewers glued to their screens until they finish the series

9)

Show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Stars: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, Nicholas Brendon, and Anthony Head

Rating on IMDB: 8.2/10

Summary: A young girl, destined to slay vampires, demons and other infernal creatures, deals with her life fighting evil, with the help of her friends.

Why it’s worthy of binging: Once again, the IMDB description really doesn’t do Buffy any justice. Not only is there some serious 90s fashion involved, but Buffy has extremely well-developed characters and plots. The monsters and vampires hold up surprisingly well for the show being 20 years old, and the fight scenes are incredibly well done. In addition to being chock full of amazing one-liners, Buffy is a strongly led, strongly acted show that can be thoroughly enjoyed by all people in any decade.

10)

Show: Scrubs

Stars: Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, John C. McGinley, and Neil Flynn

Rating on IMDB: 8.4/10

Summary: In the unreal world of Sacred Heart Hospital, intern John “J.D” Dorian learns the ways of medicine, friendship and life.

Why it’s worthy of binging: Not only is Scrubs more medically correct than other medical shows, it also has more realistic topics. While generally comedic and lighthearted, there are certain moments that are raw and emotional, and Scrubs is one of those rare shows that strikes the perfect balance between these two polar topics. All in all, while Scrubs has the occasional flat joke, it is a really great show worthy to be on anyone’s list.

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