1. Gilmore Girls
Okay, so maybe I’m a little late to the trend, but this show is wonderful. From growing up, to romance, to college, watching Rory go through life will bring back the familiar memories from your own adolescence. Whether it’s a day-long binge on a rainy day or an episode here and there, Gilmore Girls is sure to make you laugh and feel good. You’ll know the intro song by heart after five episodes… six, tops. Plus, Netflix has added a new series, Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life, which revisits the series after years have gone by – a great place to start next after you finish the first seven seasons!
2. 13th
If you’re into documentaries or history or just human rights in general, 13th is a must-see documentary. 13th is an academy award nominated Netflix original that examines the history of race in the United States since the mid-late 1800s and how our prison systems today play a role in this. Though, at times, there are some graphic and disturbing images, this documentary reveals some truths as to how racism can, and does, exist despite the less overt displays of it. I found this to be a very compelling look at how our society operates and how we can help to acknowledge its faults.
3. Thirteen Reasons Why
Going along with the “13” theme here, Thirteen Reasons Why is a recent release on Netflix that models Jay Asher’s book. It explores the 13 reasons why Hannah Baker took her life and how her classmates played a role in it. Although I’ve read the book and have begun watching the show, I can’t say I’m quite on board with it yet. Many people have given it rave reviews, though, including a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. Consider reading the book and then giving the 13-episode series a try!
4. Stranger Things
You’ve probably heard about Stranger Things by now and wondered if it was worth all the buzz: it is. Maybe you watched part of the first episode and thought it was bogus or too creepy — keep going. If “Eleven” isn’t your favorite person and demogorgon isn’t your favorite word by the end of the show, I’ll buy you a coffee. Plus, if you watch it this summer you’ll be all caught up for the release of the second season around Halloween time.
5. Hart of Dixie
This show is honestly just a great feel-good series. Maybe it’s because I’m from a small town myself, but watching Zoe learn how to fit into a small town and find her place in a southern town that is way different than New York City is fun to watch. This show might be a little cheesy, but who doesn’t enjoy watching a little predictable romance and life-struggle?
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia, Bronze Magazine, Empire Online, Master Herald