I don’t know about you, but one of the things I miss most during the chaos known as midterms is free time. Other than running and just hanging out with friends, one of the ways I wind down is with some good ol’ Netflix. I’m always looking for new suggestions for shows, documentaries, movies, or whatever else they’re putting on there these days. That being said, I have put together a list of the best stuff on Netflix, whether you’re spending snowy days at home, killing time in the airport, or just trying to keep yourself entertained.
Thriller/Drama
Scandal– I just started watching this show and I’m already almost done with the second season. Unfortunately, there are only two seasons on Netflix, but this action and drama-packed political thriller series is seriously addicting and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Oh, and Kerry Washington is absolutely stunning, but she’s also intimidating, tough, and purely awesome. (Please note that the second season has some pretty powerful, disturbing material).
House of Cards– Also a political series, this drama featuring Kevin Spacey is a Netflix Original Series and has gotten stellar viewer reviews on Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes. As a film and media studies major, I often find myself being able to predict the twists and turns of dramas, but this series always has me guessing. This one can also get intense, so be aware of that.
Documentary
The Art of Flight– For something a little more uplifting, The Art of Flight is a documentary film sponsored by Red Bull featuring several professional snowboarders who go to remote locations and just blow your mind. You have never seen extreme snowboarding like this, not to mention the cinematography is breathtaking. The guys are also hilarious and not surprisingly, they partake in some serious shenanigans. There is also a series, but I prefer this 80-minute film.
If you’re trying to LOL…
Standup by Aziz Ansari and Louis C.K.- If you’re in the mood for some feel-good standup comedy, Aziz Ansari and Louis C.K. are hysterical. I always loved Ansari in Parks and Recreation but just recently watched his standup performance on Netflix and loved it.
Parks and Recreation– As I said, this is one of my all-time favorite shows. It kind of reminds me of the office, but with a different setting and more happening outside “the office.” Amy Poehler and Aziz Ansari are great, but Nick Offerman has to take the cake with this one.
New Girl– I know this isn’t a shocker by any means, but I held off on watching this for a while simply because I didn’t want to give into peer pressure. Needless to say, I gave in, and I’m so happy I did. Zooey Deschanel is so unbelievably awkward.
Throwback
Scrubs– Such a throwback, I know, but this show has nine seasons of greatness. I recently watched from the beginning, even though I had already seen most of the first season, and I haven’t laughed out loud at a show like that since Parks and Recreation and Arrested Development (also great suggestions, by the way). Just like re-watching Friends episodes never gets old, Scrubs is also one of those classic series that is always great, not to mention the characters are really lovable.