The weather is getting colder, leaves are changing colors, and excitement about the start of school is fading as homework begins to pile up. It’s that time of year again– the time to choose the show that will get you through the long, cold, months of winter. So curl up with Netflix, procrastinate a little longer, and let us help you choose which show to binge-watch this year. All of these picks are available on Netflix, and all are guaranteed to leave you clicking “next episode”.Â
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Best Show for Multitasking: The LeagueÂ
Need a show to watch while tidying your room or doing busy work for school? The League has got you covered. This light-hearted show about a fantasy football team is hilarious and doesn’t require your full attention to make you laugh.Â
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Best Supernatural Action Series: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The special effects, quippy one-liners, and costume makeup will make you laugh, but Buffy the Vampire Slayer is well worth the kitsch. Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy, writes strong female characters and plot lines that will tug on your heart strings.Â
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Best Show for Laughs: Scrubs
Scrubs is such a classic. Turk and J.D. share the most intense and hilarious bromance in all of television, and J.D.’s inner monologue is always good for a giggle.Â
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Best Show for Upper East Side Wannabes: Gossip Girl
Take us back to the days when Gossip Girl was on the air (which was…not that long ago). The glamorous drama of the Upper East siders lasts for 6 juicy seasons. Men of Xavier, step up: Chuck Bass has us all swooning.Â
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Best Politically Themed Show: The West WingÂ
Sorry, House of Cards. If you want to watch a fun, enthralling series and feel like you’ve actually learned something at the end, The West Wing is for you. Take a peek inside the inner workings of the White House, and by the end, we promise you’ll want to cast your vote for President Bartlett.Â
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Best Oddball Sitcom: Arrested Development
“Now the story of a wealthy family who lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together.” You’ll get used to hearing those words once you’re hooked on Arrested Development (and believe us, you will be). The Bluth family has a dark and unique sense of humor, and the writing of this show is phenomenal. Â
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Best Thriller: American Horror Story
The great thing about American Horror Story is that every season features an entirely new plot and cast of characters (although some of the actors remain the same). You can pick the theme that intrigues you most: Murder House (Season 1), Asylum (Season 2) or Coven (Season 3). Season 4, Freak show, premieres Oct. 8th on FX!Â
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Best Drama: Breaking Bad
This show has gained such a huge fan base for a reason. The characters are well-rounded and the plot is heartfelt, but the action leaves you on the edge of your seat, and will keep you watching episode after episode.Â
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Best Show for the Long Haul: How I Met Your Mother
With nine seasons to make your way through, How I Met Your Mother is a long term commitment. But if you’re willing to accept the challenge, the pay off will be legend— wait for it— dary. Nine seasons means plenty of inside jokes, and by the end of the show, you’ll actually feel like you’re one of the gang.Â
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Honorable Mentions: These shows are great, but didn’t quite make the list! They’re definitely still worth a watch.Â
- Freaks and Geeks
- Orange is the New BlackÂ
- Sons of AnarchyÂ
- The Walking DeadÂ
- New Girl
- Firefly
- Skins
- Parks and Recreation
- Prison Break
- Grey’s Anatomy