While some of us get to soak up the sun on exotic islands or explore European cities during spring break, many CHS students are either going on college road trips or relaxing at home.
Binge-watching is a phenomena that has been fueled by streaming websites like Netflix, Hulu and HBOGo, where you can stream an entire television series straight from your computer, cellphone or tablet. Spring break is a perfect time to binge-watch a new series, so here is a breakdown of what you should watch over break, whether at home or on the road.
If you are looking to finish a series at your own pace without worrying about catching up to the current season; watch:
One Tree Hill: The series spans nine seasons and is filled with relationships, high school drama and the struggles of growing up. The show does touch on some heavy topics and has been growing its fan base, even after it concluded in 2012.
Length: 9 Seasons, Episode Length: 40-45 minutes, Available on: Netflix
The Office: This series finished in 2013 with an emotional farewell. If you want a show where you can laugh, but also be able to relate to the characters, this is the show for you. Filled with office shenanigans and the search for true love, this series will have you hooked.
Series Length: 9 Seasons, Episode Length: 20-25 minutes, Available on: Netflix
Lost: If you are looking for suspense, mystery and action, this is the series for you. Wrapping in 2010, this show is filled with discovery and danger as a group of passengers from a plane crash try to survive on a deserted island. It is an intense show that will keep you asking for more.
Series Length: 6 Seasons, Episode Length: 40-45 minutes, Available on: Netflix
Friday Night Lights: This series revolves around the story of a Texas high school football players and their strong impact on their town. They explore teen issues with alcohol, love, college, athletics and the pressure to succeed.
Series Length: 5 Seasons, Episode Length: 40-45 minutes, Available on: Netflix
If you are looking for a shorter overall series; watch:
Freaks and Geeks: Despite only airing for one season, this show has gained a cult following. It depicted the story of high school before every other show did. It’s not glamorized, and along with the laughs comes the real feel of high school and the obstacles that come with it, big or small.
Series Length: 1 Season, Episode Length: 45 minutes, Available on: Netflix
Orange is the New Black: This Netflix series premiered last summer and continues to cause quite a buzz as the new season is beginning on June 6. It centers on Piper Chapman, a well-off woman with a fiancé, who has to go to a women’s prison for carrying drug money years earlier. It is based on Piper Kerman’s memoir of the same name about her real life experience. Although there are very funny moments, the show hits some heavy topics, such as human trafficking, abuse and sexual orientation.
Series Length: 1 Season, Episode Length: 50-60 minutes, Available on: Netflix
Firefly: This space western drama takes place in the future in a new system of planets and stars. Though the series was short-lived, it created a very large and dedicated fan base. So much so, that a film, Serenity, was made in 2005.
Series Length: 1 Season, Episode Length: 45 minutes, Available on: Netflix
If you want to delve into the world of the supernatural or science fiction; watch:
American Horror Story: Just finishing its third season, Coven, this series is great for horror lovers. It is terrifying and thought-provoking, with each season telling a different story as it explores the supernatural.
Series Length: 2 Seasons, Episode Length: 40-45 minutes, Available on: Netflix
Doctor Who: Explore the world through time travel, as the Doctor, who is a Time Lord, goes on numerous adventures in his TARDIS. The Doctor must fight against enemies and help others as he voyages through time. With many specials, there is more than enough to watch.
Series Length: 6 Seasons, Episode Length: 40-45 minutes, Available on: Netflix
Supernatural: Sam and Dean are not your average brothers; they hunt supernatural beings and try to save innocent people. They go on many adventures and begin to develop abilities to help them fight these dangerous forces.
Series Length: 9 Seasons, Episode Length: 40-45 minutes, Available on: Netflix
If you are looking to “ship” a couple; watch:
Chuck: The light-hearted action and comedy is perfect for anyone looking for some laughs, fights, heartbreaks and love. This series has it all, as it tells the story of Chuck, a computer support expert, who accidentally took in all of the CIA and NSA’s top secret Intel by embedding it into his brain.
Series Length: 5 Seasons, Episode Length: 40-45 minutes, Available on: Netflix
The Mindy Project: If you love to laugh, then this is the show for you. Filled with witty quips and pop culture references, it is relatable and hilarious. With Dr. Mindy Lahiri, there is always love around the corner.
Series Length: 2 Seasons, Episode Length: 20-25 minutes, Available on: Hulu
Gossip Girl: Centering on the lives of New York’s elite prep school students, Gossip Girl tells the story from the point of view of an anonymous blogger, who reveals a lot more than the students want. The relationships and drama make it an exciting series.
Series Length: 6 Seasons, Episode Length: 40-45 minutes, Available on: Netflix
If you want hard-hitting drama:
Breaking Bad: This crime drama became an instant success, telling the story of a high school chemistry teacher who begins to produce and sell methamphetamine in order to leave his family financially stable due to his fatal lung cancer diagnosis.
Series Length: 5 Seasons, Episode Length: 45-50 minutes, Available on: Netflix
Homeland: This series provides a gritty look at a world many of us never get to see, Homeland investigates not only terrorism and national security, but also trust, betrayal and mental illness.
Series Length: 3 Seasons, Episode Length: 45-60 minutes, Available on: Netflix, HBOGo
Mad Men: A look into the 1960s, a time filled with wealth, success and excess. This series takes a look inside the advertising agency Sterling Cooper in New York City. It does a great job of transitioning through the years as the early ‘60s become the ‘70s and they examine life both inside and outside the office and the social and cultural changes. Part one of the seventh season will premiere April 13.
Series Length: 6 Seasons, Episode Length: 40-45 minutes, Available: Netflix
