Ready to pick your summer Netflix binge?
Sunday afternoon arrives and you find yourself cuddled up in bed with your phone two inches from your face. You set the phone down, pick up the remote and watch your thumb involuntarily set the TV to Netflix mode. Click after click after click, you find yourself back at square one—nowhere. Lets face it; you can only watch Grey’s Anatomy and One Tree Hill so many times. “I’ve already watched everything Netflix has to offer me,” you say aloud. Oh, but that’s where you’re wrong. Scroll down to discover 21 shows you can start binge watching in 3…2…1…
1. Making a Murderer
Crawl out from the rock you’ve been living under and open your ears to all of the hype surrounding this documentary. Filmed throughout a 10-year span, a crew of videographers follow Steven Avery through his imprisonment for a false sexual assault allegation. Once released from his 18-year sentence, Avery and his loved ones set out to right the wrongs inflicted upon him in 1985.
2. Bloodline
America enjoys a modern-day family with a soccer mom and breadwinning father. America enjoys that kind of family even more when their deep, dark secrets are seconds away from being exposed. When Danny Rayburn threatens to divulge secrets from his family’s buried past, viewers realize blood isn’t always thicker than water. “Ben Mendelsohn [Danny] is brilliant. His dark and unpredictable demeanor portrays his character perfectly,” Florida State University senior Billy Murray said.
3. Prison Break
Yes—this show title is as self-explanatory as you guessed. Political conspirer Lincoln Burrows finds himself on death row at the local penitentiary. Burrows’ brother, Michael, robs a bank in order to land in the same prison as his brother. With each other’s help, the two break away from the prison’s perimeters. Their problems continue with a cat and mouse chase as authorities attempt to throw them back in jail. “I like how clever the protagonist is, which helps him solve all the problems that are thrown at him. [For example,] how he tattooed blue prints on his body…[and managed] to escape from the FBI by dressing in their outfits when he was trapped on a certain floor of a hotel,” FSU sophomore Dulce McCarthy said.
4. Californication
Follow Mr. Hank Moody (last name well chosen)—a novelist who never quite gets it right. Hank journeys through an addition to sex, alcohol and drugs with his daughter and long time lover, attempting to receive forgiveness from them for his shortcomings. “The charming acting, brilliantly written script, and comedic sincerity will unquestionably entertain you,” FSU student Trina Nguyen said. Play on Red Hot Chili Peppers. Play on.
5. New Girl
“[The show] presents real life situations in extremely exaggerated, humorous ways. The very first episode of the newest season shows the group wedding-hopping. [And] we all know friends and people from our hometowns getting married while we’re still partying,” FSU junior Melanie Richard said. Despite the latter-mentioned dramas, comedies still exist on Netflix. After a catastrophic breakup with her beau, quirky Jessica Day makes the wise decision to move in with three, single guy friends. Co-habitating with a law school drop out, a business man and a former athlete, join Jessica as she embarks on living out her early thirties with only men to confide in.
6. Peaky Blinders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zqmu0KBYK0
Throwing it back to 1919, this program displays an infamous gang in Birmingham, England. “There’s guns, gangsters and a solid love story,” FSU student Zoey Orapolla said. The leader of the mob, Tommy Shelby, requires his gang to carry razors in their caps—seems there isn’t much he wouldn’t do. So, like The Godfather but lots of flappers, top hats and the Model T. No matter the cost, this gangster family’s badass, mafia demeanor keeps it real.
7. Portlandia
Eco-friendly Portland, Oregon frequently evades the media. Add some satire to this earth tone, “crunchy granola” city and you’ve got yourselves a show. Actors Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein sketched up a dry humor comedy that follows a multitude of couples residing in Portland and their day-to-day schedules, such as strolling through the Women and Women First of Toni and Candace or hunting down those who feel the need to leave negative reviews on Yelp! How dare they.
8. Arrested Development
Is there a prison trend with Netflix’s most popular shows? After the head of the Bluth family, George Michael Sr., embezzles money from his own company, he must pass down his real estate business to his son, Michael Bluth. Soon, Michael finds it hard to manage a spoiled, unconventional family all while raising his own son George Michael. “I love the show’s sense of humor. The family just lost all of their money, and now they only have a hut where they sell bananas left,” FSU freshman Abigail Mosk said. “[They always say] ‘There’s always money in the banana stand’—aka $250,000 stuffed in the walls. Which they end up accidentally burning.”
9. The Killing
This murder mystery escapade one is to die for—pun intended. This eerie show trails murder cases throughout three seasons of episodes. “I never picked out the killer until the last episode every season. It was never who I thought it was,” Valdosta State student Hayden Jones said. A play-by-the-rules detective and a free-spirited, former narcotics cop must come together to solve each case. Based in Seattle, Washington, this show is 50 shades of suspense.
10. Arrow
Spoiled, pissed off (supposedly dead) billionaire Oliver Queen stirs up drama in his home-town when his yacht goes missing, but arrives back safe and sound as a transformed man. Queen refuses to divulge any information about his stranding. By day he seemingly remains the same rich boy as always, but when nighttime strikes, he suddenly becomes determined to save his city. With what tools you ask? A bow and arrow. Did Oliver get bitten by an island bug? Or did the survival skills he obtained during his missing transform him? Watch to find out.
11. The Following
Brush up on your American Lit notes, it’s about to get creepy. Amidst Ryan Hardy’s reputable FBI career, he imprisoned a man named Joe Carroll with an Edgar Allen Poe obsession. Carroll’s obsession causes him to disfigure and slaughter women, leading to his arrest. Hardy emerges from his retirement when our creepy Poe minion escapes from prison.
12. Harper’s Island
Are you the friend who has the worst luck? Like, got an MIP the day before her 21st kind of bad luck? You still don’t match up to Abby Mills. After our protagonist’s mom and several others were murdered in her hometown, Abby courageously returns to Harper’s Island for her BFF’s wedding. Watch fairytale turn into nightmare when once again, murder strikes Harper’s Island. “The killings were always pretty surprising and always super gory,” FSU junior Sarah Tye said.
13. Parenthood
Grown and living on their own, the siblings of a Californian family go through the ups and downs parenthood brings them. These aren’t Gilmore Girl challenges; no one is trying to decide between Harvard and Yale. This family faces teenage pregnancies, boyfriends with PTSD and cancer. “Authentic and relatable,” Ole Miss recent grad Willow Ronco said. “It’s always emotional, but in the right ways.” And he’s right—the Braverman family have to be just that in order to make it through.
14. Nurse Jackie
Finished Grey’s for the 153rd time, but still ‘bout that hospital life? Jackie Peyton, an emergency room nurse, has an immense passion for her job and for her patients. Whether the passion comes from within or from the Adderall she pops in order to stay de-stressed, who knows. “The episodes aren’t dragged out; they’re short and to the point and easily grab your attention,” FSU student Michelle Fernandez-Hazoury said. This rebellious nurse will keep you on your toes—if for some reason you’re standing up while watching.
15. The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
“You are more beautiful than Cinderella! You smell like pineapples, and have a face like sunshine!” Yeah she’s back, but not as a bridesmaid. Producer Tina Fey gives us an over-the-top Netflix original with the same quick humor of 30 Rock. Ellie Kemper plays protagonist Kimmy Schmidt, a young adult who escapes captivity from an underground cult led by a deranged reverend. The annoyingly enthusiastic Kimmy moves to New York in bright outfit choices with butterfly appliques. When asked what she liked about this show, FSU junior Nicki Harrison stated “Honestly I think the show is funny because Kimmy is just very relatable to me as a person. Her positive outlook on life and her child-like humor are hilarious.”
16. Damages
This legalistic whodunit sends lawyer Patty Hewes and protégé Ellen Parsons on a pivotal case each season. Amidst the legal jumbo, Patty’s son Michael sues her for custody rights over his daughter–whom she’s playing guardian to. Viewers soon learn of Patty and Ellen’s well-kept secrets. Will that affect Patty’s trial with her son? Take a peek at Damages to see what damage is really done.
17. Revenge
Amanda Clarke returns home after years of absence to avenge her father’s false imprisonment. Under the alias Emily Thorne, Amanda manipulates citizens into becoming her friends. Her main target? Victoria Grayson, the woman who framed her father for funneling money into a terrorist organization. “It is addicting…her revenge is no joke either. I would definitely recommend this,” FSU Senior Leven Roberts said. Think catfish, but on a much larger (and illegal) scale.
18. Once Upon a Time
If you grew up emanating all that is Disney princes and princesses, this show is for you. “I’ve always loved Disney movies, and I love reimagining my favorite stories,” FSU senior Jordan Kopanski said. When Emma Swan’s long lost son shows up on her doorstep, he informs Emma that his town Storybrooke, Maine holds all the fairy tale characters we’ve grown to love throughout our childhoods. But the Evil Queen cast a spell upon the land, wiping the minds of characters like Snow White, Belle, Rumplestiltskin and more of memories of their true beginnings. Mystic as it may be, Emma must see for her own eyes this modern-day fable.
19. The Returned
‘Twas a normal day in a small town when a gaggle of locals return back to their mountainous city limit But plot twist: they’re all dead. As families and friends rekindle their relationships, all face post-life challenges when they remember that with death comes a cost. *insert creepy laugh*
20. Hemlock Grove
A 17-year-old girl is murdered and there are two suspects so far. Knowing good and well they did not commit this crime, Roman and Peter turn the tables on their accusers and decide to solve the case for themselves. Soon, the case’s main suspects uncover the dark secrets of this dilapidated, dusty town.
21. Lie to Me
Pinocchio wouldn’t stand a chance against Dr. Cal Lightman. Dr. Lightman uses his deep knowledge of facials, body movements and hand gestures to his advantage within his career at the police department. But with this, he is also able to easily lie to others. My apologies to his future girlfriends. “I watched it for the cases themselves,” said Inga Iverson a freshman at FSU.
Read on for 10 more Netflix shows that won’t let you out of your bed until you’ve finished them
The Ones with Action
22. Stranger Things
If you haven’t heard of Stranger Things by now, you’ve been living in your own personal Upside Down. This Netflix original combines drama and horror with humorous and beloved characters—ones that you’ll get attached to easily. Every twist and turn will make you binge this series in less than a day. The two seasons offer two different samples of the Duffer Brothers. Season one’s full of scares (and cries) with the demogorgon lurking about… and with a crazy ending. But don’t worry, though still a little scary, season two provides much more character development of our favorite ragtag group. Remember to text your family and friends before closing yourself off from society while watching.
23. The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
If you know and love the work of American Horror Story, grab your popcorn for this new series. American Crime Story adds a new twist to this T.V. universe with horrors and action based on real events. In the first season, we witness the trials and tribulations of O.J. Simpson, played by Cuba Gooding Jr., a professional athlete in court for murdering his wife and her friend. You probably know the outcome of this show, but it delves into the trials, events and figures we may not know the exact details of. After finishing this series, you’ll question yourself even more—did O.J. do it? Bonus: the second season, The Assassination of Gianni Versace, will get added to Netflix in the next couple of months.
24. Narcos
Welcome to the inner workings of the Medellin Cartel and the Colombian cocaine trade. This jam-packed series with violence, death and drugs gives you insight on kingpins, like Pablo Escobar, and the action of law enforcement. “People should watch narcos because it’s pretty relevant as it’s based off a true story and wasn’t that long ago. It’s a crazy story and cool to learn about Pablo Escobar and the drug trade. It’s perfect for people who like crime dramas,” Temple University sophomore Jordan Boden said. You find yourself living among the characters in the ‘80s, wondering what the hell’s going to go down next. If you liked Pedro Pascal as Oberyn from Game of Thrones, get ready to see him as a DEA agent in this series. On top of the drugs, you learn about the politics, tension and civilian opinions throughout the show. “People should watch it because there’s always something you can learn from any show. Whether it’s how to handle objections, how to communicate with people, how to make deals or as simple as what it takes to get to the top,” Dominican College sophomore Luis Cuevas said.
The Ones with Inspiration
25. Bill Nye Saves The World
If anyone can save your world and the whole world at the same time, it’s Bill Nye. This series approaches topics, like sleep or cyber security, with a scientific perspective. He and his panel, which includes an array of scientists, celebrities and advocates, debunk myths and doubts about science while teaching the audience how things work. You don’t need to worry about not trusting Bill, as everything he talks about focuses on the truth. “It’s obviously a good show if you want a heavy dose of nostalgia. But more so than just Bill Nye, I like a lot of the correspondent pieces throughout the episodes,” Temple senior Ross Weisman said, “Bill can get tiring after a while, but cutting away to different enthusiastic scientists is a welcome addition.” Hop onto the science bandwagon and start chanting Bill! Bill! Bill! with the rest of us.
26. Queer Eye
After you finish this series, you’ll be screaming “Yes queen!” literally everywhere. Queer Eye, a sequel to the early ‘00s show, will make your heart melt and your eyes water. Five men, also known as the Fab Five, meet a new man every episode and give him a complete glow-up. Those nominated, who range in age, sexual orientation and relationship status, receive help in fashion, food, grooming, interior design and culture. This series provides wonderful commentary on equality and self-worth—OMG, can you believe? “[Queer Eye] is entertaining and makes you think about more than just making over how you are on the outside. They talk about real world issues,” Temple junior Kylie Scheidlmeier said. Pro-tip: grab some tissues and a pint of ice scream for episodes one and four.
27. My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, with David Letterman
This next series needs no introduction… wait, yes it does. David Letterman left talk show retirement to give us intimate and informative interviews of legendary people from all over the world. From Barack Obama to Jay-Z to Malala Yousafzai, you’ll hang onto every word for 50 minutes. Seriously. Rather than all of the episodes released at once, Letterman makes us wait each month for each interview—quite the change from our usual binging.
28. Planet Earth II
You probably fell head-over-heels for the Earth after finishing Planet Earth. If you haven’t seen it, you should probably get on it. Following the critically acclaimed first season, this series shows us various ecosystems from across the globe with pure cinematic gold. You can watch a sloth from Panama swim to find a mate or an iguana race tons of snakes to safety. While on the edge of your seat during each impactful episode, you’ll also see the importance and beauty of the planet we live on. After experiencing deserts, grasslands, jungles and much more, consider yourself one of Earth’s #1 fans.
The Ones with Twists
29. The Keepers
Netflix never disappoints with its docuseries. The Keepers dives into the murder of Cathy Cesnik, a nun and high school teacher, in 1969. One problem, though? No one knows who killed her. Her disappearance and murder resurfaced in the ‘90s after one of her former students accused the school’s chaplain of sexual abuse. The producers and director interview friends, family, journalists and others who can help them piece together what happened to Cesnik. If you like both documentaries and murder mysteries, definitely watch this series. Don’t forget to keep the light on after watching. “I think it’s an incredibly well directed and produced true crime documentary. It also shows two incredible older women working together to solve something that the police and government have no interest in. It also asks a lot of questions about faith, guilty and memory,” Marymount Manhattan College junior Craig Long said.
30. Mindhunter
Wow, another Netflix Original all about murder and serial killers. What a positive turn we’ve taken, huh? This show follows two FBI agents who profile convicted killers to understand their psyche and motivations. Hopefully, by learning more about them, they can prevent serial killings. Funnily enough, the main character, Holden Ford, is played by the actor who voiced Sven in Frozen. Trust me, this series doesn’t exude happiness and rainbows like Disney. “Mindhunter has a really unique plot. It’s essentially about coining the term ‘serial killer’. It’s one of those binge-worthy shows where once you start you won’t be able to stop,” Temple sophomore Jackie Oberdorf said, “I really like the show because it’s really well written and the acting is great.” Hold onto your seat as you dive into the world of evil, crazy character development and tons of twists and turns.
31. Ozark
Want a show with the ultimate amount of twists? Jason Bateman in Ozark plays Marty, a self-employed financial advisor with nice family. One problem, though… Marty and a business partner laundered money for a Mexican drug cartel. After relocating to another state to avoid any problems, Marty and his family find themselves reaping the consequences. As they run from the cartel to get entangled with community crimes, you’ll try to find time to do anything but watch this show. If you can learn anything from this series, it’s that you should just be happy with your day job.
*Updated June 6, 2016, with updated information and media.
**Updated on April 11, 2018 to include list items 22–31 by Francesca Furey
