We all say that when we get to uni, we will kick our bad procrastination habits and focus on our studies. Let’s be honest, those bad habits are going nowhere. Whether it’s bonding with new flatmates or wasting optimum essay-writing time on a show you’re hooked on, here’s some TV that is ripe for binge watching. There are so many shows just waiting to be explored on streaming services, these are just a few recommendations on where to start. Go forth and stream away. Those essays can always be written later. 

Marvel’s Netflix lineup:

This lineup includes hours of incredible action sequences and interesting characters that break Marvel’s bright and saturated mold. In these series, we are introduced to four very different superheroes: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and the Iron Fist. Separately, their shows all have very different styles, but they do share a penchant for dark storytelling and unique villains that don’t shy away from gruesome acts. These four very different characters are thrust together in the latest Marvel Netflix installment, The Defenders, in a way that is both funny and heart-wrenching. Click here to see our recent review! This television universe continues to grow with a Punisher show set to air later this year. Time to start catching up.

American Gods:

While this is a relatively new show, it is one worth watching immediately. Based on the bestselling Neil Gaiman novel, the show follows Shadow Moon after he is released from prison. He expects to go home to live out a normal life, instead he discovers that his wife is dead and then finds himself employed by a strange man named Mr. Wednesday as they travel around the country recruiting old gods for a war to come. The premise is strange, but the story is done with such style that translates to a visually stunning and captivating show. With only 8 episodes, it will be an easy one to binge watch, but definitely one to re-watch many times.

BoJack Horseman:

This existential cartoon about a washed-up actor-who is also a talking horse-with destructive tendencies is perfect for the Rick and Morty-sized hole in your life. The show takes place in a universe where humans and anthropomorphic animals live and work together. This leads to some very hilarious (often animal pun-based) situations. While funny, BoJack Horseman also follows the very dark downward spiral of its title character, which is a lot darker than what is portrayed on many live action shows. With season 4 coming to Netflix on Sept. 8, it’s the perfect time to binge it all at once.

Jane the Virgin:

Following the sometimes heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, and very complicated story of Jane Villanueva should be a sport of its own. Jane Villanueva is a 23-year-old virgin who gets accidentally artificially inseminated and becomes pregnant. The father of the child just happens to be a man that she once had a crush on. Following the style of a telenovela, the plot twists and turns as Jane’s life changes, and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With murder, social commentary, and romance, there’s something for everyone.

Parks and Recreation

With one of the funniest casts to ever grace television, Parks and Rec was originally meant to be similar to The Office, but it quickly made it apparent that it was going to be very different. The show portrays people working in local government with a much more positive and optimistic humour. With the likes of Amy Peohler, Chris Pratt, Aubrey Plaza, Nick Offerman, and so many more rounding out this ensemble cast, there is no lack of ridiculous scenarios. With 7 seasons, you can waste a lot of time watching this show and feel that it was time well-wasted.

Jade Verbick

Image: Hopes & Fears Comic Book, Graffiti with Punctuation, Huffington Post, What’s on Netflix.