10 Things to Binge Watch While You Do Your Art Homework
September 14, 2020 • Written by Becca Benoit
Let's be real, you all know the feeling of emptiness after finishing a show that has undoubtedly become your obsession. Afterwards you are left to think, “Now what the heck am I supposed to watch?” Even before quarantine and the world of online art school became a thing, many people chose to have Netflix or YouTube or even a favorite podcast running in the background of whatever project of the week they were working on. Now, binge watching media has become a staple in many lives. To go along with your assignments, I’ve compiled a list of ten things to binge watch right now as you work.
1. The Office. (Again)
Whether this is your first, second, or 57th time watching The Office, it’s still a great show to binge, especially in the background of your latest drawing or painting assignment. The plot is easy to follow, albeit almost predictable at times, and the episodes are easy to digest. It’s a lighthearted pick-me-up, perfect for background noise and the occasional laugh.
(See also: Parks and Recreation)
2. Anne with an E
Based off of the 1908 classic novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, this show is the latest adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. This production is the perfect cup of tea for any literature or history buff out there in need of a new show. Compared to modern tv shows, the plot line is quite mellow, but in my opinion, that is what makes it all the better to binge. It’s timeless and wholehearted classic, with lovely characters that fit the bill. If that doesn’t win you over, maybe the breathtaking scenery of Ontario and Prince Edwards Island, or the cinematography will (check out episode 2x08 to see what I mean).
3. Jane the Virgin
Want to add some comedic drama to your binge watching? Jane the Virgin is a great option. The story, set as a telenovela, opens with an unknown narrator setting the scene around Jane Villanueva who becomes artificially inseminated which flips her life around. There’s mystery, love, crime, badass female characters, and by the end of the 5 season rollercoaster the only question that will remain is: Team Michael or Team Rafael?
4. New Girl
If you're on the New Girl side of TikTok, then you already know what’s up. New Girl is (at least in my opinion) one of the greatest shows on Netflix right now and should be on everyone’s must binge list. New Girl is centered around four roommates living in LA, in what is frankly an absurdly large apartment for their presumed incomes. The show follows their crazy escapades, their relationships, and the day to day life in the loft. New Girl is said to give major FRIENDS vibes, so if you want a good dose of friendship, humor, and the most fun characters, this is your next binge.
5. Euphoria
This is the first non-Netflix recommendation on here, but even if you don’t have HBO Max, it is totally worth getting the free trial for this show alone. Euphoria tackles real, sometimes dark, subjects such as drug addiction and abuse (disclaimer for trigger warning) , but it’s also a show about friendship and being true to who you are. The plot is intense, the soundtrack is stellar (shoutout to the songwriter Labrinth for giving us this masterpiece), the makeup and fashion are otherworldly, and the cast? Euphoria stars Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, and Jacob Elordi (in something other than The Kissing Booth, I know). Need I say more?
6. Umbrella Academy
In order to keep up, Umbrella Academy calls for a bit more of your attention compared to some of the other shows on this list, but it will be worth the time and slight distraction from your work. Umbrella Academy follows the story of an odd, superhuman adopted family who pretty much needs to save the world. Well, it’s more complicated than that, but you just have to watch and see. Created by Gerad Way (you may know him from My Chemical Romance), and accompanied by yet another bomb soundtrack, this series isn’t your typical Marvel-like superhero show; it’s so much better.
7. Avatar: The Last Airbender
This 2005 childhood classic, not to be confused with the blue-people Avatar or The Last Airbender movie, has recently made its appearance on Netflix, exciting both the current fan base and sparking a new one. From the outside, Avatar may seem like a children's show, but it’s really not. This show is full of life lessons and world views, depicting different cultures and their origins, as well as characters that resonate with their audience. Avatar gives its viewers a break from reality, with its world of element controlling powers, and beautifully crafted scenery. This show should be the animation staple in everyone’s watch list.
(See also: Legend of Korra)
8. Comedy Specials ( but mostly John Mulaney)
There’s something about this proud Asian American Woman with feminine hips (but that’s what he’s sensitive about) that will just make any work you have to do so much more enjoyable. This man knows comedy, and his multiple Netflix specials will give you a good laugh anytime, any day. If John Mulaney isn’t your vibe, there are many other comedians on Netflix including Dave Chappelle, Ali Wong, Wanda Sykes, and Trevor Noah, as well as other stand up comedy shows that feature multiple comedians.
9. British TV (Glow Up, The Great British Baking Show, The Big Flower Fight)
If you haven’t hopped on the British Netflix series train yet, you’re missing out. There’s something about British TV hosts adding absolutely nothing to the show other than “witty” commentary and hugging upset contestants that just hits the spot! Netflix has a wide array of British based shows including Glow Up (a makeup competition), The Great British Baking Show (the most pleasant of all the baking shows), and The Big Flower Fight (The Great British Baking Show but make it flowers). There’s something for everyone, and you will never regret it.
10. Crappy Netflix Reality TV (Selling Sunsets, namely)
The greatest thing to ever come out of this quarantine situation has got to be Netflix’s collection of trashy reality TV shows. Take Selling Sunsets for example. That show is basically the Kardashians but with real estate agents. Other options include Too Hot to Handle (I still can’t believe this is a real show), and Love is Blind, Million Dollar Beach House (Selling Sunsets but with men) and Tiny House Nation for all your HGTV knock off needs, and of course the classic, Queer Eye. There are so many options here, and you might actually regret these, but hey, it makes for entertaining background noise.
Hot Recs that I don’t know enough about to discuss, but you should totally watch anyways:
Greys Anatomy
Criminal Minds
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Lucifer
Superstore
American Horror Story
Nailed It! (a personal favorite of mine)
Sex Education
End of the Fucking World
Love Island (UK and US)
SKAM (Norwegian is the original, but was remade in dozens of countries including the US)
