In today's culture of instant gratification and on-demand entertainment, we are no longer passive viewers in the television experience. We are in charge. We choose what we want to watch and when we want to watch it. We can even choose how we want to watch it. And these days, a lot of us choose to binge watch. There are multitudes of TV shows classic, cult, niche, old, new, revamped available for streaming on a multitude of platforms. We can re-watch shows that have long since been off the air in a fit of nostalgia. We can start that series that's already on Season 3 from the beginning (and finally get that annoying friend who keeps recommending it off our backs). We can even enjoy something that we never got around to watching when it was on the air. Or maybe it's something that we've been meaning to get into and just haven't had the time. And because of cable on-demand, Netflix, Hulu and other streaming platforms, we no longer have to make the commitment of purchasing a DVD set. Lots of great shows are available at your fingertips, and all you need to do is press play. So, without further ado, here are 10 shows that you could (and should) be binging on right now.
10. The West Wing
The West Wing follows the fictional American Presidency of Josiah Bartlett, his staffers and all the trials and triumphs that come with working in one of the most recognized residences in the world. Even though it's been off the air for 8 years, the show still resonates with audiences new and old. Aaron Sorkin is famous for writing characters who are intelligent, idealistic, long-winded and fast-talking. No environment suits these characters better than the West Wing of the White House. Their idealism can run rampant, inspirational speeches about the state of humanity abound, and doing the right thing almost always wins in the end. Originally, the show was just supposed to be about the staffers (the behind-the-scenes more than the front-of-house). But the main criticism of the pilot was that there wasn't enough of the President in it. And frankly, Martin Sheen kicks some major ass in his one scene, so naturally the audience wanted more. Besides the incomparable Martin Sheen, the show boasts an incredibly talented cast (collectively, the show won 9 Emmys for acting). Combine that talent with great writing and compelling stories, and you'll be on the edge of your seat. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will make you wish Jed Bartlett was actually the President. Binging Advice: When you get to the season 1 finale, make sure you have enough time to watch the first 2 episodes of season 2. You won't want to stop once you see the cliffhanger. Also, keep powering through if season 5 feels painful to watch. Aaron Sorkin left the show after season 4, and it takes a little time for the new staff to get their bearings. The show is very different in seasons 6-7, but the integrity of the characters remains and it's still enjoyable to watch. All 7 seasons available on Netflix.
Jenny is an amateur writer and a professional procrastinator. She has perfected the art of passing off West Wing quotes as her own in every day conversation, and never talks to inanimate objects as if they are people. Well, almost never. Follow her on Twitter @jenny_rauch if you enjoy hearing about the current Chicago weather and/or what kind of coffee she is drinking.
In today's culture of instant gratification and on-demand entertainment, we are no longer passive viewers in the television experience. We are in charge. We choose what we want to watch and when we want to watch it. We can even choose how we want to watch it. And these days, a lot of us choose to binge watch. There are multitudes of TV shows classic, cult, niche, old, new, revamped available for streaming on a multitude of platforms. We can re-watch shows that have long since been off the air in a fit of nostalgia. We can start that series that's already on Season 3 from the beginning (and finally get that annoying friend who keeps recommending it off our backs). We can even enjoy something that we never got around to watching when it was on the air. Or maybe it's something that we've been meaning to get into and just haven't had the time. And because of cable on-demand, Netflix, Hulu and other streaming platforms, we no longer have to make the commitment of purchasing a DVD set. Lots of great shows are available at your fingertips, and all you need to do is press play. So, without further ado, here are 10 shows that you could (and should) be binging on right now. 