With the first long weekend of the year approaching, it’s nice to have an extra day off to relax before returning to seven-hour school days. With the extra time comes the perfect opportunity to binge a Netflix show. Whether it’s the comfort of a familiar classic or the excitement of a new genre, watching TV is the best time to cuddle in your bed, be lazy and put everything on pause. 

“New Girl” (2011 – 2018)

Summary: After breaking up with her two-timing boyfriend, teacher Jessica Day moves into an apartment with three guys. The socially awkward and endearing Jess and her new roommates navigate through their chaotic lives together as they experience love and life. 

This is hands down one of the funniest and most chaotic shows I have watched. After Netflix removed “Friends,” I was devastated that my comfort show was gone and searched for another one. Luckily, I discovered the perfect mess that is “New Girl.” Each character is so unique and unorganized, but their hilarious situations are what make the show so good. The pranks, awkward moonwalks and surprise appearance of singer Prince have put this show in my “continue watching” section indefinitely.

“Stranger Things” (2016- )

Summary: After the disappearance of a boy, his friends and a local sheriff start to unravel the secrets of another world, leading to a mysterious government lab. With the appearance of a girl with psychokinetic abilities, the small group starts to investigate the supernatural events occurring around the town. 

After its release, this show was the talk of the town. I watched the show with my sister and I can honestly say that it is worth the hype. The retro theme, characters and setting placed in the 80s all blend so perfectly. The suspense is balanced out by all the humor the kids provide. Usually shows  get more boring with each passing season, but the opposite is true for this show. The storyline keeps building and there are not any plot holes, making it the perfect show to binge.

“Next in Fashion” (2020)

Summary: This reality show is about a fashion competition featuring 18 designers who are competing for a $250,000 prize and an opportunity to launch a clothing line. Hosted by Alexa Chung and Tan France, the show chooses a theme per episode asking designers to create a finished look in two days. 

I’m not a huge fan of competition shows or anything reality-based, but I went through this show so quickly. I happened upon it as I was scrolling through the list of shows, but I didn’t expect it to actually be interesting. There’s something satisfying about watching designers creating, cutting and putting together an elaborate outfit on screen under pressure. The host Tan France, who is also on Queer Eye, is an amusing addition with his random fashion tips between scenes. Fashion is a unique and expressive form of art, and this show really reflects that diversity. From celebrity designers to traditional ones, each competitor is so different and their outfits reflect it as they are modeled down the runway. 

“Alexa and Katie” (2018 – 2020)

Summary: Best friends and neighbors Alexa Mendoza and Katie Cooper eagerly wait for their freshman year of high school. However, Alexa is diagnosed with cancer and they struggle with finding their place again in the world around them. With the support of their families, Alexa and Katie confront their problems together as they balance relationships, love, and fight against cancer. 

This show made me cry. A lot. It was a whole roller coaster of emotions as I watched Alexa and Katie grow throughout their four years in high school and find themselves. I could relate to the high school aspect of the show as it explored experiences teenagers face such as anxiety, the SAT and college. The cancer aspect of the show was also done really well, because it wasn’t overdone. Alexa handles the emotional and physical effects of the sickness, while Katie struggles with supporting her friend and trying to belong as well. It’s a super sweet story that realistically portrays sacrifices cancer patients are forced to make and how the illness also places a burden on those around them. 

Other recommendations:

• Bridgerton
• Money Heist
• Queer Eye
• Emily in Paris

Whether it’s romance, comedy, a reality show or supernatural, Netflix has a whole variety. These recommendations are just a fraction of what’s available making there something for everyone to binge.