Organized by Sonali Muthukrishnan

National/World Editor

How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020)

Recommended by Jenna Roselli

Center Editor

The ABC television series How To Get Away With Murder stars Oscar, Emmy, and Tony award winner Viola Davis as an astute criminal defense attorney and law professor, Annalise Keating. As a college professor, she teaches a class she calls “How to Get Away with Murder,” where she assembles her best and the brightest students to work on cases with her firm’s employees. With plot twists on top of plot twists, you won’t be able to stop binge watching this addictive show. 

Once Upon a Time (2011-2018)

Recommended by Sonali Muthukrishnan

National/World Editor

The TV series Once Upon a Time offers a mature take on classic fairytale stories. The show features incredible special effects, mysterious plot twists, and brilliant actors. The series follows Emma Swan, the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, as she finds her family and fulfills her destiny. The love stories, friendships, and a few cheesy moments make this show a must-watch.

The Owl House (2020-present)

Recommended by Alaina Fox

Editor-in-Chief

The Owl House (TOH) is a cartoon series with compelling plots, stunning animation, well-developed characters, and unparalleled humor. If you’re looking for some brightness in the midst of everything going on right now, TOH is a comedic and heartwarming show. The second season comes out soon, and there’s no better way to spend your time than curling up on a couch to watch it. 

Peaky Blinders (2013-present)

Recommended by Alia Arafeh

Editorial Editor

This Netflix original, based on a real Irish gang of the same name, depicts the Shelby brothers and their rise to power and wealth. While combating the police, rival gangs, and his own family problems, Tommy Shelby, the leader of the Peaky Blinders, always finds a way to come out on top. This action-packed, beautifully filmed show keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and never disappoints.

Victorious (2010-2013)

Recommended by Alex Evans

News Editor

Considering Victorious is the only show I have ever finished, it is also the best show I have ever watched. Mainly watching it in my childhood years, the show previewed the exciting high school lives of  Tori, Trina, Cat, Beck, Jade, Robbie, and friends. Later, binge watching the show in my teen years, I can conclude that it was worth every minute of nostalgia and putting up with Trina.

Dead to Me (2019-present)

Recommended by Georgia Kaufman

Humor Editor

Netflix’s Dead to Me presents the perfect combination of murder mystery, comedy, and James Marsden. The show follows the investigation of Jen Harding’s husband’s death. When Jen meets her new best friend, Judy, at a trauma support group meeting, the two undertake much more than would be expected out of a silly friendship that forms out of nowhere. The plot twists fill this show with amusing yet unexpected twists and turns, ensuring you will never watch a boring episode.

Impractical Jokers (2011-present)

Recommended by Emily Duvall

Culture Editor

“WARNING: The following program contains scenes of graphic stupidity among four lifelong friends who compete to embarrass each other,” each episode begins. This hidden camera reality TV show features hilarious guys doing random dare-like challenges. The “Impractical Jokers,” Sal, Joe, Murr, and Q, are comedians who have been best friends since high school. Each episode, they set different challenges for each other to do in public that often involve interacting with strangers or doing something weird. The rule is that if you refuse to do what you are challenged to, you “lose.” The loser of each episode is forced to do a punishment that the other guys come up with. This show never falls short of hilarious content and soon enough you’ll memorize the intro like I have.

Selling Sunset (2019-present)

Recommended by Lexi Kupor

Public Relations Manager

Selling Sunset combines the best of real estate television with unparalleled reality show drama. Unlike other shows similar in subject matter, Selling Sunset offers viewers a unique glimpse into each realtor’s life and showcases personal struggles that augment a sense of approachability and personal investment. All this and more is set to the backdrop of some of the nation’s most luxurious, breathtaking properties and the lives of their celebrity owners.

Forensic Files 1996-2011

Recommended by Emerson Morley

National/World Editor

This absolutely gory classic is wonderful for making you terrified of any daily activity, including walking, going to work, or running with your dog. It can also serve as great background white noise when doing homework, if you like scary tidbits to spice up study time.

Criminal Minds (2005-2020)

Recommended by Sasha Ryu

Editor-in-Chief

If you’re like me and can’t afford therapy, there are 323 action-packed episodes of Criminal Minds waiting to provide you with the illusion of stability that we all so desperately need during these difficult times. In this 15-season TV show, the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit flies its government-funded private jet across the country to hunt down serial killers, arsonists, kidnappers, terrorists, and more. While the series showcases some arguably excessive levels of gore, its writers are thoughtful about the ways in which they portray assault, murder, and crime. In my opinion, Criminal Minds also has one of the best casts in the entire history of television (once you see the show, you’ll know that’s not an empty hyperbole). Every Profiler has an interesting backstory, and each character contributes to the team’s heartwarming and unconventional friendship dynamic. Before you get your hopes up, there isn’t a ton of workplace romance in-between the team’s serial killer interrogations. While a part of me would love to see the outcome of a Morgan/Reid/Hotch love triangle, I also think the writers’ decision to stay away from any romantic fraternization between the main characters is one of the things that makes the show so great. The only real downside about becoming invested in Criminal Minds is indirectly associating yourself with Matthew Gray Gubler stans, but even they have plenty of redeeming qualities.

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

Recommended by Raffie Pelayo

Media Production Editor

I’ve watched it 23 times. Don’t question me.

Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)

Recommended by Senji Torrey

Media Production Editor

Parks and Recreation is a timeless classic that follows the life of hyperactive government worker Leslie Knope, who will stop at nothing to get anything done. Though her given position only requires her to oversee maintenance of the parks in her town of Pawnee, Knope makes sure to do anything within the scope of government, and sometimes even outside of it, to help her town. Even if local government isn’t your thing, there is something for everyone; if you take away nothing else from this blurb, just remember to “treat yo self.”

New Girl (2011-2018)

Recommended by Lucy Holland

Culture Editor

Nothing beats New Girl’s classic one liners: “A white man? NO!” “I’m not convinced I know how to read, I’ve just memorized a lot of words.” “It’s a classic Winston and Cece mess around.” “Are you cooking a frittata in a saucepan? What is this — prison?” “You gave me cookie, I got you cookie man.” “The economy stinks, bees are dying, and movies are all pretty much just sequels now.” I could go on and on and on, but just take my word for it and go watch this show. If not for me, for Nick Miller.

The 100 (2014-2020)

Recommended by Caroline Wagner

Graphics Designer

97 years after a nuclear apocalypse that devastated Earth’s landscape, the remaining human population lives aboard the Ark, a space station orbiting Earth. After calculating that there is not enough oxygen to sustain life on the Ark for much longer, the ship sends 100 juvenile delinquents to Earth as their last hope. Just after the first episode, I became emotionally invested in the show. The young juveniles’ experiences on the Ark are revealed in flashbacks, and you’ll find yourself easily attached to the entire cast.

Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

Recommended by Maya Gomez

People Editor

This Warner Bros production tells the story of a 32 year old Lorelai Gilmore and her teenage daughter Rory as they manage work, school, and iconic Friday Night Dinners with Lorelai’s parents, Emily and Richard. The audience watches as the Gilmore Girls go through life together as not only mother and daughter, but as best friends. Throughout the seven seasons, we are able to watch the Gilmores grow together as their love lives, friendships, and family relationships strengthen and falter.

Young & Hungry (2014-2018)

Recommended by Michaela Thimot

NationalWorld Editor

Young and Hungry is one of the funniest shows you will ever watch with the most lovable cast. The show, set in San Francisco, features a very wealthy tech entrepreneur who hires a food blogger to be his personal chef. The comedic moments in the show are unmatched, largely because of Rex Lee in his role of Elliot Park. This Freeform sitcom is filled with nothing but hilarious and sometimes dramatic episodes.

Community (2009-2015)

Recommended by Angela Sheu

Media Production Editor

Community follows the lives and adventures of a cast of eccentric but endearing students in  a study group at Greendale Community College. The show often crosses over into different genres, including episodes like a paintball homage to classic Western movies, a yam-centered Law and Order spoof, and a Ken Burns documentary style school-wide pillow fight. After a recent resurgence in popularity with all six seasons being added to Netflix, the only thing fans still need is the (hopefully) soon-to-be released movie. #andamovie

Anne with an E (2017-2019)

Recommended by Sidney Bricker

Media Production Editor

Anne with an E is the perfect (semi)feel-good historical drama, especially for those of us who read Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series over and over as children. The show is based off the first book in Montgomery’s series, but it takes just enough liberties to make the show entertaining while still staying true to the original whimsey of the book. The show tells the story of an accident-prone orphan with a great imagination named Anne and all the messes she gets herself into in her new home in a charming town on Prince Edward Island. It offers lovable characters, beautiful scenery and an enthralling plot.

Big Mouth (2017-present)

Recommended by Sophie Sullivan

Opinion Editor

How would you like to spend your Friday nights? What about watching five to ten animated pubescent middle schoolers explore racial and sexual identity, growing up, and the horrors of teenage life, shepherded by eight-foot-tall hairy monsters with weirdly raspy voices (with a guest appearance by the Ghost of Duke Ellington)? I promise it’s better than it sounds. As funny, witty, and sometimes deeply concerning Netflix’s Big Mouth is, the show tackles issues larger than its four-season narrative may suggest; and with a cast like Nick Kroll, Jenny Slate, John Mulaney, Jordan Peele, and Maya Rudolph, there really aren’t many ways the show can go wrong. Unless it’s intentional.

La Casa de Papel (2017-present)

Recommended by Ethan Sanders

People Editor

While the subtitles might scare you off at first, this Spanish bank heist show is no doubt the best thing you can watch on Netflix. Filled with diverse and relatable personalities, this series uphends many bank-robbery-movie clichés, constantly leaving you on the edge of your seat. In a nutshell, this show is swag and almost makes you want to go rob a bank.

Attack on Titan (2013-present)

Recommended by Jordan Chan

News Editor

Attack on Titan is a gory, action-packed animated series that explores themes like morality and what it means to be family. Its stunning artwork and animation draws the viewer into a dystopian world where seemingly horrific monsters hunt humans for fun. I really enjoyed watching this series with a couple of friends, and it never failed to amaze and impress.

Survivor (2000-present)

Recommended by Revanth Rao

Sports Editor

Survivor is a reality show in which groups of people are transported to a remote location and are forced to compete to remain in the game. The show features a variety of challenges that allow team members to work together; if they lose the challenge, one of the players goes home. Survivor is filled with intrigue, drama, and plenty of backstabbing.

Jane The Virgin (2014-2019)

Recommended by Cara Davidson

Public Relations Manager

After long and hard thought, I have come to the conclusion that Jane The Virgin is one of my top favorite TV shows. Why? Because I love crappy, dramatic shows. Jane the Virgin is an overdramatized telenovela that truly kept me on my toes. I like Jane the Virgin because it was predictable, yet I was still surprised when something big happened. I am a sucker for sappy love stories and this show is just the perfect blend of crappy and wonderful.

The Good Place (2016-2020)

Recommended by Maddie Dewhirst

National/World Editor

If regular life isn’t enough of an existential crisis for you, ever wonder if someone is watching your every move, judging your actions to determine your ultimate fate? Well that is the premise of The Good Place, which not only abounds with philosophical quandaries, but is filled with hilarity and genuine heartfelt moments. Turns out that giant flying shrimp can make a person quite introspective. Also, Maya Rudolph is Gen, the ultimate judge of the universe, and who wouldn’t want that?

The Great British Bake Off (2010-present)

Recommended by Esther Sun

Editor-in-Chief

Going strong in its 11th season, the Great British Bake Off never fails to serve as a fun form of escapism for me amid the chaos of daily life. In the show, amateur bakers face off against each other in a competition to create the most decadent desserts, flavorful pastries, and elaborate decorations to impress the judges. Hosts Noel and Sandi provide comic relief amid the thrilling suspense of the baking process, and the personal inspirations of family or culture in many of the bakes add a nice narrative element to the contest.

The West Wing (1999-2006)

Recommended by Jackie King

Humor Editor

As someone with nearly no background knowledge on politics, I was just a bit intimidated to go into a show that is basically a behind-the-scenes narrative of the President and his staff’s life in the White House. Though I was a little worried I would be lost the whole time, writer Aaron Sorkin’s BRILLIANT mind allowed newbs like me to enjoy the show and become so invested in something I knew nothing about. It’s definitely a show you have to actually watch, but Sorkin’s writing is above anything I’ve ever seen before; it never fails to keep me on the edge of my seat.

The Office (2005-2013)

Recommended by Quincy Marks

Public Relations Manager

I’m sure you’ve never heard of this underground indie TV show. The Office depicts the lives of people working at Dunder Mifflin, a paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It’s my favorite TV show because it is funny.

Maniac (2018)

Recommended by Cooper Bowen

Editor-in-Chief

Emma Stone and Jonah Hill star in the Netflix limited series Maniac, a mind-bending, psychological dark comedy that recently made its debut. The show explores the experiences of two strangers who are inexplicably connected during a three-day drug trial intended to “solve” emotional pain. Each is forced to confront their own worst traumas, which proves to be deeply captivating, mysterious, and often heartbreaking as they journey through the distinctly unique and complex structures of each other’s minds.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)

Recommended by Brynn Gibson

Graphics Editor

“Water. Earth. Fire. Air. Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, could stop them, but when the world needed him most, he vanished.” I remember hearing those words while I sat eating cereal in my pajamas on a Saturday in 2010. Watching this show as a child, I loved it. What six year old wouldn’t want to watch kids who could bend the elements go on an adventure to save the world? Like any Nickelodeon show I used to watch, it slowly faded from my mind as I grew up. However, revisiting this show ten years later, I can assure you that it is so much more than a children’s cartoon. Touching on themes that are surprisingly mature and complex, while still retaining an air of youthful innocence, Avatar incorporates some of the best plotlines, character arcs, and musical scores in any series I have ever watched.

The Men Who Built America (2012)

Recommended by Trent Bartlett

Sports Editor

This show is such a great history documentary, because it gives people a better understanding of how American industrialization formed our society today. I love it because I love history and how America became such a powerful economic powerhouse. I was also interested in how the monopolies were formed and why they were dangerous. Also a great show because it shows us how Rockefeller and Carnegie gave away most of their wealth to help American Education. 

Sherlock (2010-2017)

Recommended by Delaney Brown

Opinion Editor

As a true crime junkie, I became really bored with the run of the mill docu-series and (while I adore the show) repetitive Criminal Minds episodes. Sherlock came as a refreshing change to all of the redundant crime media I had been consuming, keeping me on the edge of my seat as I watched the sociopathic Sherlock find every small detail within a crime scene. Each character is so endearing in their own special way. I also love the structure of the episodes, each one being about movie length.

Euphoria (2019-present)

Recommended by Sofia Rossi

News Editor

Perhaps the most aesthetic and engaging cinematic masterpiece in recent history, HBO’s Euphoria offers viewers a chance to see their greatest hopes and deepest fears play out on screen. It tackles complex and controversial issues like mental illness, addiction, abusive relationships, sexuality and gender expression, sexual assault, body shaming, and so much more – topics that even ten years ago would’ve never made it on screen in such an honest way. No matter who you are or what you’ve been through, there’s a character in Euphoria with whom you can connect. The series’ costume design, score, acting (see: Zendaya and Hunter Schafer), and storyline are matched by almost none. If that isn’t enough to convince you that this show gives more than we could ever possibly ask for, director Sam Levinson just released two Special Episodes produced during quarantine.