by: Claudia Casal Montserrat
People Editor
Whether it’s to fill up summer vacation or to relax after a busy day, 2000s TV shows are the perfect distraction from the summer heat; here are some of the best.
Gossip Girl: This show follows the scandalous lives of some of New York’s most privileged high school students. Chaos ensues on the Upper East Side when an anonymous blogger named Gossip Girl begins airing out these teens’ drama. Known for its iconic fashion, memorable moments, and portrayal of elite families, Gossip Girl is a great vehicle to live vicariously through its characters.
The OC: As Ryan Atwood, a troubled teenager, is taken in by the wealthy family of his public defender, he must learn to navigate through the culture shock that comes with suddenly becoming a part of Los Angeles’s most affluent circles. His newfound friendship with his adoptive brother, Seth Cohen, as well as his new relationships with best friends Marrissa and Summer, are the main catalysts as Ryan overcomes his traumatic childhood throughout his character arc. With its dynamic and frequent plot twists, continuous drama, and lovable characters, this dramatic show should be your next binge.
How I Met Your Mother: This sitcom is about Ted Mosby as he tries to find love in the streets of New York, surrounded by his friends. This show is a personal favorite of mine to pick a random episode and just watch, thanks to its unforgettable scenes and running gags. Although the series revolves around Ted’s life, his friends are often more noteworthy. Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) has exceptional humor and significant character development. Cobie Smulders plays Robin, an independent, career-focused Canadian pop star turned journalist, who is a much-welcome addition to the cast.
Supernatural: In this 15-season-long series, Sam and Dean hunt monsters as part of their family business. When Sam and Dean were infants, their mother died from a monster that hung her from the ceiling. Since then, it has been the mission of the brothers and the father to hunt their mother’s killer. The duo goes to hell and heaven as they die and reincarnate multiple times. With stand-out episodes including Bloody Mary and the White Woman, this show is eye candy for lovers of everything to do with ghosts and monsters.
Vampire Diaries: Another brother duo, Stefan and Damon, this time vampires, move to a new town, and both fall in love with the same girl, Elena. A predecessor to The Summer I Turned Pretty, this series has a very similar aesthetic to Twilight and revolves around the brothers’ relationship with Elena. Known for its opposite heartthrobs and constantly changing plots, this is ideal for those interested in fantasy, the supernatural, and the long-running.