5 TV Shows to Binge Watch During College

In college, studying is the number one priority – at least, it should be. But for those nights when books are more like enemies, and the glow of the screen, the comfort of your Netflix account, and the aroma of snacks are too hard to resist, don’t be afraid. Television is a beautiful thing that should never be ignored, especially if it’s going to teach you a thing or two about life. So, here are five shows you should hit up and binge on during your college years.

5. Adventure Time

Wait, what? Aren’t I supposed to be maturing and reading “The New York Times” and attempting its crossword puzzles on a daily basis? Here’s the thing, I’m not sure why this is a hit for kids. Yes, it’s animated, but whenever I’ve caught an episode here and there, I thought it was a full-blown “South Park” like show, without the cursing elementary school kids. So why should you be binge watching this? Well, it’s a great example of storytelling. Creative writing majors, take note! Plus, all of the theories on how the characters came to be will also give you hours of non-school related reading. Try not to get lost in the Reddit pages dedicated to the subject before you catch up on this Cartoon Network hit.

4. Community

It’s wacky and some seasons are far better than others, but at the core this show was a great idea about a group of people from all walks of life that ended up at their local community college. Without getting into their over-the-top traits, each character is relatable. Jeff, the natural-born leader with a rock-hard exterior but a heart as soft as cotton candy, Britta, the wannabe extremist who is really just as lost as her peers, and Annie, the perfect girl with slight cracks, are just a few of this show’s compelling characters. This show illustrates the importance of a study group. They’re not only there to ensure you’ll pass the class, but also that you’ll make it through life.

3. Parenthood

Not every show has to center around school and whatnot. When you leave for college you leave a major part of yourself behind: your family. It’s tough. I remember not being able to call my mom for about two weeks without bawling. I soon got over missing them because I knew that they were only a phone call away. So, whenever you’re missing your loved ones and it’s 1 a.m., be adopted into the Braverman family. Plus, you don’t want to wake your mom at 1 in the morning – she loves you, but not that much. Also, calls at that hour only worry the parental units.

2. A Different World

A lot of people really find who they are in college. You’ve finally gotten over puberty (hopefully), and can now focus on where you want to be. And, more importantly, who you want to be in this world. This “Cosby Show” spin-off was ahead of its time when they not only shined a light on what it’s like to be black and pursuing higher education, but also the realities of racism, rape, classism, and AIDS – which at the time was still mostly unheard of among the general public. Take the lessons from this show and be inspired to find out what moves you.

1. Undeclared

This binge will not take long, as Fox only let this amazing gem last one season. Seth Rogen starred alongside a very different looking Charlie Hunnam, of “Sons of Anarchy” fame, in this show that was simply about a group of friends in their first year of school. Picking a major is important, and I can’t stress enough how much you’ll benefit from researching each option. But when you’re a freshman – like the characters in this show- have fun, explore, and take your time. Then, when your second and third year roll around, buckle down and get serious.