Netflix has an eerie way of turning any normal person into a binge-watching zombie. Whether you’re tuning in for the new season of Orange is the New Black or trying to watch all of the episodes Gossip Girl in one weekend, admit it – you’re hooked. Here are the Netflix shows that have been keeping The Current staff busy over the summer and that we recommend if you’re looking for something to watch in your free time this fall.
Li Cohen, co-editor-in-chief, recommends
“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”
The dudes and dudette in “The Gang” are exactly the people our parents warned us about when we were kids. They’re loud and obnoxious sex fiends who can almost always be seen with a beer in their hands and little bit of crazy floating above their heads. Of course, the show provides the proper education as well. You’ll learn everything you need to know about the D.E.N.N.I.S System, being the “wild card” of the group, and what it truly means to be comfortable in the skin you’re in. “The Gang” is absolutely ridiculous in every way, but that’s what makes them so lovable.
Nicole Cocuy, co-editor-in-chief, recommends
“30 Rock”
Comedic genius Tina Fey’s masterpiece, “30 Rock,” can easily be described in just two words: ridiculously underrated. Loosely based on her own experiences at “Saturday Night Live,” “30 Rock” hilariously captures the chaotic environment typical of a television studio. From needy, insecure, sensitive actors to incompetent employees to the complicated corporate structure, Fey lets viewers take a peek into her world in the best way she can: through humor. Fey also takes advantage of the opportunity to satirize the stereotypes associated with being a “bossy,” single, career-driven woman through her character, Liz Lemon. Lemon is refreshingly relatable. While she can be a little wacky, she’s the strong, hardworking lead writer of a sketch comedy show who loves Star Wars and pizza almost as much as she loves her job. But, what truly makes this show so brilliant is the writing. Quick, witty, quirky jokes dominate the dialogue. Each episode is 22-minutes of never-ending puns, double-entendres, literary and historical references and just general silliness. The show’s sense of humor, a complicated mix between fart jokes and intricate academic references, might not be for everyone, but for college students, the blend of intelligent and immature comedy is just what we need after a long day of classes.
Jazmyn Brown, copy editor, recommends
“Parks and Recreation”
Nestled in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, “Parks and Recreation” stars Amy Poehler as the waffle-and-whip-cream-loving Leslie Knope, the deputy director of the Pawnee Parks and Recreation Department. With seven seasons and 125 episodes, “Parks and Rec” is a sitcom/political satire that mock-uments Knope’s setbacks with modern bureaucracy as she attempts to beautify Pawnee with several public works projects. What starts out as Knope’s endeavor to convert a construction site into a community park becomes a depiction of the power struggle between corrupt bureaucrats and strongly feminist Knope. Things are not as simple as “Animal Crossing” would lead you to believe; Knope’s aspirations are opposed at every turn by selfish politicians, government workers and Pawnee citizens, as well as government protocol and her hilariously anti-government, overly-manly-man boss, Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman). Knope, along with the rest of the beautifully developed cast will make you laugh until you cry with their hilarious portrayal of the structure and function of local government. What “Parks and Recreation” offers is a fresh take on satire that combines politics with non-stop comedy—and those special camera pans—that should be especially amusing to anyone familiar with Michael Scott and “The Office”. Filled with a clever combination of unfiltered hilarity, improv, witticisms, and word-play, “Parks and Rec” is a perfect pick-me-up and a great choice for an all-night binging session that will leave your sides split and your eyes wet with happy tears.
Carli Lutz, chief of visual design, recommends
“Psych”
You’ll definitely want to be best friends with Shawn Spencer, a crime consultant who convinces the Santa Barbara Police Department that he has psychic abilities, as you watch him and his best friend, Gus, solve complicated cases. The show is the perfect balance of clever storylines and just plan silliness. It also gives viewers the chance to solve crimes alongside Shawn and Gus. Through twists, turns, and endless adventures, you’ll want to tag along for the journey that is Psych.
Amanda Kaplan, multimedia manager, recommends
“The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
Netflix streams many enjoyable shows, but one of the best is “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”. Every episode is guaranteed to make you laugh. The cast is part of what makes it so funny. Stars include Ellie Kemper as Kimmy Schmidt, Titus Burgess, Jane Krakowski, Carol Kane and many more. It’s even produced by Tina Fey. The plot is a little bizarre and the show is no “Grey’s Anatomy” or “Orange is the New Black”, but it is definitely one to watch. “Kimmy Schmidt” is about a woman who gets rescued from an underground bunker after being kidnapped many years before. Unlike the other women with her in the bunker, she decides she wants to start her life over again in New York City. But, it seems she’s still stuck back in time when she was captured as a teenager. So much has changed. Will Kimmy adjust to real life? Will she get kidnapped again? You’ll just have to watch the show to find out what happens next..
Destinee A. Hughes, arts & entertainment editor, recommends
“Orange is The New Black”
Piper, Pennsatucky and Poussey, three names synonymous with crime, crazed conviction and curiosity. “Orange is The New Black” is the new Netflix fave. Based on a memoir of real-life events, this show displays the in- and-outs of what it’s like living in a women’s correctional facility. The series is focuses on the story of Piper Chapman, a law-abiding citizen in her 30’s who finds herself in a compromised position when she gets convicted for smuggling drug money 10 years before the indictment to her then-girlfriend. In prison, Chapman forced to face her dark past and her equally-unsettling future. After being targeted for not looking or acting like the typical prison inmate, Chapman soon learns how to hold her own, and begins to take the agitated prisoners and authoritative officers for a ride at Litchfield Penitentiary.
Faren Rajkumar, features editor, recommends
“Derek”
British comedian Ricky Gervais is a master of dark comedy who knows exactly when to end a mockumentary series before repetitive jokes and a worn-out plot can sink the show into low ratings. Gervais first did it with the ragingly successful “The Office”, which inspired a nine season-long American spin-off, and he does it again with two seasons of “Derek.” It shares the mockumentary style of his previous work, but “Derek” is quite possibly the bravest and most convincing 14 episodes he will ever write, direct and star in. Inspired by the real stories of his family members who work in retirement homes, Gervais brings to life the autistic 40-something year-old volunteer worker named Derek. Derek fumbles. He trips and falls. He breaks things. He accidentally sits on a piece of pie. But everyone in the retirement home loves him, and, most importantly, they laugh with him and not at him. The show and its cast of working class characters boasts every bit of what audiences expect from the mind of Gervais: raunchy British humor and a stoic approach at satirizing the absurdity of everyday life. Be prepared for occasional nudity and more than occasional profanity. But, there’s also something more. There’s a rare sensitivity for humanity’s discarded, neglected and forgotten, and, as much as you laugh, you also place a hand to your heart and sigh.
Randa Djabri, sports editor, recommends
“BoJack Horseman”
In this show, you’ll get to meet a sitcom horse of the 90’s. Once you start watching, you’re guaranteed to find unexpectedly hilarious and quite deep and meaningful insight. BoJack was once the star of a hit TV show called “Horsin’ Around,” but today, he’s washed-up, living in Hollywood, always complaining and loves to wear colorful sweaters. The writing is excellent, the animation is outstanding and everything is a metaphor. There’s plenty going in the show, from satirizing Hollywood and celebrity culture to making fun of the film industry. Not only that, but if your type of humor is dark and shady, there is just as much funny stuff going on in the background that make this show so watchable. And, if these weren’t enough reasons to love “BoJack Horseman”, at least the show is original.
