1. The X-Files

Federal Agents Dana Scully and Fox Mulder investigate cases that are left unexplained. In other words, Mulder, who believes in extraterrestrial life, is constantly trying to get Scully, a skeptic, to believe that something supernatural happened in their case. If you like aliens and crime shows, this show is perfect for you.

2. Sherlock

In this rendition of Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, Benedict Cumberbatch plays Sherlock Holmes. He and his dear friend, Dr. Watson work together to solve crimes. This show is suspenseful and well-written. It will keep you entertained and wanting to watch more. The only downside to it is that there are only three episodes per season and waiting for the next season to air is something very painful to endure.

3. Parks and Recreation

A local Parks and Recreation office in Pawnee Indiana goes about making their town a better place in a crazy, hilarious manner. Every character on this show is incredibly funny in their own way. If you are looking for a show that will constantly make you laugh, Parks and Recreation is definitely the way to go.

4. The Office (U.S.)

This comedy is about Dunder Mifflin, a paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania where the workers are all at least a little strange and constantly engage in crazy antics and inappropriate behavior. The Office is hilarious. The characters will all grow on you and make you laugh. This show will definitely take your mind off things for approximately 22 minutes.

5. Daria

Daria is a show about a cynical teenage girl named Daria Morgandorffer who has to deal with all of the unintelligent, idiotic people who surround her. This cartoon aired on MTV in the 90’s, but it is still very relatable as well as humorous and witty. If you self-identify as an angsty teen, this show is perfect for you.

6. Orange is the New Black

This well-written drama takes place in a federal women’s prison in New York. The women all try to survive in their harsh, and sometimes disgusting setting. This show was originally mainly about Piper Chapman, a privileged white woman who had to go to jail for something that happened a decade ago, but as the series progresses, it focuses on many different characters and their backgrounds. This show is hilarious, emotional, and definitely risqué. This show is not for anyone who isn’t ready to get slapped in the face with the terrible realities of life in prison.

7. American Horror Story

Each season of this show is a different horror story where many strange, and spooky things occur. The storylines are disturbing, but intriguing and entertaining nonetheless. This show is for those who enjoy watching scary movies and are not very easily grossed out.

8. Merlin

This is the classic story of Camelot and King Arthur’s court, but it centers around the wizard Merlin and his adventures during his youth. This show is exciting and magical, suspenseful and interesting. It really keeps you hooked with its good balance of humor and action. If you’re into medieval times, sorcery and dragons, Merlin might be the way to go.

9. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

This show is about Buffy, a normal teenage girl by day, and a vampire slayer by night. Buffy and her two best friends, Willow and Xander, help defeat the many dangerous monsters that lurk in their town of Sunnydale. This show is definitely cheesy, but also action-packed and funny. This show is for anyone who is interested in a silly supernatural show.

10. Bones

Bones is the story of Dr. Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist, and her partner, an FBI agent named Sealy Booth. Together, they investigate crimes—she finds evidence from human remains, and he puts the perpetrator to justice. This show is both funny and serious and keeps you trying to solve the mystery. Definitely worth a watch, that is, if you don’t get queasy very easily.

11. Psych

This show is about the hyper observant Shawn Spencer who pretends to be a psychic and opens up his own detective agency. Shawn and his best friend, Burton Guster (Gus) solve crimes together, usually for the Santa Barbara Police Station. This show is hilarious and will keep you laughing. Doubles as a good buddy crime TV show and a silly dramedy. If you’re trying to decide between starting a comedy or a crime show, Psych is the perfect medium.

12. Too Cute

Basically, if you like sweet little baby animals, Too Cute is for you. It follows the stories of different animals from their birth to when they are a few months old. You will probably squeal because the babies on this show are just—well—too cute.

Comment with your favorite show to binge-watch.

16bmathias@usd489.com