Here’s a possible familiar tale for you.
A 30-something corporate professional named Michael attended a get-together with friends. And like any party, the conversation shifted in different directions from time to time.
But, as the night was winding down, Michael’s friends started talking about a character alien to him: Tyrion Lannister.
He was taken aback. “Who’s Tyrion Lannister?” he asked himself.
Michael’s friends did not detect his ignorance; insensitive or not, they continued to ramble. They continued to talk about Tyrion and moved on to discuss a Khaleesi, a Bastard of Winterfell, a Red Wedding, and a queen fucking her brother.
Since Michael did not know what the hell his friends were talking about, he decided to shut up. He nodded from time to time and said “Uh huh,” giving the impression that he was knowledgeable about the exchange. The night ended with him mimicking a mute.
Michael went home disappointed. He couldn’t sleep, so he stood up and Googled the names he heard earlier.
During his search, Michael learned that Tyrion and company were characters in G.R.R. Martin’s high fantasy epic entitled A Song of Ice and Fire, a story that HBO adapted in 2011 and called Game of Thrones (GOT). Michael further found out that GOT was ending this year. He was very late to the party.
So, to catch up, he locked himself in his room, threw away the key, and started binge-watching seven years’ worth of GOT episodes. He tried to absorb everything he could in one fell swoop.
You, dear reader, might have felt and done the same. Perhaps you’ve felt left out or alienated during conversations since you don’t know what had happened in the latest Netflix blockbuster or HBO hit. So, let’s try to fix that; let’s be proactive. Allow me to provide you with a list of classic binge-worthy shows for your possible consumption.
Comedy
Friends (1994 – 2004). This is a show about three young men and three women—all 20-something in age. They go through life and love in New York. But, regardless of the situation, one thing remains solid: they’re friendship.
Sex and The City (1998 – 2004).This one is an adaptation of Candace Bushnell’s 1997 book of the same name. The show exhibits the life of four women—three in their mid-thirties and one in her forties. Despite their differences, they become loyal friends that confide in each other about their evolving challenges that revolve around sex, relationships, and their careers.
Drama
House (2004 – 2012).If you’re a fan of Sherlock Holmes, then this series may be for you. House tells the story of an “unconventional and misanthropic” medical genius, who despite being an addict, leads a team of diagnosticians to solve illnesses that no one can crack.
Downtown Abbey (2010 – 2015). The show is set in fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downtown Abbey with the time period set between 1912 and 1926. The narrative revolves around how the lives of the elite Crawley family and their domestic servants are affected by the historical events of their time.
Science Fiction
Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation. The first debuted in 1966 and followed the adventures of Captain James T. Kirk and his crew. The next one premiered in 1987 and showed the story of Captain Jean Luc Picard and his team. Both groups roamed the universe in the starship Enterprise.
X-Files (1993 – 2002, 2015 – 2018).The show revolves around FBI special agents Mulder and Scully. They take on special cases or those that may involve the paranormal.
Fantasy
Game of Thrones (2011 – ). HBO’s most watched and most successful show comes to an end this year. This TV juggernaut, adapted from G.R.R. Martin’s books, follow the story of various families who scheme, lie, seduce, cheat, and murder their way into power. But, unbeknown to all of them, a threat from the North will descend upon them and possibly has the power to wipe them out.
The Twilight Zone (1959 – 1964, 1985 – 1989, 1994, 2002 – 2003, & soon to air this 2019). The show presents different episodes and crisscrosses disparate genres, i.e. fantasy, science fiction, horror, suspense, and psychological thriller. The stories oftentimes end with an unexpected twist. If you’re looking for a mind-fuck, then this may be the for you.
Political Thriller
The West Wing (1999 – 2006). This series is regarded as one of the “greatest and most influential TV shows of all time.” The story, primarily set in the White House’s West Wing, shows how President Jed Bartlet and his staffers balance their own interests and that of their country.
House of Cards (2013 – 2018). Cutthroat. Machiavellian. Sinister. All these are apt to describe this TV series that shows a power-hungry congressman, together with his ruthless wife, scheme and manipulate his way to the Oval Office.
Action/Thriller
The Blacklist (2013 –). Raymond Reddington, a former U.S. Navy officer turned high-profile criminal, walks into the FBI headquarters and surrenders on his own volition. Reddington, upon his detention, divulges that he possesses a list of the most dangerous criminals in the world. He further says that he will help the authorities capture these lawbreakers but will only do so by working with Elizabeth Keen. Why Ms. Keen? That’s the mystery.
Narcos (2015 – 2017). The story revolves around the origin and life of drug kingpin, Pablo Escobar. And the audience seems to like it, because, since its debut, its ratings have continuously gone up.
Superhero
Arrow (2012 – ). This series is a retelling of the DC Comics’ Green Arrow. While it still narrates the story of Oliver Queen, the narrative diverges from its comic book predecessor by showing the protagonist started as revenge-seeking vigilante instead of a prototypical hero.
Daredevil (2015 – 2018). This one remains true to its roots and tells the story of Matt Murdock: a blind crusading lawyer by day and a vigilante/hero by night.
Young Justice (2010 – 2013, 2019 – ). The only animated show to crack the list. Young Justice follows the lives of the Justice League sidekicks. The former operates via covert missions, while their older counterparts take on more menacing threats.
A word of caution
So, there you have it. Presented above is a list of shows that you might want to consider consuming in one sitting.
Just a word of caution, though. While there’s nothing evil, immoral, or unethical about binge-watching, make sure that you do it sparingly. Because if you do it regularly, chances are you might, in my estimation, neglect other important tasks.
Marathon viewing, if done wisely, is one heck of a trip. But done repeatedly and in succession may speak of something else.
