Netflix recently added tons of new shows for you to get completely lost in. Here is a list of the best shows to sit down and waste a day with.
Twin Peaks
David Lynch’s surreal soap opera which chronicles the death of the young Laura Palmer and the subsequent investigation is one of the best shows to come out of the early 1990’s. It’s spellbinding, creepy, funny, and above all else completely insane. The pilot episode clocks in at around 2 hours but if you can get past that you are in for one wild ride with Agent Dale Cooper.
The West Wing
Another great show from the 90’s, The West Wing follows the exploits of President Josiah Bartlet and his extensive cabinet of advisers. Created by fast-paced dialogue extraordinaire Aaron Sorkin The West Wing was always eclipsed by The Sopranos when it came to the awards season. The show touches on social and foreign policy issues that are still debated to this day and has an incredible cast; many of whom have gone on to star in different series on this list.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
I have been hard pressed to find anybody who doesn’t love Always Sunny. My issue was that I could never watch more than a couple episodes on Hulu. Netflix finally gave in and now they are streaming all seven of the first seasons. Needless to say it took me about two days to finish all seven. I think it jumped the shark in season 7 when creator Rob Mcelhenney gained 50 pounds for his character Mac but the first four seasons are incredible. Rock, flag and eagle.
Battlestar Galactica
I just started watching Battlestar after hoards of friends and a sketch from Portlandia showed me that it is incredibly addicting. The whole series is now on Netflix and whether you are sci-fi geek or not it is definitely worth your time. It’s the best fracking show the SciFi Channel has ever birthed from a primordial ooze.
Breaking Bad
If you haven’t watched Vince Gilligan’s incredible drama about a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer then turn off your computer right now and start watching. Yes, all of the hype is true. It’s that good. The first four seasons are available for streaming on Netflix and the first half of the 5th season is available on websites like projectfreetv. This is the most addicting show on this list. Pun intended.
Portlandia
Netflix just released the second season of SNL mainstay Fred Armisen and Sleater-Kinney lead singer Carrie Brownstein’s off-kilter sketch comedy show Portlandia. The IFC series focuses on lampooning the growing hipster population in Portland, Oregon. Taking stab at everything from DJ’s to dumpster diving the comedy duo creates a rich commentary on the 20-something generation and their disdain for the “mainstream”. The show picked up a Peabody Award for Satire following it’s second season putting it in the company of Steven Colbert and Tina Fey.
Luther
Idris Elba stars in this BBC drama following the brilliant but hard boiled detective John Luther as he struggles to solve the grisly murders that have been taking place in London. Luther doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty nay filthy in the pursuit of justice. The show is intense, brutal and straight up bad ass. It consists of two series each of which are about 6 episodes so it really only takes a couple days to finish the entire show.
Honorable Mention
Freaks and Geeks
Undeclared
Frasier
That Mitchell and Webb Look
Snuffbox
Ru Paul’s Drag Race
Shameless
Home Movies
Archer
Arrested Development
The X-Files
The IT Crowd
Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations
Wilfred
