Authors: Tania Perez, Kierra Bannister

 

The semester is here, Cornellians, and with it a whole new load of work. You know what that means: it’s time to binge watch your favorite shows and find some new ones along the way. Here are 8 shows to check out before prelim season hits.

 

1) Gotham (FOX)

Gotham speaks to the superhero lover in us, but with a twist. Instead of focusing on Gotham City’s infamous Batman during his prime crime-fighting adulthood, this show serves as an origin story for the rise of crime and the villains we know so well from the comics. It takes viewers back to the early days with a young Detective James Gordon, with features from baby Bruce Wayne and many bad guys we love to hate (and hate to love). A number of familiar faces have already shown up, and we’re excited to see who else is to come. The Joker, Harley Quinn, Mr. Freeze, maybe even Killer Croc – the possibilities are endless! If you’re a superhero buff, you’ll definitely want to check this new hit.

2) Red Band Society (FOX)

Having arguably the most unique premise of the new shows this season, Red Band Society is the one to watch! It surrounds a group of sick teens dealing with the ups and downs of adolescence while also living as residents in a hospital’s pediatric ward. The young protagonists struggle with heartbreaking illnesses such as cancer, anorexia, and cystic fibrosis, but Red Band Society still manages to be a surprising, uplifting, and feel-good show. It is the perfect mixture of comedy and drama. Everything about this show makes our hearts warm.

3) Outlander (Starz)

Outlander is essentially a feminist-driven Game of Thrones set in 18th century Scotland with some time travel thrown in the mix. Based on the super popular Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander is a must watch for all historical fantasy adventure fans who need a new show to watch. The show does a great job of accurately portraying what it would be like if you suddenly went back in time and had to deal with unfamiliar customs, political tensions, and people that lack knowledge of modern advancements. The show features a strong female lead, hot Scottish men, and a fantastic plot. What more could you want?

4) Game of Thrones (HBO)

Game of Thrones, based on the gigantic A Song of Fire and Ice series by George R. R. Martin, encompasses the complex politics, wars, and subsequent fallout surrounding the fictional Westeros as different families fight for the the right to rule the Iron Throne. The show has memorable characters (we’re sure you’ve at least heard of dragon queen Daenerys Targaryen and badass antihero Tyrion Lannister) and interesting, complex storylines (seriously, there a minimum of six distinct stories going on at a time). As you watch you’ll find yourself totally immersed in this epic tale.  It really is the ultimate fantasy adventure, and we can’t wait its upcoming return.

5) Shameless (SHOWTIME)

This gritty, dark comedy focused on the Gallagher family in Chicago’s south side is actually insane. Its protagonist anitheroes often dabble in drugs, affairs, and all around illegal activities. But somehow, incredibly, we always have no choice but to root for the Gallaghers, a group of underdogs that repeatedly prove they really will do anything for each other. What you see is not what you get with this show. The writers do a great job of incorporating dynamic character development, taking viewers on ride with the show’s direction. A couple of years into the show it has only gotten crazier – let us give you a taste, the male lead literally got his kidney stolen. This is the show where you literally never know what to expect next.

6) Breaking Bad (AMC)

It wasn’t too long ago that the Breaking Bad epidemic had infected the masses, yet for some reason we have the urge to rewatch this legend of a show. Walter White’s journey from an overqualified high school chemistry teacher to the biggest meth producer in the ABQ is some of the finest television we’ve ever seen. The show is incredibly written, with twists and turns that take the viewers on the biggest metaphorical meth trip of their lives. Creator and producer Vince Gilligan will forever be written in the history books for this one. RIP!

7) Arrested Development (Netflix)

There’s a reason Arrested Development was renewed 7 years after being cancelled. We’ve rewatched it at least 5 times now, and somehow always find something new to laugh at. The Bluth family deals with regular issues like being a never-nude, face blindness, and hiding out in Mexico to escape prison. They are the epitome of what it means to be eccentric, quirky, and generally insane; in fact they may be the only family to make your own look normal! The Bluths The summer 2013 revival was a godsend to its original cult following, and deserves to be watched by every comedy lover. If you decide to check this out for the first time or revisit it, just remember kids: there’s always money in the banana stand.

8) Friends (NBC)

Last, but certainly not least, is Friends. The ultimate #tbt, and it has never been so appropriate for our age group. The show deals with the adventures of a close-knit group of friends (get it?!) as they navigate love, family, work, and their relationships with each other. What you end up with is a set of six unique and rootable characters that you wish were your own friends! The show offers a number of running gags, memorable moments, and equally heartfelt and hilarious scenes that make us want to rewatch all over again. We’ll be spending the next couple of weeks with the gang, and you should too.