Charissa Cheong

Stuck with too much choice? Simply don’t know where to begin? Fear not. We understand that binge watching is a serious art form. It takes time, persistence, commitment. So here’s a list of some of the best Netflix shows to take you on that glorious journey to, well, the sofa.

1. Arrested Development

Arrested Development began TV life back in 2003 as a critically acclaimed sitcom with undeservedly low ratings. After its cancellation in 2006, the show attracted a cult followingu2014the iconic Bluth stair car even appeared in the action sequence of Marvel’s Captain America: Civil waru2014 and in 2011 was revived for a fourth season by Netflix, with a fifth season recently scheduled for next year. The show follows the everyday lives of the dysfunctional yet hilarious Bluth family, whose misadventures make for easy binge watching. If you’re in need of a new showu2014particularly a sitcomu2014then you’d do well to start here. If not, then you’ve made a huge mistake. (Right, Gob?)







2. Breaking Bad

Another show that gained a steady following over the seasons was Breaking Bad. By the time the final season aired, the show’s popularity was at ridiculous, new heights. The story focuses on high school chemistry teacher Walter White (Bryan Cranston, otherwise known as the dad in Malcolm in the Middle) who, after being diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer, begins manufacturing Crystal Meth in order to secure his family’s future. The drama goes from strength to strength, building on its story with a steady momentum that forces many of the characters through some serious development; you’ll find no black and white characters here. With all five seasons available on Netflix, Breaking Bad hits that delicious sweet spot of having enough episodes that leave you wanting more, but not too many that the show begins to decline. And if you do want more, then there’s Better Call Saul, a Netflix Originals spin-off prequel series that’s also pulling in great ratings all-round.

3. An Idiot Abroad

Sticking withu2014or, perhaps, tou2014the sofa, you’re not going to see much of the outside world. But why bother going to all that trouble anyway when you can travel with An Idiot Abroad? Karl Pilkington, the titular idiot, has a unique and warped view on the worldu2014u201cThe fact that this one is called the u2018Great’ Wall of China annoys me. I’ll decide if it’s great or not. It might end up being the u2018All Right Wall of China’ to meu201du2014and when his friends/tormentors Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send him off to explore far off lands, what you end up watching is a winning combination of comedy and travel documentary.









If Karl whinging his way from country to country across three seasons isn’t enough, then there’s also his Moaning of Life, which has a similar premiseu2014the only difference is Karl this time chooses which countries to visit in order to experience their different cultures and customs and how they deal with some of life’s biggest issues. Some of Karl’s comments turn out to be surprisingly insightfulu2014emphasis on the u2018some’.

4. 13 Reasons Why

One of Netflix’s newest Originals, 13 Reasons Why is a mystery drama which follows high school student Clay Jensen as he attempts to uncover the reasons leading to the suicide of his classmate and crush, Hannah Baker, by listening to her box of cassette tapes. The tapes reveal the thirteen reasons behind her decision to end her life, along with those she blamed as responsible for her decision. Unsurprisingly, the show has attracted controversy for its subject matter, especially due to its raw depiction of issues such as teen suicide and rape. Even so, 13 Reasons Why has also received wide acclaim from audiences and critics alike, particularly in response to the casting of the two leads and its emotional story. Released at the end of May, the show has quickly drawn a large audienceu2014so you shouldn’t need thirteen reasons to watch this show! Incase you do need one more reason, though: a second season has been announced for 2018.

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5. Hell on Wheels

You’re probably wondering what the title of this show even means. Well, it’s essentially to do with the saloons, brothels and gambling houses (this should give you an idea of the types of characters) that sprung up as the First Transcontinental Railroad was constructed across North America in the 1860s. You don’t have to like trainsu2014or even care about themu2014to enjoy Hell on Wheels. The story follows Cullen Bohannon, a former soldier of the Civil War seeking revenge on the killers of his wife, which soon entangles him in the lives of the other charactersu2014opening up many other stories. Over the five seasons, there was a change in showrunners, and while the first two seasons may have a slightly different tone than the rest, this change seems to work in the show’s favour. The stories become far more sophisticated and original, with no character in the ensemble castu2014no matter their prominenceu2014being guaranteed to reach the final episode.