Thanks to Netflix, among other modes of online streaming, there is an abundance of popular TV series that collegiates are collectively hooked on. But, in addition to these hits, there are plenty of under-appreciated shows not getting as many college views as they should be. Here are some of these underdog series that deserve some praise!
Togetherness
“Togetherness” is no exception to the amazing reputation of HBO’s plethora of successful TV shows. This series explores the complexities of marriage, family, sisterhood, friendship, love, lying, and loyalty, among other themes, through the lens of one family. This seemingly stable household will surprise you as their struggle to stay together through day-to-day challenges unfolds. As a viewer, one cannot help but root for every character, each maintaining personal strengths and flaws that are easy to identify with.
Schitt’s Creek
Eugene Levy and his son, Dan Levy, co-created this hilarious chronicle of a rich family gone broke, forced to move to a motel in a town called “Schitt’s Creek.” Levy is accompanied by his on-screen companion, Catherine O’Hara, whose humor is met by their on-screen children (played by Dan Levy and Annie Murphy). Collegiate women can especially identify with the humor of Murphy, whose feminine spunk and adventurous attitude never fails to impress with humor and drama. Fun fact: in addition to the involvement of Eugene Levy’s son, his daughter, Sarah Levy, also acts on the show, but plays the role of the in-town waitress. “Schitt’s Creek” is a Canadian show but is available in the U.S. on Netflix!
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
This series from The CW Television Network stars Rachel Bloom as Rebecca Bunch, a young woman who moves across the country for a man from her past (a summer fling from sleepover camp in middle school). “Crazy” doesn’t begin to describe Rebecca’s boy-obsessed tendencies. Every episode includes at least one scene filmed as a musical—these exaggerated music videos are done in purposefully poor taste, with cheesy lyrics and average to strange choreography. Nonetheless, the scenarios depicted throughout the show can feel oddly genuine and refreshingly honest, despite their absurdity and dramatizations. “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” is easy to view online on The CW’s website and on Netflix, so give it a watch!
Here is a link to one of the show’s overtly distasteful music videos about the struggles associated with dates turning into group hangouts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elrDmZxtLtU&list=PL6abPzY300GUJQic25ynhTLup1YTqmvOX&index=37
Jane the Virgin
Another series from The CW, “Jane the Virgin,” is more widely known, but arguably still under-appreciated. Similar to “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” the show uses dramatizations as its main source of comedy, but through the use of Telenovela-styled production and editing. The main premise centers around Jane, a young women played by Gina Rodriguez, who gets accidentally, artificially inseminated with the sperm of a man she happened to kiss several years prior. Particularly ironic is Jane’s status as a virgin, despite her newfound pregnancy. The accident does not even begin to scratch the surface of the drama that unfolds in the show; just when each dilemma seems to be resolved, another issue reveals itself. “Jane the Virgin” is irresistible in its combination of drama and humor, so check it out on The CW online or Netflix!
Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath
Leah Remini, an actress most known for her major acting role on “King of Queens,” is a former member of the Scientology Church. After publicly parting ways with the Church several years ago, Remini created this documentary series through A&E as a platform for revealing the Church’s corruption. This passionate exposé is eye opening, thought provoking, and quite frankly, shocking. If you are looking for something more serious and informative (but addictive nonetheless), this is the show for you!