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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Ithaca chapter.

Have you already watched Gossip Girl, Friends, The Office AND Breaking Bad three times through? Are you overwhelmed by all of the options that Netflix gives you that you gravitate towards movies and shows you’ve already watched? Fear no more dear readers, for we’ve scoured through the legendary website’s archives to find you something new and exciting to watch.

 

1. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (TV series)

New and exclusive to Netflix, this comedic show written by the one and only Tina Fey is definitely something that should be on your radar. The main character, Kimmy Schmidt, was rescued from a post-apocalyptic cult that was housed underground for the past 15 years. After moving to New York City to start her life over, Kimmy makes new friends, gets a job and also eats candy for dinner. While this show has gotten a lot of praise and laughs, it does involve some offensive jokes so please don’t take it to heart and just enjoy Kimmy Schmidt’s adventures!

2. Freaks and Geeks (TV series)

If you absolutely love James Franco (like us) and want to see how his beautiful friendship with Seth Rogan blossomed, then take time out of your day to watch Freaks and Geeks. Although the show only made it to one season, it has a cult following and was also named one of the 100 best television shows of all time by Time Magazine in 2007. Set in the 1980s, it follows two groups of teenagers as they maneuver through the struggles of high school. The freaks are composed of James Franco and Seth Rogan’s characters, a mathlete named Lindsay Weir and other burnout characters. Lindsay’s younger brother Sam and his friends make up the geeks group. If you need a funny and feel-good television show to quickly run through, Freaks and Geeks is a go-to!

 

3. White Collar (TV series)

Looking for another fictional character to fall in love with? Look no more, for an ex-con artist named Neal Caffrey, played by the extremely good looking Matt Bomer, will steal your heart. After three years of a cat and mouse chase between Caffrey and the FBI, he’s finally caught. Just a few months before his four year sentence is completed, he escapes from jail in search for his girlfriend Kate. Peter Burke, the FBI agent who initially caught Caffrey, catches him again and proposes a deal. Burke asks Caffrey to assist him in finding other criminals instead of facing prison time, thus beginning a beautifully twisted partnership. Throughout the seasons, Neal Caffrey is torn between craving his former criminal life and trying to pursue an honest one. If you love thrillers and suspense, White Collar should definitely be on your “watch next” list.

 

4. The Magic School Bus (TV series)

Let’s travel back in time for one moment to remember the late and great Ms. Frizzle. There was nothing better in the world back in elementary school than your teacher rolling in the television and putting on The Magic School Bus. Ms. Frizzle’s lessons are still relevant today and are a fantastic way to remember your childhood while still being entertained. Rated one of the highest-rated PBS shows for school-aged children, The Magic School Bus is a classic. We’re not gonna lie – we got excited when we found out that Netflix also plans on releasing an all new animated show inspired by the series titled “The Magic School Bus 360°” in 2016. So get caught up!

5. Girl Rising (Documentary)

An intense documentary profiling nine girls from across the world, Girl Rising documents the hardships that young girls go through in developing countries. Arranged marriages, child slavery and the fight for education are just some of the heartbreaking things that these young girls must go through on a daily basis. Told through the voices of renowned actors such as Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Liam Neeson, Selena Gomez and many others, the stories of these nine girls will touch your heart and make you want to change the world for girls and women alike.

 

6.  Tin Man (Miniseries)

Is the Wizard of Oz your favorite movie? Did Mila Kunis’ remake of the classic leave you disappointed? Then this miniseries starring Zooey Deschanel is right up your alley. With three episode at around 90 minutes apiece, Tin Man takes a sci-fi spin on a classic tale of a lost girl and her dog. It was the highest rated miniseries the year it was released (2007) and was nominated for 9 Emmy awards. Deschanel’s character, DG, is a small town waitress in Kansas who is tired of her life and sees visions of a lavender eyed woman telling her a storm is coming. The evil witch of O.Z., Azkadellia, is the one who sends her troops in a “travel storm” to kill DG. She survives the storm and enters into the magical world of O.Z. and begins her adventure. While described as rather grim at times, this classic tale with a sci-fi twist is perfect for a rainy day at home.

7. Bloodline (TV show)

Released in its entirety on March 20, 2015, Bloodline is a Netflix original thriller-drama series. Starring Kyle Chandler, who played Coach Taylor in Friday Night Lights, the series explores the dark pasts of a family when their brother returns for his parents’ 45th anniversary party of their hotel, and threatens to reveal the secrets of his family’s past. A thrilling series, Bloodline pushes the limits of family loyalty and puts it to the test. If you’re looking for a fast-paced and exciting new show, watch Bloodline!

 

8. Miss Representation (Documentary)

This eye opening documentary explores how media influences the way society depicts women and the underrepresentation of females in positions of power across America. The film’s motto, “You can’t be what you can’t see”, sends out a message that young girls need to step up and be influential female role models so they can inspire other young women. Hear opinions from inspirational women such as Katie Couric, Geena Davis and others on how we as a society need to change for the better and stop scrutinizing women for the way they look. This documentary even touches on the hardships that men face through the media, such as not being masculine or powerful enough. Miss Representation has an important message, so we recommend it to anyone looking for something to watch on Netflix!

 

Pictures from Netflix

 
Elizabeth is an avid Panera eater/dog lover from Middletown, New Jersey. She has never pumped gas a day in her life and plans to keep it that way. She is currently pursuing a major in Integrated Marketing Communications, but only until Mark McMorris realizes that she's his soulmate. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @lizzygulino