Spring Break is over and we’re on the home stretch of the semester. We all know the end of the semester gets ridiculously busy with exams and group projects. But if you’re anything like me, there are moments where you just need to decompress with the most loyal of companions- Netflix. I’ve gathered up 6 quality shows that have a limited amount of episodes, so you can enjoy without feeling like you’re committing to a 10 season marathon.
The Good Place
Episodes: 13 in season 1
Total Run Time: >5 hours for season 1
The Good Place is a fun comedy with lots of twists and turns. It stars Kristen Bell as terrible person Eleanor Shellstrop who is absolutely out of place in this afterlife. The show is funny and engaging with a strong cast. The series is ongoing on NBC but Netflix has the first two seasons
The Punisher
Episodes: 13 in season 1
Total Run Time: >12 hours for season 1
This recently canceled show (thanks to Disney pulling their content from Netflix) has been highly praised for its story and acting by Jon Bernthal. The story follows Frank Castle (Bernthal) as he untangles the complicated web of lies surrounding his family’s death as he toes the line between hero and villain. If you like comic book style storytelling and fantastic action sequences, give this show a try.
American Crime Story
Episodes: 10 in The People v. O.J. Simpson and 9 in The Assassination of Gianni Versace
Total Run Time: >9 hours each for The People v. O.J. Simpson and The Assassination of Gianni Versace
If you want to feel semi-productive while watching Netflix, American Crime Story may be a good option for you to get a dramatized history from the mind of Ryan Murphy. This anthology series allows you to learn about events (which many of us in college today are too young to remember) that have impacted American society. The first breakout season follows the Trial of O.J. Simpson and stars Sarah Paulson, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Sterling K. Brown. While the second season gives an in-depth look at the events leading up to the Assassination of Gianni Versace, starring Darren Criss, Edgar Ramírez, Penélope Cruz, and Ricky Martin.
Nailed It
Episodes: 6 in season 1
Total Run Time: >4 hours for season 1
This fun baking show takes the world of DIY and turns it on its head. Comedian Nicole Byer and chocolatier Jacques Torres judge America’s worst bakers on their creations through a series of challenges. This show takes all of the anxiety-inducing screaming out of the typical cooking show model and makes it light, fun watch.
GLOW
Episodes: 10 per season
Total Run Time: >6 hours for season 1
What do the 80’s, a strong female cast of diverse characters and women’s wrestling all have in common? They’re all major components of Netflix Original Series GLOW. The show follows failing actress Ruth Wilder (Alison Brie) as she steps into the world of wrestling. The series has two seasons and has wrapped filming for its third which is expected to be released this summer (if they follow previous release patterns).
Russian Doll
Episodes: 8
Total Run Time: >4 hours for season 1
A brand new Netflix original that follows the story of Nadia (Natasha Lyonne), who is stuck in a Groundhog Day type loop that causes her to relive the same night over and over. The main drawback— she is constantly dying. Over the course of the story, she sets out to break the cycle. The dark dramedy is complex, entertaining and riddled with double meaning.
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