Ever wish you could watch a TV show forever? Ever think of your favourite characters after the show is over, and become overwhelmed by sadness at the fact that you will never be able to follow their development again? Well, you can put off having that feeling for a long, long time with these Netflix shows. They all have tons of seasons, so you can keep watching without fear that you will quickly run out of episodes. Be warned, though: once you do finish the show, you’ll probably be way sadder because your attachment to the characters and story is stronger than normal. Nonetheless, here is a list of my favourite long running shows available on Netflix Canada that are perfect for binging with absolutely no restraint.
1. Shameless (U.S.)
Number of seasons: six and counting
Shameless is one of the best shows I’ve discovered on Netflix because it’s the perfect mix between comedy and drama, so it keeps you hooked while also being widely enjoyable to watch. Scoring a whopping 93 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, the show can make you laugh and cry within minutes, and the character depth and development is impressive. The show tells the story of an unconventional family living in Southside Chicago. The dad, Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy), being a raging alcoholic with absolutely no sense of responsibility, implicitly delegates his role as head of the household to his eldest daughter, Fiona (Emmy Rossum). The six kids fend for themselves, while running into outrageous situations exemplifying their resilience and toughness, while their father gets drunk at a local bar. You will not regret watching this show non-stop. You’ll love and hate the characters, and you’ll definitely miss them when you’re waiting for the next season to appear on Netflix.
2. Mad Men
Number of seasons: seven
Mad Men is about an advertising agency named Sterling-Cooper. Set in the 1960s, the show narrows in on the creative director, Don Draper (Jon Hamm), and his complicated home life and past. Known to many as “the last great drama of TV’s golden age”, the show is complex and the character development, especially of flawed and sometimes unlovable Don, is ground breaking. The show’s influence was felt in many different cultural realms, from design, to fashion, to drink culture. In all, you’ll enjoy this show because of its depth and drama. Throughout the seven seasons, you’ll have more than enough time to get attached, and maybe even fall in love.
3. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Number of seasons: five and counting (with 22 episodes per season)
This show is witty, hilarious, and moving. I couldn’t praise it enough. It’s about a police precinct in Brooklyn where the police officers, including main characters played by Andy Samberg, Melissa Fumero, Terry Crews and Andre Braugher, constantly run into ridiculous predicaments. I guarantee you will get attached to each an every character, as their funniest moments evolve into testimonies of love and human complexity.
4. The Office (U.S.)
Number of seasons: eight
If you haven’t already, you need to binge-watch The Office. The show had a long run and its availability on Netflix means people are watching and re-watching it ad nauseam. However, it still remains a must-see TV show, even if you’re already tired of the hype. Basically, the show is a mockumentary-style series about Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. The horribly awkward-but-lovable boss, Michael Scott (Steve Carell), always succeeds in making situations so uncomfortable they are hilarious. Filled with great comebacks, important life lessons, and enough pranks to satisfy even the biggest dork, The Office will probably go down in history as one of the best TV shows ever made, so get on it.
5. Scandal, or literally any other Shonda Rhimes show
Number of seasons: seven
There are a million reasons why you should watch Scandal; starting with the fact the RiRi is a fan! In all seriousness, any Shonda Rhimes show is perfect for binge-watching on Netflix with no restraint because they have an undeniable addictive quality to them. Scandal is about Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), a political press aide who runs a crisis management firm. You will love the show especially for how badass and unapologetic Washington’s character is. I guarantee you will find all your TV show needs, including amazing characters, in any Shonda Rhimes show.