‘Tis the season when you can finally get a break and put a slight pause on your college life (Well, physically at least, if you’re like me doing winter courses). Finals are over, and the burnout is real. With no set alarms for those early 8 a.m. classes, and no stressing about an assignment that’s due at 11:59 p.m., winter break is the perfect time to start binge-watching, bed-rotting, and catching up on the shows that are trending and you’ve been putting off. Here’s a list of a variety of top streaming shows that are trending, culturally iconic, and enough to keep you occupied this whole break.
Stranger Things
Stranger Things is one of the most talked-about shows at the top of the trendiness scale. The series, which combines sci-fi, horror, and relatable young adult drama, is full of tension, nostalgia, and characters that you will become attached to. Winter break is the perfect time to binge-watch or re-watch, especially since the most recent seasons have lengthy episodes. Stranger Things is perfect for those long days where you’re mentally preparing for the spring semester but don’t want to worry about it just yet.
Euphoria
If you want a show that is the definition of raw and intense, then Euphoria is where it’s at. The show is known for its intense storytelling and cinematic imagery takes a deep dive into topics like addiction, trauma, relationships, and the definition of exploring your identity. Watching it over the break truly gives you time to digest each episode, rather than worrying about when you are going to be able to watch the next episode, because you have a test the next day.
Abbott Elementary
Abbott Elementary is a “pick me up” after a long semester and a hectic week of finals. The mockumentary sitcom showcases a group of passionate educators trying to navigate through an underfunded school, giving constant laughs with a mix of meaningful moments. The episodes are short and binge-worthy. It’s the ideal show for a relaxing spring break and finishing a season without even trying.
It: Welcome to Derry
IT: Welcome to Derry is a must-watch if you’re looking for something scarier to watch over the break. The show investigates the terrifying past of Derry and the evil that keeps coming back. The series is based on Stephen King’s 1986 novel, It, and serves as a prequel to the films adapted from the book. If you get scared easily, I suggest you don’t watch it by yourself because this show knows how to send a chill down your spine.
Insecure
Insecure (a personal fav of mine) knows how to hit during winter break, especially when you’re thinking about life, friendships, careers, and what the new year could bring. For recent grads and college students, this series is incredibly relatable as it portrays Issa and her friends navigating and negotiating between their relationships and careers. With a top-tier soundtrack and not-so-long episodes, it’s a must-binge show that helps you think about your own goals, growth, habits, and who you truly want to be.
My Hero Academia
Winter break is the perfect time for anime fans to catch up on long series, and My Hero Academia is ideal for that. The series puts together action and emotional growth while showing fiery character arcs. It introduces a group of students training to become professional and licensed heroes while unfolding the good and bad ways of using their powers, known as “quirks.” If you’re an anime lover, this is the perfect time to start binging on these episodes without the stress of not being able to catch up because of academic deadlines.
A Different World
A Different World, a nostalgic series definitely worth bingeing for college students, and a classic to end the list with. The show, which takes place at a fictional historically black college, perfectly shows what it means to explore community, identity, and academics while in college. Speaking on issues that are still relevant to this day. Watching it definitely reminds you of the value of the college experience, even when it feels like it’s too much sometimes.
Even though winter break is only for a short period of time, it really helps with being a reset before entering another semester of deadlines and extracurriculars. This list of series can really help you pass the time without thinking of the stresses of next semester. Trust me, watching at least one of these shows can give you that small escape you’ve been needing after a long semester.