6 Binge-Worthy TV Shows To Watch This Summer

Summer is finally here! School is out, the sun is shining, the beach is calling — your time is your own, and you can do whatever you want with it!

But then again, free time also means there is a lot of it to kill. Fear not, my friends: I’m here to help!

Without further adieu, I give you my list of totally addictive, binge-worthy television shows you should watch this summer.

6. My Mad Fat Diary

Where to watch: Channel4.com

Let me start by hopefully introducing you to a show you maybe haven’t heard of yet.

My Mad Fat Diary is a British comedy-drama that follows teenager Rae Earl (Sharon Rooney) and her journey toward self-acceptance. Though the show is charming, hilarious, it also touches on some very serious and very dark themes which only makes it all the more mesmerizing and moving.

You will fall in love with it instantaneously.

Rae’s running commentary is blunt, hilarious, and sometimes even downright heartbreaking. It’s impossible to tear yourself away from the screen once you press play. Trust me. This one is worth checking out.

5. Orange is the New Black

Where to watch: Netflix

For those who aren’t familiar with this hit Netflix original series, Orange is the New Black is a comedy-drama that follows the experiences of Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) in Litchfield Penitentiary.

The real meat of this show, however, lies with the minor characters — Poussey Washington (Samira Wiley), Taystee (Danielle Brooks), Red (Kate Mulgrew), Poussey Washington, Brook Soso (Kimiko Glenn), Daya (Dascha Polancho), Poussey freaking Washington…

Honestly, I’m going to be real for a moment here: does anyone actually watch Orange is the New Black for Piper?

If you’re not already watching Orange is the New Black (although, at this point, I’m convinced that 90% of the population is), it’s definitely one to check out. It’s funny, poignant, and sometimes just downright infuriating — in a good way.

4. Sense8

Where to watch: Netflix

Sense8 is a Netflix original sci-fi drama that follows a cluster of eight individuals (“sensates”) from all around the world who are able to connect with each other’s thoughts and actions.

First things first: this show throws you for a loop right from the get go and it will take you a few episodes to recover.

That being said, the characters are all incredibly loveable — especially Lito Rodriguez (Miguel Ángel Silvestre), who is a hysterical ray of sunshine. Personally, I would kill for a spin off about Lito, Hernando (Alfonso Herrera), and Daniela (Eréndira Ibarra) just living their lives together and being amazing.

Or, you know, Sun Bak (Doona Bae), who spends the duration of the series kicking patriarchy ass and not even bothering with taking names because everyone else is so totally insignificant when standing in the shadow of her badassery. Do not ask me for the names of anyone involved in Sun’s plotline, because I do not remember them. Everything is Sun, and I’m not the least bit sorry.

Every character in Sense8 is completely unique, so you’re bound to fall in love with at least one of them. This cast is so diverse, and the representation is off the charts — that alone is enough of a reason to give it a chance, if you ask me.

Heads up: it gets a little weird, but we’re all on this journey together and it is one hell of a crazy ride.

3. American Horror Story

Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon

If horror movies are your cup of tea, you’re going to want to check out this series.

It’s hard to find a good, solid television show that is actually scary, and American Horror Story has scares and creep-factor for days. Each season is a brand new start, in a brand new horrifying setting, with a whole new set of creepy characters. The first season was set in a haunted house, the second was in an insane asylum, the third was about a New Orleans based witch coven, and the fourth was set in a traveling freak show.

The upcoming fifth season? American Horror Story: Hotel.

Settle in in the dead of night with the lights off, maybe during a nice summer storm if you can rig it, and turn on American Horror Story. I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s currently available for streaming on Hulu.

2. Shameless

Where to watch: Showtime On Demand, Showtime Anytime, Amazon

Shameless is a Showtime remake of the popular UK comedy-drama of the same name. It follows the trials and tribulations of the completely dysfunctional Gallagher family, fathered by Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy), who is a deadbeat drunk. He leaves his younger children in the care of his eldest daughter, Fiona (Emmy Rossum), while he disappears for days (weeks, months) at a time.

I am a binge-watching fiend, you guys, and I just sat down one day and marathoned my way through the first three seasons of this show in under a week. I kid you not — it’s that good. With it’s dark humor, stellar cast, and a whole lot of heart, Shameless is definitely 100% Binge-Worthy. Now having capped off its fifth season, there is plenty of Shameless to satisfy your summer binge-watching needs.

Fair warning: you’re going to want to Fiona-size your summer wardrobe after you watch it. Don’t ask me why, but it’s definitely a thing. I wore a lot of sneakers, cut offs, and baggy, ratty t-shirts for a while there…

1. The 100

Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon

The 100, a CW post-apocalyptic drama, follows the story of one hundred juvenile prisoners after they are sent to Earth from their home in space to test whether or not the ground is survivable after a nuclear apocalypse wiped out civilization and left the planet soaked in radiation.

In all honesty, The 100 is basically my go-to recommendation to anyone, for anything, on any occasion.

• “Becky, I need a new show to get in to.” You’ve come to the right girl. Watch The 100.
• “Becky, I’m bored, what should –” Watch The 100.
• “Becky, I just got dumped, so –” Dude, seriously: just watch The 100. It won’t help with the whole break-up thing (sorry about that) but at least you’ll have something else to cry over.

Binge watch it anytime, anywhere, all the time, but since summer gives you a whole lot of free time, what better time is there to sit down and lose yourself in the dramas of this post-apocalyptic gem?

The 100 asks the hard questions, tackles ambiguity, and questions morality in a different way in every single episode. You will simultaneously hate and love every single painful twist the plot takes.

Fair warning: you’re going to become ridiculously invested in the potentially short lives of these people so, really, enjoy the ride while you can, because your favorite is probably going to die. Just a heads up.

 

And there you have it! Six stellar series for your summer binge-watching pleasure! Did your favorite binge-watch make the list? If not, leave a comment below, and let me know what you recommend!