It’s dark. You’re tired, you’re bored, your brain is pulsing in your skull from the studying you’ve been doing and you probably have a cold because it’s mid-February and the weather is horrific. Is there an end to this madness? Not really, but there’s a slim sliver of hope.
People of the University of Dayton, I bring you procrastination! What? You have never heard of this magically evil time waster? Don’t fret; I am here to help you. I am your procrastination spirit guide, and I kindly present to you, in no particular order, the 10 shows currently airing you should be wasting your time with.
“Game of Thrones”
Okay, I lied, this show is not technically “currently airing” but it will be on March 31. Based off George R. Martin’s popular series of novels, the first of which is titled “Game of Thrones,” this show is heavy, and by that I mean “not for the casual viewer.”
If you watch this it will consume your body and soul, haunt your dreams, break your heart, etc. But if you find medieval times fascinating, don’t mind love, fantasy, plot complexity, political corruption, wolves, special effects or when main characters drop dead, this is a show you should be watching.
“Bob’s Burgers”
It’s better than “Family Guy.” There, I said it. The show follows the Belcher family—restaurateurs, middle-class warriors and all-around hilarious people. H. Jon Benjamin won my heart in the role of family patriarch Bob Belcher for his stunning performance in literally every episode. His ability to balance apathy and affection is perfection. This is the funniest show on television and if you don’t think so, you’re wrong.
“The Walking Dead”
It’s a post-apocalyptic zombie thriller, and much like “Game of Thrones,” this show is not for the casual viewer. Do you like sheriffs? Do you like crossbows? Do you like constant suspense? Of course you do! Watch this show and all your zombie related dreams and fears will be made real. The only problem is that the second season is dull. However, the third season, which is currently airing, is worth it.
“GIRLS”
Lena Dunham is a goddess. This show is amazing. If you don’t believe me, ask the two recent Golden Globes trophies and the four Emmy nominations. This show takes the over-done notion of 20-somethings finding themselves in New York City, and makes it something never seen before. It is clever, dramatic, hilarious, heartbreaking and painfully relatable. Watch it, but don’t watch it with your parents.
“30 Rock”
Again I am giving you a show that is technically not currently airing. (I might cry). However, it’s worth mentioning. This show is gold. Tina Fey is gold. Alec Baldwin is gold. Their mentor/mentee relationship is gold.
Start from the beginning and fall in love, people. If you love yourself, you will watch “30 Rock,” and if you hate yourself you should still probably watch “30 Rock.”
“Workaholics”
Why not procrastinate with a show about procrastinating? This show is your manual for successfully accomplishing nothing.
“The Following”
If you’re a literature junkie or just a pretentious person who also likes crime shows this show is for you.
It follows Kevin Bacon playing a cop who doesn’t want to be a cop and his serial killer arch nemesis, played by James Purefoy, who loves Edgar Allen Poe. The plot is complex and unpredictable. I have no idea how the writers are going to keep this show going for multiple seasons, but I don’t care right now. Watch it.
“Parks and Recreation”
This is the dark horse of Thursday night comedy. For a while, I felt like “The Office” and “30 Rock” overshadowed this show, but now that “30 Rock” has ended and Michael Scott is gone from “The Office,” Amy Poehler is getting her day in the sun. It’s witty and quotable. This show will make you happy.
“Downton Abbey”
Odds are you have heard of this show from the aunt that always “likes” your Facebook status. That’s what is so great about this show—everyone likes it. Because it’s awesome. If you like historical fiction, drama or happen to be a female, this show will ruin your life. You should watch it anyway because Maggie Smith is phenomenal.
“Community”
If you are a “cult classic” kind of person, you are probably already watching this show and already know how great it is. “Community” is the show for nerds everywhere. Unlike the “Big Bang Theory,” which makes nerds the punch line, this show celebrates weirdness in a way that everyone can enjoy. Plus there is no laugh track—yay!
So there you have it, 10 television shows you can use to creatively and cleverly avoid the sinking feeling of that eminent accounting block or that devilish O-chem test approaching.
You’re welcome.
