A list of the best shows to binge over the break!

Spring break has officially started, which means it is time to rest, rejuvenate, and catch up on the best and most recent TV. If you are looking for characters to fall in love with, endings to cry over, or plot twists to spend sleepless nights ruminating on, here’s a college-student-crafted list of the best shows to binge over the break. 

• If your spring break vacation plans did not pan out, let The White Lotus (season 3) take you on a luxury retreat to Thailand. Toxic family dynamics and friend drama will keep you entertained while you savor the breathtaking setting. If you haven’t seen the first two seasons, don’t worry because every season features a completely new storyline and set of characters. With fantastic storytelling, stunning videography, and distinctive sound effects, The White Lotus is highly addictive. As a “dram-edy,” the show features funny, complex characters facing not-so-funny, complex struggles. High tension and a who-dun-it hook keep the viewer engaged. The White Lotus shows that real problems can’t be bought away; they travel with you wherever you go, even to a five-star luxury resort. This show is available on HBO Max.

• Another notable and recent show is High Potential Intellectual, a refreshing new take on the classic detective/murder-mystery series. The series follows Morgan, a single mother and cleaning lady turned detective with a super high IQ, on her adventures. Morgan is not only book smart but also street smart, stylish, unfiltered, and authentic, a combo that can be hard to pull off but works for Morgan, making her the highlight of the show. The series also pulls off the 2024 suburban setting in a non-cringy way, adding just enough digital references to make it relatable. Each episode features a new case that Morgan and her partners collaborate to solve, while the through-line of the season follows Morgan’s journey to solving a family mystery of her own. If you’re recovering from midterms, this is an “easy watch.” High Potential Intellectual’s storyline is clear, concise, and doesn’t take an extreme amount of effort to remain invested. So, if you are looking for a low-commitment yet clever series, this one’s for you. This show is available on Hulu.

• This next one’s been around a bit longer but is a must-watch and definitely binge-worthy. Set in Chicago, The Bear follows Carmy, a professional chef, on his journey of moving home and taking over a sub shop. There are so many brilliantly executed elements in this show—videography, editing, and character development, to name a few. With these elements, the show effectively expresses turmoils such as anxiety, addiction, being overworked, and the thin line between the personal and the professional relationships. My personal favorite character, Richie, is played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, a Columbia College alum who won an Emmy for his performance in the role. In some ways, this show is the antithesis of The White Lotus. Instead of capturing the inside lives of the upper class, The Bear provides perspective on the challenges of working in the food industry. Once you start watching, it is almost impossible to stop. And as the episodes go on, your heart opens, your empathy grows, and you fall in love with The Bear’s characters. This show is available on Hulu and Disney Plus.

• If you’re looking for a moving miniseries, watch Lessons in Chemistry. Like High Potential Intellectual, this is another show with a compelling female protagonist; however, instead of 2024, this series is set in the 1950s, focused on Elizabeth Zott, who is a chemist and cook. Based on the book by Bonnie Garmus, the plot portrays Elizabeth’s experience as a woman working in a lab while delving into her personal relationships. The series underscores the obstacle of sexism in science and showcases the power of female friendships and mother-daughter relationships. With its many plot twists and cliffhangers, this story is inspiring, sad, and striking all at once. Trigger warning: this show depicts a scene of sexual assault. This show is available on Apple TV.

From Thailand, Chicago, LA, or Southern California in the 1950s, these handpicked shows all have powerful perspectives, portray dynamic storylines, and transport you to a unique time and place. Check out an episode or an entire series and get ready to laugh and cry; the emotional rollercoaster is well worth it.

Header Image via Wikimedia Commons