After a semester full of all-nighters, meals on the go, and discussion posts that occasionally got written a few minutes before class, summer break is finally here! And what better way to celebrate the end of the school year than finally sitting down to watch the TV shows you had the best intentions of watching earlier, but never had the time for?
To help ease you back into the art of “responsible binge-watching,” we’ve put together a list of all the best shows you should watch according to your graduate program. Fair warning: one episode of any of these shows can very easily turn into watching an entire season in one night!
Business of Creative Enterprises: The Bear
If your brain hasn’t stopped thinking about budgets and how to avoid getting burnt out while chasing your creative dreams, The Bear hits too close to home. Yes, this show is about a restaurant and a sassy chef, but it’s also about what happens when fierce passion meets actual business pressure. It can be chaotic, but this show is also weirdly motivating and reminds us why we do it.
Communication Disorders: Love is Blind
Stay with me on this one. Love is Blind is basically a case study in communication, giving us perfect examples of what works and what certainly does not. Different from the day-to-day responsibilities of a comm disorder student, this show is the perfect lighthearted escape from a long day.
Creative Writing: Big Little Lies
For creative writers, Big Little Lies is a great way to study the execution of multiple perspectives and adding just enough suspense to keep your audience clicking “next episode.” It visualizes how strong characters can coexist and lays out a complex structure so that the story progresses beyond the plot twists.
Digital Communication Leadership: Gossip Girl
Before there were TikTok influencers and curated Instagram feeds, there was Gossip Girl. This show is iconic and messy, and feels like the blueprint for the internet as we know it. Whether you’re here for the reputation management, the anonymous posts, or the glamorous New York City lifestyle, this show has it all.
Film and Media Art: Black Mirror
Although Black Mirror isn’t exactly a show that lowers your heart rate, every single episode feels like its own small production, making it perfect for thinking about how style and form appear on the screen. It will also 100% make you reconsider your screen time habits.
Journalism and Media Innovation: The White Lotus
While The White Lotus isn’t necessarily about journalism, it’s certainly a show about observation. In the background of a relaxing vacation, this show is all about how power and perspective get to shape the narrative. It’s riveting and really makes you question what you thought you knew about the characters.
Political Communication: Veep
If you’re in the Political Communication MA program and haven’t had a chance to watch Veep yet, you have to get on it as soon as possible. For students who have spent the year analyzing political messaging and media strategy, this show will either make you laugh or stress you out incredibly (perhaps both!). It’s fast-paced and the perfect binge-worthy show for the summer.
Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing: School Spirits
For fans of genre fiction, School Spirits has it all, whether it’s mystery, romance, or paranormal themes. It’s fun and unique, and a case study for writers wondering how they can bring their story to life off the page.
Publishing and Writing: Normal People
Is it dramatic to say that Normal People will change your life? Most people in the Publishing and Writing program are likely familiar with author Sally Rooney, but if you haven’t watched the TV adaptation of one of her most iconic books, then you’re surely missing out. This show is emotionally devastating, deeply compelling, and an excellent translation of literary fiction onto the screen. Plus, it takes place in Ireland and features Paul Mescal; what more could you ask for?
Sports Communication: Running Point
Running Point, a Netflix original series, is a newer sports-related sitcom loosely based on the true story of Jeanie Buss, the owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers. It focuses on sports management and the pressure and personality behind the game, reminding us that sports are as much about the narrative as they are about performance.
Strategic Marketing: Nathan for You
Nathan for You starts ridiculous and cringy, but somehow ends up being kind of brilliant. Described as a satirical docu-reality comedy series, this show takes marketing ideas to the extreme, but underneath it all, you get to see how real people respond to messaging, branding, and out-of-the-box strategies.
Theatre Education and Applied Theatre: Insecure
The brilliant acting in this show gives us painfully relatable moments that we can’t get enough of. Insecure is all about how we perform versions of ourselves for different people, and its hilarious and honest execution is a great way to think about expression outside of a traditional stage.
Writing for Film and Television: Better Call Saul
For original fans of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul is perfect for students who appreciate the art of the slow build and the tiny details that end up meaning everything. This show is proof that you don’t need constant action, just really great writing and perfect casting. A great watch for future screenwriters or directors!
So, when you hopefully find some time to unplug this summer, swap your textbooks for some needed TV time, and consider this your sign to binge with purpose! Consider it an extended homework assignment or on-the-ground research. You might even learn a thing or two to bring back to the classroom in September!
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