Spring break is a time to sit back, relax and do the bare minimum for seven whole days. What better way to do that than with some well-deserved couch time binge-watching shows?
But with thousands of options to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to decide which show deserves your spring break time. We’ve got you covered. Whether you want to watch a hilarious comedy or award-winning show, or simply take in some easy viewing, here are eight shows you can binge-watch this week:
1. Beef
Watch on Netflix
Beef follows the aftermath of a road rage incident between two strangers: Danny Cho (Steven Yeun), a troubled contractor, and Amy Lau (Ali Wong), a self-made business owner. The 10-episode series dives into the intricacies of their lives and their growing feud, keeping you on edge the entire season. The show does an excellent job fleshing out the characters and their backgrounds, particularly Danny, whose struggle with his faith was one of the most compelling scenes on TV in recent years. The series picked up a few awards this year, and a second season is on the way, which means now is the perfect time to catch up.
2. Fargo
Watch on Hulu
Inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film of the same name, this darkly comedic anthology series explores crime, morality and the human condition through interconnected stories set in the icy landscapes of the American Midwest. Each season follows a different storyline, so you can really pick up wherever you want. We recommend the most recent season, which follows a seemingly normal housewife (Juno Temple) who is hunted by a sinister sheriff (Jon Hamm). You’ll quickly be drawn in by its richly drawn characters, intricate storytelling and out-of–left-field plot twists.
3. Abbott Elementary
Watch on Hulu
If you haven’t been watching Abbott Elementary, what exactly are you waiting for? The half-hour comedy follows a group of inner-city Philadelphia school teachers doing their best to provide a happy (and hilarious) education for their students. Along the way, the team has to handle curveballs from the school district, parents, significant others and their less-than-qualified principal. Sometimes the situations are a bit too real for teachers, but whether you’re in or out of the education system, you’ll definitely have a laugh.
4. Maid
Watch on Netflix
If you’re looking for something with an emotional and inspirational message, check out Maid on Netflix. The limited series follows a young mother (Margaret Qualley) who finds a job cleaning houses after she flees an abusive relationship. She works endlessly to build a better life for her child. The show is an emotional demonstration of the determination and grit inside all of us, while also reminding us that we could all be a little kinder to one another.
5. The Good Place
Watch on Netflix
Instead of rewatching The Office or Parks and Rec for the umpteenth time, try watching another Michael Schur classic, The Good Place. The series takes a humorous look at the afterlife while also exploring complex moral and ethical situations in a lighthearted way. The ability to create entertainment out of deep, philosophical thoughts means that no matter how any times you’ve seen an episode, there’s always something new that will stick out. Plus, it’s not a bad way to binge a few hours.
6. Only Murders in the Building
Watch on Hulu
Martin Short and Steve Martin are a no-brainer comedy duo. But Martin Short and Steve Martin and Selena Gomez? That’s a comedy trio that shouldn’t work, yet somehow makes total sense. The show is perfect for any true crime junkie fan who wonders what they would do in a real-life crime situation. Martin, Short and Gomez are strangers-turned-friends who investigate suspicious murders in their affluent Upper West Side apartment building. The Hulu series is filming its fourth season, with special guests Eugene Levy and Eva Longoria set to appear.
7. The Bear
Watch on Hulu
Hulu’s award-winning series is currently filming its third season, which means the time to catch up is now. To be clear, The Bear is not for the faint of heart. The show follows Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) as he comes home to Chicago to run his family sandwich shop, The Original Beef of Chicagoland. While Carmy struggles to navigate the ins and outs of owning a small business, he also has to juggle a strong-willed kitchen staff and his strained family relationships. It’s a stressful show from start to finish, but we mean that in the best way possible.
8. The Great British Bakeoff
Watch on Netflix
Sometimes you need a sweet escape. Enter: The Great British Bakeoff. The quirky hosts and delightful contestants are the best company for a relaxing time on your couch. While American cooking shows are cutthroat and highly intense, things are softer and easier across the pond. Even as contestants are running around the tent trying to finish their last-minute creations, there’s an air of ease that keeps you in a chill and relaxing mood. The only downside of binging this series is that you will want a lot of sweet treats after a while.
