Ah, Thanksgiving break: the biggest tease of the fall semester. Right as everything is coming to an end, progress is halted for an entire week of vacation, just so we can be sure to be stuffed with turkey and procrastination as we hit the ground running for finals. This break, if used properly, would be the perfect time for catching up on homework and getting a leg up on the competition before exams and deadlines begin, but if we are being real, most of us won’t even bring our textbooks home over break. We all know Thanksgiving break will be used to spend time with family, eat uncomfortable amounts of food, and watch as much mindless television as possible. So to even take the guesswork out of how to waste time next week, here is a list of the best shows and movies to binge watch while you binge eat.
Jane the Virgin:
This Americanized telenovela follows Jane, a woman who has promised to wait to have sex until marriage, shockingly finds out she is pregnant. However, the accidental artificial insemination is only the beginning of her worries, as the pregnancy causes issues with her new fiancé, she tries to cultivate a relationship with her father who shows up out of nowhere after 23 years, and she starts to develop feelings for the father of her unborn child. This non-stop drama-rama’s plot quickly spins out of control in a way that is equal parts believable and outrageous. You’ll be addicted after episode one. And hey, if you have a Spanish test coming up, this show might even help you keep your second language fresh in mind before exams.
Master of None:
Netflix’s new original comedy, starring comedian Aziz Ansari, follows aspiring actor Dev and his quirky hipster friends as they discover the many elements of what is means to be an American in the 21st Century. This shows hilarious take on social commentary will having your laughing out loud and re-evaluating the way you see the world at the same time.
How I Met Your Mother:
By now, you are probably familiar with Ted Mosby as his eight-year-long story of how he met the mother of his children. You probably know all about Barney Stinson’s playbook, Lily and Marshall’s ideal relationship, and Robin Scherbatsky’s double life as a Canadian pop star. But just like the comfort found in a traditional Thanksgiving meal, there is solace to be found in a cast of characters you know just as well as your real friends. Whether you have seen all eight seasons of “How I Met Your Mother” or not, including the epic trilogy of Slapsgiving episodes, there’s no better time than Fall Break to start from episode one.
Your Sister’s Sister:
What happens when your dead husband’s brother who you might be in love with and your lesbian sister who is desperate to have a baby end up alone in a cabin together? A lot of lying, quick thinking, and of course, family bonding is represented in this film. This quiet, yet hilarious film, starring Emily Blunt and Mark Duplass, explores the intricate details of sisterhood, friendship, and finding love after loss.
Submarine:
From Ben Stiller and the Weinstein Company comes a dry and thoughtful look at a young boy’s first experience with love. This brutally honest coming of age story deserves far more attention than it has received. The beautifully color-coded aesthetic matched with fast-paced and witty dialogue makes for the perfect film to zone out to with a big bowl of popcorn.
