Entertainment

7 Shows To Marathon During The Polar Vortex

The polar vortex probably means that, unless you are a mighty brave soul, you are probably spending most of the next few days ensconced in what can only be referred as a "blanket burrito." This is the correct place to be. Stay there. While you are there you might want some entertainment. This is also the correct instinct: There's nothing like inclement weather to make you feel justified in spending hours clicking "next episode" on Netflix. And so, here are the shows I wish you'd marathon while you wait for the world to stop trying to kill us all.

Image: NBC

by Alanna Bennett

Orphan Black

Why: It’s a buzzy thrillride with some of the best acting you will have ever seen. There’s a reason people were so upset Tatiana Maslany didn’t get nominated for an Emmy: It’s because she shouldn’t have just been nominated, she should have won.

How Long Is It?: Just the one season so far, 10 episodes total.

On Netflix?: No :(

Image: BBC America

Sherlock

Why: Whether you’re in it for the mysteries, the zeitgeist factor (heard of Benedict Cumberbatch?), the stunning cinematography, or because you like small blonde men in jumpers, there’s stuff here for everyone.

How Long Is It?: It’s in its third season right now, but they’re only three episodes each, eight episodes total as of me writing this. Each season’s like a miniseries, about an hour and a half each episode.

On Netflix?: Yep :)

Image: Getty Images

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Veronica Mars

Why?: Get caught up in time for the movie (it’s already pretty hyped; it comes out in March). It’s also genuinely worthwhile, especially if you’re a fan of smart shows with a tough/funny/vulnerable lead. Those four words were what Alan Sepinwall used to describe Buffy Summers in his book, but they’re just as applicable to the eponymous Veronica. The show volleys between the darkness of classic noir, the snappy dialogue of Buffy, the mysteries of Sherlock, and the high school questions of The O.C., never once forgetting the talent and versatility of its leading lady. And hey, Joss Whedon liked it so much he even made a cameo.

How Long Is It?: Three seasons, with the first two seasons being the shining beacons and the third skippable if you’ve gotta go back to work or be productive.

On Netflix?: Nope :(

Image: Getty Images

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Better Off Ted

Why?: Ask any TV critic/fan/etc who happened to watch this show and they’ll probably sputter and go off on a diatribe about how this show died too young and was so underrated. That’s because it did and it was. Seriously, if you like feeling smug about having watched Firefly or Arrested Development, this is the show for you. It’s also just hilarious.

How Long Is It?: Two seasons, 13 episodes each.

On Netflix?: Indeed! :)

Image: ABC

Pushing Daisies

Why?: It’s basically like a Wes Anderson-meets-Joss Whedon fairytale on television, created by the same guy (Bryan Fuller) who’s doing Hannibal right now. It’s vibrant, the costume design is amazing, the art direction is bonkers, and it’s got Lee Pace (The Hobbit) at his lankiest and most beautiful, as well as Kristen Chenoweth (who won an Emmy for her role), who they are not afraid to let sing. It’s also got great appearances by people like Joel McHale.

How Long Is It?: Two seasons, one of them cut tragically short by the writer’s strike.

On Netflix?: Tragically not :(

Image: ABC

Chuck

Why?: It’s rompy, and if you like Seth Cohen types or Jim from The Office — and literally created by the guy who created Seth Cohen — you’re likely to develop a quick crush on Chuck (Zachary Levi, also the voice of Tangled’s Flynn Rider). When it was on the air it was also saved from cancellation by its fans on multiple occasions, so you know there’s something there worth devoting yourself to.

How Long Is It?: Five seasons, but it’s also the kind of show you can put down or pick up as necessary, so don’t feel pressured to finish it all in one go.

On Netflix?: Yes! :)

Image: NBC

Friday Night Lights

Why?: If you need shelter from the cold, there is no better show to warm yourself (and your heart) to than Friday Night Lights. It’s not about football: It’s about family, it’s about growing up, it’s about life. It has the best marriage in television history, and some of the best characters in recent memory. You will not regret it. Plus, you’re just a better person once you understand the true meaning of “clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.”

How Long Is It?: This one’s a bit longer than the rest of the list, at five seasons total. But worth it.

On Netflix?: Damn straight. :)

Image: NBC

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