The Unknown Nooks and Niches of Netflix

Netflix is now a multi-million dollar video streaming company and is ever expanding. Shows and movies are added weekly to improve its vast catalogue. The issue is that it takes hours to find something worthwhile to watch, so eventually most people just give up. However, there are plenty of great shows that you may be overlooking because they look old, weird, or just do not have a catchy cover photo. These preconceived biases are easy to get through to find the perfect show to binge watch for hours on end.
The worst thing you can do when trying to find a show to watch is to discard one just because it is “old.” The X Files is arguably the most iconic show of the 90’s and is ranked on Time magazine’s 100 greatest shows list. The X Files is a great show for a lot of different people because it consists of a variety of genres such as crime drama, horror, Sci Fi, and even romance. The show focuses on Fox Mulder, an FBI agent who believes in the unexplained like aliens, ghosts, and monsters. While his partner in crime, Dana Scully is a forensic scientist who is skeptical about all things paranormal. They are the perfect polar opposites who work so well together due to these differences. In fact, this duo has even inspired other iconic strange pairings such as the partners in shows such as Bones and Castle.

 COURTESY OF RODRIGO CARVALHO  Mulder and Scully searching for the truth in the television show, The X Files.
COURTESY OF RODRIGO CARVALHO
Mulder and Scully searching for the truth in the television show, The X Files.

If you are in the market for something newer, then look no further than Luke Cage. This show follows Luke Cage, a not so famous Marvel comic’s hero who is trying to take back Harlem from a plethora of gangsters who have overrun it. But Luke Cage is more than just the drama. The show also addresses the social injustice to the African American community that has been plaguing this country, which makes this show stand out among the rest. The show is also superbly acted, scripted and shot. Mike Colter portrays Luke Cage with depth as the first leading African American in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This show would best be enjoyed by viewers who like darker action dramas.
If you prefer a more lighthearted premise, than the comedy starring the multi-talented Aziz Ansari, Master of None, is the show for you. With a loosely linear story, each individual episode is its own self-contained short story about a day in the life of the main character Devin. The shows standout characters are Denise, played by Lena Waithe, and Arnold, played by Eric Wareheim. These two characters help Devin navigate through his life, offering some of the funniest life advice and the best dinner conversation one can ask for. This is such an amazing show because of how relatable and genuine it feels. This captivating show makes the perfect escape from real life.
The show Scrubs has always been criminally overlooked because of the uber popularity of Grey’s Anatomy, but it is time to give it the credit that is due. It balances being one of the funniest shows of all time and being a more realistic take of being a young up and coming doctor. J.D, played by the talented Zach Braff, is a resident doctor who is struggling to become a full doctor. Alongside his amazing group of friends he makes at Sacred Heart, he learns how to not only become a great doctor but also the valuable lesson that you need to love what you do. The major reason to watch this show is because of the lovably mean Dr. Cox played by the underrated John C. Mcginley. This a great show to watch when you are feeling sad, because it is a sure fire way to brighten your day.

While these are just a select few shows that will prove to be worth your time. Netflix has a mulitiude of other hidden treasures that are awaitng you.