With midterms, extracurriculars, a social life and classes, it can be hard to find a minute for yourself here on campus. I know this is true for myself. However, when I do find some time to relax and unwind, I find myself turning toward streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu for entertainment. There are so many fantastic new and undiscovered series on these platforms. Here are three of my recent favorite shows that I would highly recommend:
- “Conversations With Friends”
Having read Sally Rooney’s “Conversations With Friends” this summer, I was beyond excited to learn that Hulu has recently released an on-screen adaptation. I had previously read and watched “Normal People” by Rooney and absolutely loved it so when I learned that Rooney’s debut novel would be adapted onto the screen as well, I knew it had to be good. Released on Hulu on May 15, 2022, “Conversations With Friends” features a dynamic cast of characters played by Joe Alwyn, Alison Oliver, Jemima Kirke, Sasha Lane and more.
The show follows two best friends and ex-lovers, Frances and Bobbi, as they become involved with an older, famous couple. Themes of love, relationships and miscommunication arise as they navigate their young adult lives in unconventional ways.
As a writer, Rooney does an excellent job of portraying life and modern relationships for what they are. She is honest, raw and does not try to romanticize or hide the difficulties of young adult life. I believe that the nuances of Rooney’s writing are translated beautifully onto the screen in this adaptation. What I really appreciate about this series is its commitment to the book, following almost identical plotlines and character developments. I often find that when on-screen adaptations take too many liberties, the true meaning and value of the story is lost. “Conversations With Friends” is an emotional rollercoaster for sure but a show that I would highly recommend.
- “Love Is Blind” Season 3
I am sure that we all understand the concept of this show at this point. However, with the release of the third season of this Netflix Original series, there is a whole new cast of characters who are testing out this hypothesis: Is love truly blind?
For those who may not be familiar with the concept of this reality TV show, couples try to find a match and fall in love without ever seeing their partner face-to-face. In an attempt to eliminate any superficial, physical aspects of attraction, they enter pods in which they communicate with each other through a wall and eventually propose to each other without ever seeing each other. After proposing, they get to see each other for the first time and are thrown back into the real world to see if their emotional connection can stand the test of reality. Four weeks after they propose, they must choose to marry their fiance or walk away from them forever.
Just as in the previous seasons, Season 3 plays host to a lot of drama between the couples. Reflecting a weekly television schedule, the release of this season has been gradual, with the first release beginning on Oct. 19. There is only the finale left to be released on Nov. 9, and I cannot wait to see which couples make it to the altar and which do not. As it does not require much brain power, this is a great show to put on as background noise as you complete chores like cooking or folding laundry!
- “Anne With An E”
This show is not new by any means as its third and final season was released back in 2019, however, it is a recent discovery on my end and one that I am surprised more people do not know about or enjoy. It was my roommate who first introduced me to this period piece. It is a show that we look forward to watching together whenever we can find a free minute.
In this re-telling of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables,” we follow a young orphan, Anne, as she is kindly taken into the Cuthbert family at Green Gables. We follow her as she navigates life in Avonlea, school, friendship and her incredible imagination. With beautiful scenery and lovable characters, this show is the perfect whimsical escape from the stresses of the real world.
If you even find yourself left with a bit of free time, I would highly recommend checking out one of these three shows. We all deserve a little break from the stresses of school, so treat yourself to a little bit of binge-watching!
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