Ready to Binge-Watch: What’s New on Netflix

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Art credits to Divya Agrawal!

Era Atre ’18

In the last few years it has become one of the essentials of modern society. From being associated with “binge-watching” to being the punchline of various jokes on the Internet, Netflix has redefined the way we access our entertainment.

The popular television and film streaming service has more than 33 million subscribers today of all ages. Not only has it popularized instant viewings of favorite television shows now off the air or movies just off the screens, but in recent years the company has tried their hand at producing their own made-for-streaming television shows and documentaries with a lot of success.

From the five-time Emmy winner Orange is the New Black to the new and critically-acclaimed Stranger Things, the once small budget, Netflix-produced shows are now some of the most watched shows in the world.  Indeed, the perks of independent productions include significant lax on ratings (whereas most adult shows on television are TV-14, almost all of the Netflix shows are rated Mature). It allows for a rawer, more realistic plot and storyline in general, thus attracting the attentions of teens and adults alike.

Sense-8, which was released in 2015, follows the lives of eight diverse individuals from around the world connected by a superpower; each of the characters deal with issues from religion to sexuality to politics, violence, drugs, and so on.

Marvel’s partnership with Netflix has allowed for the release of three new shows in the last two years: Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Daredevil, attracting an even broader audience consisting of more superhero fans.

Of course, many people still watch Netflix for the shows they miss or want to binge watch before the next season starts on cable.

Grey’s Anatomy and Friends are my favorites,” says Malaika Ravindran ’18. “I just really like watching all the old episodes, even if Grey’s is on ABC right now.”

Netflix also acquires old, but loved shows for fans to rewatch. “I love Chuck.” said Mia Vesotsky ’20, speaking of a recently added comedy. “It’s funny and fun to watch.”

No matter your age, taste, or mood, Netflix will always have something for you, and will continue to expand in the coming years. Recently the network announced its plans to add several Netflix original movies to its growing collection plus a celebrity-filled documentary called Girl Bosses. That’ll give you something to be excited about as you struggle to finish your English essay while also struggle to finish this season of Master of None.