Summer is the perfect time to spend hours in front of your computer binge-watching all the TV shows that have been on your list forever. But sometimes it's easy to feel like you've seen everything, and have no idea which show to sell your soul to next. Fear not, for there are no Breaking Bads or Orange is the New Blacks on this list (even though those shows are amazing) - here's a list of shows you may not have heard of, but should definitely be watching.
1. How To Get Away With Murder (2014)
Seasons: 1
A group of law school students learn 'how to get away with murder,' while - you guessed it - actually trying to get away with a real murder. The kid who played Dean Thomas in the Harry Potter movies is all grown up and hot as hell, and Viola Davis (of The Help fame) gives some of the most powerful performances on TV. Edgy, emotional, and with great explorations of race, gender, morality and the US legal system, among others.
2. Broad City (2014)
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Seasons: 2
Two best friends try to navigate their way through their 20s in New York City. This show is refreshing and hilarious. It's basically a stoner comedy starring two women, plus it's produced by Amy Poehler - what's not to love?!
3. Orphan Black (2013)
Seasons: 3
A young woman discovers that she is a clone and gets drawn into a dangerous conspiracy. (Don't worry - the clones aren't creepy or robot-like.) This show poses some really interesting questions about ethics, female agency and the 'nature vs. nurture' debate, while also boasting some pretty impressive LGBTQ+ representation. But the most impressive feature of the show by far is its lead actor, Tatiana Maslany, who I'm pretty sure is literally a chameleon, or maybe a set of super-talented octuplets. She portrays each clone so convincingly and uniquely, you will absolutely refuse to believe she is just
one person.
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4. Fresh Off The Boat (2015)
Seasons: 1
This show follows an Asian-American family who move from Washington, D.C. to Orlando, Florida in 1995. A witty exploration of race relations and a refreshing throwback to the 1990s. Think Malcolm in the Middle, but with less siblings and more social satire.
5. Jane The Virgin (2015)
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Seasons: 1
A young, devout woman is planning on saving herself for marriage - until she gets pregnant, after her doctor artificially inseminates her by mistake. The premise sounds ridiculous, but hear me out - this show is actually an endearing, funny, modern take on the traditional 'telenovela' format, full of charming metadrama. A surprisingly honest exploration of sexuality, religion, immigration, family and romance. Prepare to have major heart-eyes for the adorable protagonist, Jane, played by the critically-acclaimed Gina Rodriguez.
6. The Mindy Project (2012)
Seasons: 3
It strikes me as odd that everyone on the planet isn't already watching this show, but whatever. It centres around a 30-something gynaecologist, Mindy, as she navigates her way through the single life in New York City. This show is witty and fresh and only gets better as it goes on. It was created by, and is produced and written by the incredible Mindy Kaling, who also stars as the show's loveable main character. Is there anything she can't do?!
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7. Sense8 (2015)
Seasons: 1
You've probably been bombarded with ads on Netflix for this show, but you need to actually click on one of them, because it's great. Eight strangers discover that they are mentally linked and fall into a dangerous conspiracy. The show's representation of worldwide cultures, plus of LGBTQ+ characters, is extremely impressive, and it explores issues of bodily autonomy, humanity, and loyalty. Think of NBC's Heroes, but waaay more NSFW.
8. In The Flesh (2013)
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Seasons: 2
Zombies rise from the dead and have to be assimilated back into modern society. Literally. Cute, witty and poignant, this show explores issues of societal stigma and mental illness, among countless others. Prepare to fall in love with the characters, and then have your heart ripped out when you realise that the BBC didn't renew the show for a third season.
9. Transparent (2014)
Seasons: 1
We follow a 60-something transgender woman, Maura, as she comes out to her family and friends. This is a sweet and touching show led by the incredible Jeffrey Tambor (who you may know from the cult classic Arrested Development), which explores issues of relationships, family and unemployment, as well as - obviously - having great LGBTQ+ representation.
10. Veep (2012)
Seasons: 3
I see your Frank Underwood, and I raise you one Selina Meyer. This show centres around the most hilarious Vice President of the United States in (fictional) history. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (of SNL and Seinfeld fame) absolutely kills it in her role as the frantic, disorganized 'Veep,' with a stellar supporting cast, too. A fantastic political satire and probably one of the most honest and entertaining portrayals of government on TV right now.
