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The 25 Best Television Shows To Marathon on Netflix Instant

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I love Netflix, honestly I do. The few weeks I went without the instant streaming service were ROUGH. I will admit I sometimes get into a rut of what to watch, so in case that ever happens to you, here is a list of my favorite 25 tv shows to marathon on Netflix Instant.

Arrested Development

“It’s the story of a wealthy family that lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together. It’s “Arrested Development,”

I don’t even know where to begin about how great this show is. “Arrested Development” has a near-perfect cast which includes Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Alia Shawkat, Tony Hale, David Cross, Jeffrey Tambor, Jessica Walter and narrated by Ron Howard. The humor is both subtle and smart with tons of recurring and ongoing jokes. Watching episodes one after another only makes the jokes funnier and better.

You also can’t forget that the extreme fan base of this show resulted in the show coming back after 10 years. The new season premiering on Netflix on May 26, 2013.

Why it is good to marathon?

Since its debut in 2003, the series has received widespread critical acclaim, including six Emmy Awards and one Golden Globe, and has attracted a cult following, including several fan-based websites. In 2007, Time listed it among the magazine’s “100 Best TV Shows of All-TIME.” In 2008, the show was ranked 16th on Entertainment Weekly‘s “New TV Classics” list. In 2011, IGN named “Arrested Development” the funniest show of all time.

There are 53 episodes (3 seasons) total plus a new season on the way.

Doctor Who

“After more than a decade off the air, the epic sci-fi series returns with an all-new look — and the ninth (and beyond) incarnation of everybody’s favorite time-traveling doctor, who promptly sets about fighting nefarious aliens and other foes.”

One of the best and longest running shows in the history of pure television awesomeness. New cast changes every few years but with enough reoccurring elements to keep old fans happy as well as new. Plus it has time travel, love, danger, humor, and everything else you could ever ask for in a series.

Why is it good to marathon?

Months of material to watch. The original series went on from 1964-1989 with over 18 collections of episodes. The new season began in 2005 and has 119 episodes. Plus several new seasons on the way. By marathoning this series, the overarching themes, enemies, and motifs of the Doctor will become more apparent and will draw you in even more to the intricate universe that the Doctor gallops through.

“Doctor Who” has won the 2006 British Academy Television Award for Best Drama Series and five consecutive (2005–10) awards at the National Television Awards during Russell T Davies’s tenure as Executive Producer. In 2011, Matt Smith became the first Doctor to be nominated for a BAFTA Television Award for Best Actor. In 2013, the Peabody Awards honoured Doctor Who with an Institutional Peabody “for evolving with technology and the times like nothing else in the known television universe.”  The programme is listed in Guinness World Records as the longest-running science fiction television show in the world and as the “most successful” science fiction series of all time—based on its over-all broadcast ratings, DVD and book sales, and iTunes traffic. During its original run, it was recognised for its imaginative stories, creative low-budget special effects, and pioneering use of electronic music (originally produced by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop).

Also best sci-fi show ever.

Parks and Recreation

“This droll comedy focuses on Leslie Knope, a public employee with the Parks and Recreation department in rural Pawnee, Ind. Although Leslie is full of energy and good ideas for community improvements, she finds herself bogged down by bureaucracy.”

Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Jim O’Heir, Retta, Adam Scott, and Rob Lowe. Need I say more? Okay, well if I do, this series is one of the smartest and funniest that is currently airing. The cast works so effortlessly well together that it is hard to find a show with better over all chemistry.

Why is it good to marathon?

There are 4 seasons worth of episodes with a new season currently airing. This is a great series to marathon because you can just throw it on in the background as almost every can be viewed either as a stand-a-lone episode or as a part of the season.

Don’t be put off by the first season which only has 6 episode. Season 2 is where the show hit it’s stride and went on to receive several awards and nominations, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series and three Emmy nominations for Poehler’s performance. In Time‘s 2012 year-end lists issue, “Parks and Recreation” was named the number one television series.

The Office

 “This hit comedy series chronicles the daily foibles of office workers at the Dunder Mifflin paper company, where deluded boss Michael Scott attempts to shepherd his employees as a documentary film crew captures every wince-worthy moment.”

This show has been a part of our lives for almost a decade and the farewell season is currently in progress. There is so much history with this show between the characters and how they all grow and change each season. Plus it is hilarious and was one of the first ever of its kind. The original UK version is also worth a watch with the smart and funny Ricky Gervais.

Why is it good to marathon?

Watch almost  ten years worth of pop culture references, laughs and life in 169 episodes. Plus relive the best Jim & Pam moments and the greatest Jim & Dwight pranks.

The first five seasons of The Office received critical acclaim, were included on several top TV series lists, and won several awards including four Primetime Emmy Awards, one of which was for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2006. 

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia

“Narcissistic friends Charlie, Mac, Dennis, and Dennis’s sister, Dee, run Paddy’s Pub, a downtown Philadelphia Irish bar, where everyone’s judgmental (and juvenile) behavior usually brings situations from uncomfortable to hysterically horrible.”

I always feel like I can’t get enough of this show. Not to mention if I ever feel like a bad person, watching these characters can make anyone feel like a saint.

Also: Charlie Day.

Why is it good to marathon?

Seriously, watching this show and the gang’s effects on everyone in their life, will make your life not seem so bad. Plus there are 7 seasons of episodes with no over arching storyline to distract you.

“It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” has received critical acclaim. Later seasons of the show have received favorable ratings on review aggregator Metacritic, receiving 70/100, 78/100 and 85/100 for seasons 4, 5 & 6 respectively. The show has become a cult hit with fans and is often compared in style to Seinfeld—particularly due to the self-centered nature of its main characters. The Philadelphia Inquirer reviewer Jonathan Storm wrote “It’s like Seinfeld on crack,” a quote that became extremely widely used to describe the series, to the point that FX attached the tagline, “It’s Seinfeld on crack.” In 2012, Entertainment Weekly listed the show at #7 in the “25 Best Cult TV Shows from the Past 25 Years,” with the comment that “it’s a great underdog story … If it sounds too dark for you, consider that there’s an episode about making mittens for kittens, and it’s adorable.”

Firefly

“Set almost 500 years in the future, this short-lived but much-loved sci-fi series follows the adventures of the ragtag crew of the transport spaceship Serenity, who view no job as too small, too dirty or too close to the line of illegality.”

Yes, this series only ran for one season, but damn, what a magnificent season it was. One of the more perfect series in that it combines sci-fi, action, politics, humor, and suspense and love all within one season. Nathan Fillion aka Malcolm Reynolds and the crew entered our hearts and will never leave.

Why is it good to marathon?

Even though it is only one season long, there are 14 episodes each an hour-long, PLUS a movie you can watch afterward. Trust me, once you start, you won’t want to stop. The movie is a decent wrap-up to the series and should take up a good chunk of your marathoning time.

Despite the series’ relatively short life span, it received strong sales when it was released on DVD and has large fan support campaigns. It won an Emmy in 2003 for Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series. The post-airing success of the show led Whedon and Universal Pictures to produce a film based on the series, Serenity.

The League

“Fantasy football tackles reality in this semi-scripted look at a group of longtime friends whose annual hobby gives them an excuse to get together and escape their everyday lives in a blitz of trash-talking, deceit and ruthless extortion.”

I want to start this off with this statement: I do NOT like football or sports or sports talk almost ever. However, this show, while set around friends who play fantasy football, is more than that. And I don’t mean in a profound kind of way, I mean in that they are honestly good friends who are terrible people to each other. It is fantastic.

Even better is that the show, comprised of several comedians, is  semi-improvised adding to more hilarity and more crossing the line of the characters.

Why is it good to marathon?

There are 32 episodes plus the show has been renewed for a new season on FX. There are tons of guest stars, tons of sex, drugs, and alcohol, and let’s face it: sports. However, I think what would make this a great marathon show is that it could possibly be enjoyed by both men and women (if neither party is offended by said amounts of swearing, drugs, sex, and genuine terribleness.)

Sherlock

“In this updated take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved mystery tales, the eccentric sleuth prowls the streets of modern-day London in search of clues. At his side — though hobbling — is flatmate Dr. John Watson, fresh from the Afghan War.”

Each episode is almost as long as a movie, and each episode is an adaptation of an actual Sherlock Holmes novel. It’s brilliant. Not to mention Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are a perfect cast for Holmes and Watson.

Why is it good to marathon?

Yes, there are only 6 episodes, but at 88-90 minutes long each, they will last you a whole day (well 9 hours-ish worth) of British-y mysteries and crime solving.

Critical reception for “Sherlock” is extremely positive, with many reviews commending the quality of the writing, performances and direction. The series has been nominated for numerous awards, including BAFTAs and Emmys, winning several across a variety of categories.

30 Rock

“This smartly crafted sitcom stars Emmy-winning series creator Tina Fey as Liz Lemon, an unlucky-in-love New Yorker who heads up a ragtag team of writers on the fictional NBC variety show “TGS with Tracy Jordan.” The top-notch ensemble cast also features Alec Baldwin as pompous network executive Jack Donaghy, Tracy Morgan and Jane Krakowski as the pampered stars of “TGS,” and Jack McBrayer as a relentlessly upbeat NBC page.”

It is incredibly hard not to love each and every character/actor on this show while Tina Fey holds it all together.

Why is it good to marathon?

With 135 episodes to occupy your time, marathoning it also makes it easier to notice some of the smaller details that float from season to season such as Kenneth’s real age and Liz’s (mostly) off air romances with Grizz and Conan O’Brien.

“30 Roc”k has been a very large critical success, winning several major awards (including Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2007, 2008, and 2009), and achieving the esteemed top ranking on a myriad of critics’ year-end best of 2006 and 2007 lists. On July 14, 2009, the series was nominated for 22 Primetime Emmy Awards, the most in a single year for a comedy series.

Futurama

“Pizza boy Philip J. Fry awakens in the 31st century after 1,000 years of cryogenic preservation in this animated series. After he gets a job at an interplanetary delivery service, Fry embarks on ridiculous escapades to make sense of his predicament.”

The show that perpetually gets cancelled only to get reborn again. The Planet Express Crew and the friends (and almost/sometimes lovers) rely on both smart and situational humor that doesn’t get old after a few episodes or seasons.

Why is it good to marathon?

No over arching storyline (except maybe the romance between Leela and Fry) and 242 standalone hilarious episodes. Can’t get bored with that. This show is also great for almost anyone watching.

Throughout its run, Futurama has received critical acclaim. The show has been nominated for 17 Annie Awards and 11 Emmy Awards, winning seven of the former and five of the latter. It has also been nominated four times for a Writers Guild of America Award, winning two for the episodes “Godfellas” and “The Prisoner of Benda”, been nominated for a Nebula Award and has received Environmental Media Awards for episodes “The Problem with Popplers” and “The Futurama Holiday Spectacular”.

Dollhouse

“Programmable “doll” for hire Echo is routinely implanted with memories and skills she’ll need to carry out missions. After her handlers erase her mind, she tries to understand the recollections that are starting to creep into her consciousness.”

Another Whedon series that got cancelled too soon, though it lasted longer than “Firefly.” This series, starring Eliza Dushku, was overlooked and screwed up by networks before eventually be cancelled too soon. However, the series is worth the time of any Whedon fan as well as everyone else honestly. Plus the questions it raises about personhood and the rights of an individual cannot be overlooked with the unique way it is presented.

Why is it good to marathon?

This is a series where as soon as an episode ends you immediately want to continue on to the next one. It’s intense storyline keeps moving until the final episode. 26 episodes at about 40 minutes long will keep you long occupied without you realizing how much time has even passed.

Psych

“Having honed his powers of deduction by observing his police officer dad, Shawn Spencer (James Roday) appears to possess a nearly supernatural gift for crime-solving — so much so that the police begin employing his services as a psychic. After opening up a detective agency with his best friend (Dulé Hill), Spencer finds that his sleuthing skills, though advanced, don’t exactly keep him out of trouble in this comedic mystery series.”

This show is wholly underrated. The show is both smart and ridiculous. Shawn Spencer, while brilliant, seems to be perpetually stuck as a child and it makes for great television, especially with a best friend who not only encourages his behavior but is also on a similar level.

Why is it good to marathon?

With 95 episodes worth of mystery solving antics and over arching plot lines of love and betrayal, you won’t get bored easily, and will just fall deeper in love with the show.

Critics and fans have given high praise to the chemistry between the entire cast, most notably Roday and Hill. The themed episodes and overall creativity have also been received well. Positive critical reception for the show has dramatically increased as the show has gone on. Significant applause has been given to the show for remaining fresh and witty, even as they pass the 100 episode mark, and the online fan community is extremely lively

American Horror Story

“Exploring humankind’s unsettling capacity for evil, this darkly twisted drama plays upon the power of supernatural fears and everyday horrors. Each season brings back familiar faces, but they’re playing different characters in an all-new setting.”

The first season of this show is absolutely engrossing. It is brutal, dark, twisted, and all together intriguing. Ghosts, sex, controversial topics, and love all play important roles in the season of, well, murder.

Why is it good to marathon?

While season 1 is the only one available at the moment, I can expect season 2 to be added shortly. In any case, it would be best to marathon each season at a time as they function as one long story each. Season one is the murder house and it ends in a way that ties everything up in a neat bow for your marathoning pleasure. Also there are 12 episodes.

“American Horror Story” has been well received by television critics. The repertory cast has been generally praised, particularly Jessica Lange, who received the Emmy Award, the Golden Globe Award, and the Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance. The series draws consistently high ratings for the FX network, with its first season being the biggest new cable series of 2011.

Being Human (UK)

“Trying to fit into modern society is a vexing — and often impossible — challenge for a genius werewolf, a flighty ghost and an urbane vampire who share a household in this engaging supernatural drama.”

Admittedly, I had trouble getting through this first episode. The idea of a ghost, vampire, and werewolf all living together seemed…. cliche? Pandering? Either way, it is none of these things. After the first episode, it was hard to stop. This show made me feel things for the characters. I loved them and mourned them and I miss them.

(Note: I particular do not like the US version.  I recommend the UK original whole heartedly.)

Why is it good to marathon?

There are 30 hours of british supernatural-ness. There are both season storylines and overall series storyline that builds up in the background which is only more apparent when marathoning.

“Being Human” was nominated for Best Drama Series at the 2010 British Academy Television Awards, It was nominated for the same award again in 2011. It was later crowned Best Drama Series at the 2011 TV Choice Awards. In November 2012 Being Human won Best TV Drama Series at the Writer’s Guild Awards.

The Walking Dead

“In the wake of a zombie apocalypse that desolated the world as we know it, a group of survivors led by police officer Rick Grimes holds on to the hope of humanity by banding together to wage a never-ending fight for their own survival.”

Zombie. Apocalypse. Need I say more?

Why is it good to marathon?

If you haven’t watched this yet, marathon it ASAP because you will finally be able to talk to your friends and family about how much you hate Lori and love Daryl.

“The Walking Dead” has received many award nominations including ones for the Writers Guild of America Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series (Drama). The series has also attained strong Nielsen ratings, surpassing various records for a cable series, including receiving 12.4 million viewers for its season three finale to become the most-watched drama series telecast in basic cable history.

Breaking Bad

“Emmy winner Bryan Cranston stars as Walter White, a high school science teacher who learns that he has terminal lung cancer and teams with a former student to manufacture and sell high-quality crystal meth to secure his family’s future.”

This is one of the most well-written series currently on air. The series stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul whose chemistry (get it?) as teacher and student are undeniable even outside of a classroom. Also what makes this show great is its realism. The partners aren’t always friends, the wife isn’t always supportive, the son isn’t always happy, and the danger in cooking meth is always present.

Why is it good to marathon?

Netflix has 54 episodes with each an hour-long. What you are really watching for is each seasons finale which will leave your mouth hanging open every time. Good thing you can marathon it and move on to the next episode immediately.

Along with receiving widespread acclaim since its first season, the series has won seven Primetime Emmy Awards—including three consecutive wins for Best Actor for Cranston, two wins for Best Supporting Actor for Paul, and three nominations for Outstanding Drama Series. Cranston has also been nominated three times for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and nominated four times for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor, winning once at the 19th Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Wilfred

“Adapted from the Australian TV series, this unconventional comedy follows the surreal experiences of Ryan, a deeply depressed man who becomes convinced that his neighbor’s dog Wilfred is actually a man wearing a costume.”

To put it simply, “Wilfred” is surprisingly amazing. I was hesitant at first but Elijah Wood is golden as the damaged protagonist who knows something is wrong but doesn’t have the courage to fix it.the series was popular enough that it remained in the top ten most watched shows during its season.

Why is it good to marathon?

There are only two season worth on Netflix but the series has been renewed for a new season. Plus the slowly and constantly evolving truth behind Wilfred and Ryan is intriguing enough to keep you watching.

Mad Men

“Set in 1960s New York, this series takes a peek inside an ad agency in an era when the cutthroat business had a glamorous lure. When the cigarette smoke clears and the martinis are set down, at the center of it all is womanizing ad man Don Draper.”

The series is one of those that is hard to put down once you start. The intriguing time period of the 60’s is both foreign and unique in the television universe currently and the writing for the series is superb. Also, the series looks gorgeous with its costume work, historical accuracy, and overall visual style.

Why is it good to marathon?

Netflix has 64 episodes available for viewing while the series is still currently airing which means more episodes on the way.

Mad Men has received critical acclaim from fans and critics while securing fifteen Emmys and four Golden Globes. It is the first and only basic cable series to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, winning it in each of its first four seasons in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. In 2013, TV Guide ranked it No. 6 in its list of The 60 Greatest Dramas of All Time.

House of Cards

“A ruthless Congressman, Francis Underwood, and his ambitious wife Claire, will stop at nothing to conquer everything. This wicked political drama slithers through the back halls of greed, sex, love and corruption in modern D.C.”

Based on the previous BBC miniseries of the same name which is based on the novel by Michael Dobbs, “House of Cards” was the first series to premiere solely on Netflix. It stars Kevin Spacey, who pretty much everyone in the universe loves, and follows the world of a Democrat from South Carolina’s 5th congressional district and the House Majority Whip, who after getting passed over for appointment to Secretary of State, decides to exact his revenge on those who betrayed him. The series also stars Robin Wright, Kate Mara, and Corey Stoll in lead roles.

Why is it good to marathon?

Netflix is the only place to watch it. It is full of high drama that will keep you glued to the screen and a second season is reportedly on the way. Currently there are 13 episodes.

The first season received positive reviews from critics. It currently has a score of 76 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 25 reviews.

The X-Files

“Tracing both their personal and professional lives, this award-winning Fox series centers on FBI agents Scully (Gillian Anderson), a skeptic, and Mulder (David Duchovny), a believer, and their efforts to uncover a government conspiracy to hide evidence of extraterrestrial activity. From voodoo curses to bodies found in California that are missing various internal organs, the chilling show also stars Mitch Pileggi and Robert Patrick.”

Aliens

It is hard to talk sci-fi series without mentioning “The X-Files.” Not to mention the formulaic partnership of the true believer (Mulder) and the skeptic, (Scully.) This show is also responsible for my fear and interest in aliens. Yeah they are scary, but I am not going to turn down an abduction by the foreign creatures.

Why is it good to marathon?

Each episode has its own “monster” or “mystery” lending itself to standalone viewing while about a 3rd of episodes slowly reveal something much bigger than our favorite government agents.

“The X-Files” was a hit for the Fox network; initially it was considered a cult show, but eventually gained mainstream popularity. By the time it ended, the show had become the longest-running science fiction series in U.S. television history. The series spawned a spin-off show, and two feature films. The series received largely positive reviews from television critics, although its long-term story arc was criticized near the show’s conclusion. The series won multiple Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama and Duchovny and Anderson received multiple award nominations. It became a popular culture touchstone, tapping into public mistrust of governments and large institutions and embracing conspiracy theories and spirituality.

The Twilight Zone

 “Hosted by creator Rod Serling, this groundbreaking anthology series features aliens, monsters, time travel and other supernatural subjects, adding a tinge of social commentary to many of the tales.”

Anthology series are the best to marathon since every episode is a different story. If you want to quit you can because you aren’t going to be in the middle of a plot line. “Twilight Zone” is particularly awesome because it is both a scary/sci-fi series with social commentary and concepts with different settings to make you think.

Why is it good to marathon?

There are 138 episodes with each episode a different tale to tell.

The success of the series led to a feature film, a radio series, a comic book, a magazine, and various other spin-offs that spanned five decades, including two “revival” television series. The first ran on CBS and in syndication in the 1980s, the second ran on UPN from 2002 to 2003. In 2013 TV Guide ranked it #4 in its list of The 60 Greatest Dramas of All Time.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (And Angel)

“Despite her desire to live a normal life at Sunnydale High, tough-as-nails teenager Buffy Summers fulfills her mystical calling as a Slayer to protect humankind from vampires, demons and other supernatural creatures- with some help from her friends.”

Buffy and it’s spinoff/concurrent series, “Angel,” are both Whedon creations. However, both series survived for several seasons unlike most other Whedon series. Easily one of the first and most popular “supernatural” drama’s to grace network television. This coming of age vampire tale is more than just that. We see characters change and grow and love them through all their faults and triumphs because Whedon is so able to create relatable characters. We have all loved the bad guy, dated the good guy, screwed up and repaired friendships all while trying to retain a normal life.

Why is it good to marathon?

There are 144 episodes of Buffy to watch as well as 110 episodes of Angel. Despite it being a decade since the show went off the air, it remains one of the most loved and most popular sic-fi/fantasy series to ever air.

The series received critical and popular acclaim and usually reached between four and six million viewers on original airings. Reviews for the show were positive; it has been included in many “best of” lists, including being ranked 41st on TV Guide’s list of 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time, second on Empire‘s “50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time”, voted third in 2004 and 2007 on TV Guide‘s “Top Cult Shows Ever” and listed in Time magazine’s “100 Best TV Shows of All-Time“. In 2013 TV Guide also included it in its list of The 60 Greatest Dramas of All Time. Buffy was also named the third Best School Show of All Time by AOL TV. It was nominated for Emmy and Golden Globe awards, winning a total of three Emmys. However, snubs in lead Emmy categories resulted in outrage among TV critics and the decision by the academy to hold a tribute event in honor of the series after it had gone off the air in 2003.

Quantum Leap

“In this time-bending sci-fi series, physicist Sam Beckett “leaps” into the bodies of people who need his help. Assistance comes in the form of Al, a friend from the future who appears as a hologram and guides him through each strange new scenario.”

I have fond memories of watching this series with my family. It is what first started my love for time travel and sci-fi and is a must for fans of the genre.

Plus: Scott Bakula.

Why is it good to marathon?

97 episodes of time travel shenanigans and “Oh boy!”

In 2004 and 2007, Quantum Leap was ranked #15 and #19 on TV Guide’s “Top Cult Shows Ever.”

Battlestar Galactica

 “Deep in the universe, cybernetic Cylons have all but wiped out the human race, laying waste to the Twelve Colonies of Man. Cast out, the few survivors aboard the Battlestar Galactica search for a so-called 13th colony: the mythical planet Earth.”

Currently, only the new revived series is on Instant, though it is a good one. The acting is fantastic and you get some great names such as  Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, and Tahmoh Penikett. 

Why is it good to marathon?

There are 99 episodes, each an hour-long, with almost every episode ending with a cliffhanger that will keep you watching.

The series has won widespread critical acclaim among many mainstream non-genre publications. Time and New York Newsday  named it the best show on television in 2005. Other publications such as The New York TimesThe New YorkerNational Review and Rolling Stone magazine also gave the show positive reviews. It has received a Peabody Award for overall excellence, several Emmy Awards for Visual Effects, and Emmy nominations for Writing and Directing. Time Magazine named it one of the 100 Best TV Shows of All Time.

Bones

“Socially awkward forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan teams up with intuitive FBI agent Seeley Booth to investigate crimes that have left scant evidence behind: namely, the bones of the deceased.”

I honestly love this show and the fact that is based on the novel and life of a real forensic anthropologist makes it a bit more awesome (even if I am sure some of it s exaggerated.) Emily Deschanel perfectly creates the character of Temperance, a scientist who has all but given up on being emotionally invested in everything until she meets Seely Booth, her later becomes her partner in solving crimes.

Why is it good to marathon?

Each season as an overall arching villain. They may not show up in every episode of the season but their presence is always felt on top of the current case the crew is working on. There is such a sense of relief and joy as each villain is caught and a sense of despair when they aren’t.

Netflix has 142 episodes to waste away several days on.

Bones has received two Emmy nominations, for Outstanding Art Direction for a Single Camera Series for “The Hero in the Hold” at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards and for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role for “The Twist in the Twister” at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards. Emily Deschanel was nominated for a 2006 Satellite Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama. The series has also won two Genesis Awards for the episodes “The Woman in Limbo” and “The Tough Man in the Tender Chicken” for raising awareness on the issues of pig slaughtering and industrial chicken farms, while the episode “The Finger in the Nest” received a nomination. Bones was nominated for two awards at the 37th People’s Choice Awards, for Favorite TV Crime Drama and Emily Deschanel for Favorite TV Crime Fighter. The series received three nominations at the 38th People’s Choice Awards, for Favorite TV Crime Drama, David Boreanaz for Favorite TV Drama Actor and Emily Deschanel for Favorite TV Drama Actress.

Honorable mentions:

  • The IT Crowd
  • Weeds
  • Scrubs
  • Freaks and Geeks
  • Portlandia

*Note: These are based on what is currently available to stream on its Instant service at the time of publication. Netflix can and will change what is available whenever they choose.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Annie Calhoun

    April 13, 2014 at 2:48 pm

    Yessssss!!! Thanks so much for this. My Netflix-buddy and I just finished Dr. Who (well, all of it that Netflix has available right now–the new series, not the classic), and we were feeling a bit lost.

    Loved the first season of American Horror Story. I’m a huge fan of Twilight Zone, but I’ve seen them all. He wanted to start re-watching The Office, but now I think I’ll convince him we need to start on Dollhouose, Battlestar Galactica, and/or Quantum Leap. Hopefully Neflix still has them all…

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