sparkling stars

5. Dexter: Okay, so this show may be a little darker than the others, but it is definitely worth watching. Use this summer to catch up on the brilliant past four seasons in preparation for it’s September premier. Follow Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), a blood spatter analyst and serial killer with a heart of gold, as he deals with taking care of crime in Miami. Once you get over the initial uneasiness of the unorthodox concept, you won’t be able to stop watching his exploits and close calls, as each season is better than the last.

4. Friends: This may be an obvious choice, and yes, this show is in syndication, but it really is one of the best sitcoms to hit TV screens. Every episode contains big laughs, but plenty of tender moments too. Follow the lives of six friends living in New York City as they deal with career struggles, falling in (and out) of love, and learning to move on with their lives. But does this one really need an explanation, c’mon, who hasn’t seen Friends?

3. Criminal Minds: Any crime, no matter how devious or terrifying, from human trafficking to serial killers, the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI knows the key to solving it. The team works together to profile unsubs and save the day. And with lovable crew members such as the feisty Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), the affable genius Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), and the sexy Morgan (Shemar Moore), turning on one episode will quickly evolve into a marathon.

2. My So-Called Life: Claire Danes is at her finest as angst-ridden Angela Chase. My So-Called Life hits on the inner thoughts, embarrassing moments, and heartbreak of an average high school girl. Critics hailed this show, although it was also cancelled after a year. Take classic Molly Ringwald from a John Hughes film and throw her into the grunge of the 90s and you have this show.

1. Freaks and Geeks: Judd Apatow may be well known for his movies, but some might say that his finest work is this one-season wonder. With stars such as James Franco, Linda Cardellini, Jason Segel and Seth Rogan, the show had no option other than to be hilarious. But comedy is not the only thing that this show has to offer. It paints a great view of high school, whether focused on the Dungeons and Dragons-loving geeks or the stoner, rule-breaking freaks. It may be a little more depressing at times, but all around it is hilarious, and much more relatable than high school musical or other high school features out today.

*Disclaimer: The credit for the drawings goes to DeviantArt Artists Frostyglitch and Aerio-chan.*