By: Ryanne Eisnaugle
When thinking about the winter season, many people are drawn to the couch to drink hot cocoa and binge new television series with their friends. During the winter, I want to stay inside, curl up in a blanket, and find new forever favorites. There is something so exciting and relieving about the day you find a TV series that was worth the wait. Looking to satisfy that TV show itch? Here is a detailed list of my favorite five television series that I could watch on repeat.
“Gossip Girl”
Airing for the first time on September 19, 2007, I never got the chance to see this alluring teen drama in its prime. But when Netflix announced that all six seasons were coming back in October 2024, I just knew I had to tune in. Taking place in the Upper East Side of New York City, “Gossip Girl” delves into the lives of privileged high school students as they grow and maneuver through relationships, friendships, betrayal, and scandal, all while being observed and exposed by the mysterious “Gossip Girl” reporter. This series focuses on Blair Waldorf, the ambitious queen bee, Serena Van Der Woodsen, the effortlessly vivid “it girl”, and their friends, lovers, and enemies, including outsider Dan Humphrey, troublemaker Chuck Bass, and Mr. Perfect, Nate Archibald. This show hooks you right from the beginning, ending every episode with cliffhangers and the iconic phrase, “You know you love me. XOXO Gossip Girl”.
“Gilmore Girls”
Honing in on the lives of Rory and Lorelai Gilmore, this series is a fan favorite. Taking place in the small town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, this American comedy-drama is nothing short of intriguing. Lorelai Gilmore left her home filled with the high standards of eloquence endured by her parents, Richard and Emily. She works hard to provide her daughter Rory with the life she deserves. As you delve further into the series, the focus turns to the life of Rory Gilmore and her adjustments to the classy high school and college experience. Attending private school and Yale with the assistance of her grandparents, this series emphasizes Rory Gilmore’s navigation through her own life, her mother’s life, and the lives of her grandparents. Beginning the series at age 16, Rory has a lot to learn, but through the course of seven phenomenal seasons, she ends “Gilmore Girls,” a thirty-two-year-old, mature adult. If you are interested in the crazy adventures of living a double life, this series is a perfect fit!
“One Tree Hill”
While “One Tree Hill” might seem intimidating due to its nine-season length, I never found there to be a dull moment. For me, that is quite unusual, but after watching this TV series, I still can’t get enough of it. Created by Mark Schwan, this series aired from 2003 to 2012 but is still available on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more. In August 2024, Netflix announced that this popular American drama would have a sequel, returning to its platform tentatively in 2025. Set in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, “One Tree Hill” closely examines the complicated relationship between Nathan and Lucas Scott. Always competing for the same girls and sports, these brothers learn to navigate life while dealing with one another and the antics of their troubled father. This series dives into their personal lives, relationships, brotherhood, and competitive love lives as they explore their small town where basketball is the key to the citizenry.
“The OC”
This modern soap opera aired from August 2003 to February 2007 and has received twelve awards out of twenty-three nominations. This series focuses on the life of a poor, troubled kid, Ryan Atwood. After his only remaining family is imprisoned, attorney Sandy Cohen takes Ryan in as his own, seeing potential in his future. After being taken in by the Cohen family, Ryan has to learn how to navigate the affluent roads of Newport Beach alongside his foster brother Seth. “The O.C.” examines family, identity, and social status as Ryan is presented with the issue of adjusting to a high-class world. As Ryan begins to form different friendships and relationships, we see many characters experience and overcome challenges. Similarly, this theme is reflected through the struggles of Sandy and Kirsten Cohen, Ryan’s adoptive parents. Living in Orange County, they’re forced to manage the pressure of their own lives while simultaneously balancing wealth issues and family confidentialities. Parents Sandy Cohen and Kirsten Cohen struggle to manage the pressure of their own lives surrounding wealth and deep family confidentialities. Throughout the entire series, “The O.C.” is filled with humor, irony, and unforeseen plot twists, leaving you unable to stop watching.
“Pretty Little Liars”
A young-adult thriller centered around 4 girls: Hannah Marin, Aria Montgomery, Emily Fields, and Spencer Hastings. After the mysterious disappearance of their best friend, Alison DiLaurentis, the 4 girls come together to uncover what happened. As the series proceeds, these 4 girls begin receiving anonymous messages from a person called “A.” This anonymous figure knows key details and dark secrets, forcing them to let the cold hard truth lay bare. “Pretty Little Liars” dives into the complicated lives of these women as we watch them navigate social challenges, drama, and personal struggles, all while working together to uncover the mystery behind the identity of “A.” This show combines mystery, suspense, betrayal, love, and friendship to create the incredibly binge-worthy show, “Pretty Little Liars.”
Wintertime is when I spend most of my days lying on the couch, endlessly scrolling on Netflix for something to binge. The inevitable cold winter wind and salty shoes may leave you wanting to do the same. Choosing a boring, bland series is truly the worst feeling, which is why I’ve brought you a list of the most binge-worthy television shows. Hope you enjoy these as much as I do!