Five addictive TV shows to stream this mid-year break

Now that semester is over, there’s time for some beloved binge-watching again. Assuming you’re all up to date with Orange Is the New Black and Game of Thrones, you’re going to need some new recommendations for shows to get you through the long break between semesters (which is so hard to fill up, right?).

Here’s a few new addictions, mixed with some old favourites you may not know about, that will see you through with laughs, chuckles and the occasional tear.

Horace and Pete

This is strange, but perhaps a little bit genius. Louis CK took a break from his regular network show Louie to pursue this passion project. For a side project, he definitely gathered some brilliant actors such as Steve Buscemi, Alan Alda and Edie Falco (AKA Carmela Soprano) to put together this comedy/drama that has the feeling of a taped 70s stage drama.

This show really makes you rethink what you’ve come to expect from production values, focusing on great writing rather than beautiful imagery and soundscapes. It’s full of sharp observations that only Louis CK can deliver, and really is a must watch. It might even be the start of a new TV era.

Nathan for You

In the vein of reality shows that the US is pumping out at the moment, this comedy surprise is super addictive. It might take an episode or two to get into initially, but it’s definitely worth pushing through. The host is deadpan comedian Nathan Fielder, who convinces real businesses to go along with his outrageous marketing schemes.

Some of the schemes he gets away with will make your jaw drop, as real people become embroiled in his outrageous stunts. The funny reality of this reality show is the fact the socially awkward Fielder started the series as a way to actually try and make friends. Very meta…

You’re the Worst

A little more traditional in format, this is a modern love story set between two of the most unbearable characters you can imagine. What makes it worse is they’re conscious of what awful people they are. They know they’ll be the death of each other and somehow it’s really heartbreaking yet infuriating at the same time. The humour is up-to-date and often laugh-out-loud, and the story is dramatic and sometimes heart wrenching. A real hidden gem.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Transgressive humour at its finest, this show takes the format of a 90s sitcom and flips it into a dark place. Always Sunny has been running for so long it would be a surprise if you haven’t already seen a couple of episodes. But if you don’t know what a ‘Rum Ham’ is, or who Shadynasty (pronounced sha-Dye-nas-tee, not shady nasty…) or The Night Man are, then you need to start again at the beginning. It’s the adventures of the most awful people on tele, and it’s definitely worth wasting hours on.

Baskets

Again with the help of Louis CK (behind the scenes only this time), this is a bit of a Zack Galifianakis vehicle. It tells the story of a French-trained clown who must return to the US, where the only job he can get is as an underappreciated rodeo clown.

A cynical look at people who try to follow their passion, Baskets is dosed with laughs and cringes and an engrossing storyline. A special mention should go to Louie Anderson who dons a muumuu to play Galifianakis’ mother, and does a damn fine job; you’ll be googling to check it’s actually a man.

Alex Dick

Alex studies media at RMIT, is a freelance writer and photographer, and comedy fanatic. He’s a perfectionist, but is also lazy, so he lives in constant frustration of the imperfect world around him.

Image: It's Always Sunny in Phildadelphia official Facebook page