Even though we can all agree it’s way more fun to watch Netflix when procrastinating, there are still plenty of binge-watching opportunities to carry you through winter break.

When you’re avoiding your relatives: “Once Upon a Time”

Tired of yet another uncle asking you what your plans are after graduating? Dodging questions from your grandma about why you aren’t dating anyone? Escape to Storybrooke, Maine, a town inhabited by fairytale characters (ranging from Snow White to Pinocchio to Captain Hook) with more family drama than you can possible imagine. The show provides a clever twist on the classic fairytale stories you already know and is sure to make you forget about post-grad plans.

When you want to get ready for winter TV premieres: “Parks and Recreation”

The long-standing comedy series starts its last season Jan. 13, so get caught up before the premiere. Although the first two seasons of the show are mediocre at best, it all picks up once Rob Lowe and Adam Scott join the wacky cast, which includes Chris Pratt, Aubrey Plaza and Nick Offerman. Amy Poehler shines as Leslie Knope, an ambitious worker in the parks department of Pawnee, Indiana, and the entire ensemble makes the show continuously endearing as it enters its seventh and final season.

When you want to know what everyone else is talking about: “Scandal”

Not sure why everyone keeps talking about Olivia Pope and her affinity for massive glasses of red wine? Don’t have an opinion on Pope’s tumultuous relationship with Fitz? It’s time to enter the world of “Scandal,” which follows political fixer Pope and her team of gladiators as they take on the world of D.C. politics. With plot twist after plot twist, it’s not hard to get sucked into Shonda Rhimes’ world.

When you want to experience a classic: “Almost Famous”

If you’ve never seen this 2000 hit, there’s no excuse now. Directed by Cameron Crowe, the movie tells the semi-autobiographical tale of a high school journalist who travels the country with Stillwater, an up-and-coming band, reporting for Rolling Stone. It’s impossible not to get swept up into the rockstar lifestyle with William Miller (Patrick Fugit) and Penny Lane (Kate Hudson). And I dare you to not sing along to “Tiny Dancer.”

The one where you indulge in the ultimate binge-watching experience: “Friends”

Put your Netflix-watching skills to the test and try to watch as many episodes of “Friends” as possible after the hit show goes live on Netflix starting Jan. 1 and before Winter Quarter starts. If you’ve never seen the comedy series before, you’ve got some serious catching up to do. But if you’re a “Friends” expert eager to relive the highlights, make sure to re-watch “The One with the Embryos,” where Monica, Rachel, Joey and Chandler compete in a trivia game which results in an apartment swap; “The One Where Everybody Finds Out,” where (spoiler alert) everyone confronts Monica and Chandler about their relationship; and “The One with Unagi,” where Ross teaches Phoebe and Rachel about his own special version of self-defense.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @anniefb13