Completed TV shows to marathon over Winter Break

What better way to spend break than marathon-ing a show?

• “The West Wing” (1999-2006)

  • Genre: Drama

  • Rating: Unknown

  • Length: 156 episodes, 44 minutes each

  • An inside look into the workings of a presidential administration, “The West Wing” follows the political and personal battles of White House staff members in a paraphrase of historical reality. With nine Emmy awards, critics have praised this show for its cinematography and empathetic portrayal of politicians.

• “House” (2004-2012)

  • Genre: Drama | Mystery

  • Rating: TV-14

  • Length: 177 episodes, 44 minutes each

  • Based on the character Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Gregory House, a misanthropic and drug-addicted genius, leads a team of diagnosticians in solving mystifying medical cases. With its abundant medical jargon and sarcastic quips, this show is perfect for those who love both procedural dramas and original, captivating characters. 

• “Firefly” (2002-2003)

  • Genre: Adventure | Drama | Sci-Fi

  • Rating: TV-14

  • Length: 14 episodes, 44 minutes each

  • Traveling around space in the ship “Serenity,” a ragtag team of outlaws performs odd jobs while escaping from law enforcement. Basically, cowboys in space. Despite being cancelled after only one season, “Firefly” has achieved what some call “cult status;” in 2012, loyal fans attended its highly anticipated Comic Con panel celebrating its 10th anniversary. For those with less time on their hands, this show is short and sweet.

• “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-2010)

  • Genre: Anime | Action | Adventure

  • Rating: TV-14

  • Length: 64 episodes, 24 minutes each

  • After attempting forbidden alchemy, two teenage brothers search for the Philosopher’s Stone to gain back their original bodies. Joining the military in the process, they discover conspiracies and alchemy secrets. Exploring friendships, truth and human sins, this excellently animated Japanese show can be viewed with English subtitles or in English dub.

• “Dexter” (2006-2013)

  • Genre: Crime | Drama | Mystery

  • Rating: TV-MA

  • Length: 96 episodes, 55 minutes each

  • Dexter, a socially inept blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department, narrates his life. Here’s the catch: he’s also a serial killer who targets only murderers who have escaped the justice system. Although the intimate, candid narration from a serial killer can initially be disturbing, the unapologetic presentation of humanity’s darker side and the moral ambiguity of Dexter’s actions is intriguing. 

• “Lost” (2004-2010)

  • Genre: Adventure | Drama | Fantasy

  • Rating: TV-14

  • Length: 121 episodes, 44 minutes each

  • When a plane crash leaves the surviving passengers on a seemingly deserted tropical island, they must work together to survive, uncovering the island’s secrets. Lauded by numerous critics as one of the greatest TV shows of all time, this show excels in character development and mythology.

• “Gilmore Girls” (2000-2007)

  • Genre: Comedy | Drama

  • Rating: TV-PG

  • Length: 153 episodes, 44 minutes each

  • This Emmy-winning dramedy follows the relationship between Lorelai Gilmore, a fiercely independent single mother, and her Ivy-league bound daughter, who also happens to be her best friend. Although it may have a slow storyline, “Gilmore Girls” features witty humor and strong actors and explores the coming of age theme by taking mother-daughter relationships to a new level.

• “Smallville” (2001-2011)

  • Genre: Adventure | Drama | Romance

  • Rating: TV-PG

  • Length: 218 episodes, 60 minutes each

  • A teenage, pre-Superman Clark Kent must accept his alien origins, learn to control his powers and face the villains of Smallville. Including both villain-of-the-week episodes and seasonal story arcs, this show is a must-watch for superhero comic book fans. 

• “Friends” (1994-2004)

  • Genre: Comedy | Romance

  • Rating: TV-14

  • Length: 236 episodes, 22 minutes each

  • An eclectic group of six individuals in New York City come together and support each other through the struggles and pressures of life. Centering around their comedic, romantic and career adventures, all seasons of this classic have been ranked within the top 10 of final television ratings, which compared it to other shows in the same TV season.

• “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

  • Genre: Action | Drama | Fantasy

  • Rating: TV-14

  • Length: 144 episodes, 44 minutes each

  • As a Chosen One, highschooler Buffy Summers is destined to slay creatures of hell. With the support of her friends, who make up the Scooby Gang, she must balance family, relationships and fighting evil. This series has inspired several official spin-offs in the forms of comic books and TV shows and is often referenced in popular culture.