Whatever may be trending on Netflix, you can be sure someone at school is talking about it. But some hit shows and movies also overlap with your academic studies. Here’s a list of shows that, at least in theory, align with classes here at Lincoln-Way East.
Math: Young Sheldon
You don’t even need to be a nerd to enjoy this show. While the series initially debuted on (insert channel here), the prequel to The Big Bang Theory is topping the Netflix charts recently. Even if you’re not particularly invested in physicist Sheldon Cooper’s childhood, there’s plenty of comedic moments for anyone to enjoy.
Rated TV-PG. May contain mild language.
Science: Monsters
True crime stories have been a hot topic for a while now. Even if you’re not taking Criminology or Forensics, you still may love a gripping thriller focusing on psychology, history, and evidence. Monsters is a docuseries about the Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik. The show delves into their familial connections and why they killed their parents. This has long been known as one of the most notorious murder cases in California history.
Rated TV-MA. Includes strong language, graphic violence, sexual content, and some drug use.
History: The Crown
The stories shown in this series are sure to satisfy any history buff. Following the British royal family throughout the 20th century, usually revolving around the late Queen Elizabeth II. Whether you have a taste for dramatic stories, or you want to learn more about Diana, Princess of Wales, The Crown is a surefire hit.
Rated TV-MA. Includes moderate sexual content, violence, and British profanity.
Social Science: Kaos
Were you a Percy Jackson kid, once upon a time? Or maybe you just really like studying mythology or anthropology. The new show Kaos has been staying at the top of Netflix charts for a while now. It tells a new spin on many Greek myths in a modernized setting, starting off with introducing the dysfunctional gods and then Eurydice–though she prefers to be called Riddy. Full of thrills, suspense, and familiar faces, Kaos is full of irreverent intrigue that will keep you hooked.
Rated TV-MA. Includes graphic violence, sexual content, high profanity, and drug usage.
English: Gilmore Girls
Need some cozy autumn vibes? Gilmore Girls is one of the most well-known 2000s TV shows, a dramedy revolving around 32-year-old Lorelai and her 16-year-old daughter, Rory. You’ll follow the two of them around their hometown of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. And Rory is a huge reader, big time. Even though most of the series doesn’t revolve around that, any bookworm will be able to relate at least to that. All seasons are available for binging, so indulge yourself!
Rated TV-PG. Includes sexual innuendo, mild drug usage, and mild language.
Reading: Enola Holmes
Of course, it’s hard to just choose one English-related Netflix series. Enola Holmes is a Netflix-exclusive movie series about Sherlock’s sister. Just as intelligent and twice as witty, the Enola Holmes films are family-friendly mysteries for anyone to enjoy. Whether you want to have some mental gears turn, or just find something to entertain a younger sibling, check out Enola Holmes.
Rated PG-13. Has some violence but is considered relatively family-friendly.
Music: Girls5Eva
Originally on Peacock, this comedy starring Sara Bareilles and Renee Elise Goldsberry is incredibly funny, goofy, and purposely stupid. It follows the Girls5Eva as they try to regain the hype they had in the early 2000s. Except Dawn is settled down with a husband and a kid, Summer is a Christian influencer in a shaky marriage, Gloria is a divorced dentist, Ashley died, and Wickie? Well, Wickie is weird, as usual. If you’re ready for tons of laughs and wacky music numbers, check this out.
Rated TV-MA, but CommonSenseMedia reports as 13+. Contains profanity and sexual humor.
Foreign Language: Emily in Paris and Over the Moon
With so many options, it’s hard to select one or two Netflix works to showcase. So, hopefully these selections don’t just represent a few of the language courses here at East, but they also entertain you. And our classmates taking Spanish and German can redirect you to even more options. For faux extra credit, try watching your favorites in the audio of the language you’re learning.
Emily in Paris is everyone’s favorite guilty-pleasure show right now. Consistently topping the charts, so many people are invested in this cheesy romance dramedy. When it comes to the French aspect, the titular main character is probably the best way to learn what not to do if you’re in a situation where you’re using a secondary language constantly. Instead of just relying on other people probably knowing English and understanding your American-accented freshman-year French, try your best to know the language. Luckily, that’s not the focus of the show, but it’s an important educational takeaway.
Rated TV-MA. Includes sexual content, adult humor, and frequent smoking.
Over the Moon is an animated movie following Feifei through her experiences with the Mid-autumn festival, a staple of Chinese culture. The Chinese dub is impressingly accurate, with effort going into every last detail. If you want to learn more about Chinese folklore and culture, or you want another feel-good, family-friendly movie available for the next time you babysit, consider checking this film out.
Rated PG. Includes off-screen death and themes of grief.
Lunch: Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef
I could never forget the most important and favorite period of everyone’s day! While this show won’t feature top-notch cookies and the best cafeteria staff ever, it’s all about food. Joey Chestnut is the famous hot-dog eating contestant, and he participates in a special Netflix competition after being banned from the Nathan’s annual competition on Coney Island. His longtime rival Takeru Kobayashi is up to the challenge. Even if this isn’t your jam, it might inspire you to go grab a 100% beef Chicago-style dog.
Rated TV-PG.
Overall, our entertainment culture isn’t always suited for education, but it’s not too hard to make it work with what you’re learning. Making what seems to be a lackadaisical activity into something at least slightly related to your studies might pay off. Maybe you’ll have one of these shows or movies in the background while you’re working on homework, or maybe you’ll learn something new that will inspire you to take a new class. Whatever the case may be, this list will help you find some new Netflix content for you to check out later–of course, after class.