This spring, GCSU students shared their favorite TV shows and movies, offering recommendations for fellow students looking for their next binge-worthy entertainment and exploring what makes trending entertainment resonate with students today.
As streaming services continue to rise in popularity, many college students are drawn to them because of their accessibility, convenience and user-friendly nature. According to students, being able to relate to the characters and engage with the plot improves their experience. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu and Prime Video offer a wide range of genres that make watch parties inclusive and fun.
These platforms give students an escape from their busy, everyday lives, whether the genre is action, romance, science fiction or history. Students shared that they watch TV and movies not just for entertainment, but also to create community and learn more about themselves.
“I’m currently watching ‘The Pitt,’ which is a really good show,” said Isabella Waddell, a junior liberal arts major. “I’m about to start watching ‘Euphoria’ when it comes out.”
Waddell shared what shows she would recommend to other students based on their interests. From her experience, Waddell said she believes shows like ‘The Pitt’ cater to a more niche interest range, but that there are many other available options.
“If you’re not into medical stuff, then I wouldn’t necessarily recommend ‘The Pitt,’” Waddell said. “But I recommend any anime or live-action shows I watch to anybody.”
Hannah Lanoue, a senior marketing major, said that she enjoys less common, international shows that have a competitive aspect.
“My main [TV show] is ‘Taskmaster,’” Lanoue said. “It’s a European reality show that’s free to watch on YouTube. [The hosts] bring the comedians and contestants [to the set] and give them tasks to do.”
Lanoue noted how the show’s plot makes it easier for viewers to follow along compared to others.
“It’s just a silly show,” Lanoue said. “It’s easy to watch, and I don’t have to put all my attention on it. It’s a great show, and everyone I know who has watched it has loved it.”
Reality shows remain popular both in the U.S. and internationally. For those who want to follow something other than a storyline plot, they keep viewers like Lanoue engaged and keep themes light.
Jenna Clinkenbeard, a sophomore art major, said that her favorite shows include teen romances, animated films and psychological thrillers.
“I’ve been watching ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty,’ and I just watched ‘Zootopia 2’ that came out,” Clinkenbeard said.
Clinkenbeard also said that she liked the book-turned-show “We Were Liars” on Prime Video.
“I would recommend [‘We Were Liars’] to others,” Clinkenbeard said. “I liked it because it had an unexpected ending.”
GCSU students said they enjoy a wide range of media, with television and movies among them. Those like Waddell and Clinkenbeard engage with media that fit their interests, from medical dramas to romance and thrillers. According to Lanoue, a good show does not have to be serious or produced in the United States. Her statement shows that students with busy schedules can engage in entertainment that still allows room for multitasking.
Students said they believe that sharing television and movie recommendations helps build connections on campus and meet people with shared interests. When students bonded over a specific television show or movie, they said that they could make observations about the plot, characters and setting. Through this, many students have formed meaningful conversations on campus, no matter what genre they prefer.