While the stress of finals week is wrecking havoc on college campuses across the nation, students will soon be faced with weeks of free time during the holiday season. When visiting with friends and family becomes too much, Netflix and other streaming services will host a hoard of students seeking their entertainment fix. So, here are the top shows to binge over the holidays.
For students wanting to feel both amazed and financially inferior, the Netflix Original “The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes” is the perfect show. Over two seasons, this show enters some of the most architecturally genius homes around the world. While the prices are not explicitly stated, each home is worth a fortune.  
Built into hillsides, mountains and tree tops, these stunning homes and complex designs capture viewers’ interests immediately. While the average person could not afford to stay in one of these homes for a few weeks, the homeowners usually use these elaborate masterpieces as vacation homes. The structural beauty of the homes is perfectly coupled with the average viewers’ inability to purchase anything similar.
Another show which brings its viewers further from reality is the Netflix Original “MANIAC.” With only 10 episodes, this limited series can easily be watched over a few days or in one sitting for the more adventurous viewers.
“MANIAC,” starring A-list celebrities Jonah Hill, Emma Stone and Sally Field, explores the human consciousness and takes viewers on a mental whirl-wind. In less than 10 hours of run time, the show covers mental health, relationships, trauma and the role of technology in society. These complex topics, when paired with the talented cast, results in a show leaving audiences speechless, and has earned an 81 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
For viewers looking for something more lighthearted and relaxing, “The Great British Baking Show” is a sure fire hit. This show has seven seasons on PBS, two Netflix Originals seasons, yearly Christmas specials and a 98 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Based on both its quality and quantity, this show is the perfect selection to binge during the holidays.
The GBBS takes the elements of American cooking shows and turns it on its head. With no prize other than a title of “Best British Baker,” the competitors enter the show with pure intentions and often are shown helping one another in their challenges.
The creative challenges, delectable dishes and uniquely British customs, are pleasing to the eye and calming. Rather than the rush of normal American cooking shows, this show is a tranquil classic sure to keep any food lover or fan of British culture content.
Lastly, for viewers seeking even more relaxation, go no further than “Chill with Bob Ross,” now featured on Netflix.
Bob Ross’ ability to induce drug-like relaxation is known across the nation and is, once again, accomplished in “Chill with Bob Ross.” In this show, Ross demonstrates how to paint winter scenery. However, the show does far more than cover painting. The first episode, “Pastel Winter,” begins with Ross introducing the viewer to his young pet fox squirrels. These out-of-the-blue but adorable and relaxing moments are sprinkled throughout the series.
While viewers can follow his instructions and paint along, it is an equally enjoyable experience to just watch, preferably with head phones in order to become fully immersed.
In the end, whether students want breathtaking views, excitement or pure relaxation, these shows are sure to meet any viewer’s entertainment needs as they bundle up for the holiday binging season.