Cable TV service is on the decline and  being quickly replaced by online streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. These websites offer a convenient way to watch shows from different locations. With so many choices online, the real decision to make is not where to watch, but what to watch. Struggling over what show to begin next? Here are ten shows on Netflix that were recommended by MVHS students.

1. AMERICAN HORROR STORY 

Genre: Supernatural horror, anthology, drama, thriller

Actors: Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Lily Rabe

Episode length: 40-50 minutes

Seasons currently on Netflix: Seasons 1-4

This series is a collection of mini horror stories, each one containing different and unrelated characters and storylines. Asylums, hotels, and covens are a few of the many locations where these episodes take place. Freshman Julia Farghaly recommends this show for anyone who likes horror movies.

2. ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

Genre: Sitcom

Actors: Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Jeffrey Tambor, Jessica Walter, Tony Hale, Will Arnett, Portia de Rossi, David Cross, Alia Shawkat

Episode length: 20 minutes  

Seasons currently on Netflix: Seasons 1-4

After his father is sent to jail, Michael Bluth must take over the family real estate business and deal with his dysfunctional family at the same time. Balancing complicated work with his eccentric family proves to be difficult at times. Sophomore Razi Mahmood believes that the show has influenced many current sitcoms, such as “The Office” and “Modern Family”.

3. DAREDEVIL

Genre: Superhero, action, crime drama

Actors: Charlie Cox, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Toby Leonard Moore, Bob Gunton, Vincent D’Onofrio

Episode length: 50 minutes

Seasons currently on Netflix: Season 1

A blind man, whose other senses are much stronger than the average human’s, uses this to his advantage as he fights crime just as a superhero would – with his special skill being acrobatic martial arts.

“It has really good pacing, and the character development is amazing,” freshman Joseph Del Mundo said.

4. FRIENDS

Genre: Sitcom

Actors: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer

Episode length: 20 minutes

Seasons currently on Netflix: Seasons 1-10

An actor, a chef, a jokester, a masseuse, a divorcee, and a runaway bride walk into a coffee shop. What happens next? Follow the daily lives of six best friends who live in 1990s New York and help each other with the ups-and-downs every 20-something year old experiences. Senior Nandita Somayaji finds “Friends” a relaxing show.

5. HOUSE OF CARDS

Genre: Political drama

Actors: Francis J. Underwood, Claire Underwood, Douglas Stamper, Rachel Posner, Remy Danton, Garret Walker

Episode length: 40-50 minutes

Seasons currently on Netflix: Seasons 1-3

Set in Washington, D.C., Congressman Frank Underwood attempts to become President by using whatever means necessary — including getting revenge on those who don’t support him. Senior Ramya Dronamraju started watching “House of Cards” because of her interest in politics.

6. JANE THE VIRGIN

Genre: Romantic comedy, comedy-drama

Actors: Gina Rodriguez, Justin Baldoni, Brett Dier, Andrea Navedo, Yael Grobglas, Jaime Camil

Episode length: 40 minutes

Seasons currently on Netflix: Season 1

Jane Gloriana Villanueva is a devout Catholic who has vowed not to have sex until after marriage. But after being accidentally artificially inseminated, she must learn to manage the pregnancy with her vivacious family and new relationships and obstacles that form along the way. Freshman Pallavi Komma recommends “Jane the Virgin” because of the drama and plot lines.

7. NEW GIRL

Genre: Sitcom

Actors: Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris, Hannah Simone

Episode length: 20 minutes

Seasons currently on Netflix: Seasons 1-4

Jess, a bubbly young woman who has gone through a bad break-up, decides to move into an apartment with three single guys she has never met before.

“I feel like the characters are really diverse and exaggerated so it’s really funny to see yourself in each and every one of them,” junior Shivalika Chavan said.

8. PARKS AND RECREATION

Genre: Sitcom, political satire

Actors: Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, Rashida Jones, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Paul Schneider, Chris Pratt

Episode length: 20 minutes

Seasons currently on Netflix: Seasons 1-7

Lovable and hardworking government employee Leslie Knope works to make the city of Pawnee, Indiana as enjoyable as possible, despite the incongruous personalities and work ethics of each of the members of her department. Junior Sajeev Saluja recommends this show to anyone who likes slapstick humor.

“I think the way they place the humor in the funniest situations is perfect,” Saluja said.

9. PERSON OF INTEREST

Genre: Crime drama, action, science fiction

Actors: Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Chapman

Episode length: 40 minutes

Seasons currently on Netflix: Seasons 1-4

An ex-CIA agent and a rich programmer join forces and use artificial intelligence technology to recognize potentially dangerous civilians. Aided by NYPD detectives, these undercover vigilantes work together to prevent imminent crimes.

”It draws you in and it doesn’t ever stop, because there aren’t any slow moments,” sophomore Nathan Stevens said. “There’s never a point where I don’t want to watch it.”

10. WHITE COLLAR

Genre: Police procedural, crime drama

Actors: Matt Bomer, Tim DeKay, Willie Garson, Tiffani Thiessen

Episode length: 40 minutes

Seasons currently on Netflix: Seasons 1-6

Neal Caffrey is a charming ex-con who helps the FBI catch elusive criminals in exchange for his freedom. This drama features an unexpected partnership that keeps a white collar criminal on the other side of the law. Junior Sid Sharma finds “White Collar” to be a good series for people who enjoy crime and law shows.

Co-reported by Devika Watave