These flick picks are best served with a fresh bowl of buttery popcorn. Graphic by Maddy Broderick.
Finding the perfect TV show can be a daunting task. Precious viewing time is often wasted away whilst bickering over which streaming platform or genre to choose. Luckily, the Culture section is here to help narrow down the selection with a hand-picked list of shows perfect for late-night binges with new friends.
MADDY BRODERICK | CULTURE EDITOR | mbroderick@butler.edu
“Long Story Short”
“Long Story Short” is Netflix’s newest binge-worthy watch, released last month with a fast-paced 10-episode first season. From “BoJack Horseman” creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the animated series follows the Schwoopers, a Jewish family whose story jumps between 1959 and 2022. The show leans into comedy with sharp one-liners, botched bar mitzvahs and sitcom-like mishaps, but sneaks in enough emotional weight to hit close to home. Lisa Edelstein brings Naomi to life as the overbearing mom whose mix of love, criticism and passive-aggression feels all too familiar. Equally hilarious and heartfelt, “Long Story Short” is tailor-made for binges with new friends.
ANA DOLLARD | ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR | adollard@butler.edu
“St. Denis Medical”
“St. Denis Medical” is a fresh sitcom that brings comedy to an unlikely place — the emergency room of a small Oregon town. With the power of eccentric, overzealous hospital director Joyce Henderson and a staff full of ER workaholics, “St. Denis” is both heart-warming and hilarious. Each character is a masterfully written stereotype, such as the narcissistic surgeon — Dr. Bruce — or the clueless intern, Matt. With quick, snappy 22-minute episodes, the show is the best for a late-night binge with close friends. If one is interested in this “The Office”-style medical comedy, “St. Denis” can be found on Peacock, Hulu or Apple TV.
ABBY KIDWELL | ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR | arkidwell@butler.edu
“Derry Girls”
“Derry Girls” is the perfect coming-of-age show to supplement one’s own coming-of-age era. Set against the backdrop of the Troubles — a 30-year period of conflict in Northern Ireland — five teenagers navigate the typical and atypical woes of growing up in a contentious political state. Creator and screenwriter Lisa McGee takes audiences on a journey that will have them crying, laughing and experiencing every emotion in between. The series is composed of 19 episodes, each running at about 22 minutes, which makes it the ideal low-commitment show to start with a group. The absurd adventures of the “Derry Girls” heroines often bring fans to the same conclusion: friendship is the cure to life’s trials.
DAVID JACOBS | MANAGING EDITOR | drjacobs@butler.edu
“Psych”
“Psych” is a quirky show that jam-packs comedy, drama and crime-solving thrills into each episode. The show follows Shawn Spencer, a psychic detective for the Santa Barbara Police Department, played by James Roday Rodriguez, as he and his best friend Burton Guster, played by Dulé Hill, embark on their crime-solving adventures. Viewers will laugh, cry and even be a little scared at times throughout this show. With eight seasons of hour-long episodes and three movies, this show will engulf one’s free time as they fall in love with each character and story arc.
HARRISON PRYOR | STAFF REPORTER | hrpryor@butler.edu
“New Girl”
What better show to watch with new roommates than a show about roommates? “New Girl” is a seven-season gut-buster about four less-than-stable friends living together in glorious disharmony. With “Modern Family” levels of cameos and guest stars, “New Girl” is a wild ride full of laughs and heartbreaks. Zooey Deschanel executive produces and stars in this emotional, long-winded story. Just hope that any real roommates are not too similar to this awkward cast of characters.
SAMUEL DEMIS | STAFF REPORTER | sademis@butler.edu
“Smallville”
“Smallville” is an excellent show to check out for fans of 2025’s “Superman”. The show follows Clark Kent during his high school years as he balances the struggles of growing up with the development of new abilities and battling dangerous villains. The series also highlights the early career of Lex Luthor, revealing the circumstances that turned him into the world’s greatest criminal mind. Tom Welling’s 10-season turn as the Man of Steel is an uplifting coming-of-age teen drama with a superpowered twist, and the perfect show to hold DC fans over until 2026’s “Supergirl”.
SAMANTHA RITTENBERG | STAFF REPORTER | srittenberg@butler.edu
“Modern Family”
“Modern Family” brings comedic relief to all, whether they are a first-time viewer or watching for the hundredth time. The show follows three interconnected families as they navigate everyday life together. From nerdy middle-child Alex, to feisty and fashionable Gloria and farm-loving Cam, there is a character that everyone can relate to. Adventures in Hawaii, the struggle of family portraits and the infamous “Unplugged” episode are just a few plot points fans can look forward to seeing. With 11 seasons of 30-minute episodes, this show will keep friends laughing all year long.
