Looking for a Binge-Worthy Show?

by Hanna Reich

After a long day of school and extracurricular activities, plopping on the couch and listening to the mindless droning of a “Friends” rerun can be quite relaxing. Finding a show to watch that is mentally stimulating, entertaining, and action-filled may not have been on one’s mind after a tedious day, week, or even month. 

However, with Netflix and Hulu or any other streaming app, finding a new favorite to watch is easier than ever. Yet, sifting through the hundreds of offered shows seems like an awfully inefficient way of finding something good to watch. Back to reruns, I guess. Or not. 

There’s a great show that has been around for a while now that can be a source of easy viewing and an invigorating experience for the viewer—”Criminal Minds.” 

“Criminal Minds” (Hulu) immerses the viewer in an action-packed, suspenseful experience that truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Follow an FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit team as they solve bone-chilling cases from all around the country. 

What’s so different about “Criminal Minds” from any other cop show, you may ask? Well, in “Criminal Minds,” the agents on the BAU team are able to profile the criminal’s physical, emotional, and mental state and rationale all from the nature of the crime. It’s fascinating to watch as even the tiniest, seemingly insignificant details can unwrap a criminal’s mindset to its very core. Human psychology, paired with the reality of a crime scene BAU agents face, can open up new interests viewers didn’t even know they had. 

“Criminal Minds” also sheds light on the severity of mental illness and corruption in the social system in a way that is not too heavy on the viewer. In this aspect, it is easy to watch. However, a disclaimer: “Criminal Minds” is not for everyone. 

It is realistic, and those with anxiety disorders or fear of crime may not take to the show well. That being said, if a particular episode is hard to watch or triggering, one can always skip to the next episode and still be completely filled in. Some episodes are two-parters or built on the context of others, but normally there would be a recap and understanding would not be compromised. 

Overall, with an acclaimed cast and creative plotlines, “Criminal Minds” is an excellent show to watch. I would recommend it for people thirteen years of age and above, but really whatever age you feel you are mature enough to watch the show is good. Ten out of ten: would watch again.