It's finally happened - the season's record-breaking crime drama "Breaking Bad," noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest-rated series of all time with a Metacritic score of 99/100, aired its last episode at the end of last month. With three-fourths of the semester still to go (and the fourth Game of Thrones season not premiering until 2014), students across campus are searching for new productions to justify their cable (or Netflix) bills. If you just can't shake that extra free time, these TV up-and-comers could be for you.
Doctor Who: First airing in the 1960s and boasting a mind-boggling total of 753 episodes, you don't have to be a diehard science fiction fan to love this BBC gem. It follows the adventures of the time-traveling Doctor and his companions through the universe in his trademark blue police box (TARDIS, for the initiated) as they right wrongs and save civilizations. With comedy, drama, romance, action and the occasional eerie sentient statue, this show has something for everyone. It may be running on its eighth season, but don't let that deter you - there's still plenty of time to catch up on Netflix before the newest season begins. For established Whovians, the much-anticipated 50th anniversary special airs on BBC on November 23.
Orange is the New Black: Part of Netflix's foray into original series territory, this series is a comedy-drama that follows the experiences of Piper Chapman after she is incarcerated in a New York women's federal prison for assisting in a smuggling operation. Currently pulling in more views than both "House of Cards" and "Arrested Development," Netflix's other top original series, it has received critical and fan acclaim for its authenticity and sharp humor. The fact that it's based on the memoir of author Piper Kerman gives it that extra "real life" feeling. The show has a running count of 13 episodes and was recently renewed for a second season.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Following the massive success of "The Avengers" last year, ABC and Marvel have teamed up to bring fans this behind-the-scenes look at how the employees of S.H.I.E.L.D. (an anagram of the fictitious Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division) protect the common man in a world full of superpowered heroes and villains. Fans of the movie will be glad to see Clark Gregg reprising his role as Agent Coulson, who returns from almost certain death to serve as the series' central character. It is only on its second episode, but has received positive reactions from both critics and fans. If you liked "The Avengers," now is the time to tune in and find out what happened after the Shawarma scene.
Sharknado: Shark Week may be over, but don't worry: Sharknado is here to fill all your shark- and weather-related TV desires. There's only one season so far, but with concept gold like this fingers are crossed for more to come.
Contact Ashley Dacy at adacy@nd.edu
The views expressed in the Inside Column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
