Finals are just around the corner, and so is the second-longest break of the year for us college students. If you’re like me, you need some solid shows or movies that are comforting yet exciting enough to take your mind off studying when necessary or missing your college buds over the break. Here are a few suggestions, some fresh and some nostalgic, for viewing on some of the major streaming platforms.
Note: All of these are available at the time of writing; however, as with all streaming platforms, available content is likely to change (physical media for the win).
Prime Video: “The Pack” (2020)
I had to talk about this one first since it’s my current obsession, and for a good reason, it’s all about dogs- very, very cute and smart dogs.
“The Pack” is kind of like “Amazing Race” but on a smaller scale and with human-dog pairs organized in two “packs.” They travel to Central America and Europe, completing absurdly complex challenges as a pack and as individual pairs in each location. This season includes outdoorsman Mark and whip-smart border collie Ace, mom Lucy and sweet black Lab Duchess, outgoing pet groomer Josh and pink-and-blue-dyed poodle Snow, the matching blue-mohawk-sporting human Kentucky and poodle Derby, and my two personal favorites, Vania and golden retriever Jax and Brian and the gorgeous Bluetick Coonhound Dixie. (The fact that I know all the dogs’ names and breeds yet had to look up the humans’ names and occupations may be a little concerning.)
The main appeal of this show is the gorgeous shots of the dogs running excitedly with their owners toward a “fetch point” or slumbering peacefully in first class on a trans-Atlantic flight after another busy day of tracking, tugging, performing tricks and exploring new cities. The activities in each location are also tied to the cultural heritage of the area. So, you might learn a little something as well as you watch. If you love or even just tolerate dogs, enjoy quirky but heartfelt competition shows or are looking for an easily binge-able watch, check this one out. Did I mention how cute the dogs are?
Netflix: “Pride and Prejudice” (2005)
I’ll admit, “Pride and Prejudice” (2005) is one of my personal comfort movies that I watch several times a year. While not as literally by-the-book as the 1995 miniseries, this version is two hours of spectacularly lush settings and a lovely piano-prominent score. If you want to feel cultured and escape the cold grayness of winter for the emerald fields and forests of England but don’t have six hours to watch the miniseries, this is your watch. Even if you’re not particularly into romantic movies, the cleverness and insight drawn from Jane Austen’s original work take this movie to another level. And we can all take notes from Mr. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s character development as we project onto at least one of them (or is that just me?).
Hulu: “Drake and Josh” (2004-2007) or “The Prince of Egypt” (1998)
Yes, these are both typically categorized as kids’ entertainment, but they’re both just so good in completely different ways. The classic 2000s Nickelodeon show “Drake and Josh” gave us some amazing memes and so many moments of absolute hilarity (“Drake?” “What?” “Where’s the door hole?”) that watching an episode of the stepbrothers’ escapades as a short study break is likely to take your mind off the stress of that 15-page paper you have to write in the next 48 hours.
“The Prince of Egypt,” on the other hand, is a criminally underrated classic with beautiful animation and a fantastic soundtrack. Enjoy the lovely color palette and use of the animation medium to its fullest to present an adaptation of the biblical story of Moses with care taken not to disrespect the biblical narrative (though the film of course involves some creative liberties). And did I mention the soundtrack? The joyous “Through Heaven’s Eyes,”the intense “The 10 Plagues” and the soaring “Deliver Us,” one of the most spectacular opening numbers in film, in my opinion, particularly stand out. By your third or maybe even your second watch, you’ll be singing along, even if, like me, you can’t really hit all those notes. But, that’s alright.
Disney+: “The Mandalorian” (2019-) or “Ratatouille” (2007)
No, I do not only like this show because of Baby Yoda. Yes, I watch new episodes while wearing my Baby Yoda shirt and pants, clutching my Baby Yoda plush and sipping hot chocolate from my Baby Yoda mug, but that’s beside the point.
Regardless of my obsession with this absolutely adorable character, “The Mandalorian” is an overall relatively well-paced show with engaging characters, even if you don’t know a crazy amount about Star Wars lore. Of course, it’s an even better experience if you do, as characters from the larger universe make appearances and name-drop other important characters and plot points, inducing varying amounts of screaming and cheering from myself and other Star Wars-obsessed people with whom I’ve watched the series. The iconic main theme and overall score also really elevate this Western-like tale of the eponymous Mandalorian and his quest involving that precious Baby Yoda.
As for “Ratatouille,” I recommend this film as important viewing in preparation for the “Ratatouille” musical that TikTok is putting together. That Gen Z cultural phenomenon, complete with original showtunes, compelling choreography and creative playbill graphics, tells the story of the 2007 Pixar film in an inspiring new way despite existing only via hundreds of 15-second to one-minute clips from creators around the world. So after you watch the classic tale of the rat turned chef, head to TikTok for that experience, which will inevitably extend your study break far beyond your original plan due to the addictive powers of that platform. But hey, who doesn’t need a little inspiration for that aforementioned paper you could be writing?
