From exams to episodes: Summer shows to watch over the break 

As the final term of the academic year draws to an end, I imagine you are juggling the pressures of exams and coursework, whilst attempting to maintain your personal life during such a stressful period. However, there is one thing you can look forward to once this is all over… summer! Whether you are travelling abroad to bask in the sun, or are simply looking forward to getting some much-needed lie-ins, the long break is an ideal time to catch up on shows you are yet to watch, or ones that you may have already seen which complement this time of year.  

So, what truly makes the perfect summer TV show? The visual aesthetics, to begin with, are essential. The summer often exudes bright colours, ranging from yellow hues to baby blues, and when a show has been shot through that grainy, 16mm lens it becomes the epitome of a summer watch. 

So, ‘California, here we come’, as I give you my first recommendation: none other than the emotional rollercoaster that is The O.C. Following the lives of the wealthy teens and adults living in Orange County, this show offers plenty of memorable moments. From Sandy’s witty one-liners to Ryan’s side eyes, you will be hooked from the first episode. The exaggerated depiction of California is arguably the embodiment of sun, sand and gorgeous oceanic waves, making it a perfect summer watch. The 2000s was filled with these types of shows, ranging from One Tree Hill to Dawson’s Creek, so your options are endless if you’re after teen drama and summer romance.

Moving onto more recent shows, the show that dominated screens for its three-year stint: The Summer I Turned Pretty, feels like an obvious addition to your summer watchlist. I would give anything to go back to those Wednesdays last summer, wishing away the other days of the week just to find out who Belly would choose, (it was definitely worth it when I heard the first chords of Taylor Swift’s ‘Out of the Woods’). Furthermore, with the announcement of a follow-up movie expected to release next year, this summer is the perfect opportunity to acquaint yourself with this messy love triangle.  

If you are after something similar to this, My Life with the Walter Boys, follows a similar love-triangle between a girl and two brothers. The quintessential small-town setting tells a story about finding family and offers countless heartfelt moments.  

Following on from this, Never Have I Ever, explores Devi Vishwakumar attempting to navigate high school after her recent paralysis and the loss of her father. It certainly does not shy away from some cringe-worthy moments: however, I would recommend it to anyone in need of something binge-able, with its perfect balance of comedy, love and loss.

We Were Liars is another show that had people engrossed in their screens last summer. The wealthy Sinclair family spend their summers on Beechwood Island, but whilst it may seem like paradise, untold secrets result in family tension, making for an intense watch. 

Outer Banks is also set in a coastal location, embodying the summer months through its depictions of beaches and boats. This combined with drama and romance makes it a good watch for the warmer months.  

My final recommendation takes us on a deep dive into the childhoods of many. Remember playing mermaids and trying to convince yourself you had magical water powers? H2O: Just Add Water and Mako Mermaids are often signified as the culprits of this obsession, with the Australian shows still being discussed twenty years later. It serves as the pinnacle of a simple, summer watch, and I therefore strongly urge you to add them to your lists.   

To conclude, other shows that I encourage you to explore are Sex Education, Emily in Paris, Nobody Wants This, The Good Place, and, despite its autumnal association, Gilmore Girls. I hope I have helped you formulate some summer watch-party plans, but at the end of the day, my advice to you is to simply watch what you enjoy. Whether that be a comfort-watch, or something you have yet to see – now is the perfect time to indulge in those streaming apps!