Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle in "The Punisher." Photo courtesy of Netflix.

LISTICLE: Top 10 TV shows to binge this holiday break

By Jasmine Coney Last updated Jun 16, 2021 458 0

As the winter break approaches you may find yourself with time to spare, so grab a blanket, hop on the couch and binge watch a few of these top rated shows released in 2017. Whether you like anime or live action comedy, we’ve got you covered with newly released shows on multiple streaming platforms.

1.The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon)

Rachel Brosnahan as Midge Maisel in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." Photo courtesy of Amazon Studios. — Rachel Brosnahan as Midge Maisel in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Photo courtesy of Amazon Studios.

Amy Sherman-Palladino, creator of “Gilmore Girls,” delivers a comedy perfect for watching this holiday season. Released March 17, the show follows Midge Maisel, a young college-educated housewife in the early 1960s, who finds herself in an unlikely predicament. Abandoned by her husband for another woman, this unemployed mother of two discovers stand-up comedy as a cathartic way to cope with her issues.

2. The Punisher (Netflix)

Released Nov. 17, Jon Bernthal reprises his role as Frank Castle from Marvel’s “Daredevil” in this new origin story of this tragic vigilante. The series goes into detail about the murder of his family. As Castle pulls back layers and reaches the truth, he uncovers that the tragedy was more than a drug deal gone wrong.

3. Ozark (Netflix)

"Ozark" official TV series poster. Photo courtesy of Netflix. — “Ozark” official TV series poster. Photo courtesy of Netflix.

Over the summer, Netflix dropped the crime-drama thriller “Ozark” starring Jason Batemen as Marty Byrde, a financial advisor who must launder money for a Mexican drug lord. Byrde moves his family to the Missouri Ozarks, where he has the capability of substantially increasing his earnings.

4. Neo Yokio (Netflix)

"Neo Yokio" official poster. Photo courtesy of Netflix. — “Neo Yokio” official poster. Photo courtesy of Netflix.

In this recently released anime, Jaden Smith stars as Kaz Kaan, a high society teen in the fictional city of Neo Yokio. The city bares resemblance to New York City and all its splendor. Kaan is part of a family that slays demons inhabiting civilians of Neo yokio. In addition to his demon slaying, the show follows Kaan as he balances school, heartbreak and supernatural battles in the fiction city.

5. The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)

Elizabeth Moss as Offred in Margaret Atwood's TV adaption of "The Handmaid's Tale. Photo courtesy of hulu. — Elisabeth Moss as Offred in Margaret Atwood’s TV adaption of “The Handmaid’s Tale. Photo courtesy of Hulu.

The series, adapted from Margret Atwood’s book with the same title, is based in a totalitarian society that faces a plunging birthrate. In order to repopulate the town, the women who are able to conceive are placed into sexual servitude. Elisabeth Moss stars as Offred, one of the women in servitude determined to survive and locate the daughter who was stolen from her.

6. Runaways (Hulu)

MARVEL'S RUNAWAYS - "Reunion" - Episode 101 - Every teenager thinks their parents are evil. What if you found out they actually were? Marvel’s Runaways is the story of six diverse teenagers who can barely stand each other but who must unite against a common foe – their parents. Photo courtesy of Paul Sarkis/Hulu. — MARVEL’S RUNAWAYS – “Reunion” – Episode 101.Marvel’s Runaways is the story of six diverse teenagers who can barely stand each other but who must unite against a common foe – their parents. Photo courtesy of Paul Sarkis/Hulu.

Hulu unleashed “Marvel’s Runaways” Nov. 21 which follows six teenagers who discover their parents are secret super-villains called “The Pride.” The teens unite to form a group determined to defeat their parents before it is too late.

7. Big Mouth (Netflix)

"Big Mouth," starring John Mulaney, Nick Kroll, Fred Armisen and Jenny Slate. Photo courtesy of Netflix. — “Big Mouth,” starring John Mulaney, Nick Kroll, Fred Armisen and Jenny Slate. Photo courtesy of Netflix.

Everyone has a coming of age story and so does Andrew, voiced by John Mulaney, in Netflix’s new original series. The animated series follows Andrew as he faces the challenges of puberty, identify his sexual preferences, dating and life in general.

8. Alias Grace (Netflix)

Sarah Gadon as Grace Marks in Netflix's miniseries "Alias Grace" adapted from Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name. Photo courtesy of Netflix. — Sarah Gadon as Grace Marks in Netflix’s miniseries “Alias Grace” adapted from Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name. Photo courtesy of Netflix.

Another Margret Atwood book turned streaming services series, “Alias Grace,” is about the story of “murderess” Grace Marks, portrayed by Sarah Gadon, as a girl who has spent the majority of her life behind bars. Based off of true events, the series explores the psychological aspect of what it took for Grace to commit murder and if she is truly deserving of early release.

9. American Vandal (Netflix)

"American Vandal" official TV series poster. Photo courtesy of Netflix. — “American Vandal” official TV series poster. Photo courtesy of Netflix.

Netflix’s original series “American Vandal” is a comedy crime drama filmed as a documentary. The mockumentary tries to uncover whether Dylan Maxwell, played by Jimmy Tatro, spray painted phallic pictures on the vehicles of faculty as a prank. Maxwell allows a classmate to film and interview him in hopes of clearing his name and having his expulsion overturned.

10. Castlevania (Netflix)

"Castlevania" is based on the 1989 video game "Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse" by Konami. Photo courtesy of Netflix. — “Castlevania” is based on the 1989 video game “Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse” by Konami. Photo courtesy of Netflix.

Based off of a 1989 video game titled, “Castlevania II: Dracula’s Curse,” the adult animated series follows Trevor Belmont, a disgraced demon hunter, who sets out to defend the town of Wallachia from Dracula’s wrath.