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It seems through thick and thin high school plotlines are a sure guarantee for Hollywood. But as most begin their college experience (or currently find themselves in the crux of it) who’s to say the higher education students don’t deserve a little more love?

Below, Cooglife has gathered together a list of six—along with a shoutout of three—top college-centric shows. All of which include a variety of experiences and genres, for those seeking just a little more reliability on their screen.

The Chair | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Summary: As the first woman of color to be made head of the English department at a prestigious university, Dr Ji-Yoon Kim faces some extreme demands and high expectations.

Starring actress Sandra Oh in the leading role, ‘The Chair’ is deemed one of Netflix’s best drama series to have come out in years. In just about three hours, the show successfully satirizes without overextending itself and presents a rather realistic (and comical) look at what life is like in academia.

At a Distance, Spring is Green | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Summary: A coming-of-age campus story about youth in their 20s whose lives appear to be like the beauty of spring from afar but cold and harsh when viewed up close.

A little more aligned with a coming-of-age narrative, ‘At a Distance, Spring is Green’ perfectly captures the hardships often experienced by any of your day-to-day university students. Though not steering away from exploring difficult topics, this drama highlights the growth of characters and their friendships as they venture together through their college years.

Nevertheless | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Summary: The intoxicating charm of a flirtatious art school classmate pulls a reluctant love cynic into a friends-with-benefits relationship.

A bit more on the suggestive side, ‘Nevertheless’ is a perfect binge-watch for those seeking a messy kind of love story. Though the focus of the drama follows the main couple, it is the stories crafted between the characters surrounding them that build a relatable and realistic world for university students alike.

Dear White People | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Summary: Students of color navigate the daily slights and slippery politics of life at an Ivy League college that’s not nearly as “post-racial” as it thinks it is.

As a spin-off inspired by the original Justin Simien 2014 film, ‘Dear White People’ is a satirical take on racial relations portrayed on campus. Following an ensemble cast, the show itself is able to implement multiple storylines that open relatability to its viewers, as well as great laughs with its spectacular writing.

The Sex Lives of College Girls | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Summary: Four roommates navigate their new freedom on the prestigious campus of Essex College.

Just a fun, comical and for-the-girls show that showcases a cast of women as they navigate the social struggles and excitement of their first year of college. Perfect to binge-watch together with a group of friends or on your own!

Community | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Summary: A suspended lawyer is forced to enroll in a community college with an eccentric staff and student body.

There can be no college-centric show list without ‘Community’ and so, here we are. Iconic, hilarious and beloved, this show is a perfect blend of all the eccentric and unique experiences as well as personalities you’ll come across as you go through your university years.

Honorable Mentions

  • Twenty-Five, Twenty-One | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
    Summary: In a time when dreams seem out of reach, a teenage fencer pursues big ambitions and meets a hardworking young man who seeks to rebuild his life.
  • Law School | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
    Summary: When a grim incident occurs at their prestigious school, justice through law is put to the test by a tough law professor and his ambitious students.
  • The Sound of Magic | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
    Summary: A magician living in an abandoned theme park makes troubles disappear for a disenchanted teenager enduring harsh realities.

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