For every article that ever came out bashing Greek life on college campuses, there was an adorable moment on ABC Family’s “Greek” that convinced us rushing was worth whatever fresh hell that article detailed. Following the lives of blood–related brother and sister Rusty and Casey Cartwright at Cyprus–Rhodes University (lol get it because that’s Greek, too!), “Greek” offered a funny and lighthearted view of college life. There’s a lot of drama between Casey, ex–boyfriends Evan and Cappie, promiscuous freshman Rebecca, best friend Ashleigh, little brother Rusty, nerdy roommate Dale and gay best friend Calvin, but the characters are lovable and the hijinks between the frats and sororities are thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Come for the comedy, stay for the surprising character development.
Starring: Spencer Grammer, Jacob Zachar, Jake McDorman
See if you like: “Baby Daddy,” “Saved by the Bell” with an edge
Watch it on: Netflix
“Felicity” is one of the most highly acclaimed television series that chronicles college life. The show follows Felicity Porter, a college freshman who changed her college plans at the last minute to follow a high school crush to an NYU knockoff instead of attending Stanford as a pre–med student. The main drama of the series stems from a love triangle between Felicity, the guy she followed to school and her freshman year RA. “Felicity” is also known for having the second most referenced hair style after “the Rachel” from “Friends”: the tragic hair cut is widely thought to be the reason for a decline in ratings in the second season of the show and is oft called out in pop culture. The series also, for once, appropriately concludes after her senior year.Starring: Keri Russell, Scott Foley (Jake from Scandal), Scott Speedman
See if you like: “Gilmore Girls”
Watch it on: Netflix“Undeclared” is the ultimate love letter to a truly bonded freshman hall and will definitely resonate with those Quakers who would never miss their freshman hall reunion BYOs. Judd Apatow’s second–most unjustly cancelled TV attempt examines six students at a fictional university who become best friends (and more) because they live in the same freshman hall. Together, they combat losing their virginity, Greek life, academics, cheating and hallmates who won’t turn down their goddamn music. It’s a little lighter than Apatow’s “Freaks & Geeks,” but the characters have a lot of heart and the show’s got a lot of Seth Rogen and Jason Segel to boot. Plus, you can spot a scrawny looking Charlie Hunnam pre–Sons of Anarchy and a very young looking Amy Poehler in a few hilarious guest turns.
Starring: Jay Baruchel, Charlie Hunnam, Seth Rogen
See if you like: Judd Apatow and his many incarnations
Watch it on: Netflix
4. “Community” (2009–hopefully present)
So, “Community” technically follows the lives of community college students, but scenes are never set off campus, so we’ll say it counts. Boasting a cult fan base, “Community” has a repertoire of very clever episodes of television. Known for satirizing just about every film genre known to man, the show is nothing short of brilliant if you give it your full attention. The main characters are a study group of six oddballs led by the self–centered Jeff Winger (played by the hilarious Joel McHale) who not–so–secretly has a heart of gold when it comes to his study group mates. Together, the study group faces the antics of other nefarious students, devious professors and one very bizarre closeted Dean of the school through high stakes paintball contests, pillow fort parties and awkward school dances. The premise sounds all over the place, but the final product is well–executed comedy by a group of damn talented actors.
Starring: Joel McHale, Alison Brie, Donald Glover
See if you like: Pop culture, “getting” stuff, satire
Watch it on: Hulu Plus
5. “Blue Mountain State” (2010–2012)
As the bro–tastic story of three guys at a big state football university, “Blue Mountain State” offers every bro’s dream of ragers, pigskins and slam pieces. The show’s protagonist is an underachieving benchwarmer on the football team who’d rather party than be a starting player. His roommate and best friend is the team’s mascot, and together they try to corrupt the team’s star freshman into letting loose and breaking up with his crazy girlfriend that refuses to sleep with him. The series appropriately aired on Spike TV and was full of outrageous plot lines involving sex, drugs and college. It’s great because it doesn’t feign a moral compass and offers a fun look into what your life might’ve been like had you taken that full ride to a state school.
P.S. There’s a live Kickstarter campaign to get a “BMS” movie going. They’ve got a third of their 1.5 million goal with a May 15 deadline.
Starring: Darin Brooks, Alan Ritchson, Sam Jones III
See if you like: “Anchorman,” “Total Frat Move”
Watch it on: Netflix
