A Guide To Your Netflix University Curriculum

I think it’s safe to say that was all binge a lot. Probably even too much. However, two weeks ago, Chelsea Handler proposed an interesting idea during the inaugural episode of her Netflix talk show. What if instead of treating our Netflix binges like a guilty pleasure, we embraced our TV obsession and used it to better educate ourselves?

In that first episode, Chelsea introduced the fictional Netflix University, an online streaming curriculum that you could “invest in” (aka pay your monthly Netflix membership) that would substitute your need for college. Obviously the whole bit was a joke, focusing largely on college students’ habit of neglecting actual coursework to watch (and re-watch) favorite shows, but I asked myself, what if Handler had a point? What if we reconsidered the way we approach our favorite shows, thinking of them as less of a distraction and more of a insightful study of our culture? What would Netflix shows look like as college courses?

Below is your guide to tackling a college education through Netflix. You shouldn’t actually replace your college education for a non-stop streaming session, but you’ll be surprised to know that many of your favorite series could be more applicable to the real world than you originally thought. From learning advanced chemistry (thanks Breaking Bad!) to studying the horrible effects of mixing nepotism with business ownership, your binge watching may have taught you more than you think. Fill out your course schedule now, and start studying up.

1 of 22
Breaking Bad
Masters in Chemical Engineering or Masters in Criminology: The best thing about Vince Gilligan's legendary drama is that it can count as two high-level programs. If you watch the series from Walter White and Jesse's perspective, consider yourself versed in the complicated world of chemical engineering and small business ownership. Watch it from Hank's perspective, and bingo. You're a criminology expert.
Advertisement
Narcos:
LAW 420: International Drug Legislature: Want to learn how to start your own drug cartel? You know, just for academic interest? This addicting drama about Pablo Escobar has you covered. Pair with Breaking Bad for an all drug watch.
Orange is the New Black
ANATOMY 452: Exploring the Female Body: Want to know more about female sexuality? Then the ladies of Litchfield certainly have you covered. Your end of semester project involves sneaking your homemade screwdriver dildo back into your professor's desk without getting caught. Have fun.
House of Cards
POLITICS 401: Presidential Loopholes: There's no better way to learn about our legal system than from studying it from the top down. Is Frank Underwood's convoluted rise to president possible? Who knows! You can tell me after you binge the series and obsessively fact check every twist and turn.
Advertisement
Marvel's Jessica Jones
SOCIOLOGY 405: A Hands-On Exploration of Feminism: Jessica Jones was one of the most surprising feminist characters to emerge last year, and if she can sort through her own drama, she can teach us a thing or two about rape culture, consequences, and the patriarchy. Come for the kickass action sequences, but stay to be creeped out by David Tennant.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
PSYCHOLOGY 301: Exploring the Long Term Effects of Cults ... and Glitter: Beneath the show's quirky catchphrases and bright colors, Season Two of UKS actually gave us a disturbing look into Kimmy's psyche. Turns out it takes more than a few catchy tunes to shake off a traumatic event. Watch and learn how to better understand your fellow man.
Bloodline
BUSINESS 205: Nepotism and Small Businesses: Running a business is hard, but do you know what's harder? Running one with your family. Let the Rayburns teach you everything you shouldn't do when it comes to involving blood relatives with incomes. For example, you probably should never let your emotionally unstable brother back into the business. Or murder anyone. Just saying.
Advertisement
Master of None
COMPUTER SCIENCE 233: Failed Dating in the Modern Age: Does your lack of Tinder success have you down? Don't worry; Aziz Ansari has your back. This classroom watch won't actually help you better your online dating game, but it will assure you that dating in the modern age is tough.
Marco Polo
ENGLISH 220: Historical Reimaginings: How much can you alter history when it comes to creating a fictional narrative? A lot. Embrace this factual(ish) dramatization of one of history's biggest figures as your creative guide to altering history.
Friends
Masters in Group Dynamics: If you've watched every episode of Friends, then congratulations! You've already earned this degree, and you're now a master of negotiation and group psychology. You now have my permission to add that to your LinkedIn.
Advertisement
Fuller House
HISTORY 211: A Comparison of 1980s Values to Modern Times: You know that the '80s were a different time, but just how different were they? By binging Netflix's new reboot, you can make that call for yourself. Also, if you're looking to minor in meta references, than this class/show needs to be on your must list.
Chef's Table
FOOD PREP 212: The Culinary and Cultural History of Food: Food is important to us as a society, but just how important? And how has it evolved throughout the course of human history? Find out the answer to these questions and trick yourself into thinking you're a better chef by binging this mouth-watering docu-series.
#13: Lady Dynamite NETWORK: Netflix [Where to stream Lady Dynamite]Everett Collection
Advertisement
Grace and Frankie
HUMAN SEXUALITY 499: Older Age, Experimentation, and Organic Lubricants: Yes, when people get older they still have sex. Use this Netflix Original to learn a bit more about the later years in life, and be sure to contemplate the benefits of yam lube.
ESPN's 30 for 30
Masters in Sports Psychology: Have you seen every 30 for 30 special that Netflix has to offer? Well then congrats, you [insert sports term of choice here]. You're a social sporting professional! Use this information to school your friends about the social effects major events in athletic history have.
Advertisement