Ah, Christmas break. The binge watching season is upon us. I’ve scoured through a large amount of articles suggesting what I want to watch next on Netflix, and I’ve either already seen the shows they suggest or have no interest in the Top 10 Depressing Indie Flicks with a Dynamic Female Lead.

I recently fell down a hole with the show “The 100” and it’s gotten me on a huge sci fi kick the likes of which haven’t been seen since my mom and I first discovered the Syfy network. Aside from the big names like Doctor Who, Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica, there are a ton of smaller sci fi shows on Netflix that are really good and deserve some credit.

The 100

What it’s about: This CW show is based off of a book, and the premise is simple: earth has been destroyed by nuclear war, and the human race has escaped into space for haven. 100 years later, supplies are running out and they send 100 teenage felons back to the ground to see if Earth is inhabitable.

Why it’s good: The show effortlessly creates an entirely new world and new narrative, instead of clinging to stereotypes that have already been done. The plot is fast paced, surprising and incredibly gripping. The character drama is really well done, and doesn’t fall down the same hole as many CW teen dramas do, where the relationships and drama tangles up the storyline and gets in the way. Also, shout out to Clarke, one of the best TV leading ladies I’ve come across in a long while.

Heroes

What it’s about: The human species is evolving, and certain individuals carry genes that give them extraordinary power. These individuals all have to come together to fulfill their destiny and save the world.

Why it’s good: The cast alone is a good enough reason to watch this show. Milo Ventimiglia (Jess from Gilmore Girls), Hayden Panettiere, George Takai, Christopher Eccleston, Zachary Quinto, Kristen Bell, etc. etc. It is literally like watching an on screen comic book, complete with scene changes and chapters (and a cameo from Stan Lee!). It’s like I closed my eyes and wished really hard for an X-Men origins TV show, because these individuals are effectively mutants, but instead of a bald British guy at their lead they have a gangly and yet extremely attractive Indian doctor. Also, shout out to Heroes for recognizing that “world wide events” actually take place outside of just America, and employing both a diverse and believable cast. Though don’t put this on in the background—a large part of the show is in Japanese subtitles, and you will miss it if you aren’t paying attention.

Black Mirror

What it’s about: It’s the updated “Twilight Zone” that preys on the fears of the technological age. Each episode is a stand alone, though they exist within the same (near future) universe. Technology dominates everything, and it shows the dark side of human nature and our reliance upon machines

Why it’s good: The show is a cult hit in Britain, and for good reason—when it’s good, it’s good. But it also can go extremely dark, and you walk away from several episodes just feeling creepy and unsettled. Spoiler: If you’re sitting there thinking “no, they won’t go there,” then it’s a surefire sign that they definitely will. So good, so gripping, and you can’t look away. Except during the pig scene in the first episode, definitely look away during that.

Dollhouse

What it’s about: A company hires out real life dolls—people who have had their memories wiped and replaced with entirely new identities. High paying customers can request their dolls to be anything, so they can have a fully customized experience. But the technology used to do this can be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands.

Why it’s good: Joss Whedon. ’nuff said. Often overlooked compared to his huge hits “Firefly” and “Buffy,” Dollhouse easily holds its own, especially with Eliza Dushku at the helm. You have all the badass of Firefly’s fight scenes, with the wit and humor of Buffy, combined with some pretty intense outfits and a stellar cast. The first season is a little rocky, but the second one will have you sobbing. Every time. Also, the number of cast members that you will recognize is staggering. Crossovers from “Firefly,” “Supernatural,” “The 100,” etc. It’s like Whedon grabbed all my favorite actors and threw them in here.

Haven

What it’s about: Less science, more fiction, Haven is (very loosely) based on a Steven King book. Residents of a small town in Maine are plagued each generation by “the troubles,” or specific abilities that run in families. Out of town FBI agent Audrey Parker visits for a routine assignment, and ends up discovering that she alone might have the chance to help the townspeople.

Why it’s good: Audrey Parker is a great leading lady, and honestly just the scenic shots of “Maine” are enough to draw you in. Great character drama, really intriguing plots, and resident bad-boy secret softie Duke Crocker is the crown gem of the show. Haven benefits from the “freak of the week” method, with a subtle overarching plot. By season 4 however, the character drama overtakes the majority of the plot and the show does get weaker. But until then, it’s glorious. Also, I may or may not have completely imitated Audrey’s haircut last year.

Check out at least one of these shows—I promise you won’t be disappointed. And if you are, just go console yourself with a nice helping of X-Files or Twin Peaks, and be sure to tweet us your suggestions @litdarling!