In the life of any high school student (or any person with any sort of smart device),  the most dramatic, off-the-charts cultural shift of the 21st century is undoubtedly rooted in the fastest spreading, most addictive substance in the world: television apps.  Those tiny, illuminated squares that appear so innocently on the phone or tablet,  such as Netflix and HBO GO, are the biggest time consumers in the history of the world.  As there is no feasible way to attempt to ignore this growing obsession, it is just way more practical to simply give in and watch the extensive and readily available stream of television programming in the most strategic way possible: by watching quality TV.  Many awesome shows fly right under your average high school student’s radar.  So, here is a list comprised purely of  the best shows that you are not watching.

   It should also be noted that all of these shows are rated (TV-MA), and all include some fairly explicit content.

Narcos

   This exciting drama, which first aired on August 28, 2015 as a Netflix exclusive, follows the life and exploits of infamous Colombian drug baron Pablo Escobar.  Wagner Moura, who plays Escobar , was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series at the Golden Globes, and the show was also nominated for the prestigious Best Television Series award. The acting is superb and the story is almost too intense to believe it actually happened, though every event in the show is based on real life.  

A quick note: The show is primarily in Spanish, so be prepared to improve your foreign language skills.  

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

   If you’re in more of an irreverent or silly mood, this hilarious comedy series, set in a Philadelphia dive bar,  centers around the comical, sardonic existence of the bar owners (or less formally “The Gang”).  The highlights of this show are the laugh-out-loud screenwriting and the hilarious performances by Danny DeVito as Frank, and by Charlie Day as Charlie.  Currently, ten seasons are available on Netflix, so there are plenty of laughs to be had.

A quick note: The show is extremely explicit, and certainly not recommended for young siblings or the faint of heart.   

True Detective

   This nail biter, which stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson in the first season as police partners in the Louisiana Bayou, follows the pair as they investigate a bizarre murder with seemingly Satanic ties. The dialogue between McConaughey and Harrelson is intriguing, funny and completely off the wall.  If you’re a fan of murder mysteries and police dramas of any kind, this series is a must-watch.  

A quick note: Season one is much better than the second season, which is smothered by an regrettably unrealistic performance by Vince Vaughn as the bad guy gangster.   

Bored to Death

   The multi-talented Jason Schwartzman, most famous for his offbeat, charming roles in Wes Anderson’s fantastic cinematographic productions, shines in this HBO comedy in role of Jonathan Ames, a novelist turned private detective looking for some real-world experience.  You are sure to be chuckling as Shwartzman takes on some of the most bizarre cases that New York City has to offer.

A quick note: Be sure to check out Schwartzman’s other occupation as the lead singer of the awesome alternative band Coconut Records. Is there anything this guy can’t do?