If the pressure of choosing something on Netflix coupled with the tension of your wife’s gaze, your friend’s sitting in silence just waiting for you to choose something, or the glaring light of the little digital lines of time leaping off your phone begin to overwhelm you, then we need to have a conversation. Going into Netflix without a plan of action, is the scariest most pressure filled exercise a lot of us will encounter today. But if you’re like me, blind binging or rather just picking a show in hopes that it hooks you, is one of the most gratifying feelings you’ll experience for the next couple of hours…that is, until you’ve binged your way through the entire series and are now on the hunt for a new show to watch. But be warned, once you’ve given into “going in blind” to a show and diving into all of its awesome unexpected glory, the thrill of blind binging can be dangerous and the chances of you striking out numerous times is not only real, but quite frankly, will occur quite often. Nevertheless, the moment you do get hooked, it is so rewarding and the fleeting memories of plodding through countless movie or show icons on your screen will be all but gone. So we, The Beta Report, would like to offer some help in your quest for Netflix heaven and in line with our goal, we’d like to offer and evaluate some choices with you, to see what you think. Ready? Let’s go!

First Thing: TRUST NETFLIX. As most of you now know, Netflix Originals are some of the best sources of entertainment available to us. If you are not familiar with any of the shows, documentaries, movies, specials, etc…rest assured, the Blind Binger’s Guide will help you find something that suits your Netflix watching needs. The list of original content is pretty big, which is good for us because we can rely solely on this content to provide new and interesting programs to consume our every waking moment. Whether you are in the mood for action, drama, comedy, documentaries, Netflix has your back. So, don’t be afraid to start at the top of the list of “Netflix Originals” and work your way down until something sinks its teeth in your heels and keeps you a slave to your couch and screen.  Be adventurous and fearless. Judge with your eyes and test your luck if an icon calls your attention. Just remember, the few seconds of ridicule from your friends, spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend you get if a show isn't exactly what you were looking for, will be short lived the moment you are all grabbing your phones ready to tweet or post a “This is the best show ever! You should watch_____!” message to the social media masses. And, just to get you on your way, here are the first five choices.

Netflix Original:

  1. Orange is the New Black (Series), 3 Seasons, 39 Episodes; 46-58 Minutes/Per Episode

  2. Chris Tucker: Live, (Stand-Up Comedy), 1 Hour, 18 Minutes

  3. What Happened, Miss Simone? (Documentary), 1 Hour, 24 Min.

  4. Bloodline (Series), 1 Season, 13 Episodes; 49-65 Minutes/Per Episode

  5. Sense8 (Series), 1 Season, 12 Episodes; 48-66 Minutes/Per Episode

But, if you need a little more than just, jump out of the plane and hope your parachute opens, type of advice…We got you too!

Second Thing: TRUST YOUR FRIENDS. Friends can either be your guiding light or steer you in a weird The Real Pets of Guatemala vs. Zombie Clowns Attack The White House type direction. Although by now, I’m pretty sure you know which friends share your tastes and which don’t. So, be mindful. Listen to people who you know wont steer you wrong and just dive head first into the fray of their recommendations. We hope that we, The Beta Report, can be the latter. Trust me, we have good taste!  

The Beta Report: Top 4

  1. Uno: What Happened, Miss Simone? (Documentary), 1 Hour, 24 Min.

  2. Jeff: Marvel’s Daredevil (Series) 1 Season; 13 Episodes; 48-59 Minutes/Per Episode

  3. JVN: Chef’s Table (Documentary), 1 Season, 6 Episodes; 41-54 Minutes/Per Episode

  4. Louie: House of Cards (Series), 3 Seasons, 39 Episodes; 46-58 Minutes/Per Episode

This list has a little something for everyone. They are all so intriguing and interesting that we know one, if not all, will hook you. Also worth noting, those are all Netflix Original shows. So, again, out of all of the movies and shows on Netflix, you don’t have to stray too far down the categories list for good content.

Third Thing: GO VINTAGE. Your almost not current if you’re not living in the past nowadays. So, why be that person who doesn’t get the obscure Pulp Fiction reference or think that The French Connection is just a new coffee shop bistro in L.A.? Again, we got you! These are some of the best movies we think are worth the watch filmed before Y2K:

Go Vintage:

  1. The Great Escape (1963)

  2. Once Upon a time in the West (1968)

  3. The French Connection (1971)

  4. Return of the Dragon (1972)

  5. Escape From Alcatraz (1979)

  6. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

  7. Stand by me (1986)

  8. Pulp Fiction (1994)

  9. The Big Lebowski (1998)

  10. Rounders (1998)

…Just to name a few. There are some real gems here, or rather, some old vintage earrings your grandma probably wore but are now back in fashion. All of these are worth a watch at some point in your life. ENJOY!

We hope this helps. Please let us know if you guys liked any of these choices or if you have your own suggestions for the Blind Bingers of the world looking for a new cinematic adventure to embark on. Hit us up on Facebook, Twitter or on the comments section below.

Later kids!

-JVN

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