Okay, if you’re a (broke) college student like me, you’re probably always looking for an inexpensive but fun means of entertainment. Which might mean you watch a lot of television shows. I know I do. However, I rarely watch regularly scheduled television programming. I prefer my two very good friends, Netflix and Crunchyroll. I’m sure most people know what Netflix is, but Crunchyroll might sound a little foreign to some. Well, Crunchyroll is basically the Netflix of anime, and Japanese dramas. Unlike Netflix you can watch shows for free on Crunchyroll, no subscription required. They will have ads however, but it’s really not all that different from watching videos on Youtube which frequently contain ads. If you want to enjoy your favorite shows advertisement free, then you can always become a Crunchyroll Premium member for $6.95 a month. It’s a pretty good bargain if you ask me.

Anyways, being the connoisseur of shows that I am (just kidding), I thought I’d put together a little list of the ones I’ve been obsessed with these past few months! Hopefully I can turn you on to some of my absolute favorites! I’ve numbered them 1 through 5, just for the sake of order, but this is by no means a representation of preference.

1.) Freakshow amc:

This show perfectly captures my love of cirques and oddities. It’s a reality show about a real modern day freakshow, and the unique assortment of people that proudly refer to themselves as “freaks”. It’s inspirational, eyeopening, and not derogatory in the least. If you enjoy watching talented artists doing what they love, then you won’t want to miss it!

2.) Ruby Gloom:

Ruby Gloom is a Canadian animated series about a cast of adorably macabre characters, showing you “the bright side of the dark side”. It’s suited for children as well as adults, and is really a forerunner to shows such as Monster High. It always cheers me up and makes me smile. Also, you will not be able to stop singing the theme song…

3.) Black Butler:

This show takes place in Victorian England, features Jack the Ripper, supernatural elements, a combat butler, and the new season even has a circus; need I say more? It’s funny, it’s dark, and it will completely draw you in. Black Butler cleverly explores important social issues, all while keeping you fully engaged with it’s cast of memorable characters. The latest season is still being translated to English, so catch up on the series while you can!

4.) Inu X Boku SS:

Okay, without a doubt, this has to be my favorite show right now. I could go on and on, and babble really incoherently about this show, but I’ll control myself and let the official description do all the talking. “The Maison de Ayakashi, better known as the Ayakashikan , is a high security apartment building where humans with demon ancestors, or yōkai, reside, each guarded by their own Secret Service bodyguard. A yōkai girl named Ririchiyo Shirakiin moves into the Ayakashikan hoping for some peace and quiet. Instead, she finds herself with the service of the Secret Service agent, Sōshi Miketsukami.” That being said, watch it, watch it, please watch it!! Ok, that’s all….

5.) Amagi Brilliant Park:

This show is so cute, and it about surprise surprise, a theme park! Yeah I know, I have a bit of a theme… The once whimsical theme park is in dire straits, and to make matters worse all of its employees are refugees from a magical realm. If high school boy Seiya Kanie can’t get things up and running, everyone will be in a whole lot of trouble. Oh, and they only have three months!

So are you inspired to watch some really great shows? Hurry and do it now, before college starts and you suddenly have no time!