Returning to school after summer vacation is universally detested by students. After nearly three months of rest and relaxation, readjusting to the academic year and all its responsibilities is particularly jarring. The good news is there are entertaining and informative TV shows and movies that can help you ease back into the school mindset. Hopefully, these suggestions take your back-to-school blues and turn them into back-to-school excitement!
Warning: Minor spoilers ahead
Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls has long been one of television's most celebrated programs. The show follows Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother-daughter duo navigating life, love, and familial relations. Rory is an extremely bright teenager, which leads to her acceptance at Chilton Preparatory School, a prestigious private high school. While Rory is thrilled to be a “Chilton Girl,” her ultimate dream is to attend Harvard University, and she works hard to realize that dream throughout the series. From running for student government to writing for the school newspaper, Rory’s journey is an inspiration, reminding students that hard work pays off when she (ironically) is accepted to and attends Harvard’s biggest rival, Yale University. This cozy show couldn’t be more academic and college centered—what’s better for the back-to-school mindset?
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. and The CW
Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever is not only an entertaining series but also one of the most culturally significant programs to premiere in the past 10 years. Credited as a watershed moment for South Asian representation in Hollywood, the critically acclaimed series breaks many long-standing stereotypes. At the beginning of the series, protagonist Devi Vishwakumar is disconnected from her Tamil heritage, but as the series progresses, she begins to appreciate her identity. The show has many moments where Devi’s heritage is on full display through prayer, wedding, and funeral scenes, helping viewers learn more about other cultures.
This show is a great choice for a back-to-school binge because most of the scenes center around Devi’s high school experience. Throughout the series, Devi—who has strong academic drive and is highly motivated—aspires to attend Princeton University. The fourth season dives deeper into her college search, depicting the application process. While more dramatized than reality, Devi’s application experiences can serve as a window into the upcoming process for rising seniors and curious juniors. Never Have I Ever is a wonderfully poignant show that will inspire and entertain you at the same time.
Image courtesy of Netflix
Related: Good, Bad, and Unnecessary College Application Advice You Need to Know
Legally Blonde
In this day and age, you’d be hard-pressed to find a person who hasn’t at least heard of 
Legally Blonde, let alone seen it. Easily one of the most iconic movies of the 2000s, Legally Blonde is as popular as ever with people across the globe. At first glance, it may appear to be a stereotypical chick flick, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. A feminist power ballad, the film follows sorority queen Elle Woods (and her Chihuahua, Bruiser, of course) through her first year at Harvard Law School. After initially enrolling to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner, she discovers, much to her surprise, that she has a knack and passion for law.
One of the most endearing parts of Legally Blonde, and something we can all learn from, is how Elle remains true to herself during her evolution, always wearing her signature bright pink and unafraid of being deemed too “girly” in a male-dominated field. While it may not be the most educational watch on this list, it gives audiences a much-needed reminder about staying true to themselves, even in environments—like school—where assimilation is the norm.
Image courtesy of MGM Distribution Co.
NOVA
For those interested in science, 
NOVA is an educational documentary series that will prove to be an enjoyable diversion from typical classroom learning. With topics from archaeology to astronomy to computer science and more, there’s guaranteed to be an episode on a subject that will enthrall you. NOVA is also a great way to get a sneak preview of subjects that will be covered in the coming school year (so maybe it won’t totally prevent you from thinking about school). The program is also a hit with many teachers, so chances are you’ll interact with their content at some point during the year, whether it be on your own or in class.
Image courtesy of PBS
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
What back-to-school binge would be complete without 
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off? The classic teen comedy follows Ferris Bueller as he plays hooky for one perfect day with his best friend and girlfriend. Even though the movie came out in 1986, it still makes audiences laugh and relate almost 40 years later. While this one may not be the most educational movie either, it’s a fun romp that will put you in the back-to-school spirit. (Just don’t get too inspired and skip the first day!)
Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Related: 9 Fun Things Students Should Do This Fall
School is coming one way or another, but you don’t have to dread it. Just look for things that remind you of all that can be exciting about your academic life. Happy watching, and enjoy your back-to-school binge!
You’re not alone when it comes to feeling stressed and anxious about a new academic year. While you watch your shows, ease your mind further with some of the Best Back-to-School Advice From Real Students Like You.
