Three Web Series to Binge-Watch Over Your Holiday Break

Winter vacation is officially here, which means you’re potentially knee-deep in eggnog, fanning the flames from a few torched chestnuts and juggling texts from every guy you ever flirted with in middle school. If you’re home, then you’ll later retreat to the comfort of your childhood bedroom to enjoy the luxury of your parents’ HBO as it dances across the TV screen.

But if, like mine, your parents have joined the ranks of cord-cutters — a.k.a., you’re staying put at your apartment with no cable to your name, you might want to explore the world of web series. (Especially if you have the cinematic attention span of a fruit fly.) I’ve rounded up three of my current favorites, which, incidentally, are all available online, free of charge. Thanks mom!

High Maintenance

High Maintenance is the brainchild of husband and wife team Ben Sinclair and Katja Blichfeld, who co-write and direct each episode. Sinclair plays a blasé weed delivery guy catering to the camp of typical Brooklyn residents. With a guest star list that includes Hannibal Buress (Broad City) and Greta Lee (New Girl, GIRLS) each 5-10 minute episode is pee-your-pants hilarious, but Season 1’s “Heidi” takes the gold.

(You can stream Season 3 now for the price of $7.99.)

 Charles, Your Hangover

“I’m Charles! I’ll be your hangover today!”

Charles is the physical manifestation of your worst hangover. He will — quite literally — pour kitty litter down your throat, spin you in your chair and run his nails down a chalkboard. Episode 1 stars Lauren Lapkus as an elementary school teacher suffering through the aftermath of a wine-soaked grading bender. With an average run time of four minutes, this Above Average production is the ideal hungover-on-a-Sunday watch.

Downtown Girls

Written by Jessica Lamour and now in its second season, Downtown Girls can perhaps best be described as, “the more relatable version of GIRLS.” The series approaches the onslaught of adulthood in a fresh and funny way, and has garnered praise from fellow comediens Ilana Glazer and Casey Wilson. Season One’s “Prada Cakes” chronicles a group of NYU students as they navigate the campus drug scene. Watch it here:

What are you currently watching? What will you watch? What should I watch? I’ve finished these, so I either need you to tell me below, or provide your parents’ HBO Go account.

Happy Holidays!