Binge-watching has become a popular cultural phenomenon, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the narrative arcs of their favorite TV series for hours on end. It offers a unique form of entertainment consumption, enabling audiences to delve deeply into storylines and character development without the constraints of traditional weekly releases.
Best TV Series to Binge Watch Featuring NYFA Camp Alum
At NYFA, we’ve been fortunate enough to have a number of alum involved in binge-worthy television shows. From Nozipho Mclean in Westworld to Chord Overstreet in Glee, NYFA’s multitalented alum continue to light up the small screen. This, of course, extends to our summer camp alum, and a range of their successful projects and roles.
Here are some of the best shows to binge on a lazy Sunday starring familiar NYFA faces!
Boardwalk Empire, Francesca Scorsese
Boardwalk Empire (2010) is a critically acclaimed American television series. Set during the Prohibition era, the show chronicles the life of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Steve Buscemi), a political figure and bootlegger, as he navigates the underworld of Atlantic City. Boardwalk Empire captivated audiences with its intricate portrayal of power, corruption, and ambition during a transformative period in American history.
Francesca Scorsese, who attended multiple filmmaking camps at NYFA New York, appeared in a small role in the hit series. She went on to star in small roles in hit films and television shows such as The Aviator (2004), The Departed (2006), and Hugo (2011). Recently, she appeared in a short with her father, Martin Scorsese titled, Squarespace: Marty & Francesca Make a Website. Francesca is also set to star in the upcoming film Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point with Michael Cera. In addition to acting, Francesca is also a director and writer. Image via IMDB.
House of Lies, Bex Taylor-Klaus
House of Lies is a dark comedy television series starring Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell. The show follows a group of management consultants who specialize in corporate greed and corruption, navigating the cutthroat world of business. With its biting satire and sharp dialogue, House of Lies offers a cynical yet entertaining glimpse into the world of corporate America. NYFA camp alum Bex Taylor-Klaus, who attended a camp at our NYFA Los Angeles campus, appeared as Lex in five episodes of the show.
Bex graduated from NYFA’s Teen Filmmaking Camp in 2012 and went on to act in roles on the CW’s superhero series Arrow, Glee, iZombie, 13 Reasons Why, Deputy, Longmire, and MTV’s Scream television series. Bex has also successfully done voiceover work in the Netflix animated series Voltron: Legendary Defender, Robot Chicken, and Adventure Time: Distant Lands.
They also had a starring role in the slasher-horror film Hell Fest, and musical comedy Dumplin’ alongside Jennifer Aniston, Blackbird, with a starring cast that included Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet, Sam Neill, and Rainn Wilson. Image via Amazon.
The Killing, Bex Taylor-Klaus
In addition to their film and television series listed above, Bex Taylor-Klaus starred in 12 episodes of the AMC crime drama series The Killing. The Killing is a gripping crime drama television series that follows detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder as they investigate complex murder cases in Seattle. Known for its atmospheric cinematography and intricate storytelling, the show delves deep into the psychological and emotional toll of crime-solving. With its suspenseful plot twists and morally ambiguous characters, The Killing keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Bex’s character, Bullet, is a street-smart and resilient teenager navigating the harsh realities of life while forging deep connections with her friends and allies. With a tough exterior masking vulnerability and loyalty, Bullet adds depth to the series as she grapples with personal struggles amidst the backdrop of the show’s gripping murder mysteries.
Parks and Recreation, Aubrey Plaza
Parks and Recreation (2009), is a beloved sitcom created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur. The series follows the quirky employees of the Parks and Recreation Department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Led by the enthusiastic and optimistic Leslie Knope, portrayed by Amy Poehler, the show is known for its witty humor, memorable characters, and heartwarming moments. Aubrey Plaza played the sarcastic April Ludgate and appeared in 124 episodes of the show.
Plaza, now a household name, attended a filmmaking camp for NYFA at NYFA Los Angeles in 2000 and has been nominated for a Primetime Emmy. Since, she’s appeared in a wide range of films and television shows in addition to Parks and Recreation, including Legion, The Legend of Korra, Welcome to Sweden, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Portlandia, Ingrid Goes West, and Emily the Criminal. Image via Reddit.
The White Lotus, Aubrey Plaza
In addition to all of her film and television accomplishments, Plaza starred in seven episodes of season two of The White Lotus. A darkly comedic and satirical television series created by Mike White, every season is set to take place in a luxurious resort. Exploring the lives of the guests and staff, the series delves into themes of privilege, class dynamics, and societal expectations.
Plaza stars as Harper, a vacationer tripping with her husband and his two affluent friends. With Harper’s sharp commentary and wit, her character in The White Lotus adds to the show’s thought-provoking examination of contemporary society and human nature.
Bad Sisters, Eve Hewson
In Apple TV’s Bad Sisters (2022), NYFA alum Eve Hewson stars as Becka Garvey. When sister Grace’s husband continues with his abusive behavior, Becka, along with her other sisters Eva, Bibi, and Ursula, plot his demise. In a true who-done-it murder mystery format, the series starts with JP’s untimely death and suggests throughout the series that the Garvey sisters were responsible. Bad Sisters was nominated for four Emmys in 2023. As of January 2024, season two of the series is planned.
Hewson has performed in several hit films and television shows including the late James Gandolfini’s daughter in the rom-com, Enough Said (2013). She has also appeared in Robin Hood (2018), and the BBC’s mini-series adaptation of Eleanor Catton’s novel The Luminaries (2020). Additional roles include the Netflix limited series Behind Her Eyes (2021) as well as Flora and Son (2023).
Her next project is The Perfect Couple, where she plays opposite White Lotus star Meghann Fahy, Dakota Fanning, Nicole Kidman, and Liev Schreiber. Image via High on Films.
Back to 15, Maisa Silva
Back to 15 is a Brazilian Netflix series that revolves around the story of a 30-year-old woman, Carol, who travels back in time to her teenage years. Finding herself in her 15-year-old body, she navigates high school again, she attempts to correct the mistakes of her past and reconcile with her younger self.
The series blends elements of drama, romance, and time travel, offering a fresh take on the classic theme of second chances. Acting for film alum Maisa Silva, who attended a teen camp at our NYFA New York campus, starred in eight episodes as Anita.
Silva has also appeared in 204 episodes of Carrossel as Valéria Ferreira and 398 episodes of Carinha de Anjo as Juliana ‘Juju’ Almeida. Image via Leisurebyte.
Fargo, David Oulton
The Fargo TV series is an anthology crime drama inspired by the Coen Brothers’ 1996 film of the same name. Each season presents a new story with different characters, settings, and periods, all interconnected by the dark humor and quirky violence characteristic of the Coen Brothers’ style. With its stellar ensemble cast, intricate storytelling, and distinctive Midwestern noir atmosphere, Fargo has received critical acclaim and has become a standout series in the television landscape. Top talent on Fargo includes Billy Bob Thorton, Colin Hanks, Kirsten Dunst, Ewan McGregor, Chris Rock, Patrick Wilson, Juno Temple, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Jesse Plemmons.
NYFA acting for film camp alum David Oulton, who attended our NYFA Los Angeles campus, appeared in a small role on Fargo, and has an original Amazon Prime series Face to Face with David, where he interviews celebrity guests. Previous guests have included Raven Symone, Vanessa Williams, Margaret Cho, David Archuleta, Corbin Bernsen, Perez Hilton, and Carson Kressley. He has additional acting credits for Heartland and Galaxy Trek. He is also a writer and producer. Image via East Bay Times.
Younger, Dylan Mars Greenberg
Younger follows Liza Miller, a 40-year-old woman who poses as a twenty-something to reenter the competitive world of publishing. Created by Darren Star, the show navigates themes of ageism, friendship, and romance against the backdrop of New York City’s vibrant publishing industry. With its charming cast led by Sutton Foster and Hilary Duff, Younger” offers relatable struggles that resonate with audiences of all ages.
Teen camp filmmaking alum Dylan Mars Greenberg, who attended our NYFA New York campus, starred in a small role in Younger and has since directed films including ReAgitator: Revenge of the Parody, Glamarus, Wakers, and Amityville: Vanishing Point. An additional film directed by Greenberg, Dark Prism, was covered by VICE, Rolling Stone, and Flavorwire. Greenberg has directed music videos for James Chance and the Contortions, Mac Gollehon, and Pastel Confession, and has been featured in PAPER Magazine. Her 2024 film, Spirit Riser, is narrated by Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2’s Michael Madsen. Image via Fandom.
Happy!, Lily Buchanan
Happy! is a darkly comedic and surreal TV series based on a graphic novel of the same name. Written by Grant Morrison and Darick Robertson, the show follows Nick Sax, a disgraced ex-cop turned hitman, who teams up with a cheerful and imaginary blue horse named Happy to rescue a kidnapped girl. Filled with over-the-top violence, irreverent humor, and bizarre characters, Happy! offers a unique and twisted take on the crime thriller genre. Christopher Meloni plays Nick Sax, and Patton Oswalt voices Happy the Horse.
NYFA acting for film camp alum Lily Buchanan, who attended our NYFA New York campus, starred in four episodes of Happy! as Jamie. Buchanan has also appeared in films and television series such as The Farmer and the Belle: Saving Santaland, The After Party, and the upcoming project The Lake in the Sky. Image via Spotern.
How I Met Your Mother, Jonathan Morgan Heit
How I Met Your Mother follows Ted Mosby’s quest to find true love in New York City, as narrated to his children in the future. Through flashbacks, the show explores the ups and downs of friendship, love, and adulthood, with Ted’s friends Marshall, Lily, Barney, and Robin playing integral roles in his journey. Known for its clever narrative structure, running gags, and memorable catchphrases, How I Met Your Mother became a cultural phenomenon during its nine-season run.
NYFA acting for film and filmmaking camp alum Jonathan Morgan Heit, who attended our NYFA Miami campus, had a small role in How I Met Your Mother, and since, has appeared in numerous hit television series and films including Date Night, Valentine’s Day, Bedtime Stories, 15 episodes of Family Guy, 24 episodes of Granite Flats, and 91 episodes of Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Additional credits include roles on American Dad, Rules of Engagement, ER, and General Hospital. Image via Business Insider.
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