Five TV Shows Worth Binge Watching on Netflix

Chances are, if you subscribe to Netflix, Hulu Plus or any other instant streaming service, you have binge-watched a TV series at least once (or perhaps more like once a week). Netflix's own House of Cards, which premiered on Feb. 1 in one 13-episode batch, keeps this viewing mentality in mind, and the service will employ a similar strategy for the Netflix-exclusive fourth season of cult-favorite Arrested Development in May. If you've already burned through House of Cards and think May seems a long way off, here are five suggestions to satisfy your binge-watching needs:

The West Wing: Before the dirty politics of House of Cards came the idealism of the Bartlet administration. Filled with classic Aaron Sorkin dialogue and a pioneer of the "walk-and-talk," this political epic is still highly regarded today. (Status: Seasons 1-7 on Netflix.)

Alias: These days, hubby Ben Affleck might be getting most of the attention, but before she was Mrs. Argo, Jennifer Garner kicked super-spy butt as double agent Sydney Bristow for five seasons in this action-packed drama. (Status: Seasons 1-5 on Netflix.)

Firefly: Let's face it: 14 episodes of Joss Whedon's brilliant space western are not enough. Luckily, the show had a strong enough fan base to revive it for a feature film, Serenity. Just be sure to watch the series first, then the movie. (Status: Season 1 and Serenity on Netflix.)

The Walking Dead: The zombie apocalypse drama's first season is an easy-to-marathon six episodes, each brimming with the kind of suspense that drives you to power on. The 13-episode second season has a slightly different pace than the first, but character-driven drama is as intense as ever. (Status: Seasons 1-2 on Netflix; 3 airs on AMC.)

How I Met Your Mother: Now that CBS has pegged season nine as the series finale, the end is finally in sight for fans who have waited patiently (and not-so-patiently) to meet the comedy's titular mother. Has there ever been a better time to relive Ted Mosby's romantic journey? (Status: Seasons 1-7 on Netflix, 8 airs on CBS.)