Of course I can't write a series about new adult television shows without mentioning the epic-ness that is "Greek."

Premiering back in 2007 on ABC Family, "Greek" is a one-hour dramedy that focuses on the lives of not only a select group of college students, but a subset of college students that are actively involved in Greek life. Although several different organizations are explored throughout the life of the series, the fictitious houses of Zeta Beta Zeta (sorority), Kappa Tau Alpha (fraternity), and Omega Chi Delta (fraternity) remain at the center of all story lines.The series begins when Rusty Cartwright, a wide-eyed nerdy freshman arrives at the fictitious Cypress-Rhodes University as an engineering major. Once he realizes that his dreams of a raucous college life aren't going to be fulfilled by science-themed mixers in the physics department, he turns to his sister for advice. But his sister, who happens to be one of the most popular girls of ZBZ and poised to become the next president, wants nothing to do with her brother and discourages him from rushing when he brings it up. But alas, he doesn't listen, and rushes anyways. He has a choice between Omega Chi, Casey's rich boyfriend's fraternity of general douche-bagery, or Kappa Tau, Casey's belligerent EX-boyfriend's fraternity of misfits.I'll leave the mystery of which one he chooses to those of you who have yet to watch the show. But even though the basis might sound a bit blah and if you find Greek life completely unappealing, let me take a moment to share a few of the reasons why I love this show--and why you may love it, too.

It's incredibly self-aware.
Let's be honest here...many of these teen shows (especially those on the CW or ABC Family) tend to be just a little bit ridiculous and far-fetched when it comes to certain plots (::cough:: "Pretty Little Liars" ::cough:: "Secret Life"). The writers know it, and the viewers certainly know it, but it just goes on as this unrealistic element that no one really acknowledges for the sake of entertainment. But not on "Greek." 
The writers make several references to comical issues in the show such as strange weather patterns (the show takes place in Ohio yet it is never winter), the fact that the semesters seem to go on for years (some of the characters are juniors for three seasons), or that no one ever seems to go to class (because what's the fun in that?), which are always done in a clever, joking manner. The best thing is that the writers have been known to read through the IMDB boards and pick up on these continuity/realism issues that the viewers discuss and make a point to address them in the plot. I just love how in touch they are with these things and aren't afraid to poke fun at themselves if need be.

It has some hilarious (and smart!) pop culture references.
One of my pet peeves when it comes to books, television, and movies is bad pop culture references.  It feels as though many times they are used as a crutch to seems "hip" or "current" to a younger demographic, thus making them dated almost immediately (::cough:: "Pretty Little Liars" yet again ::cough::). And yes, "Greek" is guilty of this sometimes as well ("The Hills," for instance, is referenced quite a bit as well as some other late 2000's shows). 
But on the flip side, there's plenty of fabulous references for people my own age (and even older) to appreciate, such as Jordan Catalano / "My So-Called Life," "Full  House," Tommy Tutone's "867-5309," "Felicity," "The Goonies," "Say Anything," and many more that I'm forgetting right now. One of the best had to be when Casey and Evan, two of the main characters, were watching episodes of "Frasier," simply because the actress who plays Casey is Spencer Grammar happens to be Kelsey Grammar's daughter. The references are witty and not just thrown in for the sake of making a reference--they're clever and make you laugh out loud once you realize what they mean.
And any show that makes a "Donna Martin GRADUATES!" callback will always remain in my heart. 

It's realistic.
I was in a sorority for half of my college life, and this show nails Greek life perfectly--from the date functions to the chapter drama to the snarki-ness between sisters. I love that it shows to positive parts of Greek life, like friendships and leadership experience, but doesn't shy away from some of the aspects that drive people away, like the vapidness and materialism and general "fake-ness" that is inherent in organizations that primarily pick members based on looks. Sure there are some real friendships (I love Casey and Ashley's) but there are also some "faux" friends, like Franny. Oh, I love that bitchy character--and I know that every sorority has at least one (if not several) girls who are just as popularity-hungry as she is. It's obvious that most if not all of the writers of the show were members of Greek organizations--they nail the lifestyle perfectly.
And the characterization here! I love it. The writers do a fabulous job of making each character so three dimensional, you can literally find something in common with each and every one of them.  Even though most of them are Greeks, they are by no means stereotypical. They each have layer upon layer that slowly get peeled off as the series progresses. Even Franny the bitchy girl.

And finally, it's just plain fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously. And it has a hell of a lot of heart.
Love television shows about college as much as I do? Give this one a shot! I guarantee you won't regret it!

The whole series is available to stream instantly on Netflix!