‘Watching classic or throwback TV shows is an intriguing alternative for many students who aren’t satisfied with today’s biggest titles. Those who look to Netflix as their source of TV can often feel trapped between mainstream shows such as “Breaking Bad,” “House of Cards” and “The Walking Dead.” However, with recent news that the beloved 90s sitcom “Friends” is headed to Netflix, TV fans seeking new options can be optimistic about the near future.

“Classic TV shows have a sense of familiarity [that make them] more enjoyable to watch,” Claire Tiefenthaler ’17, who  is an avid fan of “That 70s Show” and “Full House,” said.

Daniel Perez Elorza ’16 believes “Drake and Josh,” one of his favorite shows, would still be popular today if it returned to regular programming.

“I go out of my way [to watch this show] because [it’s] really funny. In addition, I think that these shows were such a big part of my childhood that I watch them over and over again,” Perez Elorza added.

People certainly have their own opinions about the qualifications for a classic TV show.

“I still watch ‘The Simpsons,’ though the older ones, seasons five to 15, are Golden Era,” English teacher Jesse Bauks said. “Occasionally I’ll watch an episode of ‘Friends,’ ‘Cheers’ or ‘Seinfeld,’ [which were] about as ubiquitous in my college dorm as [90s rock band] Pearl Jam, back in the day.”

Alluding to the generation gap that exists between students and teachers, Bauks continued, “I have no idea what classic shows kids watch. I’m not sure if classics are from their childhood or [their] parents.”

Despite Bauks’ strong recommendation, he admitted that since he did not necessarily click with the shows from his parents’ generation, he can’t expect Staples students to always appreciate the shows from his generation.

After all, as Perez Elorza said,  “[My childhood shows] represent who I am.”