Tech is well-known for its engineering and computer science programs, but few realize the talent pool that extends here outside of STEM. Buzz Studios is a filmmaking club meant to foster the skills of writing, producing and directing. Last Friday, Sept. 1, the club hosted its Film Showcase to spotlight five student projects from the 2022-2023 academic year. Held in the John Lewis Student Center’s Atlantic Theater, Buzz Studios’ screening invited students to celebrate the members’ short films and learn about the club’s commitment to fostering creativity.

The entire showcase lasted an hour and 15 minutes and highlighted four student projects. The first film titled “Geiger” is directed, written and produced by Mario Lopez, third-year BME. “The story begins when Martin is dumbfounded to see that the periodic table in his freshman chemistry class seems to be changing from day to day. Unable to get answers from those around him, his quest for the truth leads to horrifying results,” Lopez said online.

Merging science fiction with mystery, this thriller explores the hazardous consequences of a periodic table anomaly set in the well-known labs of the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons.  As soon as the opening scene appeared, the awkward introductions and fumbling of lab equipment were immediately reminiscent of the general chemistry courses from freshman year and the class crush who sat next to you. While the build-up incites confusion to the audience, the revelation of the periodic table anomaly sparks a quick escalation to keep viewers on their toes.

The second, “Buzzing Bad,” and third, “Nave Mold,” short films are projects from the mind of Ryan Li, second-year CM. “Buzzing Bad,” a parody of the popular crime show “Breaking Bad,” follows a “chemistry student who has lost his grade-based scholarship at a certain bee-themed university and resorts to making Adderall to pay for his tuition.” This comedic spin on the serious drama features quips like, “You’re an aerospace major, you were always meant to get people high.” Li’s other project, “Tech Square Times: Nave Mold,” follows the “Tech Square Times’ report on a horrible zombie apocalypse sweeping through the Tech campus.” 

With jabs at North Avenue apartments and social media, Li’s satirical news release is a great example of the collaboration of club members and the editing skills Buzz Studios teaches. These were the most enjoyable films, as they both poked fun at universal campus issues without requiring the audience to think. Media is often meant to be a source of escapism, so using the pattern of satirical television and zombie comedy felt like a perfect transition into the following film. 

“Canned” is the fourth student film that traverses between science fiction and comedy. Ethan Ollins, third-year ECE, depicts the “life of professional couch potato Kenny Palermo when he comes to the unsettling conclusion that his bowl of soup could be capable of sending him back in time. When he enlists his fiercely skeptical friend Billy Nelson to help, Kenny’s fears come miraculously true, and bizarre time-travel antics ensue.” 

“Canned” is a film about soup. Magical soup. Time travel mixed with comedic editing and a dash of fraternity exaggeration makes for the perfect bowl of entertainment. Audience members chuckled as their thoughts were spoken on screen when the supporting actor questioned the sanity of Kenny using a gun to protect himself from the soup on the counter. From beginning to end, the comedic atmosphere lightened the night before leading into the showcase’s concluding drama.

The last short film screened was Tech alum Gabriel Jones’ “Feel Blue/Less Than I Do.” The drama reflects on emotions and reactions.  “Harbor anger? Or embrace change with an open heart? Viewers can choose one story, the other or both. Will you choose a story of love and understanding or one of immaturity and spite? The choice is yours.” The plot tackles the difference in thinking positively as opposed to succumbing to the bitterness of trauma and lost potential. 

“Feel Blue/Less Than I Do” hits a familiar hopelessness to students forced to carry responsibilities through constant letdowns and isolating experiences. The concept is beautifully eye-opening to how negativity, which becomes increasingly common throughout college and early adult life, swallows your character. Although the film defines two choices for a person to make, they are often not decisions made based on preference. Negativity morphs into the path to survival in many cases, with positivity only appearing after rebuilding oneself and turning towards healing. 

Buzz Studios creates entirely student-led shorts and works hand-in-hand with outside partners, enlisting Atlanta talent to star in their films. “Gieger,” “Canned” and “Feel Blue/Less Than I Do” all feature local actors and actresses. These projects act as a bridge, connecting people across interest fields. 

“[Buzz Studios] is absolutely what you make of it and what you want to get out of it,” Ollins said. Buzz Studios is a tool for students to engage in their passion without the pressure of grades and with the support of fellow students. Each project creates opportunities to learn as an editor, producer or cast and crew member. 

Filmmaking is not limited to a certain type of student at the Institute. Buzz Studios creates an environment of learning. Technique is passed down from club officers and students who have experience in Literature, Media and Communication major’s film or production courses. Monthly production days allow new members to jump onto set and learn on the job through testing out three to four different roles in one weekend.

Buzz Studios uses its platform to enrich filmmaking and highlight student voices in their yearly Film Showcase. Whether you are looking for a place to build your vision or develop a production toolkit, the club continues to be a source of creative growth going on its 22nd year.

To explore Buzz Studio’s portfolio of past student work, visit their website at buzzstudios.org/. 

Living in the heart of Atlanta means there is an adventure all around you. However, you do not have to step off  campus to start yours. Whether you are rolling with a group or are enjoying your personal time, Tech is home to many ways to spend your days.

Take a break from your dorm room and step outside to embrace the Georgia weather. You will notice a large green space in the middle of campus called Tech Green, which acts as a hub for student life. Roll out a soccer ball or set up a game of Spikeball; this is everyone’s favorite place for a casual game with friends. Aside from sports, Tech Green is a great place to lay out a blanket and read or get a group of friends to paint together. Not a fan of the grass? Why not relax in the hammocks surrounding Tech Green? You may also spot some pups running around, as this is a popular pet spot.

 Hoping to find a place a little less common? Head to the EcoCommons on West Campus for a more peaceful rendezvous with nature. Whether you want hammocks, slides or to catch your breath, there are plenty of spots around the area for whatever you may be looking for.

Around the corner you will find Burger Bowl. As an open grass field, this area is perfect for pick-up games and peaceful star gazing. Right next door is Stamps Field, a gated turf field complete with an outdoor track and sand volleyball. Bring a ball to scrimmage or build up your track-star skills anytime during the day. 

Do you prefer a gym experience without the additional membership fees? Take advantage of the CRC, a full-scale gym filled with free weights, machines, an indoor track, rental courts, a swimming pool and much more. If you are taking at least four credits this semester, you have unlimited access by swiping your BuzzCard. Do not worry if you are below this requirement; you can always purchase a custom membership if needed. 

Georgia Tech has more than enough outlets to inspire your creativity; The Invention Studio, a student-run makerspace, is the perfect creative studio for any projects personal or academic. There is a metal room, wood room, 3D printers, paint, electronics and crafts of all kinds that are free to use. You can even become trained and join the team of student leaders working at the studio.

Tech’s Paper and Clay center has a mix of free and purchasable activities. Wanting something to destress? Relax with their paints and beaded crafts. Looking for a challenge and a little more freedom? Take a spin at the pottery wheels or paint some ceramics. They even have a printing service where you can print posters
with a variety of sizes. 

The newly-renovated Student Center houses a spirit store, dining hall, study spaces, the post office, theaters, a bowling alley and much more. Situated next to Tech Green, the Student Center is the one-stop shop for anything that screams “typical college student.”

Living in the city means city views, but it is hard to find this on campus. The best hidden place to experience the nighttime beauty is just off the Bio Quad Bring a date, some friends or experience the scene yourself while relaxing on publicly available patio next to the Molecular Science and Engineering Building.

No matter inside or outside, public or private, Tech has something for whatever you are in the mood for. These are only the beginning of our recommendations. There is much more to the Institute  than meets the eye, so why not start exploring?

Spider-Man is a never-ending phenomenon that excites all ages. After the global success of its predecessor, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” lived up to its name and shattered expectations. Through visual, musical and narrative storytelling, the adventure of Spider-Man comes to life through the trials and tribulations of Miles Morales.

Continuing the story of Miles Morales, the sequel builds on the struggle to belong and the power in being oneself.

High school sophomore Morales lives as Spider-Man on Earth-1610, but strives to reunite with his crush Gwen Stacy, the Spider-Woman of Earth-65.

Unable to juggle his studies, family and superhero responsibilities, Morales meets his newest villain: The Spot. This new nemesis fumbles his way into becoming the biggest threat Spider-Man has ever faced.

Luckily, the emergence of an elite Spider-Society brings help and hard truths that change how Morales views his powers and himself.

The return favorites Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) Gwen Stacy (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) mix well with the introduction of newcomers Miguel O’Hara, Spider-Punk and SpiderWoman, voiced by film veterans Oscar Isaac, Daniel Kaluuya and Issa Rae respectively.

This mash-up of all the Earths’ Spider-Men creates a unique community of diversity in gender, race and cultural identity. Its variety of representation matches the diversification of art styles. Aside from the visual art, the music is also of note.

“Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse” gave a stunning mix of songs, and, thanks to the sequel, a new album will be on repeat for thousands of people.

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” continues to push animation into the limelight. What once was seen as childish transitions into a euphoric experience filled with artistic flare. While “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” opened the door, this sequel elevated expectations. Thanks to the multiverse, audiences experienced hundreds of variations of digital art and animation styles, such as stop motion and line drawings.

Not only does animation exist in the imagined world, but the film includes live action scenes seamlessly edited together.

Cameos from previous SpiderMan films, such as Andrew Garfield from “The Amazing SpiderMan” and Tobey Maguire from “Spider-Man,” the incorporation of the SpiderMan meme and scenes with Donald Glover reveal a deep understanding of the different demographics within the film’s audience.

This film focuses on color theory as a way to merge art and emotion. Whether between father and daughter or best friends, color exaggerates the situation.

As characters grew apart or forgive, their colors change. “Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse” utilizes the elements of hue, brightness, contrast and transparency to narrate the story through visualization.

Whether a superhero lover or an art connoisseur, every moviegoer will be amazed how “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” melds artistic flair and the hero’s journey into a storytelling masterpiece.

Released four years after its predecessor, “John Wick: Chapter 4” continues Wick’s journey across the globe aiming to kill his way to freedom. With an open contract on him reaching past $20 million, John Wick is forced to reach out to old friends and new faces.

Keanu Reeves reprises his role as John Wick along with his underground connection, the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne, “Boyz n the Hood”), and Winston (Ian McShane, “Deadwood”), a hotel manager at the Continental in New York. This action-packed, R-rated thriller amps up the drama while giving the same thrills as past movies in the franchise.

The movie begins in a fast-paced environment and the rest of the plot follows suit. With the introduction of new allies and a new face of the high table, Marquis Vincent de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård, “It”), character depth is seen through the characterization and relationships the players create. 

Although key characters, such as hitmen Caine and the Tracker, grew with the film and became fan-favorites, the lack of female casting and strength in character development continued from past movies into this one. Akira, played by singer Rina Sawayama, is introduced early in the movie as the daughter of the manager for Japan’s Osaka Continental. Her skills and intelligence shine as she becomes a new ally of Wick, but her screen time is cut shorter than needed. With an unfulfilling ending, she exits from the scene and is never mentioned again. This character became a missed opportunity audiences wanted more from. However, the movie made up for this by creating a privileged, easily unlikeable villain and opposing him to two
morally correct hitmen. 

This movie features a deeper focus on lighting, audio and cinematography than before. Fight scenes are actualized through location shooting and visually appealing layouts. Scenes contrast each other, such as the pristine, clean aesthetic of Osaka’s glass display room compared to the water-surrounded underground site of Killa’s hideout. Camera angles are also utilized, varying from aerial views, as if spectating a video game, to traditional full shots. 

Color has also always been a strong cinematic element through John Wick films, and Wick’s iconic black continues to be an identifier. With scene settings balancing out the focus, each new city is accompanied by a supporting color palette. Osaka is largely illuminated in red, orange and blue colors while Berlin is focused on candle light, which also aids in transitioning the pace and mood of each scene. 

One of the most critical aspects of movie fight scenes is the logic of ammunition. Many movie-goers often notice discrepancies between the amount of shots a character takes versus the available ammunition they carry. John Wick counteracts this plot hole by explaining his new gun’s maximized capacity as well as showing the moments Wick takes his victims’ guns to continue the fight. 

With each new installment, the creativity in fighting grows. “Chapter 4” showcases a variety of physical altercations, ranging from hand-to-hand combat to car chases and a real-life street version of “Frogger” with the addition of pistols. With few words spoken throughout the film, especially by main character John Wick, the action and visuals take on a larger role. 

Despite almost every scene being a fight sequence, the changes in location, camera angle, weapons and team-ups makes each battle distinct and more memorable. Viewing the car fight, stair scene and final duel puts all past John Wick fights to shame. 

Whether a fan of past John Wick films or simply a lover of action in the realm of revenge and creative fight scenes, “John Wick: Chapter 4” is sure to excite through its hard-hitting brawls and ingenious cinematography. 

Despite the plot being slightly predictable, the film’s experience beats the previous installments and secures John Wick’s name as the most infamous hitman in the realm of cinema.

The 95th Academy Awards marked a divergence in tradition and push towards much-needed representation. On March 12, the Oscars began its night without its 62-year-old traditional ‘red carpet’. While this decision worked against enjoying the grandiosity of attendees’ stunning outfits, it set the stage for a new era.

Hosting for his third time, Jimmy Kimmel engaged the audience and attendees with every quip and introduction. He entered the scene by parachuting down from the ceiling onto the stage after being edited into a “Top Gun: Maverick” flight scene. Kimmel referenced last year’s incident of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock and then winning best actor by saying that any assailant would have to get past a few of his friends. 

He began by introducing Michael B. Jordan in his role in “Creed” and Michelle Yeoh from “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” shifting then to point out Pedro Pascal from “The Mandalorian,” who is widely known for his current role as Joel in the HBO Max series “The Last of Us.” Kimmel finished by panning to “The Amazing Spider-Man’s” Andrew Garfield making an awkward smile, which became one of this awards show’s most popular memes.

Leading the awards was A24 film “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” winning seven Oscars all for above-the-line categories, garnering recognition for achievement within the core areas of the film’s development and execution. History-makers Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan led the cast, followed by Jamie Lee Curtis, in receiving an Oscar for their roles. 

Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian actress to win “Best Actress,” and her acceptance speech spoke on the acknowledgement of achievement amongst minorities by saying, “to all the little boys and girls who look like me watching this tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof — dream big, and dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you’re ever past your prime.”

Ke Huy Quan also stole hearts and drew tears after speaking about his life story while accepting his Oscar for “Best Supporting Actor.” 

As the first Vietnamese-American to be nominated and the second Asian actor to win, Ke Huy Quan excitedly shared, “My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp … This is the American Dream.” After taking a break from acting following his debut roles in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “The Goonies,” Ke Huy Quan took a final chance at acting with his role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” showing that the film scene is starting to illustrate the stories of minorities. Fellow cast member Jamie Lee Curtis (“Freaky Friday”) won the Oscar for “Best Supporting Actress,” and the film took home four more accolades for “Best Picture,” “Best Editing,” “Best Original Screenplay” and “Best Directing.”

A24’s awards didn’t stop there. Brendan Fraser, known best for his roles in “George of the Jungle” and “The Mummy,” returned from his pause in acting to star in “The Whale,” winning him his first Oscar for “Best Actor.” 

The night continued to make history when “RRR’s” anti-colonialist song “Naatu Naatu” was honored as the “Best Original Song,” making it the first Indian film song to ever be nominated and win. Costume designer Ruth E. Carter similarly made history as the first black woman to ever win multiple Oscars. After receiving her first Oscar for her work in “Black Panther,” she accepted her second award for “Best Costume Design” for her work on the sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

Throughout the night, “All Quiet on the Western Front” showed out by winning four Oscars for “Best International Feature Film,” “Best Cinematography,” “Best Production Design” and “Best Original Score.” Film sensation “Top Gun: Maverick” also took home an Oscar for “Best Sound,” though Miles Teller attended without his trendsetting mustache. 

While live-action films continue to dominate the awards, Guillermo del Toro (“Hellboy” and “The Shape of Water”) highlighted the importance of animation in cinema. His film “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” won him his third Oscar for “Best Animated Feature Film.” Upon accepting, he talked about the need to keep animation and the beauty of its capabilities in the conversation. 

Aside from announcing its winners, the Oscars were graced with performances from many notable faces. One of the more unimpressive moments came from Lady Gaga styled in a t-shirt. Most of the negativity around her landed on her chapped lips and lack of formal attire, which are debatably trivial. Aside from this, most other singers met or exceeded Oscar standards. Fresh off her Superbowl halftime performance, Rihanna lit up the stage with her performance of the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s” soundtrack’s hit “Lift Me Up.” 

The 95th Academy Awards acknowledged the best of the best and honored the transition towards a more inclusive film industry. One aspect of the show that will always remain is its spontaneous moments, and Elizabeth Banks walking on stage accompanied by a life-size version of the “Cocaine Bear” will definitely keep the audience assured that they will experience the unexpected.

The forest is a common setting for thriller movies, but traditional films star psychopaths or serial killers rather than a bear high on cocaine. One of Universal Picture’s newest films, “Cocaine Bear,” was released on Feb. 24, 2023. Although an R-rated action-thriller, the scripting transforms this film into a gory comedy sure to entertain. 

The concept of a drugged bear seems random, but director and producer Elizabeth Banks drew inspiration from the incident in 1985. On Dec. 23, 1985, a black bear was reported dead from an overdose after ingesting a batch of cocaine in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Some months before, drug smuggler Andrew Thornton had dropped bags of cocaine out of his plane as it went down in a crash, trying a last ditch effort to scatter the evidence of the drugs into the Chattahoochee National Forest before the plane went down. Thornton parachuted out of the falling plane, but the parachute deployment was unsuccessful and he ended up free-falling to his death.

The movie is loosely based on the true event of Thornton’s cocaine drop. The main characters of the movie are elementary school children Dee Dee and Henry, along with Dee Dee’s mother Sari (Keri Russell, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”), who finds herself searching through the forest to track down her lost daughter. Her performance as a strong, independent single mother is a serious take on the loving relationship between mother and daughter. The other storyline within the film follows drug smugglers Daveed (O’Shea Jackson Jr., “Den of Thieves”) and Eddie (Alden Ehrenreich, “Fair Play”) as they travel through the forest to get back their boss Syd’s (Ray Liotta, “Black
Bird”) lost cocaine. 

Other notable names such as Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Mitchell in “Modern Family”) and Margo Martindale (Grandma Ruby in “Hannah Montana: The Movie”) grace the film by adding quippy remarks and actions that play up the comedy, as well as their bloody encounters.

Although the film premise may appear lacking, the movie itself is nothing less than delightful. If blood and gore is a touchy subject, though, this movie is not the best option. “Cocaine Bear” uses excessive gore and blood to counteract the grievous concept of the murders, even while playing into its own outlandish concept. Token characters, such as the teenager Stache and the relationship between detective Bob and his dog, allow for constant laughs and smiles throughout the gruesome movie. These interactions in no way detract from the shield-your-eyes gore or the heart-pounding silence as the audience waits for the bear to attack. The combination of gore and comedy makes for an enjoyable experience, both in theaters and at home. 

Another important element about this adventure is the inclusion of a little romance. Most thriller movies like “Scream,” “Final Destination” and their parody movies rely partially on the blooming love between suffering characters. “Cocaine Bear” chooses to use this concept sparingly. The film plays with the opportunity of introducing a romance between main characters Sari and Eddie, but instead focuses on the love between mother and daughter as well as the heartwarming relationship between man and dog; the film chooses to subvert the stereotypes of cheesy horror movie romance. 

There are still a few couples within the film, but their murder scenes are more used as banter and to support the bear’s reputation as a ruthless killer. 

While viewers may be skeptical of the quality of a storyline following a bear on cocaine, the film is a great experience for those ready for gore and
excited for comedic thrillers. 

Be prepared to laugh, smile and flinch throughout every scene. If blood, dismembered body parts, crude language and a comically coked-up bear seems exciting, then “Cocaine Bear” is the next film to watch.

Bronx native Isis Gaston, better known as Ice Spice, took the rap scene by storm this year with the release of her EP “Like..?” on Jan. 20. Initially known for her single “Munch (Feelin’ U),” rapper Ice Spice has proved she is more than a one-hit wonder. Following her album release, she was featured in PinkPantheress’ February hit “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” which peaked at No. #4 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and has skyrocketed in virality online, pulling Ice Spice further into the spotlight.

Ice Spice puts a fresh spin on Bronx drill. This style of music focuses on mixing pop, rap and R&B with features of bass and snares. Ice Spice shared with New Musical Express, “I feel like drill will become mainstream music at some point, and it won’t be so categorized. It’s already changing hip-hop, but we won’t notice until we look back.” Ice Spice opened the world to the sounds of New York drill while leading self-assurance and feminine confidence to the forefront of rap. 

Flashback to August of last year, Ice Spice released her first big hit “Munch (Feelin’ U)” which launched her to the top of everyone’s radar. After its debut, Genius flew Ice Spice in to perform in their Open Mic segment. Her talent also caught the attention of Drake, who was impressed by her knack in rap and freestyle. Back in September, he flew her out to party in Toronto at the OVO Fest. 

Ice Spice has garnered more fans than just Drake, prompting Lil Nas X to dress as her for Halloween and Billboard to name her October’s rookie of the month for R&B and Hip-Hop. Fans have amassed across YouTube, TikTok and other music platforms. Her songs, as well as their music videos, have millions of views. Thousands of TikToks feature her music, with a few of her songs landing on the app’s top trending list.

Her new album “Like..?” is a combination of six explicit songs: ““In Ha Mood,” “Princess Diana,” “Gangsta Boo (with Lil Tjay),” “Actin A Smoochie,” “Bikini Bottom” and “Munch (Feelin’ U).” In just the few weeks since their release, all six songs have each reached millions of streams, with “In Ha Mood” peaking at No. #10 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs this past week. These songs cater to pop, hip-hop and R&B listeners by blending elements of all with her own style of Bronx drill. Ice Spice is taking over the music industry by reinventing the age-old themes of sex appeal and boss energy.

In the midst of single season comes the opportunity to enjoy love without any strings attached. The rise in popularity of romantic reality television brings with it astounding stories of love, drama and cringe.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, what better way to embrace the atmosphere than to sit down with delicious snacks to binge the best (and arguably worst) shows of the season. 

First Dates

“First Dates” is a British reality series that follows a couple through their first blind date. The participants are first set up in a restaurant, knowing nothing about the other until they meet. In fact, the entire restaurant is made up of couples on their first dates. The show follows the couple through their dinner conversations as the audience gets to know each person. 

As the show brings to light the most realistic first-date experiences, viewers — as if people-watching — see the growing attraction or disdain between partners as they navigate the awkward conversations involved with getting to know each other. 

After the couple finishes their meal, they discuss their thoughts on the date and whether they would like to see the other again. If you are looking for a more practical, heartwarming series, “First Dates” is the epitome of the dating show you crave.

Love Island UK

Imagine the stereotype for dating shows: if you are thinking of attractive models that always talk about sex, then this show is perfect for you. A group of contestants, aka “Islanders,” live in seclusion within a villa. Each week, they must couple up with another contestant or be up for elimination. Throughout the series, games and challenges test the Islanders, including the forced re-coupling that allows for couples to swap partners. Contestants compete for a prize of 50,000 pounds for the winning couple, but are subject to elimination through public vote and being left single during a re-coupling. As a reality game show, this dating series is perfect for those searching for a competition show with a dash of drama and romance, plus the benefit of attractive contestants.

Bachelor in Paradise

It may be surprising that “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette” is not listed. Instead, its sister show “Bachelor in Paradise” finds its way onto the must-watch list. As opposed to a show with one woman dating multiple men, the best contestants from across “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” seasons are invited to a Mexican villa. These contestants get a second chance at love by trying to couple up with each other. While it still includes the classic rose ceremony, each week alternates between who makes the decision: the men or the women. Date cards, twists and drama are wrapped up in this series. Of course, the show ends with the iconic engagement episode, offering the remaining couples a chance at forever. You’ll find yourself rooting for multiple couples and tearfully saying goodbye to the seemingly perfect relationships. 

Single’s Inferno

Just like “Bachelor in Paradise,” this South Korean reality show follows a similar premise while being hosted by a panel of celebrities. A group of men and women join each other on Inferno, a remote island. None of the contestants can reveal their ages or professions while on Inferno. Each night, the players chose one person they are interested in to travel with to Paradise, a luxury hotel. The contestants who choose each other are sent here to spend the night together and reveal their identities. Throughout the series, games and conversations elicit drama and reactions, with live reactions from the panel of hosts. At the end of Inferno, the contestants decide who they would want to pair up with to leave the island, forming couples and breaking hearts. 

Love is Blind

Romance is associated with physical attraction. As a twist on romance, this series attempts to find out whether you can still find love when this is taken out of the equation. A group of men and women are separated into neighboring pods to have one-on-one conversations through a wall. After finding their emotional connection, each man proposes to the idealized woman of their dreams. Once engaged, the couples are introduced to each other in person. From then on, they continue to get to know each other, as well as the other couples, through a resort trip and as they live in an apartment. For four weeks, the couples face physical and emotional dilemmas until they reach their planned wedding day. The dramatic ending altar scene shows whether each partner decides to break off the engagement or say “I do.” If your interest lies in a more realistic portrayal of relationships and love aside from physical attraction, head to Netflix and start your binge. 

90 Day Fiancé

In case your preference lies in cringey, illogical romances, “90 Day Fiancé” is the perfect choice for your next show. TLC introduces the dating series that brings long-distance relationships spanning across the country together for their first meeting. Each partner from a foreign country receives a K-1 fiancé visa that expires in 90 days, forcing the couple to decide whether they would like to marry each other. Most episodes magnify the conventional fears of internet dating and provide a front seat into an ever-increasing emotional distance between the pairs. Most episodes illustrate the red flags of dating and end in explosive break-ups. If you’re yearning for trashy romance, this is the perfect fix.