On weeknights after long days of classes and work, many Oakland University students curl up with their laptops, TVs or phones and press play. A familiar show fills the room, giving them something to share, talk about and return to when their schedules finally slow down. For these students, streaming is not just a way to pass time, but a small ritual that helps them stay connected to the people around them.
According to Nielsen Media Research, streaming accounted for 47.5% of monthly TV viewing in December 2025, surpassing broadcast and cable combined. Young people in particular favor on-demand access over traditional broadcast schedules. For OU students, streaming has become a shared experience, with popular shows serving as a way to connect with friends and family.
OU students use a wide range of streaming services. Popular platforms among students include Hulu, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and Apple TV. The availability of multiple services allows students to tailor their viewing habits to their schedules, budgets and personal interests.
Students find new shows through several methods, including peer recommendations, family suggestions and social media discourse. OU finance major Ben Lopes, a fan of crime shows and procedurals, began watching “The Mentalist” after his grandmother recommended it to him. The two occasionally watch the series together when time permits.
Lopes recommends “The Mentalist” to OU students due to its engaging but accessible format. The series follows former con artist Patrick Jane, who works with the California Bureau of Investigation. Using sharp observational skills rather than the psychic abilities he once claimed to have, Jane helps track serial killer Red John.
“It’s not too serious or heavy,” Lopes said. “You don’t need to be completely locked in.”
Balancing school and work responsibilities, Lopes appreciates that the show remains entertaining without demanding full attention. Shows that allow for casual viewing are particularly appealing to students navigating packed academic and work schedules.
OU students Aleah Richards and Alaina Hillman discovered “His & Hers,” a psychological thriller miniseries on Netflix, through TikTok. Initially selecting the show for its cast, including actor Tessa Thompson, the pair stream episodes of the series separately and discuss episodes when they get together.
“His & Hers” is a murder mystery centered on a journalist investigating a crime in her hometown. Richards and Hillman say the show’s realism adds to its appeal.
“This show isn’t actually true crime, but it feels like something that could very much happen,” Hillman said.
The series keeps viewers guessing about who can be trusted until the end.
“At the end, [the perpetrator] was someone I would never have guessed,” Hillman said.
Discussing theories and reactions has become an essential part of Richards and Hillman’s viewing routine. They often bond over conversations about the show.
“People kept talking about it, and [Hillman] brought it up to me,” Richards said.
Hillman recommends “His & Hers” to students who enjoy murder mysteries, noting that it offers a different viewing experience from similar shows. She also cautions that the series includes sensitive subject matter and encourages viewers to be mindful before watching.
Whether enjoying a streamed series with friends or family, shared streaming experiences bring students closer together throughout another busy semester.
