I'm a little media nerd, so I think that TV-on-DVD is the best thing since sliced bread. There aren't any commercials, you can catch up on a series quickly and you're able to watch shows on your own time. I've decided to share my favorite shows for instant gratification viewing. There are plenty of shows for different tastes; if these descriptions fit you, I'd highly recommend checking Netflix, Second Time Around or Blockbuster for any of these suggestions.

If you need something action-packed: Try the first season of "24." This was my first major TV-on-DVD experience, and it made for excellent entertainment. The fast-paced nature of the show keeps you on the edge of your seat, and without commercials and lapses between weeks, the first season of "24" is perfect for a marathon with friends in your dorm. Plus, it's always fun to see the guy from the Allstate commercials playing a presidential candidate.

If you're sick of "Twilight," but still want a vampire fix: There are two ways to go for this. If you like a little bit of comedy and don't mind so-so '90s special effects, I would HIGHLY recommend "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." The dialogue is often dated and cheeky, but I'm all for the positive messages of a strong protagonist like Buffy. If you're looking for some serious vampire lust (like Edward Cullen all grown up), I'd recommend "True Blood." Be warned: It can get pretty violent and sexual. However, that doesn't stop me from melting every time Southern "Vampire Bill" speaks.

Need a new sitcom after endless reruns of "Friends"?: In my opinion, sitcoms don't get much better than "How I Met Your Mother." This show airs Monday nights on CBS, but I would highly recommend checking out seasons one through four. The show is cleverly written with a cast of characters that are simultaneously zany and relatable. "How I Met Your Mother" has the familiarity of a show like "Friends," and there are running jokes that pay off every time (like how one character was a Canadian teen pop star, or how two of the guys have a long-running "slap bet"). The fun nature of this show makes it perfect for viewing with friends and roomies, but it's also a great pick-me-up when you're by yourself, too.

Want to go a little vintage?: Many of us grew up watching Nick at Nite and enjoying vintage TV shows. For a stroll down that memory lane, I'd highly recommend "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "I Love Lucy." Both feature strong female leads, but they're also just genuinely funny. I dare you not to be amused when Mary can't stop laughing at a clown's funeral, or when Lucy gets drunk off of Vitameatavegamin, a health product containing vitamins, meat, vegetables, minerals and a dose of alcohol.

And finally, a show that I personally think EVERYBODY should try watching at least once: "Freaks and Geeks." This short-lived show set in 1980 includes lots of now-famous people like Seth Rogen, Jason Segel and James Franco. Basically, it's about a high school sophomore girl who has shifted her interests from being a mathlete to hanging out with the kids who have a burnout reputation. Meanwhile, her freshman brother and his two best friends are staying true to their geeky tendencies while trying to survive high school. This is a show with heart, characters you care about and plenty of comedy to go around. It has won over countless friends and family members of mine over the years, and I've rarely heard ANYTHING negative about it.