25 Medium Length Hairstyles to Try

New year, new you, right? No, we’re not talking about those New Year’s fitness resolutions. We’re talking about your hair. Instead of heading to your hair stylist for a ho-hum trim, why not start the year off fresh with something totally different?

If you’re not quite ready for a pixie, don’t sweat it. The medium haircut has already been deemed the style to have this year. Hop on board the shoulder-length train and take one of these pics to the salon for your next chop.

1. Beachy Waves: Our favorite way to make medium hair look effortless and fun is with beachy waves. Many haircare brands sell products like the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray that were created to help give you that salty texture and wave just like the ocean would. A couple spritzes of these sea salt sprays and ocean waves are all yours.

2. Braid-able: Many gals make the mistake of cutting their hair too short when they want a change and then they realize that they can’t achieve some hairstyles (ahem, the braid) the way the used to. When getting your locks chopped, make sure to let your stylist know if you want your hair to be long enough to pull back into a ponytail or braid.

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Blonde lob love 💛

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3. Super Straight Cut: One of the most modern medium haircuts is the straight cut lob. With this cut, you’re not opting for much texture. It’s more about the angles and straight lines to make the look more polished and put together.

4. Grey Locks: Grey hair isn’t just for your grandma anymore, people! This shade is a bit hard to achieve as it takes a lot of toning and bleaching, but once you’re at your desired color, you’ll have everyone’s heads turning all for the right reasons.

5. Bedhead: Medium hair is probably the best length hair to have if you love bedhead. The idea of dousing your locks in dry shampoo and texturizing spray and maybe tossing in a few beachy waves is great for the gal on-the-go.

6. Classic Long Bob: Ah, the classic lob. This hairstyle is usually a bit longer in the front and shorter in the back and looks great with some messy texture. Add in a few caramel highlights and you’ll get that beachy California gal look instantly.

7. Middle Part: So many gals used to hate the idea of the middle part because it took them back to their hairstyles from middle or high school, but this hairstyle is totally making a comeback (thanks to a certain Kardashian.. Ahem, Kim). To make this look more modern, make sure that you’re adding in some texture at your roots with a teasing comb or some volumizing spray.

8. Long Bangs: Copy Katy Perry’s shoulder length style by keeping layers minimal throughout the cut and opting for some long, face-framing bangs around the face. (via Katy Perry)

9. Baby Bob: T. Swift’s shorter ‘do has us totally forgetting about those long, luxurious locks of yesteryear. This length has popped up on everyone from Jennifer Lawrence to Beyoncé this year. It was big in 2014, but we’re guessing it’s about to explode in 2015. (via Jason Merritt/Getty)

10. Layered Bob: Curled, straight or wavy — this slightly angled bob looks good however you feel like styling it. (via Box No. 216)

11. Ultra Basic Baby Bob: A little more blunt than Taylor Swift’s hair, supermodel Abbey Lee Kershaw’s version of the bob is slightly sleeker, with clean-cut, straight bangs. To keep this look from feeling a little too American Girl Doll-like, tousle it up a bit and secure with hair spray. (via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty)

12. Long and Layered: This style from Emma Watson dates all the way back to 2009, but it looks just as good now as it did then. If you’re looking for a longer style, or working on growing your hair out, this layered look isgreat way to get through that in-between phase. (via Stephen Lovekin/Getty)

13. Shoulder-Length Chop: Jessica Simpson jumped on the short hair bandwagon last month, debuting this adorable pic of her with a choppy cut. (via @jessicasimpson)

14. Classic Bob: Who could forget this chop? Lauren Conrad ditched her trademark long and wavy tresses for a dramatically shorter style. Looks like LC can join the club. (via @kristin_ess)

15. Long and Lean: We’re loving this simple cut that’s on the longer end of the medium-length spectrum. If the simplicity of this cut isn’t working on your face, spice it up a bit with some sweet side bangs like Emma Stone’s. (via Jamie McCarthy/Getty)

16. Blunt Bob: Blunt, easy and totally chic, this cut is a no brainer. Requiring minimal styling (it looks best when a little bed head is involved), a one-length bob is a perfect choice for winter – and summer, spring and fall. (via Jason Merritt/Getty)

17. Angled Lob: Similar to the blunt bob pictured above, fashion maven Olivia Palermo’s cut is a little bit longer and slightly more angled. If the previous option is just a little too basic for you, here’s how to get a similar feel with a little more styling. (via Jamie McCarthy/Getty)

18. Layered Locks: Take Emma Stone’s look and add even more to it with longer face-framing layers instead of side bangs and shorter layers throughout. (via Jason Kempin/Getty)

19. Center Parted and Shaggy: Grab some velvet marsala trousers and channel your inner ’70s gal with this shaggy, center-parted cut. Almost famous? No way, you’ll be an A-list superstar in this cut. (via Jason Merritt/Getty)

20. Va Va Volume: Keep things voluminous with a slight angle and only a few longer layers. To avoid looking like a mop head, add an extra long bang in front. (via @selenagomez)

21. Short and Sweet: Queen of the medium cut, Alexa Chung has sported several copy-worthy variations, but this newest look she recently debuted is one of our faves. A little cleaner than her classic, shaggy cut, it’s low maintenance and totally chic. (via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty)

22. Blunt Bangs: Consider this cut a hybrid of Taylor Swift’s new bob and Alexa Chung’s trademark shaggy bangs. Put the two together and you get this adorable combination. (via Ian Gavan/Getty)

23. Parting Party: If bangs aren’t your thing, make your simple shoulder cut stand out by adding in a dramatic part. (via Jason Merritt/Getty)

24. Medium Length Magic: This cut (very similar to one of Gwyneth Paltrow’s best ‘dos) is pretty blunt, but spiced up with some chin length layers and chunky front bangs. (via Jason Merritt/Getty)

25. Dark Drama: Mix the exaggerated part and shorter layered bob, and what do you get? Olivia Munn’s adorable ‘do. (via David Livingston/Getty)

Are you thinking about chopping your locks in 2015? Which variation is your favorite?

Hollywood is scissor-happy these days, and the cut of choice is none-other than the lob. Stars including Bella Hadid, Mila Kunis, and Ashley Graham have all jumped on the mid-length bob’s bandwagon, and now Kristen Bell, who debuted the semi-short style on March 10, is its latest convert. (Photo via Cindy Ord/ Getty)

The Good Place actress took to Instagram on Sunday, March 10, to debut her new sharp ‘do, which is three to four inches shorter than what she’s been sporting lately. Bell, who shares two kids with Dax Shepard, wrote, “Your mom got a hair cut and she is FEELING IT.” She credited the chop to her go-to celebrity hairstylist Jenny Cho, who posted the transformation via a timelapse video on Instagram.

Bell, who recently launched Hello Bello, a line of baby products at Walmart with Shepard, isn’t the only one snipping her strands in Hollywood this year. Mandy Moore and Anne Hathaway have left their longer lengths in the dust in favor of shorter styles.

RELATED: Mandy Moore Ditches Her Long Hair for a Chin-Grazing Bob

I can give you two reasons why Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard's marriage sits high on my admiration list — Veronica Mars and Punk'd. I was in barely in middle school when these two stars graced my TV screen on their respective shows, but they've always stood out to me. Discovering they were dating just seemed to make sense in the grand scheme of good romantic pairings and — as we can see — it turns out Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard think so too.

From their first meet-cute that wasn't actually that cute to the ways they've loved each other through dark times, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard almost make being in love look easy. Here's a breakdown of some of the most important moments of their relationship timeline.

Kristen Bell And Dax Shepard's Relationship Timeline:

Image via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

2007: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Meet + Begin Dating

The couple haven't been shy about revealing their first time meeting was exactly love at first sight. Kristen Bell admitted during an Instagram Q&A in 2018 that they actually met at a party for producer Shauna Robertson. E! News recalled that the actress said, "2 weeks later I saw him at a hockey game and he asked for the gum in my mouth." Knowing Dax's personality, that actually checks out.

She also revealed his unconventional pickup line. "Truly, his first text to me was: ‘Hi. My name is Dax. I violated your privacy and got your number from Shauna. How do you feel about that,'' she remembered.

Though they did start dating, Kristen regularly trolls Dax about the time they briefly broke up. She told Popsugar, "He sat me down and said, 'I can't have this right now. I think you're wonderful, but I am still dating other people.' And then I, like, liquefied and fell to the ground, but I felt incredibly respected that he had the balls to tell me we weren't in the same place."

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

2009: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Work As Co-Stars During Filming Of When in Rome

Who can forget the hilarious rom-com movie When in Rome? Kristen starred as the 'unlucky in love' main character Beth who finds herself being pursued by a handful of romantic prospects after she picks up coins from a fountain that's supposed to grant love those who dare to take from it. Dax played the role of Gale, a model who was very into himself, and it was funny watching them interact on-screen.

According to People, the couple got engaged shortly after filming ended.

Image via Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

August 2012: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Work Together Again On Set Of Hit & Run

Written by Dax Shepard, Hit & Run revolved around a former getaway driver's attempt to flee his past while making sure his girlfriend makes it to her job interview on time. The couple reprised their romantic relationship onscreen and continued to prove that they work really well together.

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

November 2012: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Announce They're Expecting Baby No. 1

A source relayed the news to People in 2012 by sharing the following statement, "They’re so excited — they’re both ecstatic. They can’t wait to become parents." They also shared that Kristen had been dealing with a bit of morning sickness, but she started doing better as time passed.

March 28, 2013: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard's First Daughter Arrives

Several months later, Kristen gave birth birth to her and Dax's first daughter, Lincoln Bell Shepard.

Image via Jason Merritt/Getty Images

June 2013: Kristen Bell Pops The Question To Dax Shepard

In 2013, People shared that Kristen proposed to Dax Shepard after The Supreme Court overturned California's Prop 8 that was meant to ban same-sex marriage.

October 2013: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Tie The Knot

The couple celebrated their union by exchanging vows at a courthouse. Kristen previously told People they didn't want a grand celebration and they managed to keep their word.

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

June 2014: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Prepare For Baby No. 2's Arrival

The couple happily announced they were growing their family in 2014 via their rep's statement to People. "I can confirm that Kristen and Dax are expecting their second child and a sibling for Lincoln," the rep shared. They also touched on how much their family was looking forward to the arrival of a new bundle of joy.

December 2014: The Couple's Second Daughter Is Born

Finally, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Delta Bell Shepard, before Christmas in 2014.

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

2017: Dax Shepard And Kristen Bell Star in CHiPS

A couple who works together, stays together — at least that seems to apply Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard. They starred together again in the movie CHiPS, but Kristen starred as Dax's ex-wife this time.

Image via Michael Buckner/Getty Images for FIJI Water

September 1, 2018: Kristen Bell And Dax Shepard Celebrate His Sobriety Journey

Dax Shepard has never been ashamed to talk about his sobriety journey and shared a personal moment with that made him question everything He appeared on Blake Griffin's podcast, The Pursuit of Healthiness to talk about his struggles in 2021. "What I would do is I would get sober for movies. I cared more about movies — it was the only thing I was more addicted to was being in movies — and so I would get sober for movies and then in between movies it was getting more and more dangerous," he recalled.

It wasn't until he caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror during a trip to Hawaii that he realized something was wrong. He remembered thinking, "I have every single thing I've ever wanted, and I'm at my lowest point emotionally and something has got to be very broken about that. If I have everything I said was going to make me feel good and I feel terrible, I've got to look at some other thing."

To celebrate her husband's commitment to remaining sober, Kristen wrote a heartfelt message on Instagram to encourage him to keep going. "I'm so proud that you have never been ashamed of your story, but instead shared it widely, with the hope it might inspire someone else to become the best version of themselves...I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone, and I want you to know, I see you. I see how hard you work," a portion of the lengthy message reads.

Addiction in any form is never easy to navigate so we admire how much Kristen's been supportive of Dax.

Image via John Sciulli:Getty Images for UNICEF

February 2019: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Launch A Baby Brand

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard decided to launch Hello Bello— a brand with everything from diapers to sun and bug protection — for several reasons. "I want something that's going to fill my soul. I want access to be able to give a lot of stuff away just as gifts, as a way of saying thank you for existing in this hard time called parenting," she told People in 2021.

Image via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

September 2023: Kristen Bell And Dax Share The Secret To Their Happy Marriage

It's no doubt that Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard have experienced a lot throughout their marriage, but they've managed to stay the course. Kristen actually shared some amazing advice for other couples during a conversation with Entertainment Tonight that we're thinking about applying to our own relationships. "Common goals, seek them out," she stressed.

The other thing she feels is crucial to making a relationship work is truly seeing and valuing your partner as a person. "Understanding that your partner used to be a little person is the best thing you can do. Sometimes if we're ever on the verge of a fight, one of us will say — it's usually Dax — 'I feel like 8-year-old Dax right now.' And I'm able to see him like I see my kids, which is in a very different way and go, 'Oh yeah, you're a little person that had trauma and triggers and it's not about me,'" she added.

That's powerful because it can be hard to remember that it's not just about you in a relationship. We don't think people intentionally mean to be selfish, but it can be happen and the key is to acknowledge it instead of doubling down on a particular stance that may not be helpful in the heat of an argument.

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Short-haired girls, this one’s for you! Contrary to popular belief, long-haired ladies don’t have all the fun (or was it blondes?). Sure, lengthier locks give us license to rock intricate braided hairstyles, but the beauty of cropped strands is the fact that you can have your cake and eat it too. You get all the perks that come with a no-fuss cut, while still having the option to get fancy every once in a while. To help inspire your daily ‘do, scroll for 31 of the most pin-worthy hairstyle ideas for bobs and lobs.

1. French Knots (via Brit + Co)

2. Bow Barette Bouffant

3. Angled Edges

4. Dutch Halo Crown (via Brit + Co)

5. Pinned-Back Braid

6. Tousled and Tailored (via Brit + Co)

7. Modern Shag

8. Twists and Pearls

9. Half-Up Messy Bun (via Brit + Co)

10. Negative Space Hair Accessories

11. Floral Twisted Updo

12. Back-Combed Beauty (via Brit + Co)

13. Pulp Fiction Pink

14. Heavenly in a Headband

15. Braided Deep Side Part (via Brit + Co)

16. Silver Messy Bob

17. The It Girl Crop

18. French Twist Pony

19. Short-Hair Waves (via Brit + Co)

20. Bobby Pins Galore

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Loving this sleek look by @mayelavzz

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21. Slicked-Back Lob

22. Asymmetrical Lob (via Brit + Co)

23. Bubble-Braided Bob

24. Rainbow Barettes

25. Twisted Bun Hawk (via Brit + Co)

26. Marilyn-Inspired Hollywood Curls

27. Rainbow Glitter Roots (via Brit + Co)

28. Old Hollywood Waves

29. Dutch Side Braids (via Brit + Co)

30. Asymmetric Natural Curls

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Pastel Warrior 🎀🥨🍦💞💓

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31. Pastel Frenchies

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Once summer rolls around, strawberries take center stage, which means strawberry desserts are the highlight of the season. From classics like strawberry shortcake to innovative creations like strawberry s’mores, these 32 strawberry desserts push the boundaries of that fruity, juicy flavor we all know and love. Get ready to indulge!

Strawberry Freakshakes

Think of this recipe as your traditional strawberry milkshake, but leveled-up beyond compare. The "freak" label for these decadent shakes is entirely accurate, as they get loaded with sugar, ice cream, donuts, whipped cream, and of course, rainbow sprinkles. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Donuts

These strawberry donuts earn a healthy (or well, healthier) edge by using whole wheat flour, coconut oil, and Greek yogurt. Don't worry though – they're still as sweet as ever, and they'll be super tasty alongside some coffee for a nice morning treat! (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Tart

This tart looks impressive, but it's not all that hard to execute. Get your hands on just 5 ingredients – store-bought pastry dough and custard help expedite the process – and you'll be well on your way to strawberry, dessert-y goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Chia Oatmeal Cookies

Turns out, you can eat cookies for breakfast! These strawberry-filled lil' bites serve as a quick power-up with fruit, oats, and chia seeds. You can even pack a few in your lunchbox for a healthy mid-day snack sesh. (via Brit + Co)

Boozy Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

These skewered strawberry desserts would make a fun Friday night activity to share with your boo! Simply soak some fresh berries in pink champagne overnight, then assemble them onto skewers before dipping them right into a dark chocolate bath and garnishing with more chocolate and crushed pistachios! (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Lemon Cookies

Strawberries and lemons are a match made in flavor heaven, and these easy cookies (they only take 20 minutes) deliver a strawberry lemonade-type taste. Summer, here we come! (via The Edgy Veg)

Chocolate Strawberry Cake

We are salivating for this chocolatey cake! The cakey layers are quite simple to make, then you'll use fresh strawberries for the mid-layer and as a beautiful garnish. Don't you dare forget to add that creamy chocolate ganache! (via Give Recipes)

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is an absolute classic! This recipe makes a few simple swaps (like whole wheat flour instead of regular, and maple syrup instead of white sugar) to make each and every bite a tad bit lighter than your traditional take. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Dark Chocolate Strawberry S'mores

You haven't lived until you've tried putting fresh strawberries on your s'mores. Just look at that gooey goodness! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Peanut Butter Cake with Strawberry Frosting

Once you learn how to make this sweet strawberry frosting, you'll wanna put it on everything you make, from cupcakes to cookies. And yes, even this nutty peanut butter cake! Pile it on real high. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

The crunchy coating on these strawberry shortcake-inspired ice cream bars is exactly why you need to make them this summer. It's comprised of brown Rice Krispie pieces and freeze-dried strawberries to add some variety in texture, and wow, is it delicious! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Rhubarb makes an excellent partner to strawberries. Case in point: this no-frills, uber-fresh pie with an impressive lattice crust! (via Completely Delicious)

Strawberry Cocoa

This sip is like if you combined a strawberry shake and hot chocolate into one. It's so dreamy! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Chocolate Strawberry Hi-Hat Cupcakes

That cross-section, though! These rich chocolate cupcakes are piled high with strawberry Swiss meringue buttercream icing. Once they're iced, they're dipped in even more chocolate to form a satisfying outer shell. (via Butternut Bakery)

Strawberry Fudge with Marshmallow Fluff

These strawberry fudge bites are just perfect for a little Valentine's Day dessert. This recipe surely doesn't shy away from sugar! (via Where Is My Spoon?)

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Matcha Madeleines

Matcha, chocolate, and strawberries?! We are totally swooning over these tiny strawberry desserts. While the madeleine cookies are soft and airy, the dark chocolate layer on the outside provides a nice crunch, contrasting the textures and flavors in each bite. (via The Original Dish)

Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies

Strawberry cake mix makes these strawberry desserts so much quicker, but they don't skimp on flavor at all. If you want to take things up a notch, try adding some fresh strawberries on top! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats

These Rice Krispie treats would make our child selves go crazy. You'll only need four ingredients to make 'em: freeze-dried strawberries, cereal, marshmallows, and butter, so they're a good dessert to make if you don't have a lot of ingredients on-hand and don't feel up to baking! (via The Endless Meal)

Chocolate Strawberry Mock-tini

This non-alcoholic, dairy free martini is decadence at its finest. You'll create your very own chocolate coconut simple syrup before concocting a mix of cashew milk, strawberries, and swirls of melted chocolate. (via Chef Bai)

Chocolate Fudge Brownies with Strawberry Jam

We all need more brownie recipes in our life, right? These rich bars are instantly elevated by a homemade strawberry jam that you'll likely have leftovers of to put on toasts, sandwiches, and more strawberry desserts! (via Two Spoons)

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast

Although this recipe's a bit more breakfast-y, it still qualifies as dessert in our minds because it's loaded to the brim with a super-sweet cream cheese filling and sweetened strawberries worthy of the dessert table. Plus, there's plenty of syrup to go around! (via Live Eat Learn)

Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts

These strawberry desserts are snack-worthy in the morning, afternoon, and as a late night snack, of course! If you thought store-bought Pop Tarts were good, just wait 'til you make them for yourself with fresh strawberries. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns

The strawberry cheesecake filling stuffed into these airy buns is to die for! Prep a batch for a fun cafe-themed party, or keep the half-dozen all to yourself for morningtime bliss. (via Vikalinka)

Strawberry Banana Bread

Banana bread is a total lifesaver when it comes to using those overripe bananas sitting out on your counter, and it gets even better once strawberries enter the mix! This recipe is moist, sweet, and perfect as a little treat. (via Averie Cooks)

Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes

Looking for vegan strawberry desserts? Your search is over with these vegan strawberry cupcakes covered in vegan whipped cream. Add some more fresh berries for full effect! (via Earthly Provisions)

Strawberry Scones

Dare to make your local coffee shop jealous with these homemade scones using strawberries. Once you're done baking them, you'll cover each one with a delicious strawberry cream cheese frosting for maximum flavor. (via Most Hungry)

Strawberry Rhubarb Galette

Sweet galette recipes are our weakness. They're so sweet and shareable, plus this one in particular is a good way to start using all your farmer's market produce! (via Amanda Wilens)

2-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Ice Cream

Simply blend some frozen strawberries and bananas together, and you've got a sweet treat that can fulfill your cravings for creamy ice cream! For even more dessert vibes, top this recipe with sprinkles, Oreos, or chocolate syrup, Or all three. We'd do it, too. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Strawberry Chocolate Mint Smoothies

The addition of mint leaves takes this sweet sipper to a whole new level. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Strawberry Jelly No-Bake Cheesecake

Have you ever seen a cheesecake so beautiful?! Plus, this one requires zero baking, making it the perfect pick for hot summers. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Strawberry Macarons

If you're up to the challenge, making macarons yourself can be so rewarding. Each of these little sweet sandwiches is filled with strawberry jam and a cheesecake-inspired icing. (via Barley & Sage)

Vegan Fruity Pebble Cheesecake

Colorful, fruity, and sweet? Say no more. This Fruity Pebbles cheesecake just earned the top spot on our "to-bake" list!(via No Eggs or Ham)

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Lead image via The Endless Meal.

There are a number of TV shows in the running for best teen drama. I'm ready to press play on The Summer I Turned Pretty, One Tree Hill, and The Vampire Diaries at any given moment, but there is nothing like watching Friday Night Lights season 1. It might not be as glamorous as Gossip Girl, but that's exactly why it resonates so deeply when you watch it — FNL both highlights and honors viewers' real-world experiences because the characters are SO relatable. Instead of leaving you envious of a fictional life, Friday Night Lights welcomes you into a community you feel like you already know.


Image via NBC

Everyone in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas lives and breathes football, and Friday Night Lights season 1 opens just before the first game of the season. Right off the bat, we're introduced to characters that both evoke emotion and spark our curiosity, and we're told exactly where they are in their lives: new head coach Eric Taylor is struggling to win the town's confidence. Fullback Tim Riggins struggles both with motivation and against confident running back Smash Williams. All-American quarterback Jason Street has dreams of playing in the NFL while timid Matt Saracen takes care of his grandmother during the afternoon and serves as second-string quarterback at night.

Not to mention the fact that when I watched Friday Night Lights for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how compelling and multi-dimensional the women are. Tami Taylor has the perfect blend of motherly love and the kind of Southern sass that puts you in your place. Minka Kelly's Lyla Garrity is one of my favorite TV characters of all time because she might be wealthy and popular, but she evades "The Curse of the Brunette" that seems to plague early 2000s leading ladies. Instead of turning into a manipulative mean girl like the high school versions of Blair Waldorf and Brooke Davis, Lyla is just kind. Does she still make insanely bad decisions (like kissing her boyfriend's best friend)? Yes, but aren't bad decisions a right of passage when you're 17?

The show's initial plots and character arcs revolve heavily around football, but the sport really just serves as a funnel for all the off-field drama. The tension between the characters makes their gameplay even more passionate — and when Street gets seriously injured during that first game of the season, the town rallies together in a way that highlights how strong a community can bond in the face of tragedy.

Image via NBC

Life in middle-class America can be tough, but it can also be really, really sweet. While I'm neither from Texas nor have attended the kind of football school Dillon High is, the contrast between the characters' responsibilities and the fun that comes with parties and joining your friends at the local burger joint resonates with me every time I rewatch.

Even the fact the show is named Friday Night Lights emphasizes that contrast because it shows just how much of a spotlight is on these kids, and how much weight is on their shoulders when they're truly just trying to survive their teenage years.

Rather than providing an escape from viewers' realities like Outer Banks does, Friday Night Lights season 1 emphasizes the realities of juggling multiple jobs, school, and family responsibility that a lot of viewers experience too. It allows you to understand the characters in a really personal way — and feel like you're a part of the community too. The world can seem so big and scary (now more than ever), which is why the simplicity of Friday Night Lights totally redefines comfort TV.

What's your standout moment from Friday Night Lights season 1? Check out why Gilmore Girls Season 7 Wasn't Supposed To Be The Final Chapter for even more TV show musings!

Lead image via NBC