Once it settles, the dark cloud of boredom can be difficult to escape. Fortunately, the 21st century has provided many ways to access entertainment that'll send boredom packing. But what do you do when you're bored of television? When formulaic shows and canned laugh tracks just aren't cutting it, it's time to bring out the big guns. These are the series that will battle for your attention and wake up those sleepy synapses. Binge on any of these five shows to bid a fond farewell to TV tedium.

From relentless comic book action to the most aggressive comedy, these shows don't know the meaning of taking it easy. In fact, you may not want to look away for a second. Save the low-key shows for a low-key day -- now is the time for big stories, big characters, and a big pay-off.

'Jessica Jones' (2015 - )

Krysten Ritter is fierce and affecting as the titular heroine in this Marvel Comics adaptation. Jessica is a hard-drinking, hard-living private investigator with superhuman powers and a lot of ghosts in her past. The most terrifying of them is Kilgrave, a man with no remorse and a commanding power of suggestion. Can Jessica save Manhattan from Kilgrave's will? It's a wild, tense, and violent ride, right up to their final showdown.

'It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia' (2005 - )

How can you be bored when you're in a constant state of shock? Now entering Season 12, this "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" has charged gleefully into places no other sitcom has dared to before. The Gang has done it all: experimental cocaine binges, child beauty pageants, possible cannibalism ... the list goes on. Not for the faint of heart or easily offended, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" makes comedy a contact sport.

'Orphan Black' (2013 - )

Star Orphan Black" has enough shady organizations, shocking confessions, and surprisingly poignant moments to hold anyone's attention. And Maslany gives a master class in acting in every episode.

'Breaking Bad' (2008 - 2013)

The moment high school chemistry teacher Walter White (Breaking Bad" stomps on the gas and never lets up. With Shakespearean-level drama and masterfully directed action sequences, the award-winning series explores what makes a villain and how that villain is made. Watching the ripple effect of Walt's lost humanity roll through his New Mexico town is as addictive as the meth he and his tragic partner Jesse (Aaron Paul) cook and sell -- we assume.

'American Horror Story' (2011 - )

There's nothing else on television quite like American Horror Story" and its constant refreshing? The series is bound to cover everyone's worst fear, eventually. Happy watching!