Alright I lied, I said no particular order and then I put Breaking Bad first on purpose. But, can you blame me? The level of character complexity they achieved here is bar none. It was maddening how perfectly you would love a character and then hate them sometimes within minutes. I consider it a privilege to have watched Bryan Cranston's descent, it was some of the best acting ever witnessed on television, and it was complimented by an incredible team of fellow actors, writers, directors, and producers. Flawless from beginning to end, they told the story of Walter White the chemistry teacher turned kingpin, and to that I say: Look on his works, ye Mighty, and despair.
This dysfunctional, fraudulent and questionably incestuous family just cannot negotiate reality and as a result they are hysterical. The original episodes are built on the best (or perhaps the worst) inside jokes with an extra helping of understated sarcasm which made it an instant cult classic. Perhaps one of the greatest mistakes in TV history was it's preemptive cancellation. I will say the Netflix reboot is not awful, but it is not quite as strong as the first seasons. If anything just watch it so you can say: THERE IS ALWAYS MONEY IN THE BANANA STAND!, and know what you are talking about.
How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)
The latest of the classic twenty somethings in New York sitcom format what HIMYM brought to the table was a refreshing narrative structure, and it's own glossary of phrases. From the 'Slap Bet' to 'the blitz' these jokes stuck with you because they were relatable, and so were the characters. I know the ending did not live up to the rest of the show, but overall it was still a breath of fresh air. It was legen-wait for it and I promise I won't put cheesy references in all of these reviews but for this one I can't help it...dary.
The original TV anti-hero, Tony Soprano is a psychopath and it is because of this that he raised the standard of television. No one would ever question after the Sopranos if TV could hold it's own against film in quality. The dialogue between Gandolfini and Falco is some of the best achieved realism on camera. Which is well contrasted by the surrealism they achieve in the exploration of Tony's subconscious. Admittedly I am currently in Season 6, Part 1 so I have not seen the famed and much maligned ending yet. Irregardless Tony paved the road for more dynamic character work, and this Jersey Italian film buff is enjoying the ride.
The Big Bang Theory (2007-)
What this delightful posse of geniuses, and one girl next door provides is a humorous scenario to explore: 1.) an endlessly entertaining subculture, and 2.) our universal struggle for communication. Watching Sheldon Cooper, a theoretical physicist, and his gang of friends attempt to comprehend mainstream society I have to laugh because I have been there. Jim Parsons is a joy to watch, and for all lovers of fantasy and sci-fi the references are killer. I will say the most recent episodes have not been up to par, (some of the humor has been more mean spirited), but on the whole it is certainly worth the watch.
When I grow up if I am half as cool as Hugh Laurie I will be okay with that. This pill popping narcissistic curmudgeon that he created revitalized the medical genre with every tightly written witticism he uttered. His diagnostic cases were always intriguing and were used to explore greater moral dilemmas. In all honesty, the last season was rather weak, with the character of Lisa Cuddy missing, the original Dean of Medicine at Princeton-Plainsboro Hosptial, the power play is just not as exciting. But we had to have House and Wilson's last hurrah, and Laurie makes it worth your while.
There is nothing I appreciate more than full attention to detail, and when undertaking the task of bringing to life George R.R. Martin's Westeros that is no small feat, but HBO has succeeded. With the incredible casting of these truly dimensional characters (special shout out to Peter Dinklage! Impeccable.), the power struggle for the throne is visually brutal and enthralling. Each kingdom has been beautifully developed into reality with unifying aesthetics that rival those of the Lord of the Rings creative teams. So whether you are rooting for Dany and her dragons, or are one of those crazy people who actually like the Lannisters, you simply have to keep watching. P.S. Go read the books, too!! They were first and they are great!
30 Rock (2006-2013)
Tina Fey is another marvel of mankind. Her self-reflexive brainchild about filming a live TV program is creative and unforgiving in it's approach. Nothing is too sacred to joke about and these caricatures of people in the industry are able to run with it. Fey leads the cast through ridiculous antics which will make you laugh outright. Two things: some of the jokes are relevant to the time they were written in so I worry some references will be lost in a while (Aka Watch it now!), and it takes the show a couple of episodes to really find its niche, but after it does you will love it all the more.
This is by far the most graphic and unrelenting program to ever hit television, and for those who are not weak of heart it's a great miniseries to explore. Where I think they succeed beyond a measure of a doubt is creating atmosphere. I am not one who is usually effected by horror, but their imagery and pacing creates a fiction that I can buy into. And because it is a miniseries they are able to explore new venues and characters each season. If anything they do sometimes jump the shark with their all in approach. (i.e. Season 2: They were already in an asylum did they really need to throw in aliens?) Yet, I can forgive them because their version of horror is both sexy and brutal, all of which is mesmerizing.
Alright, I will confess I am ever so slightly embarrassed by this one so I may sound a tiny bit defensive. I normally would never go for something that is so chick-flicky, but what we have here is not just a mother/daughter duo struggling to find their significant others. What this show truly is is a feminist manifesto. (Too much?) But really now, Lorelai Gilmore is a strong intelligent single mother who has raised a great daughter, Rory, without the help of anyone. Making not one, but two female protagonists that are allowed to be self-sufficient and feminine without apology, which is awesome. Also I must applaud the writers, Lorelai's crack fire wit is what has kept me watching in all those moments of doubt. So haters are going to hate, but I am going to keep watching.
Downton Abbey is just a great time period story. As the British aristocracy attempts to find its footing in the early 1900's they are met with historical circumstance, in addition to the normal conundrums of love and family. The Crawley's and their household are just as susceptible to change and they must either embrace it or become obsolete. It includes a huge ensemble cast with stand out, Maggie Smith, she is the perfect overly opinionated grandmother who can say anything she wants and will. While the two spheres of existence on the Downton estate, namely the servants vs. the family, provide a stark contrast to explore societal mobility. All the while you get to enjoy the British being, well, wonderfully British.
Modern Family (2009-)
Modern Family has miraculously taken the most classic topic, family, and made it so comical that it somehow resembles reality. Its circumstantial humor coupled with the confessional format gives the watcher an all access pass to the characters that makes them all the more endearing. From Phil Dumphy the classic goofy Dad to Gloria the Colombian bombshell wife who no one should mess with, there is someone for every viewer to relate to. It has won the Emmy for comedy five years in a row, and with it's willingness to explore new content it, quite frankly, deserves it.
When attempting to describe Frank Underwood the first word that comes to mind is ruthless. He is a man with a vision of great power, and he knows how to play the game of politics and media to get there. This show is dark, it's dirty, it's provocative and it's so well shot. Watching Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright navigate the intricacies of their political position is a pleasure. Initially, I was not fond of Spacey breaking the fourth wall, it is a film approach that seems better suited for comedy, but because the writing of these moments is so indulgent it has definitely grown on me. Netflix can certainly hang with the big boys.
While I am on the topic of Netflix, I would be amiss without mentioning Orange is the New Black. While the show is funny, and the characters are memorable to say the least, it is also able to highlight bureaucratic idiosyncrasies of the prison system, and engage in broader societal topics. I am so glad a show with strong LGBT, and gender equality themes has exploded in popularity. My one great qualm is that I actually cannot stand the main character, Piper Chapman, she is rather needy and entitled. But she is starting to transform, and the rest of the inmates are certainly fun to watch.
Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005)
Are you from a rather loud, sometimes demanding family with a lovable and quirky cast of characters? If yes, then here is a sitcom you can sympathize with. The writing on this show was not wildly original, but what made it stand out for me was the comedic timing of the actors, especially Peter Boyle, and Doris Roberts as Raymond's ever present parents. They are both veterans of the screen and it showed. It was also one of the first 'adult' shows I remember being allowed to watch so perhaps that adds to the allure for me, but either way I still enjoy it whenever its on.
This is by far my guiltiest pleasure on this list. I will fully admit that the writing is not great and the main reason I started watching it was that I thought David Boreanaz was hot. I am including it here because I feel like everyone needs that go to show that it doesn't matter how much you have missed, you can just jump back in. So many shows nowadays expect you to have seen all of the episodes, which is extremely time consuming, but that is not a requirement here. I also really enjoy the varied approach Bones takes to the crime genre with its use of forensic anthropology. And I'll take a strong female lead any day! So thanks, Emily Deschanel.
New Girl (2011-)
I am now shamelessly segueing from one Deschanel to the other, but Zooey's New Girl is deliciously quirky and I love it because this kind of weird is my kind of weird. These guys seem to speak to each other in their own language on their own wavelength, but still attempt to thrive in the real world. To some it may seem totally out there, but to me it reminds me directly of my college apartment mates. So between the originality of writing and my nostalgia I thoroughly enjoy this show. As a note: even if you haven't seen the show you should definitely play The True American Drinking Game, you throw things, you shout patriot pharses, you climb furniture, and you drink beer. What more could you want?
To Wrap Just a couple Lists!
Some other shows I want to list but got to lazy to talk about at length:
Cheers, I Love Lucy, Happy Days, M*A*S*H, and Lost.
Shows on my to watch list (In case you think I am a moron for missing one of these):
Friends, Boardwalk Empire, Fargo, True Detective, West Wing, The Wire, Masters of Sex, Louie, and Seinfeld
And as always, Happy Watching!
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