We are currently living in a golden age of television. As we leave behind a generally disappointing summer at the movies, we face a new line-up of fresh shows begging for our attention. Maybe they'll last, probably they won't.
However, some of the best of television have already proved themselves by doing well in one genre and then distinguish themselves when they can turn those genres on their heads to bring us something new. Here are a few of my favorites.
1. Game of Thrones (HBO, 2011-)
This popular fantasy show comes with an abundance of swearing and bare-breasted women for the (hopefully) adult audience to enjoy. I have issues with the execution of the show as a whole, but one thing I can't deny is that it expertly flits from fantasy, to political drama, to science fiction over and over before the end credits roll. This is gives grounding and genuine emotional mistakes in one of the most surreal landscapes on television.
2. Braindead (CBS, 2016-)
There is no way this show would ever get made (on CBS, no less) without the heavyweights that brought us The Good Wife. It is our good fortune that it does. This comedy blends itself with political drama and magical realism to create a story that eerily reflects the world we see in the news every day. Get ready for some major deja vu.3. The Man in the High Castle (Amazon Prime, 2015-)
Here's another book adapted for TV (my personal preference for such an adaption), this one based on the alternate history envisioned by Philip K. Dick. It might have been enough for it's social commentary to remain in that parallel universe, but High Castle takes it a bit further by muddying the waters with fantasy elements and classic sci-fi techniques. This brings about a story that blurs the line between what is and what could be in a way that leaves the audience guessing.
4. Stranger Things (Netflix, 2015-)
Ah the '80s. This smash hit from Netflix quickly became one of the most talked about series of the summer. The show was able to do this by doing what only the greats can do: make a remix of some nostalgic classics in such a way that it makes an even greater whole. Depending on which characters the camera focuses on, the viewer is transported in horror, a family sci-fi adventure, and even into a dark murder mystery seamlessly.
5. Bojack Horseman (Netflix, 2014-)
A black comedy series about a middle-aged anthropomorphized horse should be trippy enough, but the creators of Bojack Horseman take the show five steps further. The show is able to expertly subvert sitcom cliche's hidden within it's own story structure in order to tell a meditative story on depression and finding happiness.
6. Jessica Jones (Netflix, 2015-)
This is the double-whammy on the list because Netflix has managed to subvert a trope inside a genre: namely female superheroes. While many of that archetype often come into their own power after victimization, Jessica Jones is the first character to be given real depth and pain to that experience instead of being tied down into a generic revenge fantasy. Krysten Ritter gives a layered performance of a sexual assault victim and how difficult it is to heal in the aftermath.
7. Rick and Morty (Cartoon Network, 2013-)
If the titular grandpa-grandson duo give the audience flashbacks of Back to the Future, you would be correct! This is show is based on a complex existentialist philosophy and homages to classic sci-fi horror in order to tell some of the darkest fart jokes I have ever had the pleasure to witness. Rick and Morty balances the absurd with the sincere flawlessly — and often proving they are indeed one and the same.
