We’re spinning around on a decaying ball of death, we only have so many hours in our brief, inconsequential lives; it’d be a pity to spend what terse time you have on this planet sitting in front of bad television. Luckily saps like myself exist, and are more than willing to waste our hours away watching show after show, compiling a list of those most worthy of your time. And best of all, I’ll do it for free.
Penny dreadful (available on Netflix)
During the nineteenth century, in the United Kingdom, a penny dreadful referred to a cheap, yet popular, serial literature that often included the first renditions of our classic horror stories. Doctor Frankenstein and his poetic monster, Dorian Grey and his painting, Count Dracula and his army of vampires, a werewolf, several angry witches, plenty of ghosts, and the star of it all, Vanessa Ives; brilliantly performed by veteran actress Eva Green. This show elegantly twists the tales of classic horror into a beautifully written and wonderfully acted three season storyline. If horror is your thing, this is a good one to check out. It may not be overly terrifying, but the creepy vibe you get from Eva Green is sensational.
9/10
Bloodline (Netflix)
A true drama thriller, don’t expect to see gunfights and car chases, although we do get a fair share of murder and violent head smashing. The story revolves around the Rayburn family; well-known in their Florida Keys community. The large and growing family run a successful beach front hotel. The writers take us on a journey through the family's past demons with the arrival of the exiled son, Danny. Drugs, money, murder, lies; this show’s got it all. However, this show needs commitment, I’d consider a Netflix and pizza binge. Some complain that it seems slow, but stick with it and pay attention, the first season is done very well.
8.5/10
The office (available on Netflix)
If you haven’t seen this show yet you need to do yourself a favor and stop what you’re doing; it’s all on Netflix. This is a mockumentary style television show about the office of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, PA. I don’t know how to describe this show; Michael Scott is my muse. “Dwight you ignorant slut.” #imbeyoncealways
9.9/10 (there’s a brief time period when Michael Scott leaves -.1)
Westworld (HBO)
Based on the 1973 Michael Crichton movie of the same name, Westworld takes place in a futuristic amusement park designed for the wealthy. The park allows customers to live out their fantasies in an artificially created replica of the Wild West. The park is controlled and inhabited by robotic “hosts,” who interact with the guest through pre-written storylines. The story becomes really interesting when the “hosts” begin to dream and recall old memories. As the hosts become more life-like, the show asks us, what does it mean to be human? Rhetorical questions aside, it’s an interesting idea for a show to pose, and many have attempted to do so. Westworld, however, tackles the subject with unmatched mystery and grace. If you have HBO, then you should be watching Westworld.
9/10
The Crown (Netflix)
Dramatic and intriguing; not slow, but this show requires a patient audience, so know your style of television. This Netflix original is based on a play by Peter Morgan, “The Audience,” and chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II. Starring Claire Foy, this series holds an all-star cast of performers; John Lithgow’s portrayal of Winston Churchill is phenomenal. Not only will you be entertained, but you’re likely to learn a thing or two.
9/10
Bojack Horseman (Netflix)
I stumbled upon BoJack Horseman my freshman year of college; my roommate always had it on when I came back from class. I’ll admit I thought it was stupid the first time a caught a glimpse, but as the year went on I found myself watching it without my roommate. The story follows BoJack Horseman, a washed-up TV star from the eighties. The self-loathing, alcoholic horse finds himself 18 years after the height of his fame; struggling with the complexities of modern Hollywood, and poorly educated on the modern social landscape, he works his way back to fame with the help of his unique animal friends. BoJack Horseman takes you through an emotional journey of sex, drugs, and self-loathing; this isn’t one to watch with your young children, despite the attraction of talking animals. The fourth season will be released on September 8th; I’ve already planned a celebratory Netflix binge. This show will have you laughing while you cry and crying while you laugh. If I had to pick my favorite on this list, Bojack Horseman would be it.
10/10
River (available on Netflix)
Not your typical detective story; John River, a brilliant detective with a troubled mind, is haunted by the vision of unsolved murder victims. The show takes a look at the inside of John River’s mind, creating an interesting suspicion, in the eye of the viewer, towards what we are shown, and what is really happening. This is a fun show to watch, and it’s written and filmed wonderfully.
9.5/10
The Fall (Netflix)
A passionate detective with a cold exterior faces off against a dangerously intelligent serial killer with a family of his own. This show takes an in-depth look at both sides of the crime, diving deeply into the personal life of an at large serial killer, and the detective out to catch him. The complexities of both central characters are enough to hold my attention. “The Fall” provides a twist on a classic crime genre that actually feels refreshing. I would highly recommend if you’re into the “NCIS crime genre,” but have been craving something original.
9/10
Sense8 (Netflix)
This is a beautiful show about eight people around the world connected telepathically, with the ability to utilize the skills, knowledge, and senses of each person. It sounds complicated and weird, but it is and I love it and so will you. This series represents characters of all races, sexual orientations, and sexual identities in both a positive and negative light. In a world filled with inequalities, it’s nice to see something so diverse coming together so beautifully to create one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time.
8.5/10
13 Reasons Why (Netflix)
Another show I’m assuming many of you have already seen; if not, again, Netflix. Clay Jensen has a crush, on Hannah Baker, a young girl that takes her own life. Two weeks after her death, Clay finds a mysterious box on his doorstep. Inside Hannah Baker has recorded the 13 reasons why she killed herself. Each tape is for a certain person that leads Hannah Baker to her death, and now Clay has the tapes. This one’s a tearjerker.
9/10
Twin Peaks (available on Netflix)
The first episode of Twin Peaks was released on April 8th, 1990. This is one of the most peculiar shows I’ve ever seen, but it’s wonderful. Special Agent Dale Cooper of the FBI has been sent to the small, rural town of Twin Peaks, to investigate the murder of Laura Palmer. Cooper is convinced of the connection between Laura's murder and the murder of Teresa Banks a year prior. With the help of Sheriff Harry S. Truman, Cooper takes on the town's quirky residents and slowly unravels the mystery of who killed Laura Palmer. The writing is peculiar, the cinematography often borders on psychedelic, and some characters look like they belong in fairy tales, but somehow it all works.
9.5/10