TV for NonTV People
I don't like TV, mostly because TV shows tend to be like, well, TV shows. I have no interest in watching things that are hokey or jokey or that contain laugh tracks, stereotypes, tired stories, overacting, overly serious detectives/government workers always working on something really interesting, etc. In short, there are very few TV shows I consider watchable, let alone enjoyable. I don't think I'm alone, so this list is for the rest of you. Hopefully one or two will be new to you. Shows are only in a loose ranking, as I gave up trying to rank Faulty Towers against The Wire, etc.
If you have any to suggest, please add a comment. Always looking for another good show.
Thanks!
If you have any to suggest, please add a comment. Always looking for another good show.
Thanks!
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- CreatorDavid SimonStarsDominic WestLance ReddickSonja SohnThe Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.The synopsis here is too simplistic; The Wire is certainly *NOT* a cop drama or a drug war show, that's just one aspect of it. This is one of the most engrossing and damning shows I have watched. The small story at the beginning unfurls into a widespread, completely interconnected diagram of a corrupt city and system. From the police service to education to media, etc. the story becomes the story of Baltimore and story of the country. Depressing, seriously depressing, but wonderful. Deserves 8 stars just for Omar. Amazing character, fantastic actor. god bless HBO.
- StarsAlexander SkarsgårdJames RansoneLee TergesenA Rolling Stone reporter, embedded with The 1st Recon Marines chronicles his experiences during the first wave of the American-led assault on Baghdad in 2003.This man can do no wrong, it seems. A cutting and fair critique of the US military and government, but also modern warfare in general. As with The Wire, it's not about pointing fingers, but showing the extent of the failure of the whole system, and the human face at each level.
- StarsPaul WhitehouseCharlie HigsonArabella WeirUK comedy sketch show depicting most forms of stereotypical British society.I didn't think it was so funny at the beginning, but it grew and grew and... I have watched all the seasons and specials repeatedly. My partner and I quote lines randomly throughout the day. It's simply brilliant. Give it a chance to grow on you.... it's like lichen!
- CreatorTrey ParkerMatt StoneBrian GradenStarsTrey ParkerMatt StoneIsaac HayesFollows the misadventures of four irreverent grade-schoolers in the quiet, dysfunctional town of South Park, Colorado.Still one of the best shows on TV. Biting, astute, crass and somehow one of the best mirrors of our society. Trey Parker is a genius.
- CreatorMichael OuweleenErik RichterStarsGary ColeStephen ColbertThomas Michael AllenThird-rate superhero Harvey Birdman gets a new lease on life when he becomes a lawyer.surreal, hilarious. A terribly quotable show with fantastic voice acting.
- CreatorBryan FullerTodd HollandStarsCaroline DhavernasKatie FinneranTyron Leitso24-year-old loner B.A. Jaye lives in a trailer park and sells souvenirs in Niagara Falls. Animal figurines and dolls speak to her and force her to interact with people and try to help them.Real female characters! Yay! There's just something wonderful about this show. It's quirky without being obnoxious. The characters are just so well written and it's just fun and funny. Polished from beginning to end. Catchy theme song as well. Of course, also cancelled. Do you see a pattern yet?
- CreatorDan HarmonJustin RoilandStarsChris ParnellSpencer GrammerSarah ChalkeThe fractured domestic lives of a nihilistic mad scientist and his anxious grandson are further complicated by their inter-dimensional misadventures.Another cartoon with an ongoing, ever-growing story. Smart and funny, but also sad and insightful. Intelligent writing. Looking forward to more episodes...soon....please!
- CreatorRod SerlingStarsRod SerlingRobert McCordJay OverholtsOrdinary people find themselves in extraordinarily astounding situations, which they each try to solve in a remarkable manner.One of my favourite shows growing up (in reruns). There is just something magical about it all, the spookiness without the violence and gore. Little Timmy sending people to the corn field. Come on, it's great stuff. Scared the crap out of me. Rod looking dapper and creepy, with that great voice and surrounded by cigarette smoke. It was another time... Best theme song ever.
- CreatorChris LilleyStarsChris LilleyJennifer ByrneMick GrahamA group of Australians are nominated for the Australian of the Year Award.Chris Lilley brings huge laughs here too, but also great humanity to the characters. He doesn't poke fun so much as just presents the characters in their full glory, making us feel the crushed dreams, the determination, the sadness... Subtle, just brilliant. Pat and her husband... just great.
- CreatorChristopher McCullochStarsChristopher McCullochJames UrbaniakDoc HammerThe bizarre escapades of pseudo-heroic scientist Dr. Rusty Venture, his competent, high-strung bodyguard, and his two overenthusiastic sons.Venture Bros. is a grower. I cannot define it, and cannot explain why it is so enjoyable. It just is. Each season improves upon the last, with the story and world ever growing. Just wish the creators were a bit faster in releasing new episodes...
- StarsChris LilleyAsolima TauatiIro UtaifeauThe life of a public school epitomized by disobedient student Jonah Takalua, self-absorbed private school exchange student Ja'mie King, and megalomaniac drama teacher Mr. G.Chris Lilley is a mad genius, and a little bit scary given how well he can portray a teenage girl. I discovered an episode of this on a plane, of all places, and wouldn't shut up about it until I had the DVD sent from Australia. Fantastic.
- StarsJohn CleesePrunella ScalesAndrew SachsHotel owner Basil Fawlty's incompetence, short fuse, and arrogance form a combination that ensures accidents and trouble are never far away.Perhaps the beginning of the 'painful' comedy? Loved it as a kid, love it even more now. Another short but brilliant series.
- CreatorRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsRicky GervaisMartin FreemanMackenzie CrookThe story of an office that faces closure when the company decides to downsize its branches. A documentary film crew follow staff and the manager David Brent as they continue their daily lives.Really, it's just painfully excellent writing and perfect performances. Short, sweet, so English, so human. It amazes me that the US version is rated more highly. Apples and oranges, of course, but this just can't be copied. The US boss makes me feel pity, but the UK boss makes me feel many things, mostly excrutiating embarrassment, but also something much deeper. Plus, it's freaking hilarious.
- CreatorBryan FullerStarsEllen MuthCallum BlueJasmine GuyAfter being hit on the head by a toilet seat that fell from Mir space station, a young temp clerk becomes a grim reaper in death.I like shows with realistic cursing and female characters that aren't silly and ... there is no better word for it--'girly'. Creative and fun, but still with bits to think about and great characters.
- CreatorJosh SeligStarsJohn LurieWillem DafoeRobb WebbMusician John Lurie knows nothing about fishing, but that doesn't stop him from embarking on fishing in exotic locations with friends.zen comedy.
- StarsJulie DoveThe Great American PublicJune Diane RaphaelU.S. version of the popular animated U.K series about animals who talk about various aspects of everyday life.Brilliant attention to detail. One of the funniest things I have seen in a long time. I've only seen a few episodes of the earlier UK series, but that seems just as hilarious.
- CreatorJason GannDavid ZuckermanAdam ZwarStarsElijah WoodJason GannFiona GubelmannThe story of a depressed man who inexplicably is the only one who can see his neighbor's dog as a full-grown man in a dog suit.Wonderfully weird and refreshingly inappropriate. Funny, with a surreal feel. It's a bit too 'California' and 'TV' at times, but I forgive it as the overall story delves into waters usually not even tested in TV programs. It morphs gradually from season to season into a puzzle, but never ceases to be a comical adventure. Wilfred is a delight.
- CreatorPaul ZbyszewskiStarsTaye DiggsMoon BloodgoodVictoria PrattToday Detective Brett Hopper will be accused of shooting state attorney Alberto Garza. He will offer his rock solid alibi. He will realize he's been framed. And he will run. Then he will wake up and start the day over again.There's something about Taye Diggs... makes me forgive the flaws in this one. It's not great, it's a bit 'TV' in many parts, but it was different, funny in little ways and engaging. Plus, well, Taye Diggs.
- StarsSimon PeggJessica HynesJulia DeakinFriends Tim and Daisy, 20-something North Londoners with uncertain futures, must pretend to be a couple to live in the only apartment they can afford.the club episode is brilliant. Just a funny little show that, oddly, has nothing to do with outer space.
- StarsPeter KrauseJulianna MarguliesPeter JacobsonA detective investigates a mysterious motel room which acts as a portal to anywhere in the world.Not brilliantly written or acted, but the fantastical story is engaging. A lot of fun, and a bit to think about. (I want that comb!) I would have chosen someone different for the lead, but, well, I'm not a casting director.
- CreatorRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsRicky GervaisAshley JensenStephen MerchantAndy Millman is an actor with ambition and a script. Reduced to working as an extra with a useless agent, Andy's attempts to boost his career invariably end in failure and embarrassment.A show that is great on the strength of its cameo appearances alone. Funny and awkward, thanks most to Gervais's delightful female co-star.
- CreatorAlan BallStarsPeter KrauseMichael C. HallFrances ConroyA chronicle of the lives of a dysfunctional family who run an independent funeral home in Los Angeles.horrible, wonderful characters. Not every episode was great, but they were all good, and taken as a whole, it's an excellent series. Probably one of the best family dramas I've ever seen. Wonderful production values, tremendous acting, great dialogue.
- CreatorMatthew WeinerStarsJon HammElisabeth MossVincent KartheiserA drama about one of New York's most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm's most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper.A popular show that is actually good, really good... but you already know that. Well written and acted, with the era as its own character. It's a guilty pleasure that I don't have to feel guilty about.
- CreatorMitchell HurwitzStarsJason BatemanMichael CeraPortia de RossiLevel-headed son Michael Bluth takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. But the rest of his spoiled, dysfunctional family are making his job unbearable.Fantastic acting, comedic genius. The only reason this doesn't rate higher for me is that I just really don't care for voice over narration, as it usually is a substitute for better writing. It works here, but I can't help but think it would be better without it. Of course, it was probably necessary to get it onto the air.