10. Grey's Anatomy - I know I know, Grey's lost its luster years ago. But for me last season, and the first half of this season have brought Grey's at least partially back to its former glory, with workable storylines, a stable cast, the humor, and the variety of interesting patients that make Grey's work. And just like EW exclaimed last year, Grey's really has got its groove back, and while it may seem like an exercise in futility, for those of us who love this show, it is a welcomed return to form.
9. New Girl - Sweet and infectious, quirky and outrageous, and simply a bowl of fun, New Girl is my new favorite comedy, perfectly showcasing the quirky talents of its star Zooey Deschanel, and proving to only get better with age. Each week, the characters grow more on you than they had the previous week, and despite some its eccentricities it is one of the few shows on television where I laugh out loud at least 15 times throughout a short 22 minute episode.
8. Justified - First there was the Margo Martindale storyline last season, but this year, Justified has continued to be one of the most compelling dramas on television, with its western style, its fascinating storylines, its eclectic characters, and its incredible capability to keep things interesting. Timothy Olyphant keeps up the charm and the fear, and leads the show with gusto, and unlike other genre pieces, never seems to get old, even a couple of seasons in.
7. American Horror Story - Sure, some of the cheesy, Ryan Murphy-esque lines can get old quick, and sure it drags sometimes at an incredibly slow pace, but American Horror Story is the first series in a long time that I am proud to announce is truly a guilty pleasure of mine. Week after week, I thought about giving it up, but just when I thought it might lose me something incredibly ridiculous and juicy would happen that I just had to know what would happen next. It didn't hurt that the likes of Connie Britton, Frances Conroy, and the wonderful, deliciously evil Jessica Lange, whose stunning performance week to week is reason enough to stick with it (and worthy of its SAG/GG nods). After its intriguing season finale, I can't wait to see what 2012 will bring us for the illustrious Murder House.
6. Parks & Recreation - It had a rough start, but after a couple of seasons, Amy Poehler and gang have really found their footing, and the last couple of seasons have been some of the smartest, funniest, and best seen on television. Poehler, Offerman, Scott, and the whole cast are down right hilarious, and with its groove finally in tact, it proves to be one of the most consistently appealing shows week to week.
5. Breaking Bad - Is is possible that this incredible show, with Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul continually getting better, that this show's current season is its best? After its amazing run so far, it is hard to imagine that it can continually top itself, but time and time again it has proven me wrong and managed to keep getting better. It is gritty, compelling, and dark, and if there is any hope, it could be the series that finally knocks off the Mad Men reign, or least it should be the one that does it.
4. Modern Family - I have to admit, it took me awhile to get into this series, but once I did I realized why critics, fans, and the Television Academy have swooned over it, as its incredible cast, its top-notch writing, and its hilarious story lines are simply pitch perfect. There's really not much else to say, except, if you have missed out, its time for you to catch up and join the craze. Trust me, it's actually worth it.
3. Friday Night Lights - Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton were the perfect married couple, you sometimes forgot that you were watching a TV show. They were so convincing, and so was the honest and emotional portrayal of a Texas football coach, and the drama and story revolving around the lives of its coach and players. It was an incredible show, and the Kyle Chandler win at the Emmys was pure awards-show heaven. It is something that will be truly be missed.
2. Homeland - Filmed close to my hometown, I had been excited about this series for quite some time. Little did I know how incredible it would turn out. The best new series of the 2011, Homeland plays on the fears and insecurities that have encompassed the American public since the tragedy of September 11, 2001. It is challenging and honest, but also extremely stylish making for compelling, and also important television.
1. The Good Wife - I know that this third season has had some trouble taking off, but the ending of Season 2 was simply brilliant, and in the last couple of episodes of this year the simmering pot of the first half came to a full boil, and the juiciness that has made this such a great series seems to be back. It is intelligent, and seems to pack so much into an hour that you are sitting on the edge of your seat. You know, since The West Wing went off the air, I have not found a series that peaked my political science/law interest. And while it is not majestic and ethereal like The West Wing, it is dramatic, dark, and political, and is finally filling my void.
No comments:
Post a Comment