Top 50 Favorite TV shows
In alphabetical order.
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- CreatorRobert CochranJoel SurnowStarsKiefer SutherlandMary Lynn RajskubCarlos BernardCounter Terrorism Agent Jack Bauer races against the clock to subvert terrorist plots and save his nation from ultimate disaster.Still remember seeing a promo for the show and being intrigued. The real-time format never lost its magic for me. Loved it from the beginning, enjoyed every episode and was sad to see it end.
- CreatorTina FeyStarsTina FeyAlec BaldwinTracy MorganLiz Lemon, head writer of the sketch-comedy show "TGS with Tracy Jordan", must deal with an arrogant new boss and a crazy new star while trying to run a successful television show without losing her mind.The season openers seem to be the weakest episodes, but once it gets going, it's one of the smartest comedies.
- CreatorJeffrey BoamCarlton CuseStarsBruce CampbellJulius CarryChristian ClemensonA bounty hunter rides the Old West, fighting bad guys, many with futuristic-type gadgets.As a fan of Bruce Campbell's work on the Evil Dead films, seeing him in this was a treat. The show's a great mix of action, comedy and a little bit of scifi with memorable characters. Carlton Cuse of the Lost fame was an executive producer and a writer on the show.
- CreatorDavid E. KelleyStarsCalista FlockhartGreg GermannJane KrakowskiFollows the personal and professional life of lawyer Ally.At first I wasn't impressed with the show as Ally's voice-overs seemed jarring. Later on I became a fan when I discovered great characters such as Richard Fish and John Cage. They also eventually dropped the voice-overs. It's really a show for men as much as women even if one might easily think otherwise without watching the show. An excellent blend of comedy and drama.
- CreatorDavid GreenwaltJoss WhedonStarsDavid BoreanazCharisma CarpenterAlexis DenisofThe vampire Angel, cursed with a soul, moves to Los Angeles and aids people with supernatural-related problems while questing for his own redemption.As a fan of Buffy I tried to get into this show when it began but couldn't. When I caught an episode on season four I was amazed by how good it was, and eventually bought all the dvds. Angel has some of the best action scenes I've seen on a tv show and great character development.
- 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.A smart, laugh track free and laugh out loud funny comedy with an amazing cast. Everyone looking for a good comedy show should see seasons 1-3. Season 4 was a disappointment.
- CreatorJ. Michael StraczynskiStarsMira FurlanRichard BiggsStephen FurstIn the mid 23rd century, the Earth Alliance space station Babylon 5, located in neutral territory, is a major focal point for political intrigue, racial tensions and various wars over the course of five years.The first season isn't bad but it can be a bit clunky and the early CGI looks dated, but if you stick with it you'll be rewarded with an addicting, well though-out sci-fi epic. One of my all-time favorites.
- CreatorGlen A. LarsonRonald D. MooreStarsEdward James OlmosMary McDonnellJamie BamberWhen an old enemy, the Cylons, resurface and obliterate the 12 colonies, the crew of the aged Galactica protect a small civilian fleet - the last of humanity - as they journey toward the fabled 13th colony, Earth.For me this was the next great sci-fi epic after B5. Great writing and characters and impressive action scenes. People who generally don't care that much about scifi have become fans of BSG. Ultimately in my mind it loses to B5 since it's not as well planned ahead, but it's still an amazing show.
- CreatorChuck LorreBill PradyStarsJohnny GaleckiJim ParsonsKaley CuocoA woman who moves into an apartment across the hall from two brilliant but socially awkward physicists shows them how little they know about life outside of the laboratory.What could've been a one-note "they're geeks, she's a hottie, how hilarious" comedy proved to be sweet and funny, with some nice movie references.
- CreatorVince GilliganStarsBryan CranstonAaron PaulAnna GunnA chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine with a former student in order to secure his family's future.An amazing show you should be watching if you aren't already. Some of the best character development seen on TV and a lot of those "oh my god, I can't believe they just did that" moments that are all too rare on television.
- CreatorJoss WhedonStarsSarah Michelle GellarNicholas BrendonAlyson HanniganA young woman, destined to slay vampires, demons and other infernal creatures, deals with her life fighting evil, with the help of her friends.If you can get past the name, this is a smart and funny show with great season arcs. While there's lots of humour the show can also get very dark, which I love. If you like shows with action and sci-fi / fantasy, you should really give this a chance. If you're willing to watch one good episode to see if you could like it, try season four's Hush.
- CreatorDaniel KnaufStarsMichael J. AndersonAdrienne BarbeauClancy BrownDuring the Great Depression, an Oklahoma farm boy and a charismatic minister learn that they are key players in a proxy war being fought between Heaven and Hell.I was years late in watching this, but I'm glad I finally did since the show was great. If you loved Twin Peaks and haven't watched this, you're really missing out. Too bad that just like TP, this was also cancelled after two seasons. The difference is that Carnivàle was still going strong in season 2 and definitely deserved to be renewed. I'm still bummed that I won't be seeing what happens next, but must also say that the ending isn't as abrupt as Twin Peaks'. Great soundtrack by Jeff Beal (House of Cards).
- CreatorRichard LevinsonWilliam LinkStarsPeter FalkMike LallyJohn FinneganLos Angeles homicide detective Lieutenant Columbo uses his humble ways and ingenuous demeanor to winkle out even the most well-concealed of crimes.Peter Falk is so likeable as the bumbling detective Columbo that you'll enjoy the show even when the case isn't that interesting.
- CreatorLarry DavidStarsLarry DavidCheryl HinesJeff GarlinLarry David stars as an over-the-top version of himself in this comedy series that shows how seemingly trivial details of day-to-day life can precipitate a catastrophic chain of events.Larry David gets himself and those around him in embarrassing situations time and again by speaking his mind. Check some clips from YouTube to see if you'll love it or hate it. I absolutely love it.
- 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 love (the show creator) Bryan Fuller, but must say that him leaving the show after a few episodes probably made it even better. There isn't really another show like Dead Like Me, the photography and the score alone make it instantly recognizable. Ellen Muth and Mandy Patinkin are fantastic in this, and it saddens me that this was cancelled after two seasons.
- CreatorDavid MilchStarsTimothy OlyphantIan McShaneMolly ParkerA show set in the late 1800s, revolving around the characters of Deadwood, South Dakota; a town of deep corruption and crime.A western HBO style, Deadwood has everything you'd expect from the network: high production values with amazing attention to detail, great actors and scripts. Another show cancelled too soon (after three seasons).
- CreatorJames Manos Jr.StarsMichael C. HallJennifer CarpenterDavid ZayasHe's smart. He's lovable. He's Dexter Morgan, America's favorite serial killer, who spends his days solving crimes and nights committing them.Michael C. Hall takes us inside the head of Dexter, a serial killer with a heart of gold. Great story arcs, nice amount of laughs and lots of tension as the seasons build up to their usually great conclusions.
- CreatorDoug EllinStarsKevin ConnollyAdrian GrenierKevin DillonFilm star, Vince Chase, navigates the vapid terrain of Los Angeles with a close circle of friends and his trusty agent.While this could've been an annoying show about a bunch of rich guys (or a rich guy and his friends), Kevin Connolly as Vince's agent Eric Murphy acts as the emotional center of the show and the one guy audiences are most likely to relate to. Jeremy Piven's Ari Gold is one of the funniest characters in TV history. Great cameos (and even big roles) by A-list Hollywood actors and directors.
- CreatorMichael CrichtonStarsAnthony EdwardsGeorge ClooneyJulianna MarguliesThe doctors who work in the ER at the County General Hospital in Chicago grapple with ups and downs in their personal and professional lives while trying to give apt medical care to their patients.I can't really say ER was cancelled too soon, but I would have loved to see it continue since I never grew tired of the it and changing/new characters brought new life to the show. With 331 episodes it has great replay value.
- CreatorJames BobinJemaine ClementBret McKenzieStarsJemaine ClementBret McKenzieRhys DarbyBret and Jemaine are Flight of the Conchords, a folk-rock band from New Zealand living in New York City in search of stardom.A really funny laugh-track free comedy about two struggling musicians and their bumbling, David Brent-esque manager. The musical numbers varied in quality but the characters were great.
- CreatorPeter BergStarsKyle ChandlerConnie BrittonZach GilfordA drama that follows the lives of the Dillon Panthers, one of the nation's best high school football teams, and their head coach Eric Taylor.One of those great shows not enough people watched. I really don't care about American football at all, and probably like many others I was unsure if I could enjoy the show that centers around the sport. Let me just say that the show's not about football, it's about the characters, and you're going to love them. FNL has a very realistic feel to it, which is rare in a drama.
- CreatorJ.J. AbramsAlex KurtzmanRoberto OrciStarsAnna TorvJoshua JacksonJohn NobleAn F.B.I. agent is forced to work with an institutionalized scientist and his son in order to rationalize a brewing storm of unexplained phenomena.While it kept getting better, I wasn't crazy about the show in its first season. Season two however made me love it as the main plot really got going and the characters were developed more. If you love sci-fi, you should definitely stick with this through the rough beginning. I loved the final season and the finale brought the story to a satisfying conclusion.
- CreatorDavid BenioffD.B. WeissStarsEmilia ClarkePeter DinklageKit HaringtonNine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for millennia.Deserves all the praise it's received. Pretty much perfect.
- CreatorAmy Sherman-PalladinoStarsLauren GrahamAlexis BledelKeiko AgenaA dramedy centering around the relationship between a thirtysomething single mother and her teen daughter living in Stars Hollow, Connecticut.Many guys will see the name of the show and think "oh, it's some annoying show for chicks", but I'm telling you, even guys who bothered to check the show out often ended up loving it. It's a smart show with lots of good dialogue that's witty without being pretentious. If you're looking for a great, funny drama show and haven't seen GG, look no further.
- CreatorDavid ShoreStarsHugh LaurieOmar EppsRobert Sean LeonardUsing a crack team of doctors and his wits, an antisocial maverick doctor specializing in diagnostic medicine does whatever it takes to solve puzzling cases that come his way.I do wish that the show didn't feel the need to stick to its format from week to week, but I still love it. Hugh Laurie (as Gregory House) deserves all the praise, the cases are usually interesting and I love the dark turns the show and the characters sometimes take.
- StarsSteve CooganSimon GreenallFelicity MontaguA failed television presenter, now presenting a programme on local desperately tries to revive his broadcasting career.I'm including all the Alan Partridge shows with this one. Steve Coogan's awkward talk show host / radio DJ is a great character, one with little emotional intelligence. As there's an Alan Partridge movie coming there's your motivation to check out the series!
- StarsKarl PilkingtonRicky GervaisStephen MerchantBritish comedy duo Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send their simple and closed-minded friend Karl Pilkington on a trip around the world to experience a variety of people and cultures.As a long-time fan of Karl Pilkington, Ricky Gervais and Steve Merchant I loved every minute of An Idiot Abroad, a documentary in which Pilkington travels to the Seven Wonders of the World. It's like Dom Joly going to famous landmarks and going "that is *beep* (in Trigger Happy TV) but for real as Karl is usually left unimpressed by what he sees.
- CreatorRodrigo GarcíaHagai LeviNir BergmanStarsGabriel ByrneUzo AdubaDianne WiestA psychotherapist questions his abilities and gets help by reuniting with his old therapist, whom he has not seen for ten years.As someone who's always been interested in psychology I was eager to see In Treatment. With five dialogue-filled episodes a week my only complaint was that the shows weren't longer. I had never paid much attention to Gabriel Byrne before but I thought he was perfect in this.
- StarsVincent VentrescaPaul Ben-VictorShannon KennyA thief and conman is given the means to become invisible, and ends up working for a government agency.While it's not quite on the same level as many other shows on this list, this was still a very good and entertaining show that did the invisibility thing well. There was depth to the characters, especially Darien Fawkes, that made this more than just a fun sci-fi show. I though The Invisible Man kept getting better in its second season and it pains me that it still hasn't been released on dvd.
- CreatorJ.J. AbramsJeffrey LieberDamon LindelofStarsJorge GarciaJosh HollowayYunjin KimThe survivors of a plane crash are forced to work together in order to survive on a seemingly deserted tropical island.While the ending was far from perfect, Lost is still one of my biggest favorites on this list, especially when it comes to watching a show for the first time. I love how the show was filled with little details. The sci-fi elements were gripping and there were a lot of great characters. It's still difficult to say how much the final season ruined the ability to rewatch the whole series, mainly because after all was said and done you were left wondering if the writers really had answers to the mysteries when they wrote them.
- CreatorMichele AbbottIlene ChaikenKathy GreenbergStarsJennifer BealsLeisha HaileyLaurel HollomanFollows the lives and loves of a small, close-knit group of lesbian women living in Los Angeles as well as the friends and family members that either support or loathe them.While it's not the most realistic drama around, the characters and their relationships feel real. It's a show that really sucks you in and makes you care about the characters. I must mention the great soundtrack since it brought Mr. Airplane Man and Ladytron to my attention.
- 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.It's hard to find a fault in this show.
- CreatorLinwood BoomerMichael GloubermanGary MurphyStarsFrankie MunizBryan CranstonJustin BerfieldA gifted young teen tries to survive life with his dimwitted, dysfunctional family.I initially skipped this as I thought it was basically a kids' show and discovered it years after it had aired. One of the funniest shows ever with a hilarious performance from Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston.
- CreatorRon LeavittMichael G. MoyeStarsEd O'NeillChristina ApplegateKatey SagalAl is the quintessential working class dad. Peggy, his wife, always wants more from him. With their children, they go through the highs and lows of ordinary life.While I haven't watched MwC that much after the first airing I loved it as a kid and it still holds up well.
- CreatorChris CarterStarsLance HenriksenMegan GallagherTerry O'QuinnA former FBI profiler with the ability to look inside the mind of a killer begins working for the mysterious Millennium Group which investigates serial killers, conspiracies, the occult, and those obsessed with the end of the millennium.Couldn't get into it when it originally aired but later really enjoyed especially the first two seasons. I don't really watch "serial killer of the week" shows but the main character Frank Black really makes the show fascinating.
- CreatorWinnie HolzmanStarsBess ArmstrongWilson CruzClaire DanesA 15-year-old girl and her trials and tribulations of being a teenager and dealing with friends, guys, parents, and school.A short-lived drama that introduced Claire Danes and Jared Leto. After almost 20 years it's still a great show.
- 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.I tried but couldn't get into the US version as this one had already done it perfectly.
- CreatorShawn RyanStarsMichael ChiklisCatherine DentWalton GogginsDrama series following the lives and cases of dirty cop Vic Mackey and the corrupt LAPD unit under his command.To be fair, I've only seen the first two seasons even though I own all of them on dvd. Morally ambiguous cops in a gritty drama.
- CreatorAlan BallStarsPeter KrauseMichael C. HallFrances ConroyA chronicle of the lives of a dysfunctional family who run an independent funeral home in Los Angeles.A great drama and one of the best shows ever.
- CreatorKurt SutterStarsCharlie HunnamKatey SagalMark Boone JuniorA biker struggles to balance being a father and being involved in an outlaw motorcycle club.Makes you care about a bunch of thugs.
- CreatorDavid ChaseStarsJames GandolfiniLorraine BraccoEdie FalcoNew Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano deals with personal and professional issues in his home and business life that affect his mental state, leading him to seek professional psychiatric counseling.If you think "I'm not that interested in mob stories" it's no reason to skip The Sopranos as it's much more than that. It's considered one of the best shows ever and rightly so.
- CreatorAnn BidermanStarsMichael CudlitzShawn HatosyRegina KingThe lives of Police Officers working for the Los Angeles Police Department.I don't watch a lot of cop dramas but this is one of the exceptions. A realistic show with interesting characters.
- 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.If you enjoy Edgar Wright's and Simon Pegg's work / collaborations you'll want to check out where it all started. Filled with funny movie references. It's not perfect but it's still a great show.
- CreatorEric KripkeStarsJared PadaleckiJensen AcklesJim BeaverTwo brothers follow their father's footsteps as hunters, fighting evil supernatural beings of many kinds, including monsters, demons, and gods that roam the earth.If you enjoy shows dealing with the supernatural, Supernatural's your show. As in The X-Files, the chemistry between the two main actors is the main reason the show works so well. There's also great story arcs and character development.
- CreatorAlan BallStarsAnna PaquinStephen MoyerSam TrammellTelepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse encounters a strange new supernatural world when she meets the mysterious Bill Compton, a southern Louisiana gentleman and vampire.If you like vampires and supernatural stories you should definitely try this. Aimed at adults.
- CreatorMark FrostDavid LynchStarsKyle MacLachlanMichael OntkeanMädchen AmickAn idiosyncratic FBI agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the even more idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks.One of those shows you should check out if you appreciate good tv.
- CreatorRob ThomasStarsKristen BellJason DohringEnrico ColantoniAfter her best friend is murdered, and her father is removed as county Sheriff, Veronica Mars dedicates her life to cracking the toughest mysteries in the affluent town of Neptune.A smart show with good characters.
- CreatorFrank DarabontStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusMelissa McBrideSheriff Deputy Rick Grimes wakes up from a coma to learn the world is in ruins and must lead a group of survivors to stay alive.Gets better every season. I thought season 3 finally delivered on the potential the show always had.
- CreatorDavid SimonStarsDominic WestLance ReddickSonja SohnThe Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.Widely considered as one of the best shows ever and deservedly so. Don't be put off by the pilot which is pretty serious and you don't really get to know the characters that well. It took me months to get back to the show after the pilot but when I did I was soon hooked.
- CreatorChris CarterStarsDavid DuchovnyGillian AndersonMitch PileggiTwo F.B.I. Agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained, while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.While there's not a whole lot of character development and the writers don't seem to know where the main story arc is going, it's the great characters, the chemistry between Mulder and Scully and the interesting stand-alone episodes that still make this a great show 20 years after it started.