Series & Miniseries: Crème de la crème
*If I think a series ruined itself at a certain point, that will be noted. "True Detective" springs to mind as an example. How do you rate a show that had a nigh perfect first season, then... a bad season 2?. I will attempt to factor in such a "jumping of the shark" type decline.
List activity
523 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
113 titles
- 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.Three seasons of grand themes, wonderful depth, history, liberal swearing and violence (accurate to the times), but also high eloquence. What an achievement!
It's a who's who of the best character actors, and completely transcends being a "Western". Ian McShane is simply wonderful, as is Tim Olyphant.
Deadwood is quite possibly the best TV series ever.
The reunion telefilm is totally up to snuff. It was a nice send off for fans of Deadwood.
9.9 - 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.Easily debatable as the best series ever. Gandolfini anchors it so well, but there is so much acting talent here. The quality stays high right to the end.
I didn't mind at all when they chose to end the series plot wise, I do think it could have been done way better technically. Eg:How about a bit of REVERB, for instance, to stop me thinking my disc player had broken.
9.8 - 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.I loved it all. So few series keep the quality high all the way through. The detail is incredible, the emotions complex. The characters grow and change as the 60's unfolds in front of us.
9.7 - StarsAlec GuinnessMichael JaystonAnthony BateIn the bleak days of the Cold War, espionage veteran George Smiley is forced out of semi-retirement to uncover a Soviet agent within MI6's echelons.A total gem of the small screen. Along with The Decalogue, it's one of best mini-series ever, and almost as good as the Tomas Alfredson film of the same name. Just don't expect Bond style action. This is subtle stuff, and all the better for it.
The followup mini-series, "Smiley's People", with Alec Guiness is not nearly as good.
9.5 - 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.My favorite ending to any series. This is way deeper than most sci-fi fare. Religion, politics, unions, philosophy (what it is to be human) and yes, space battles are all a part of this wonderful series.
the only wrong move at all is a prefunctory love affair between two of the leads 2/3 into the series.
9.5 - StarsJoseph CampbellBill MoyersGeorge LucasMythologist Joseph Campbell presents his ideas about comparative mythology and the ongoing role of myth in human society.One of the most learned men you'll ever see in a great set of interviews. I've watched this and read the transcript/book, easily ten times. This is gold for those interested in wisdom. I can always learn more from Campbell, and be nourished again and again by this series.
9.5 - 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 is excellent. The creators of "The Wire" convert an Iraq invasion memoir from an embedded Rolling Stone reporter, into a very real look into the "tip of the spear" Marines leading the invasion.
9.4 - 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.This one is deeper, and more realistic than the American Office (which I still like the first 5 seasons of). keep in mind that the humor is based on failing jokes. There may actually be more pathos than comedy in this series.
9.4 - 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.There aren't many episodes, but boy are they great.
9.3 - StarsLaurence OlivierAverell HarrimanAnthony EdenA groundbreaking 26-part documentary series narrated by the actor Laurence Olivier about the deadliest conflict in history, World War II.I grew up watching this, and it was excellent.
9.3 - StarsPeter CoyoteGeorge F. WillGeoffrey C. WardA documentary that weaves together the stories of Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, three members of one of the most prominent and influential families in American politics.Maybe the best of all the Ken Burns films.
9.3 - CreatorGene RoddenberryStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyIn the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets.Endlessly re-watchable.
9.2 - StarsMark RylanceDamian LewisClaire FoyAfter the downfall of Cardinal Wolsey, his secretary, Thomas Cromwell, finds himself amongst the treachery and intrigue of King Henry VIII's court and soon becomes a close advisor to the King, a role fraught with danger.An absolute gem of the small screen, but rather depressing. The central performance by Mark Rylance is just excellent.
9.2 - CreatorLeonardo FasoliStefano BisesRoberto SavianoStarsSalvatore EspositoMarco D'AmoreIvana LotitoCiro disregards tradition in his attempt to become the next boss of his crime syndicate. The internal power struggle puts him and his entire family's life at risk.Do you like mob series? This is movie quality. Gomorrah is certainly one of the best crime series.
seasons 1-5--- 9.1 - CreatorJoe PenhallStarsJonathan GroffHolt McCallanyAnna TorvIn the late 1970s, two FBI agents broaden the realm of criminal science by investigating the psychology behind murder and end up getting too close to real-life monsters.Imagine fincher's film "Zodiac", but a series. That's Mindhunter. The first season is tip-top. If you like dark content, check it out.
season 1- 9.3
season 2- 9.0 - CreatorCarlo BernardChris BrancatoDoug MiroStarsPedro PascalWagner MouraBoyd HolbrookA chronicled look at the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, as well as the many other drug kingpins who plagued the country through the years.I find the actor playing Pablo Escobar is more Escobar to me than the real video clips and photos used throughout this excellent, gripping series.
A friend does point out though that the actor is Brazilian, so his Columbian accent is off. As a non-Spanish/Portugese speaker, It certainly isn't something I noticed.
Season 3 was great as well, dealing with the Cali cartel.
9.0 - CreatorCarlo BernardChris BrancatoDoug MiroStarsScoot McNairyJosé María YazpikAlejandro EddaThe rise of the Guadalajara Cartel as an American DEA agent learns the danger of targeting narcos in Mexico.Just as good as the original Narcos. I think it's a must watch.
9.0 - CreatorCraig MazinStarsJessie BuckleyJared HarrisStellan SkarsgårdIn April 1986, the city of Chernobyl in the Soviet Union suffers one of the worst nuclear disasters in the history of mankind. Consequently, many heroes put their lives on the line in the following days, weeks and months.The story of the nuclear meltdown is told over 5 episodes. It is an excellent series. The one thing that took me a while to acclimate to, was the cast being predominantly British actors. It would certainly better to have heard Russian accents.
That said, the lead actors are Emily Watson, Jared Harris, and Stellan Skarsgard, who are all favorites of mine.
The show looks great, and the writing is very high quality.
9.0 - DirectorGeoff PosnerStarsHarry EnfieldMelvyn BraggCharles SimonNorbert Smith, A Life is a 1989 Mockumentary charting the life and career of the fictitious British actor Sir Norbert Smith. It stars Harry Enfield in the title role.This is gold for those who like mocumentaries like Spinal Tap. The clips of the old films and /TV shows that Norburt starred in are amazing. It's infinitely rewatchable.
9.0 - StarsEdgar RamírezAlexander ScheerFadi Abi SamraThe story of Venezuelan revolutionary Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, who founded a worldwide terrorist organization and raided the 1975 OPEC meeting.Excellent stuff, especially from the lead actor, Édgar Ramírez.
9.0 - StarsIan RichardsonMichael KitchenKitty AldridgeFrancis Urquhart, the unscrupulous but cunning Conservative Prime Minister, has his survival threatened by a liberal monarch and an upcoming General Election.An excellent followup to the Brit "House of Cards", in fact even better. "The Final Cut" failed me though.
9.0 - StarsDavid AttenboroughChadden HunterGordon BuchananDavid Attenborough returns with a new wildlife documentary that shows life in a variety of habitats.Due to remote camera technologies, this is even better than part one because of the wildlife closeups.
9.0 - CreatorLarry GelbartStarsAlan AldaWayne RogersLoretta SwitThe staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation.Aside from the laugh track, which is very dated, most of this show is excellent. MASH was often very innovative for it's time, and I still really enjoy this show.
8.8 - StarsGünter LamprechtClaus HolmHanna SchygullaIn late-1920s Berlin, Franz Biberkopf is released from prison and vows to go straight. However, he soon finds himself embroiled in the city's criminal underworld.I am quite mixed on Fassbinder's work, but this 15 hour mini-series is quite something. I would say, it seems quite clunky for the first half of the first episode. By the second, it's really finding it's wings.
By the 2 hour epilogue (which compares only to the utterly unique "Our Hitler, A film From Germany"), it's just amazing.
8.8 - CreatorPeter MorganStarsClaire FoyOlivia ColmanImelda StauntonFollows the political rivalries and romances of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events that shaped Britain for the second half of the 20th century.After seeing two seasons, and finding it far more interesting than I thought possible, I'm so impressed. This is super high quality stuff that even an anti-monarchist like me can get behind. I see the Windsors of that era as being in a cage with gold bars.
Claire Foy and Vanessa Kirby are fantastic. the sets could pass for the real thing, and the score is perfectly suitable.
The only bit of weakness for me at all was Michael C. Hall as JFK.
Season 3 was close to the quality of 1 and 2, but I do miss the original cast, especially Foy as the queen. Coleman is very good, but Foy was perfect.
The fellow who plays Prince Charles in season 3 though, is excellent.
The latest season (5?) with the third Elizabeth is just not as good as the old seasons. Diana is very well played though.
8.7 - StarsArtur BarcisOlgierd LukaszewiczOlaf LubaszenkoTen television drama films, each one based on one of the Ten Commandments.This is a great series (seven of the ten are wonderful) loosely based on the ten commandments. For me, it's the best Kieslowski.
One of the best episodes is also expanded, and released as a standalone feature film called "A Short Film about Love".
8.6 - CreatorAnn DruyanCarl SaganSteven SoterStarsCarl SaganJaromír HanzlíkJonathan FahnAstronomer Carl Sagan leads us on an engaging guided tour of the various elements and cosmological theories of the universe.What a marvelous show Sagan produced.
8.6 - CreatorShin'ichirô WatanabeHajime YatateStarsKôichi YamaderaUnshô IshizukaMegumi HayashibaraThe futuristic misadventures and tragedies of an easygoing bounty hunter and his partners.The characters really grow on you. It's a really fun watch, with some depth as well. Love it.
8.6 - CreatorGraham ChapmanEric IdleTerry JonesStarsGraham ChapmanJohn CleeseTerry GilliamThe original surreal sketch comedy showcase for the Monty Python troupe.Not all the skit's still hold up, but many do, and are still insanely funny and imaginative. This was an ultra-groundbreaking show when it came out.
8.6 - StarsDavid SuchetHugh FraserPhilip JacksonHercule Poirot, a famous Belgian detective, who has an impeccable knack for getting embroiled in a mystery, solves crimes along with Captain Hastings and Scotland Yard Chief Inspector James Japp.This is comfort food of the highest order for me. If I want to relax, this (or Columbo) is what I watch.
David Suchet is exellent.
8.6 - StarsScott GrimesDamian LewisRon LivingstonThe story of Easy Company of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division and their mission in World War II Europe, from Operation Overlord to V-J Day.High quality, and probably quite accurate to the memories of the soldiers it's based on.
8.6 - StarsMark RuffaloJohn ProcaccinoRob HuebelFollowing the parallel lives of identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey in a story of betrayal, sacrifice, and forgiveness.It's depressing as hell, but excellent, a must for Ruffalo fans.
8.5 - CreatorRod SerlingStarsRod SerlingRobert McCordJay OverholtsOrdinary people find themselves in extraordinarily astounding situations, which they each try to solve in a remarkable manner.Certainly not all, but a good deal of these episodes hold up beautifully, unlike "The Outer Limits", which, upon re-watching, I don't like any more.
8.5 - CreatorNorman LearStarsCarroll O'ConnorJean StapletonRob ReinerA working class man constantly squabbles with his family over the important issues of the day.It holds up to this day, but was a total ground breaker in it's era.
8.5 - 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.Of the original run of 50 or so, 95% of these TV movies are great. Most of the sub-par episodes were stretched from the regular 90 mins, to two hours, to make more ad revenue.
Most of the latter episodes (80's to 00's) are usually a fair bit weaker than the 70's glory days, but there is the odd exception here and there, for sure.
What a charmer Peter Falk was in this series.
seasons 1-7---8.5 - 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.Seasons 6 and 7 have been the best for me. Season 5 was the weakest.
I am not as gaga about this show as most humans. It's very good entertainment, with insane production quality, but lacks the depth of my very favorite shows, like The Sopranos.
I am in the minority with regards to the last season. I had no problem with the way things played out.
Note: there is a great extra included in the discs of Season 7, which gives the whole backstory setup to the seven kingdoms (the Valerians etc.). It SHOULD have been included on the Season 1 disc set, but better late than never..
8.5 - CreatorWilliam BlinnRita LakinStarsGeorg Stanford BrownSam MelvilleGerald S. O'LoughlinThe trials and adventures of three young police officers.I was rewatching season one lately, and it was great. Many episodes felt like their own film. It's aged beautifully, unlike so many shows from the 70's.
8.5 - CreatorBeau WillimonStarsKevin SpaceyMichel GillRobin WrightA Congressman works with his equally conniving wife to exact revenge on the people who betrayed him.The first four seasons only. They are great.
Season five was a major let down. It was simply a half-assed repeat of four. It seems to have gone downhill once Beau Willimon (writer) left.
seasons 1-4---9.5
season 5--- 5.7
Season 6---3.5( I don't think I'll ever make it through. The first 2 episodes are not absorbing me at all.) - CreatorDavid SimonStarsDominic WestLance ReddickSonja SohnThe Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.the depth of a PBS doc. on the decline of the inner cities, with the entertainment of a cop show. the only thing missing is aesthetics, but I hear this never was a hit, so their budget was very small.
8.5 - CreatorLarry DavidJerry SeinfeldStarsJerry SeinfeldJulia Louis-DreyfusMichael RichardsThe continuing misadventures of neurotic New York City stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally neurotic New York City friends.The series took a nosedive once Larry David left (season 7?). Highly original and influential for it's time, there would be no "Friends", etc. without Seinfeld. The best episodes remind me of the excellent series, "Fawlty Towers", and every third line is highly quotable.
8.5 - StarsKeith DavidWynton MarsalisGary GiddinsA survey of the musical form's history and major talents.Another Ken Burns gem. If you want to appreciate the art form known as Jazz, this is one of the best ways to start.
8.5 - CreatorJim Field SmithGeorge KayStarsEva MeckbachSylvester GrothFlorence KasumbaIn the interview room, detectives go head-to-head with suspects and try to get to the truth - even if it means breaking the rules and risking it all.This is the best of the 4 countries by far. For me, Criminal:Spain is good, UK is good, France, okay.
Hans is a particularly great actor/character.
8.5 - StarsPaul GiamattiLaura LinneyJohn DossettThe life of one of the USA's Founding Fathers, its second President, and his role in the nation's first 50 years.If you want some early U.S. history, this is simply terrific.
8.5 - CreatorJoe BerlingerStarsStephen MichaudBob KeppelKathleen McChesneyA look inside the mind of serial killer Ted Bundy, featuring interviews with him on death row.Excellent editing, excellent storytelling.
8.5 - CreatorHenk HandloegtenTom TykwerAchim von BorriesStarsVolker BruchLiv Lisa FriesLars EidingerColognian commissioner Gereon Rath moves to Berlin, the epicenter of political and social changes in the Golden Twenties.Watch it in German, with subtitles. Weimar era Germany, with lots of decadence and political intrigue. the lead actor who plays Gereon is excellent, as is the girl who plays Charlotte. All 3 seasons so far are of high quality.
8.4 - CreatorBruno HellerWilliam J. MacDonaldJohn MiliusStarsKevin McKiddRay StevensonPolly WalkerA down-to-earth account of the lives of both illustrious and ordinary Romans set in the last days of the Roman Republic.Come for the history, stay for the ultra-violence and sex.
8.4 - StarsLiv UllmannErland JosephsonBibi AnderssonTen years within the marriage of Marianne and Johan.If you want to see a realistic look at struggles in a Marriage, this is excellent. The situation is modeled from Bergman's own love life. One warning: divorce rates went way up in Sweden when this aired.
8.4 - CreatorBill DubuqueMark WilliamsStarsJason BatemanLaura LinneySofia HublitzA financial advisor drags his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks, where he must launder money to appease a drug boss.I thought season two was better than one. If there is one complaint to make, it may be thet there is too much constant action/hazard. Obviously that makes the series very entertaining, but less realistic, and a little shallower than it could be compared to something like "the Sopranos".
season 1--- 7.5
season 2--- 8.5
season 3--- 8.3 - CreatorJohn FuscoStarsLorenzo RichelmyBenedict WongJoan ChenIn a world replete with greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue and rivalry, "Marco Polo" is based on the famed explorer's adventures in Kublai Khan's court in 13th century Mongolia.The actor playing Kublai Kahn is excellent. This is a high budget show, that is probably not too historically accurate, but is a great, absorbing watch. Season two is even better than one. There's quite a bit of great kung fu choreography for those interested is such things.
8.4 - CreatorRyan J. CondalGeorge R.R. MartinStarsMatt SmithEmma D'ArcyOlivia CookeAn internal succession war within House Targaryen at the height of its power, 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen.I like it maybe more than GoT.
8.5 - CreatorThomas KailSteven LevensonStarsSam RockwellMichelle WilliamsNorbert Leo ButzAn inside look at the romantic and creative partnership between influential choreographer/director, Bob Fosse, and Gwen Verdon, one of the greatest Broadway dancers of all time.Generally, This is an excellent production. The non-chronology is masterly, and the principle actors are really good. I did find that episodes 4 and 5 bogged down the pace. Everything else is aces.
8.4 - StarsIan RichardsonSusannah HarkerMiles AndersonThe schemes of a ruthlessly ambitious British politician who will stop at nothing to get to the top.This, and the followup are just great, the third British installment, "the Final Cut" was just so-so for me.
8.4 - CreatorTom FontanaStarsErnie HudsonJ.K. SimmonsLee TergesenA series chronicling the daily activities of an unusual prison facility and its criminal inhabitants.I haven't seen many episodes of Oz, but I got the impression of a very high quality show. many give Oz credit for ushering in this new Golden Age of television. If that is true we all owe a debt to all who made this series.
8.4 - StarsRobert DurstAndrew JareckiDick DeGuerinFilmmaker Andrew Jarecki examines the complicated life of reclusive real estate icon Robert Durst, the key suspect in a series of unsolved crimes.Tip-top*. I watched this twice in fairly short order. It's proof that money doesn't make everyone happy, but it sure buys great lawyers...
*One important note: the two last lines of the series are edited out of context/order.
8.4 - StarsMichael JordanPhil JacksonScottie PippenLed by Michael Jordan, the 1990s Chicago Bulls establish themselves as one of the most notable dynasties in sports history.Generally, it gets better and better as the ten episodes pass, and Jordan is poetry in motion when playing. The use of extended flashbacks is excellent, but I do think there are some dead zones here and there in the episodes. It might have been a perfect series reduced to 8 episodes, IMHO.
8.4 - CreatorNeil DruckmannCraig MazinStarsPedro PascalBella RamseyAnna TorvAfter a global pandemic destroys civilization, a hardened survivor takes charge of a 14-year-old girl who may be humanity's last hope.So far so good, after one season.
8.3 - CreatorDamon LindelofStarsRegina KingYahya Abdul-Mateen IITom MisonSet in an alternate history where masked vigilantes are treated as outlaws, Watchmen embraces the nostalgia of the original groundbreaking graphic novel of the same name, while attempting to break new ground of its own.Better than the feature film, the addition of America's past racial sins is used to update Watchmen for our times, and is generally, very effective.
8.3 - StarsMa Anand SheelaPhilip ToelkesJane StorkWhen Osho, the world's most controversial guru, builds an Utopian city deep in the Oregon country, conflict with the locals escalates into a national scandal.A fascinating docu-series about the conflict between a small town in Oregon and an invading new age cult in the early 80's. One note: I thought the last episode's ending was too long.
8.3 - CreatorJeffrey Grant RiceStarsDarren McGavinSimon OaklandJack GrinnageCarl Kolchak is a reporter for a Chicago newspaper. Through more accident than design he ends up investigating homicides, many of which involve supernatural forces. Ultimately, rather than reporting on the crimes, he solves them.A definite influence on the X-files, it's a charming supernatural thriller, but can be funny as well.
8.3 - StarsRobert DuvallTommy Lee JonesDanny GloverTwo former Texas Rangers renew their spirit of adventure as they and several other residents of a small Texas town join a cattle drive to the Montana Territory.It just goes down so smooth. You become very fond of the characters as things progress, rather than being bowled over right away.
8.3 - CreatorNic PizzolattoIssa LópezStarsVince VaughnColin FarrellRachel McAdamsAnthology series in which police investigations unearth the personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within and outside the law.Well, if you like dark crime films like SE7EN, season one of 'True Detective' is manna from heaven. I've watched it 3 times in less than one year.
Season two... it wavers from pretty good to down right self-parody. Vince Vaughn and Rachel McAdams don't cut it, and Cary Joji Fukunaga didn't direct any of Season 2.
Season 3...Mahersh is very good, the story, and the rest is just okay.
season 1---9.9
season 2--- 6.1
season 3 ---6.1
season 4 ---7.0 - CreatorGene RoddenberryStarsPatrick StewartBrent SpinerJonathan FrakesSet almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before.Clever and topical, I always enjoyed this series. And of course Patrick Stewart in the lead...
8.3 - CreatorBaltasar KormákurStarsÓlafur Darri ÓlafssonIlmur KristjánsdóttirBjörn Hlynur HaraldssonIn a remote town in Iceland, police desperately try to solve a crime as a powerful storm descends upon the town.This is on Netflix (Canada), and if you like cop shows/murder mysteries, this is a very good one. It's set in rugged, beautiful Iceland. The lead actor is very compelling to watch.
8.3 - CreatorJesse ArmstrongStarsNicholas BraunBrian CoxKieran CulkinThe Roy family is known for controlling the biggest media and entertainment company in the world. However, their world changes when their father steps down from the company.This dramedy can be a hard watch, because the family is a Machiavallian house of vipers, more than a traditional family. I have heard that can happen when there is a great deal of wealth to be inherited in a family. I think the show gets better every season.
8.3 - StarsKeith DavidKatharine PhillipsTom HanksA seven-part series focusing on the many ways in which the Second World War impacted the lives of American families.Sensitive, informative, and thorough.
8.3 - StarsRobert FinsterElla RumpfGeorg FriedrichYoung Czech-Austrian psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud, investigates a murder conspiracy in 1880's Vienna.Somewhat like The Alienist in era and tone, be forewarned that Freud is not accurate to history, but is more of a flight of fancy. With that in mind, I liked it a lot, and the main actors are all very good.
8.3 - StarsIan McDiarmidNicholas FarrellTim Pigott-SmithA TV mini-series that unveils the behind-closed-doors story of the final weeks before the outbreak of World War I.Everyone should see this. How a stupid war starts that kills millions, not to mention plants the seeds for WWII.
8.3 - StarsClaire FoyChristian CookeItay TiranA young British girl travels to Palestine, retracing the steps of her grandfather - a British soldier stationed there in the 1940s.I had watched Wolf Hall, loved it, and noticed the same director had made this as well, and Clair Foy was featured in it too. It starts seeming too Israeli leaning, but as things progress, it slides the other way. It's a great watch, but not as fantastic as Wolf Hall.
8.3 - StarsDiana RiggJames WilbyDavid McCallumA British yuppie couple have a seemingly idyllic existence. But there is one troubling factor in their lives - the husband's eccentric and sometimes difficult mother. Her odd behavior manifests itself in a series of incidents involving her ex-husband, a concert musician, and her ex-husband's new wife, an artist. Flashbacks reveal bits of her troubled past. Little by little, the young couple's life begins to fall apart as the mother begins to act out her feelings of intense jealousy in the form of revenge, implicating a dear old friend, and leading to murder.Diana Rigg is unforgettable in this. Great thriller.
8.3 - StarsDavid McCulloughSam WaterstonJulie HarrisA comprehensive survey of the American Civil War.It established Burns' style, which works very well for this type of material, considering there's no video of the civil war to show. Some of the experts who contribute as talking heads are excellent.
8.3 - CreatorRichard PriceSteven ZaillianStarsRiz AhmedJohn TurturroBill CampAfter a night of partying with a woman he picked up, a man wakes up to find her stabbed to death and is charged with her murder.Riz carries the show so well, and his subtle changes through the story arc are quite realistic.
John Turturro is excellent, and adds some welcome humor to a serious subject.
8.2 - CreatorRichard CurtisStarsRowan AtkinsonBrian BlessedElspet GrayIn the Middle Ages, Prince Edmund the Black Adder constantly schemes and endeavors to seize the crown from his father and brother.I'll let this entry stand for all the Black Adder seasons. Wonderfully funny stuff.
8.1 - CreatorCharlie BrookerStarsWunmi MosakuMonica DolanDaniel LapaineFeaturing stand-alone dramas -- sharp, suspenseful, satirical tales that explore techno-paranoia -- "Black Mirror" is a contemporary reworking of "The Twilight Zone" with stories that tap into the collective unease about the modern world.One could say this is a tech focused Twilight Zone.
Some episodes are certainly better than others, and for me, seasons 3 and 4 were stronger than the first two. The strongest episodes are must see status.
8.1 - CreatorAkiva GoldsmanAlex KurtzmanJenny LumetStarsAnson MountEthan PeckChristina ChongA prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series, the show follows the crew of the USS Enterprise under Captain Christopher Pike.Great so far.
8.2 - CreatorSally WainwrightStarsSarah LancashireSiobhan FinneranJames NortonYorkshire-based crime drama centering on the personal and professional life of Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood.Firstly, the title must be ironic, because this is heavy stuff. I've seen the first 2 seasons, and it's very "more-ish", to use a Brit slang.
8.1 - CreatorBrad IngelsbyStarsKate WinsletJulianne NicholsonJean SmartA detective in a small Pennsylvania town investigates a local murder while trying to keep her life from falling apart.7 episodes of prettay good stuff.
8.1 - CreatorBrian KoppelmanDavid LevienAndrew Ross SorkinStarsPaul GiamattiDamian LewisMaggie SiffNew money means no mercy as Mike Prince takes the Axe Capital throne. Chuck Rhoades is convinced no one should have that much wealth - or power. As all the players seek out new alliances, only one thing's for certain - wealth means war.It's a fun watch, with very high production values. Maggy Siff and Damian Lewis are stand outs. The series wraps up quite well too, which is always a bonus for a show.
8.0 - StarsNicholas BurnsJulian BarrattClaire KeelanAfter publishing a rant about 'idiots' - frantically hip, ignorant scenesters - Dan Ashcroft finds these same people embracing him as his idol and his nerves constantly tested by his biggest fan, moronic scene personality Nathan Barley.Hipsterism is lampooned, but like The Office UK, there is pathos and depth around the edges.
8.0 - CreatorShawn RyanStarsMichael ChiklisCatherine DentWalton GogginsDrama series following the lives and cases of dirty cop Vic Mackey and the corrupt LAPD unit under his command.I need to see more of this show, but what I've seen, was gritty, and impressive.
8.0 - StarsJohn WilsonKyle MacLachlanNiko NelsonAn anxious New Yorker attempts to give everyday advice while dealing with his own personal issues.I have to be in the mood for this show... that said he makes great little docs. If you like grimy New York, this is a must.
8.1 - StarsSigourney WeaverDavid AttenboroughNikolay DrozdovA documentary series on the wildlife found on Earth. Each episode covers a different habitat: deserts, mountains, deep oceans, shallow seas, forests, caves, polar regions, fresh water, plains and jungles. Narrated by David Attenborough.An exotic trip around the World to many incredible locations, and the species shown are often a real eye opener.
7.9 - CreatorScott FrankAllan ScottStarsAnya Taylor-JoyChloe PirrieBill CampOrphaned at the tender age of nine, prodigious introvert Beth Harmon discovers and masters the game of chess in 1960s USA. But child stardom comes at a price.A boon to chess participation.. Good Stuff.
8.0 - StarsNeil deGrasse TysonChristopher EmersonKeythe FarleyAn exploration of our discovery of the laws of nature and coordinates in space and time.A must if you like to learn. I'd give it a higher score, but the budget/production is a little thin.
7.9 - CreatorRowan AtkinsonRichard CurtisStarsRowan AtkinsonMatilda ZieglerRobin DriscollBumbling, childlike Mr. Bean has trouble completing the simplest of day-to-day tasks, but his perseverance and resourcefulness frequently allow him to find ingenious ways around problems.Atkinson is one of a kind in the lead. It shows how for you can go with virtually no words.
7.8 - CreatorMåns MårlindHans RosenfeldtBjörn SteinStarsSofia HelinRafael PetterssonSarah BobergWhen a body is found on the bridge between Denmark and Sweden, right on the border, Danish inspector Martin Rohde and Swedish Saga Norén have to share jurisdiction and work together to find the killer.Saga is a great character, and this is a highly entertaining series. The storylines are not totally congruent/realistic though if you drill down into their logic. I say just go with it, and have fun with this dark series.
7.8 - CreatorDrew DowdleJohn Erick DowdleStarsMichael ShannonTaylor KitschAndrea RiseboroughThe FBI and ATF seize religious leader David Koresh's Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas in the spring of 1993.It might be one episode too long, but most of Waco is really interesting, and well made.
7.8 - CreatorMatt DufferRoss DufferStarsMillie Bobby BrownFinn WolfhardWinona RyderWhen a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl.This is high quality, very entertaining stuff. I enjoyed the first two seasons more than I thought I would. I did come of age in the 80's, but am not much of a fan of "The Goonies", "E.T.", "Ghost Busters", etc. This takes all those influences, but nicely updates them for the 10's.
Season 3 started very slow, but once it kicked into gear, I liked it just fine.
7.8 - StarsErnst-Hugo JäregårdKirsten RolffesGhita NørbyDoctors at an ultramodern hospital in Denmark become convinced, by way of weird, inexplicable happenings, that the place is haunted.Von Trier segues into rough, hand held camera work, and multiple takes with a different emotional focus each time for the actor(s). Season 1 is somewhat better than season 2.
7.8 - StarsTom BurkeHolliday GraingerKerr LoganWar veteran turned private detective Cormoran Strike solves brutal murders with the help of his trusted partner Robin Ellacott.It's a bit "by the numbers", but is still packed with very good Brit detective content.
7.7 - CreatorTony McNamaraStarsElle FanningPhoebe FoxGwilym LeeA royal woman living in rural Russia during the 18th century is forced to choose between her own personal happiness and the future of Russia, when she marries an Emperor.High in sex and violence, with a farcical heart, this gets quite good as it rolls out.
7.7 - 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.If it ran only 4 seasons, this would go down as one of the great pieces of entertainment. The last season in particular was a total retread. One episode in 24 was really worth watching. The ending of the series was so weak as well, agh!!
They had a great talent for complexifying the story, but no talent at all for resolving things.
Seasons 1-4--- 9.3
Seasns 5-6---6.5
Season 7---2.0 - StarsSteven AveryDolores AveryLaura NiriderFilmed over a 10-year period, Steven Avery, a DNA exoneree who, while in the midst of exposing corruption in local law enforcement, finds himself the prime suspect in a grisly new crime.I've only seen season 1, but it was quite unbelievable what Brendan Dassey especially goes through. It's brutal. I do think the season could have been shortened a bit (8 rather than 10 episodes?).
season 1--- 7.7 - CreatorJulian FellowesStarsHugh BonnevillePhyllis LoganElizabeth McGovernA chronicle of the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early twentieth century.Aside from some bad writing here and there (the guy with the cane-John Bates, his story simply keeps repeating itself), there is a lot to love.
7.5 - CreatorJulian FellowesStarsCarrie CoonMorgan SpectorLouisa JacobsonThe series follows the conflicts surrounding the new money Russell family and their old money neighbors, the van Rhijn family, in 1880s New York City high society.Downton Abbey, but a more interesting epoque, and place.
7.7 - StarsPeter CoyoteHuy DucJames WillbanksA comprehensive history of the United States' involvement in the bitterly divisive armed conflict in Southeast Asia.It may be sacriledge to say, but as great as this is, there was definitely some fat that could have been trimmed. The balance achieved between telling both sides of this war is probably unequaled though. Everyone will learn many things about the war by watching this, that's for sure.
7.6 - CreatorAlan BallStarsPeter KrauseMichael C. HallFrances ConroyA chronicle of the lives of a dysfunctional family who run an independent funeral home in Los Angeles.An excellent first and second season, then a slow but total slide into nothing but constant suffering. I hate when that happens.
season 1 and 2---9.2
the rest---4.5 - StarsColin FirthJennifer EhleSusannah HarkerWhile the arrival of wealthy gentlemen sends her marriage-minded mother into a frenzy, willful and opinionated Elizabeth Bennet matches wits with haughty Mr. Darcy.One must give it time to get cooking. If you do, there's a great love story to be had.
7.6 - CreatorSally WainwrightStarsSarah LancashireSiobhan FinneranJames NortonYorkshire-based crime drama centering on the personal and professional life of Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood.Fairly grim, but a very good watch.
7.8 - CreatorLeonard FreemanStarsJack LordJames MacArthurKam FongThe investigations of Hawaii Five-0, an elite branch of the Hawaii State Police answerable only to the governor and headed by stalwart Steve McGarrett.The pilot is great, and so are many of the episodes, with a weak one every 5-7 episodes.
7.8 - StarsFran LebowitzMartin ScorseseMichael Alexis PalmerWander the New York City streets and fascinating mind of wry writer, humorist and raconteur Fran Lebowitz as she sits down with Martin Scorsese.Do you love New York? That increases the odds that this will be up your alleyway.
I adored "Public Speaking", the doc MS did on FL a number of years ago, and this is much more of the same type of content.
7.5