Nowadays, people tend to watch only sitcoms that last for 20 minutes, because when they get home from work, exhausted, they cannot concentrate on anything else. Sitcoms are great when you are tired and you want something to relax. There are also a lot of animated comedy TV shows that might not be for everyone, because of the distinctive humor. However, because of their originality, they shouldn’t be missed and you should definitely start watching some of them… Things like South Park, American Dad, Family Guy, The Simpsons, Futurama and Drawn Together. Whether you want to relax alone or with your partner, you should consider watching some of the best TV shows of all time, which you will certainly get addicted to.
The Wire (2002-2008)
Set in Baltimore, Maryland, the show depicts the drug scene and the psychology of the people involved. Broadcasted from 2002 to 2008, it gave the audience an authentic and different view on law enforcement and drug dealers. This HBO crime drama is perfect for everyone, because of its original characters and plot. Outstanding story, perfect acting and professional directing make this TV show one of the best. Although it didn’t win the BAFTA award (2009) or the Primetime Emmy award (2005, 2009), with 14 wins and 44 nominations, this show placed itself on the highest position in the best crime dramas ever. When you start watching this show, you’ll need to watch a few episodes to get into the story and then, you will definitely get addicted.
The House of Cards (2013-)
One of the best remake series that will leave you speechless after the very first episode. House of Cards (featuring Kevin Spacey as Francis Underwood), is undoubtedly one of the TV shows you have to see. Francis Underwood, the Richard the Third of modern time, will make you love him and hate him at the same time. His knowledge of manipulation and his acts will make you hate him, but because of his intelligence, you’ll end up cheering for him to succeed. The show started broadcasting in 2013 and it has already won 2 Golden Globes and another 12 awards. When you start watching this show, this Machiavellian character and other brilliantly written characters will make you hooked. Even if you are a fan of the British House of Cards (1990) starring Ian Richardson and you have high expectations from the remake, you’ll realize that the show went beyond your expectations not only because of the masterful performance by all actors, but also because of the plot that made this show unique in some way and it is different from the British original show.
Fargo (2014-)
First broadcasted in 2014, this show immediately found its fans around the world and has won 2 Golden Globes. Based on a real story, the show talks about the psychopath Lorne Malvo (played by Billy Bob Thornton) and his malicious and violent acts in Minnesota. Fargo is one of the TV shows that fully justified the saying – Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction. The story about the strange events in the not long ago peaceful and quiet town in the USA, brings to life the memories of suffering, pain and joy, truth and lies. Every character in this TV show brings a story of their own, a story of life in a snow covered town in Minnesota. You can spend your time planning different things but sometimes life has a plan of its own. When something like that happens, chaos prevails.
OZ (1997-2003)
The famous HBO series OZ is a story about prisoners and their daily routine in the Oswald penitentiary facilities. This is not an ordinary story about prisoners and the difficulties they may encounter, but a story about people. We are prisoners of our own mind, and this show somehow reminds us of that bitter truth. Everybody in OZ is guilty of some crime, not just the prisoners but also the guards and all the employees – guilty of being who they are or who they pretend to be, locked down in their own minds, the protagonists of this magnificent TV show try to cope with difficulties and obstacles that life puts in front of them. A prison isn’t the worst thing they can encounter, but OZ certainly is. We are presented with the actions and the psychology of the prisoners by the narrator, Augustus Hill, a disabled character.
Scandal (2012-)
This ABC TV show might seem focused on the main character Olivia Pope, the former White House communication director, and her newly opened crisis management firm. However, after watching a few episodes, you’ll realize that the main plot of this show depicts the manipulation and various frauds that take place in the White House. Also, it explores the political scene on a deeper level. At first, you’ll enjoy the crisis that Olivia Pope’s team is facing and “fixing”, but then you’ll end up concentrating on the real roles of people in the White House and thinking if the political scene is just another amazingly directed film or even, reality. Gladiators in suits will win your hearts and because of the magnificent plot, you’ll start following the work of Shonda Rhime, the famous writer of the popular TV show Grey’s Anatomy.
Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
As always, when it comes to the famous David Lynch, mystery and surrealism entwine the plot of his story. The same can be told about the famous TV show Twin Peaks, which won 3 Golden Globes. Yes, the main question is who killed Lora Palmer, but it is certainly not the only one. Hypnagogic and somewhat bizarre events are waiting in the corner of a small town situated in the north of the USA. But this small town has a huge story to tell. Masterful and crazy, but somehow believable characters made this TV show one of the timeless masterpieces.
True Detective (2014-)
Is it a satanic murder or an act of some twisted mind? While investigating this murder, two detectives find out that this world is nothing but a sea of desperation. Two complex characters Rust Cohle and Marty Hart are brilliantly performed by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, whose acting brilliantly shows the mood and atmosphere of the South. If you are into action, than this HBO TV show is not for you, because it is dark, slow paced and in some moments, a bit psychedelic. As the story unfolds, we find ourselves observing and getting to know the psychology of one region. Not only the mentality of the South, but also we get to look into the individual’s minds.
The TV shows that weren’t mentioned but are worth watching too are The Game of Thrones, Sherlock, The Sopranos, Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad. Whether you are a TV show fan or not, it is guaranteed that each of these TV shows will teach you something, introduce you with a new aspect of some popular themes such as politics and law enforcement, and will suck you into their world. Not only that you’ll explore the psychology of one region, but you’ll also get a chance to look into someone’s mind and know every dark, scary, shameful and weird thought that goes through it. On the other hand, if you want a good laugh, then you have to see Black Books, Only Fools and Horses and Fawlty Towers.