Best Shows on TV
May 26, 2008 5:25 AM Subscribe
TV-Filter: I'd love to get your recommendations for best tv shows on at the moment.
I'm in Portugal, which means we get only a handful of good tv shows. I'd love to check out others, but it's hard to sort through lists of shows that I know nothing about. So, I'm asking you to tell me a bit about your favourite show right now - to narrow it down to whatever is on at the present moment.
For guidance purposes only:
Shows I already know (and love): Dexter, House, Grey's Anatomy, Weeds, The L Word, CSI (I prefer the Las Vegas one), Men on Trees
Shows I already know (and don't particularly like): Desperate Housewives, Lost, Ugly Betty, Bones, Pushing Daisies
And some of my all-time favourites (hey, I'm asking the question, I get to name old shows...): That 70's Show, Ally McBeal (the first few seasons), The Practice, The X-Files, Battlestar Galactica (the first one - it was on in the 80's here), Fawlty Towers, Six Feet Under, Twin Peaks, Verano Azul (Spanish show), Freaks and Geeks... and many more, but I think these are enough to give you a general idea.
I'm in Portugal, which means we get only a handful of good tv shows. I'd love to check out others, but it's hard to sort through lists of shows that I know nothing about. So, I'm asking you to tell me a bit about your favourite show right now - to narrow it down to whatever is on at the present moment.
For guidance purposes only:
Shows I already know (and love): Dexter, House, Grey's Anatomy, Weeds, The L Word, CSI (I prefer the Las Vegas one), Men on Trees
Shows I already know (and don't particularly like): Desperate Housewives, Lost, Ugly Betty, Bones, Pushing Daisies
And some of my all-time favourites (hey, I'm asking the question, I get to name old shows...): That 70's Show, Ally McBeal (the first few seasons), The Practice, The X-Files, Battlestar Galactica (the first one - it was on in the 80's here), Fawlty Towers, Six Feet Under, Twin Peaks, Verano Azul (Spanish show), Freaks and Geeks... and many more, but I think these are enough to give you a general idea.
30 rock. Best show on tv.
posted by pearlybob at 5:35 AM on May 26, 2008 [4 favorites]
posted by pearlybob at 5:35 AM on May 26, 2008 [4 favorites]
The poster is asking us to "tell me a bit about your favourite show right now" because "it's hard to sort through lists of shows that I know nothing about." Just listing titles isn't going to be very helpful.
Season 1 of "The Wire" should hook you if you like ensemble cast drama with a crime element (which it seems like you do). It's an amazing, almost Shakespearian show focusing on criminals and cops in Baltimore that deserves all the praise it gets. You don't have many comedies listed there, neblina_matinal, but if you want to go there, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" is a hilariously smart show about a handful of deeply fucked up people doing hilariously offensive things. You can watch some episodes here and it's out on DVD as well. It really took off after Danny Devito joined the cast, but it's been very consistent throughout its run. I was just talking about it with a friend last night and we both agreed it's the funniest show on TV right now.
posted by mediareport at 5:45 AM on May 26, 2008
Season 1 of "The Wire" should hook you if you like ensemble cast drama with a crime element (which it seems like you do). It's an amazing, almost Shakespearian show focusing on criminals and cops in Baltimore that deserves all the praise it gets. You don't have many comedies listed there, neblina_matinal, but if you want to go there, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" is a hilariously smart show about a handful of deeply fucked up people doing hilariously offensive things. You can watch some episodes here and it's out on DVD as well. It really took off after Danny Devito joined the cast, but it's been very consistent throughout its run. I was just talking about it with a friend last night and we both agreed it's the funniest show on TV right now.
posted by mediareport at 5:45 AM on May 26, 2008
Seconding pearlybob and raising with Battlestar Galactica. Aside from being an awesome show about SPACE and ROBOTS and HUMANS MUST DIE!!!, it's an incredibly complex and detailed drama that makes for one of the most beautifully executed shows ever. In my humble opinion, of course.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 5:57 AM on May 26, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 5:57 AM on May 26, 2008 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: self: I do know "The Office". I love the UK version, hated the couple of episodes of the US one I watched.
mediareport: "The Wire" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" are both going right on my list! You are right, too, I am looking for a personalized "x is the best show on tv right now because..." (And I do love comedy. And I forgot Seinfeld on my all-time-favourite list. Shame on me).
Cat Pie Hurts: I have watched season 1 of the new Battlestar Galactica. I like it, but I cannot tell you how annoying I find the "frack" this, "frack" that going on. It's *fuck*, people. We know that's what you mean, so say it already (IMHO, of course ;))
posted by neblina_matinal at 6:18 AM on May 26, 2008
mediareport: "The Wire" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" are both going right on my list! You are right, too, I am looking for a personalized "x is the best show on tv right now because..." (And I do love comedy. And I forgot Seinfeld on my all-time-favourite list. Shame on me).
Cat Pie Hurts: I have watched season 1 of the new Battlestar Galactica. I like it, but I cannot tell you how annoying I find the "frack" this, "frack" that going on. It's *fuck*, people. We know that's what you mean, so say it already (IMHO, of course ;))
posted by neblina_matinal at 6:18 AM on May 26, 2008
neblina- if you love the UK "Office", then I'd definitely check out "Extras". It's by the same writters (Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant) who both play central roles. Very much the same awkward humor in a new, fresh setting.
And seconding "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia".
posted by self at 6:21 AM on May 26, 2008
And seconding "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia".
posted by self at 6:21 AM on May 26, 2008
2nding The Wire great procedural cop show.
Deadwood (Best.TV.ShoW.EVARR!!!) worth it for Ian McShanes foul mouth
Heroes
Private Practice (The Greys Anatomy Spinoff)
Big Bang Theory.
I was going to put links in for them, but you can use google right?
posted by gergtreble at 6:28 AM on May 26, 2008
Deadwood (Best.TV.ShoW.EVARR!!!) worth it for Ian McShanes foul mouth
Heroes
Private Practice (The Greys Anatomy Spinoff)
Big Bang Theory.
I was going to put links in for them, but you can use google right?
posted by gergtreble at 6:28 AM on May 26, 2008
- The Wire
- First couple seasons of the US version of "The Office"... the second season is completely awesome; it's been going downhill since then.
posted by mpls2 at 6:34 AM on May 26, 2008
- First couple seasons of the US version of "The Office"... the second season is completely awesome; it's been going downhill since then.
posted by mpls2 at 6:34 AM on May 26, 2008
30 Rock - "the funniest sitcom on TV" -- is told through the comedic voice of Tina Fey (Liz Lemon) and features Alec Baldwin (Jack Donaghy) as a top network executive and Tracy Morgan (Tracy Jordan) as the unpredictable star of Lemon's hit variety show, "TGS with Tracy Jordan."
Okay descriptions like that always sound lame, but this show is so funny. Tina Fey is this thirtysomething sketch show director who is sort of a slob and failing in her home life, which makes for great material. Tracy Jordan is her insane star actor - very funny. Kenneth, the churchy Southern hillbilly page is excellent. But Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy is the real star in my opinion. He's the top exec, a powerful (yet secretly insecure) blueblood always gunning for the chairmanship of NBC. I don't even know how else to describe his character but he is so funny. My favorite line of his was this one time when Liz Lemmon walks into his office and he and his prissy little male assistant are making the final adjustments to his tuxedo cuffs and tie and all, and Fey casually asks, "Oh, what are you getting dressed up for?" And Jack looks at her like she's stupid and says, "It's 6 o'clock, Lemmon. What am I, a farmer?" Awesome. There's a good bit of NYC/NBC inside humor, but it still works. The super awesome Will Arnett of Arrested Development fame has a recurring guest role that rocks too. Get thee to BitTorrent! Or watch episodes on the NBC site.
Battlestar Galactica - The reimagined series is awesome. It has such depth and complexity. This time around the cylons are indistinguishable from the humans (though they still have the metal robot kind for straight up dirty work). I loved the original growing up, and the concept is still sound, but when you look back at it now it has such a campy 70s disco veneer. The new one is full of real dread, moral compromises and ambiguity, mystery, desperation, and occasionally cool battles. It has been critically lauded as one of the best shows on tv and even for people who aren't into space and stuff. Full episodes are available for viewing on the SciFi site. It's wrapping up its final season in the US so be careful of spoilers as you dig up the early episodes. (If you have fun with frak and say it in real life, you can get past it in the show!)
If you never saw the Sopranos, that's a must. It shows mob life from the family side. So here's this murderous, extortionist, violent, thieving, bribing racketeer during the day who goes home at night to the same kinds of family problems as everyone else - a rebellious teenage daughter and the unacceptable guys she dates, a do-nothing underperforming son, a kooky mooching sister who breezes into town to leech off of him, a manipulative and cruel mother who still makes him miserable - - and all of this is examined through the lens of his weekly therapy visits. It's just an excellent excellent show. His cast of mob family characters is excellent, and watching his internal struggles between trying to be a better person and, you know, murdering and beating and stealing, is very rich. I Tivo the censored reruns on regular cable these days and can't wait to come home and unwind with my favorite mob family after work. I don't think you can watch it for free online like the above two. But you could perhaps rent it or buy the box set. Otherwise it's all over the illegal download sites.
I always loved Dead Like Me, the show about a girl who dies and becomes a Grim Reaper (one of many whose job it is to harvest souls just before someone dies). But Grim Reapers look just like real people and walk amongst us (maybe they are skinjob Cylons and don't know it?!). They can even still see their family and friends walking around, but those people can't recognize them, and they aren't able to tell them who they are. It was funny and sad and quirky and tender. It wound up being cancelled before it could finish properly, but it was still worth it. Reruns still show on SciFi, I think, but to start at the beginning you'd want to buy, rent, or torrent.
The Office is fun and enjoyable, but is a pale imitation of the original version from the UK. Watch them both, but go for the UK version first. It's genius.
Heroes is some dramatic yet sort of lightweight fun. As in, it is sort of stage drama, with a high pretend quotient. It successfully bridges the gap between comic books and real life. No spandex or tights, but still that same combination of what a real person might feel like if they manifested weird powers (with more believable life-ruining consequences) and were on a collision course to save the world, and genuine flights of fancy that are fun to indulge in. It lacks some depth but is well done and fun.
Everyone says HBO's The Wire is basically the second coming. Haven't seen it but that's what everyone says. Best show ever, they say. I also never saw HBO's Rome, but it won very high praise.
posted by Askr at 6:43 AM on May 26, 2008
Okay descriptions like that always sound lame, but this show is so funny. Tina Fey is this thirtysomething sketch show director who is sort of a slob and failing in her home life, which makes for great material. Tracy Jordan is her insane star actor - very funny. Kenneth, the churchy Southern hillbilly page is excellent. But Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy is the real star in my opinion. He's the top exec, a powerful (yet secretly insecure) blueblood always gunning for the chairmanship of NBC. I don't even know how else to describe his character but he is so funny. My favorite line of his was this one time when Liz Lemmon walks into his office and he and his prissy little male assistant are making the final adjustments to his tuxedo cuffs and tie and all, and Fey casually asks, "Oh, what are you getting dressed up for?" And Jack looks at her like she's stupid and says, "It's 6 o'clock, Lemmon. What am I, a farmer?" Awesome. There's a good bit of NYC/NBC inside humor, but it still works. The super awesome Will Arnett of Arrested Development fame has a recurring guest role that rocks too. Get thee to BitTorrent! Or watch episodes on the NBC site.
Battlestar Galactica - The reimagined series is awesome. It has such depth and complexity. This time around the cylons are indistinguishable from the humans (though they still have the metal robot kind for straight up dirty work). I loved the original growing up, and the concept is still sound, but when you look back at it now it has such a campy 70s disco veneer. The new one is full of real dread, moral compromises and ambiguity, mystery, desperation, and occasionally cool battles. It has been critically lauded as one of the best shows on tv and even for people who aren't into space and stuff. Full episodes are available for viewing on the SciFi site. It's wrapping up its final season in the US so be careful of spoilers as you dig up the early episodes. (If you have fun with frak and say it in real life, you can get past it in the show!)
If you never saw the Sopranos, that's a must. It shows mob life from the family side. So here's this murderous, extortionist, violent, thieving, bribing racketeer during the day who goes home at night to the same kinds of family problems as everyone else - a rebellious teenage daughter and the unacceptable guys she dates, a do-nothing underperforming son, a kooky mooching sister who breezes into town to leech off of him, a manipulative and cruel mother who still makes him miserable - - and all of this is examined through the lens of his weekly therapy visits. It's just an excellent excellent show. His cast of mob family characters is excellent, and watching his internal struggles between trying to be a better person and, you know, murdering and beating and stealing, is very rich. I Tivo the censored reruns on regular cable these days and can't wait to come home and unwind with my favorite mob family after work. I don't think you can watch it for free online like the above two. But you could perhaps rent it or buy the box set. Otherwise it's all over the illegal download sites.
I always loved Dead Like Me, the show about a girl who dies and becomes a Grim Reaper (one of many whose job it is to harvest souls just before someone dies). But Grim Reapers look just like real people and walk amongst us (maybe they are skinjob Cylons and don't know it?!). They can even still see their family and friends walking around, but those people can't recognize them, and they aren't able to tell them who they are. It was funny and sad and quirky and tender. It wound up being cancelled before it could finish properly, but it was still worth it. Reruns still show on SciFi, I think, but to start at the beginning you'd want to buy, rent, or torrent.
The Office is fun and enjoyable, but is a pale imitation of the original version from the UK. Watch them both, but go for the UK version first. It's genius.
Heroes is some dramatic yet sort of lightweight fun. As in, it is sort of stage drama, with a high pretend quotient. It successfully bridges the gap between comic books and real life. No spandex or tights, but still that same combination of what a real person might feel like if they manifested weird powers (with more believable life-ruining consequences) and were on a collision course to save the world, and genuine flights of fancy that are fun to indulge in. It lacks some depth but is well done and fun.
Everyone says HBO's The Wire is basically the second coming. Haven't seen it but that's what everyone says. Best show ever, they say. I also never saw HBO's Rome, but it won very high praise.
posted by Askr at 6:43 AM on May 26, 2008
My Name is Earl is excellent. The recently-concluded CBC show jPod had gotten better and better with each episode up until the end, and it's got Alan Thicke to boot.
posted by Space Coyote at 6:45 AM on May 26, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by Space Coyote at 6:45 AM on May 26, 2008 [1 favorite]
How about the Sopranos? Big huge casts with lots of characters and drama. It is one of the most iconic shows that was ever on American television.
As far as the US Office goes, I thought it was weak at first because it was just recycling the plot lines of the UK version and you can't help to compare it negatively. It has gotten better since.
posted by mmascolino at 6:49 AM on May 26, 2008
As far as the US Office goes, I thought it was weak at first because it was just recycling the plot lines of the UK version and you can't help to compare it negatively. It has gotten better since.
posted by mmascolino at 6:49 AM on May 26, 2008
Psych is pretty good (guy pretends to be a psychic detective when really he's just very good)
I hated the wire (though I like all those crime shows you mentioned, even bones), I dont think I even made it all the way through an episode, its very dark and lots of unnecessary swearing.
You'll probably like Criminal Minds - its about the FBI's behavioral analysis unit (criminal profilers), along a similar lines (but old now) is Cracker.
Waking the Dead is along the same lines as Cold Case (if you've ever seen that) but less soppy and more british.
Close to Home is lawyer show (and as usual the lawyer solves the case, not the police)
posted by missmagenta at 6:51 AM on May 26, 2008
I hated the wire (though I like all those crime shows you mentioned, even bones), I dont think I even made it all the way through an episode, its very dark and lots of unnecessary swearing.
You'll probably like Criminal Minds - its about the FBI's behavioral analysis unit (criminal profilers), along a similar lines (but old now) is Cracker.
Waking the Dead is along the same lines as Cold Case (if you've ever seen that) but less soppy and more british.
Close to Home is lawyer show (and as usual the lawyer solves the case, not the police)
posted by missmagenta at 6:51 AM on May 26, 2008
From your list, it looks like we watch a lot of the same shows in common. I was trying to think of any shows that I watch that aren't on your list... I really enjoy Reaper, Supernatural and NCIS.
Seconding 30 Rock, Dead Like Me, My Name is Earl, Psych and Heroes...
Also, I know you said to limit it to what is on now, but I can't help myself... The West Wing and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip were both incredibly well written, intelligent shows worth watching on dvd.
Finally! Veronica Mars. I started watching the show about halfway through the first season and was hooked from then on. I tell everyone I know how great it is, and I usually get the same eye-rolling responses from all of them. But EVERYONE that I've recommended it to who has broken down and watched it has loved it (even my guy friends). It's not some silly teenage drama... It's soooo good. :o)
posted by Mookbear at 6:55 AM on May 26, 2008
Seconding 30 Rock, Dead Like Me, My Name is Earl, Psych and Heroes...
Also, I know you said to limit it to what is on now, but I can't help myself... The West Wing and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip were both incredibly well written, intelligent shows worth watching on dvd.
Finally! Veronica Mars. I started watching the show about halfway through the first season and was hooked from then on. I tell everyone I know how great it is, and I usually get the same eye-rolling responses from all of them. But EVERYONE that I've recommended it to who has broken down and watched it has loved it (even my guy friends). It's not some silly teenage drama... It's soooo good. :o)
posted by Mookbear at 6:55 AM on May 26, 2008
*** minor spoilers follow*** Brothers and Sisters follows the trials and tribulations of a wealthy, dysfunctional California family headed by a strong matriarch (Sally Field). The oldest daughter (Rachel Griffiths) is a business school grad who runs the company business following the untimely death of the father in the very first episode. Calista Flockhart plays the flighty other daughter who is the only Republican in the family and ends up marrying a Senator.
The three sons are as different as night and day. The eldest (Matthew Rhys) is a gay lawyer who is very confused about life and love. The middle son (Baltazar Getty) is married with a young baby and competes with his sister for control of the family business. Dave Annable plays the youngest, a drug-addicted Iraq war veteran.
Add in love interests for nearly everyone, many guest appearances by well known stars, quirky discoveries about the father's adulterous past, and you have an interesting ensemble drama.
posted by netbros at 6:59 AM on May 26, 2008
The three sons are as different as night and day. The eldest (Matthew Rhys) is a gay lawyer who is very confused about life and love. The middle son (Baltazar Getty) is married with a young baby and competes with his sister for control of the family business. Dave Annable plays the youngest, a drug-addicted Iraq war veteran.
Add in love interests for nearly everyone, many guest appearances by well known stars, quirky discoveries about the father's adulterous past, and you have an interesting ensemble drama.
posted by netbros at 6:59 AM on May 26, 2008
Have to second Mookbear about West Wing and Studio 60. Both were fabulous shows and I've missed them greatly.
posted by pearlybob at 7:02 AM on May 26, 2008
posted by pearlybob at 7:02 AM on May 26, 2008
Best shows on TV in no order:
30 Rock
My Name is Earl
The Office
Boston Legal
Everyone can quit posting now. I've answered the question definitively.
posted by wsg at 7:09 AM on May 26, 2008
30 Rock
My Name is Earl
The Office
Boston Legal
Everyone can quit posting now. I've answered the question definitively.
posted by wsg at 7:09 AM on May 26, 2008
Also, how about Firefly, the series that is the prequel for the movie Serenity? Although set in the future, it is more of a fusion of a Western with a few Science Fiction elements added in. It was a very unique take on the future that isn't like anything else that came before it.
posted by mmascolino at 7:10 AM on May 26, 2008
posted by mmascolino at 7:10 AM on May 26, 2008
Reaper - funny cute show
Mad men - well acted
30 Rock - hilarious
HBO's Rome was awesome
posted by jouke at 7:14 AM on May 26, 2008
Mad men - well acted
30 Rock - hilarious
HBO's Rome was awesome
posted by jouke at 7:14 AM on May 26, 2008
Doctor Who, latest series (started 2005)
Torchwood
posted by thilmony at 7:19 AM on May 26, 2008 [1 favorite]
Torchwood
posted by thilmony at 7:19 AM on May 26, 2008 [1 favorite]
Your tastes sound very similar to mine. I love the Sopranos, and miss it, but the other series that I am really crazy about is Mad Men. Really great. Another fun series, excellent acting (Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver), is The Riches.
posted by thomas144 at 7:21 AM on May 26, 2008
posted by thomas144 at 7:21 AM on May 26, 2008
The Office (US version): I love this show because it has a good mix of comedy and a woven-in story thread that has continued throughout the series. Most episodes can stand alone as a comedy show and someone who hasn't watched the show can understand it, but for those of us who have been fans from the beginning, we appreciate the little details in each episode that tell an overarching story. All of the actors on this show are absolutely brilliant, and the comedic timing is almost always gold. Another thing that I have just started to realize about the show is that all of the characters, whether on the surface or deep down somewhere, really have hearts of gold, and when an episode is done, you feel really good about it and you want more.
posted by joshrholloway at 7:25 AM on May 26, 2008
posted by joshrholloway at 7:25 AM on May 26, 2008
It is not on anymore but "Life on Mars" was one of the best. It is about a police detective that gets hit by a car and he is either in a come, dead or back in time. He wakes up in 1973. I am afraid of what the American version will be like because the BBC version was so awesome.
I agree with Psych and the new BSG.
posted by nimsey lou at 7:32 AM on May 26, 2008
I agree with Psych and the new BSG.
posted by nimsey lou at 7:32 AM on May 26, 2008
The Shield is about a group of semi-corrupt cops in LA. It's great because it seems pretty real despite the crazy stuff and explores some different angles about what's good, bad, etc. It's sometimes got a case of the week CSI thing going on but it combines this with long term story arcs that deal both with the characters' personal issues and street related stuff. In the end though it really makes you want to kick some ass and that's why you should watch it.
posted by thelongcon at 7:41 AM on May 26, 2008
posted by thelongcon at 7:41 AM on May 26, 2008
Oh absolutely seconding The Shield. Fantastic show. Lots of morally grey areas and dilemmas. Steller cast and the cinematography from the first couple seasons were groundbreaking to me.
posted by mmascolino at 7:44 AM on May 26, 2008
posted by mmascolino at 7:44 AM on May 26, 2008
The only suggestion I've got for shows currently airing would be Numb3rs; a show about two brothers--one's a Fed, and consults with his mathematician prodigy brother to solve crimes. It's a bit formulaic, but with the hook that all the math used is solid, and it's interesting to find out just how many ways mathematics can be applied in real life. Plus, Rob Morrow isn't nearly as annoying as he was on Northern Exposure. Don't get me wrong, I loved Northern Exposure, but Dr. Fleischman tended to grate on the nerves after a while.
This is a good example of the dichotomy of crime shows, actually; much like posters above, I LOVED The Wire, because it was so obscure. It's one of those television shows you have to really pay attention to, because they don't spoon-feed you anything. There aren't any recaps in the beginning of the episode to tell you what past significant events you'll need to be keeping in mind, they don't have a lot of those heavy camera shots that tell you that SOMETHING IS HAPPENING NOW. The storyline isn't wrapped up neatly at the end of the hour. Something seemingly insignificant will happen, and if you weren't paying attention and noting, it, something that happens 10 episodes later won't make any sense. It's television that makes you think. This is in stark contrast to shows like CSI, Law & Order, and yes--even though I enjoy it--Numb3rs. It's an anomaly for television, and a wonderful one at that. (Someone above mentioned the swearing; yeah, there's a lot, but there's this beautiful scene in the first season when McNulty and Bunk have an entire conversation just trading one profanity back and forth. Masterful.)
As for older teevee, I'd absolutely second The West Wing and The Office/Extras (Brit version, of course), as well as Alias and, yes ... the Gilmore Girls. Well, the first three seasons, anyway; after that it was pretty worthless. If you like House, track down some Jeeves & Wooster (especially if you liked Fawlty Towers), or A Bit of Fry & Laurie for some vintage Stephen Fry/Hugh Laurie comedic action.
If I wanted to reveal my geek roots, I'd recommend Deep Space Nine as well, but I really don't want to ... so I won't. But if you've already given up on a social life and decided to watch a Trek series, that's the one to watch.
posted by the luke parker fiasco at 7:47 AM on May 26, 2008
This is a good example of the dichotomy of crime shows, actually; much like posters above, I LOVED The Wire, because it was so obscure. It's one of those television shows you have to really pay attention to, because they don't spoon-feed you anything. There aren't any recaps in the beginning of the episode to tell you what past significant events you'll need to be keeping in mind, they don't have a lot of those heavy camera shots that tell you that SOMETHING IS HAPPENING NOW. The storyline isn't wrapped up neatly at the end of the hour. Something seemingly insignificant will happen, and if you weren't paying attention and noting, it, something that happens 10 episodes later won't make any sense. It's television that makes you think. This is in stark contrast to shows like CSI, Law & Order, and yes--even though I enjoy it--Numb3rs. It's an anomaly for television, and a wonderful one at that. (Someone above mentioned the swearing; yeah, there's a lot, but there's this beautiful scene in the first season when McNulty and Bunk have an entire conversation just trading one profanity back and forth. Masterful.)
As for older teevee, I'd absolutely second The West Wing and The Office/Extras (Brit version, of course), as well as Alias and, yes ... the Gilmore Girls. Well, the first three seasons, anyway; after that it was pretty worthless. If you like House, track down some Jeeves & Wooster (especially if you liked Fawlty Towers), or A Bit of Fry & Laurie for some vintage Stephen Fry/Hugh Laurie comedic action.
If I wanted to reveal my geek roots, I'd recommend Deep Space Nine as well, but I really don't want to ... so I won't. But if you've already given up on a social life and decided to watch a Trek series, that's the one to watch.
posted by the luke parker fiasco at 7:47 AM on May 26, 2008
I'm pretty shocked no one has mentioned Curb Your Enthusiasm yet. Larry David stars in it and "writes" the episodes — I'm pretty sure he writes an outline and the actors improvise the actual dialog. Sometimes the storylines are a little formulaic but the Larry character's complete lack of social graces is hilarious.
posted by Bizurke at 8:09 AM on May 26, 2008
posted by Bizurke at 8:09 AM on May 26, 2008
30 Rock is genius.
posted by HotPatatta at 8:17 AM on May 26, 2008
posted by HotPatatta at 8:17 AM on May 26, 2008
I like 30 Rock quite a bit, but I always forget to watch it.
The only two shows I watch on a regular basis are How I Met You Mother, and Doctor Who. I won't go in to Doctor Who. I'm sure you're aware of it :)
How I Met Your Mother just aired their season finale, so it might be a good time to get caught up. You can watch all (I think) the episodes on the official CBS site; and they're available by other means, as well.
Although it's not completely necessary, I highly recommend watching them in order from the first episode. The show is very character driven, and you'll get a much better understanding of the characters if you watch at least the first season. It also helps, because they've developed a few "inside jokes" along the way, and have dropped clues about who the kid's mom is (see below).
So... now...
The show is mainly about this guy, Ted Mosby. The premise is a bit unusual. Although it all takes place now, it's actually a loooooong story being told to Ted's children in the future. The story is, of course, about how he met their mother.
Ted's core group of friends are his best friends from college, Lilly (played by Alyson Hannigan of Buffy fame) and Marshall (Jason Segel from Freaks and Geeks); a girl who he falls in love with in the very first episode, but is now just a friend named Robin, and Barny Stinson... the funniest damn character on TV... period... played by Doogie How... er... I mean... Neil Patrick Harris.
The show is funny and smart and clever. Neil Patrick Harris steals the show without ever ruining it for any of the other characters/actors.
Ted is the world's biggest hopeless romantic, and the central theme of the story is his trials and tribulations with various women who never end up being the kid's mom. Interestingly, though, we know that at some point we've already seen the kid's mom, Ted has met her, and we know a few clues to figure it out (she carries a yellow umbrella).
At any rate, there's a lot to this show to make it very engaging (and obviously absorbing... as someone who doesn't watch much TV at all, I can say I'm obsessed with this show).
posted by vertigo25 at 8:46 AM on May 26, 2008
The only two shows I watch on a regular basis are How I Met You Mother, and Doctor Who. I won't go in to Doctor Who. I'm sure you're aware of it :)
How I Met Your Mother just aired their season finale, so it might be a good time to get caught up. You can watch all (I think) the episodes on the official CBS site; and they're available by other means, as well.
Although it's not completely necessary, I highly recommend watching them in order from the first episode. The show is very character driven, and you'll get a much better understanding of the characters if you watch at least the first season. It also helps, because they've developed a few "inside jokes" along the way, and have dropped clues about who the kid's mom is (see below).
So... now...
The show is mainly about this guy, Ted Mosby. The premise is a bit unusual. Although it all takes place now, it's actually a loooooong story being told to Ted's children in the future. The story is, of course, about how he met their mother.
Ted's core group of friends are his best friends from college, Lilly (played by Alyson Hannigan of Buffy fame) and Marshall (Jason Segel from Freaks and Geeks); a girl who he falls in love with in the very first episode, but is now just a friend named Robin, and Barny Stinson... the funniest damn character on TV... period... played by Doogie How... er... I mean... Neil Patrick Harris.
The show is funny and smart and clever. Neil Patrick Harris steals the show without ever ruining it for any of the other characters/actors.
Ted is the world's biggest hopeless romantic, and the central theme of the story is his trials and tribulations with various women who never end up being the kid's mom. Interestingly, though, we know that at some point we've already seen the kid's mom, Ted has met her, and we know a few clues to figure it out (she carries a yellow umbrella).
At any rate, there's a lot to this show to make it very engaging (and obviously absorbing... as someone who doesn't watch much TV at all, I can say I'm obsessed with this show).
posted by vertigo25 at 8:46 AM on May 26, 2008
You might like Monk.
If you like Fawlty Towers, you'll definitely LOVE Monty Python's Flying Circus. Find some clips on youtube.. I recently bought the 16 ton megaset and I freaking LOVE it.
posted by majikstreet at 9:00 AM on May 26, 2008
If you like Fawlty Towers, you'll definitely LOVE Monty Python's Flying Circus. Find some clips on youtube.. I recently bought the 16 ton megaset and I freaking LOVE it.
posted by majikstreet at 9:00 AM on May 26, 2008
Another vote for My Name is Earl. Great ensemble cast, clever writing, and really kooky, funny, offbeat plots. All this from a half-hour show.
posted by kimdog at 9:02 AM on May 26, 2008
posted by kimdog at 9:02 AM on May 26, 2008
As others have said: 30 Rock. Smartest, funniest show on tv. Boston Legal is a close second.
posted by meerkatty at 9:23 AM on May 26, 2008
posted by meerkatty at 9:23 AM on May 26, 2008
The Wire
Well written, directed, and acted with clear parallels made between all the participants and their organizations.
Life on Mars
Some great comedy about how policing was then compared to now. Wonderful set of characters.
Spooks
Solid MI5 spy drama that occassionally goes over the top.
Saxondale
A great mix of comedy on several different levels.
The Venture Brothers
Part of the Adult Swim group of cartoons. This one is particularly rich in references, well animated, and the characters are great. Colbert guests as Dr. Impossible. Brock Sampson is an instant classic.
Murphy's Law
A copy show set in Ireland. Simply incredible. Extremely gritty at times.
posted by juiceCake at 9:27 AM on May 26, 2008
Well written, directed, and acted with clear parallels made between all the participants and their organizations.
Life on Mars
Some great comedy about how policing was then compared to now. Wonderful set of characters.
Spooks
Solid MI5 spy drama that occassionally goes over the top.
Saxondale
A great mix of comedy on several different levels.
The Venture Brothers
Part of the Adult Swim group of cartoons. This one is particularly rich in references, well animated, and the characters are great. Colbert guests as Dr. Impossible. Brock Sampson is an instant classic.
Murphy's Law
A copy show set in Ireland. Simply incredible. Extremely gritty at times.
posted by juiceCake at 9:27 AM on May 26, 2008
Arrested Development, Firefly, Doctor Who (2005+), Dead Like Me, Criminal Minds, Heroes, The West Wing (before season 5), Boston Legal, and Wonderfalls (if you end up liking Dead Like Me).
posted by you're a kitty! at 9:44 AM on May 26, 2008
posted by you're a kitty! at 9:44 AM on May 26, 2008
nthing "The Shield," and "The Office" and adding "Friday Night Lights." Seasons one and two are out on DVD. It has very little to do with football.
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 10:39 AM on May 26, 2008
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 10:39 AM on May 26, 2008
I've particularly enjoyed The Unit - special ops drama, lots of intrigue, guns and explosions. Stars Dennis Haysbert A.K.A. President Palmer from 24. I'd got pretty fed up with the anti-terrorist genre (the aforementioned 24 for instance) but I've really enjoyed this series.
I also liked series 1 of Kyle XY - second series dragged a bit. This is a pretty good sci-fi with perhaps slightly too much teen angst.
posted by kothar at 10:45 AM on May 26, 2008
I also liked series 1 of Kyle XY - second series dragged a bit. This is a pretty good sci-fi with perhaps slightly too much teen angst.
posted by kothar at 10:45 AM on May 26, 2008
very little? it's based around a high school football team, but despite my extreme hatred for my high school team while there, I found the show actually really good. it surprised me.
30 Rock is the best sitcom on air now, I'd bet. most others lose me quickly with gimmicky stupidness. 30 rock's full of stupid, but done intelligently somehow. It's fast paced and will deliver jokes you'd miss on first watching, because it's so well written.
those are the best shows I can think of that are airing now.
(entertainment-wise, anyway. Frontline is a fantastic show, which offers a lot of episodes for viewing online (click on the right side of the webpage). Excellent, excellent stuff.
But chalk up another vote for The Wire (excellent stuff, that) and Rome (seriously, best show I've ever seen broadcast. hands down. If you don't like it, watch it again. You're doing something wrong.)
posted by Busithoth at 10:51 AM on May 26, 2008
30 Rock is the best sitcom on air now, I'd bet. most others lose me quickly with gimmicky stupidness. 30 rock's full of stupid, but done intelligently somehow. It's fast paced and will deliver jokes you'd miss on first watching, because it's so well written.
those are the best shows I can think of that are airing now.
(entertainment-wise, anyway. Frontline is a fantastic show, which offers a lot of episodes for viewing online (click on the right side of the webpage). Excellent, excellent stuff.
But chalk up another vote for The Wire (excellent stuff, that) and Rome (seriously, best show I've ever seen broadcast. hands down. If you don't like it, watch it again. You're doing something wrong.)
posted by Busithoth at 10:51 AM on May 26, 2008
A lot of my suggestions have been mentioned already, but:
Friday Night Lights. Drama about a small Texas town which revolves around their football team and its coach. The show deals with much more than football and typical teen melodrama and has some really compelling relationships--Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and his wife Tami (Connie Britton) have perhaps my favorite on-screen marriage. (The book is great, too.)
Curb Your Enthusiasm. Some people I know who love Seinfeld hate this show, but it's written by and stars Larry David, who produced Seinfeld, and has a similar kind of situational humor (though much more subversive, and definitely more risque). Larry is the kind of person I would NEVER want to know in real life but onscreen is hysterical. The dialogue is mostly improvised and the supporting cast are great--Cheryl Hines as Larry's wife, Jeff Garlin as his manager, and Susie Greene as Jeff's hateful wife. My favorite episode involves Larry buying pot for his glaucoma-addled father, picking up a hooker to take to the Dodger's game in order to use the carpool lane and beat traffic, and then smoking said pot with father and hooker later.
Arrested Development. Not on-air anymore (it was cancelled during the third season), but there's apparently a movie in production, and this show is too good to be missed by anyone who loves television and/or comedy. It's a kind of mock-documentary about the riches-to-rags saga of a wealthy yet completely dysfunctional California family. It's extraordinarily well-written and was critically acclaimed, yet failed to connect with a lot of mainstream audiences because it's not constructed like a typical half-hour sitcom. A lot of the jokes are set up well in advance--so you see the punchline before you get the context; or they reference earlier episodes or even the show itself or the actors' previous work. There's no laugh-track, and a lot of the humor is subtle but brilliant. I've seen every episode at least 5 times and every time I watch I feel like I get a new joke that I'd previously missed. David Cross as the (presumably) closeted homosexual "analrapist" (that's analyst-slash-therapist) and Jessica Walter as the sharp-tongued, alcoholic matriarch of the family are particular standouts, but the whole ensemble cast is great. You can watch the whole series at hulu.com (don't know if you'll need some kind of work-around in Portugal, but they're there). I watch a LOT of TV, and this is my favorite show by FAR.
I'll also n-th the recommendations for The Wire (bleak, brilliant), 30 Rock (fun, clever), The Shield (tense, gritty)...and I will be checking out some others mentioned myself!
posted by cosmic osmo at 1:54 PM on May 26, 2008
Friday Night Lights. Drama about a small Texas town which revolves around their football team and its coach. The show deals with much more than football and typical teen melodrama and has some really compelling relationships--Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and his wife Tami (Connie Britton) have perhaps my favorite on-screen marriage. (The book is great, too.)
Curb Your Enthusiasm. Some people I know who love Seinfeld hate this show, but it's written by and stars Larry David, who produced Seinfeld, and has a similar kind of situational humor (though much more subversive, and definitely more risque). Larry is the kind of person I would NEVER want to know in real life but onscreen is hysterical. The dialogue is mostly improvised and the supporting cast are great--Cheryl Hines as Larry's wife, Jeff Garlin as his manager, and Susie Greene as Jeff's hateful wife. My favorite episode involves Larry buying pot for his glaucoma-addled father, picking up a hooker to take to the Dodger's game in order to use the carpool lane and beat traffic, and then smoking said pot with father and hooker later.
Arrested Development. Not on-air anymore (it was cancelled during the third season), but there's apparently a movie in production, and this show is too good to be missed by anyone who loves television and/or comedy. It's a kind of mock-documentary about the riches-to-rags saga of a wealthy yet completely dysfunctional California family. It's extraordinarily well-written and was critically acclaimed, yet failed to connect with a lot of mainstream audiences because it's not constructed like a typical half-hour sitcom. A lot of the jokes are set up well in advance--so you see the punchline before you get the context; or they reference earlier episodes or even the show itself or the actors' previous work. There's no laugh-track, and a lot of the humor is subtle but brilliant. I've seen every episode at least 5 times and every time I watch I feel like I get a new joke that I'd previously missed. David Cross as the (presumably) closeted homosexual "analrapist" (that's analyst-slash-therapist) and Jessica Walter as the sharp-tongued, alcoholic matriarch of the family are particular standouts, but the whole ensemble cast is great. You can watch the whole series at hulu.com (don't know if you'll need some kind of work-around in Portugal, but they're there). I watch a LOT of TV, and this is my favorite show by FAR.
I'll also n-th the recommendations for The Wire (bleak, brilliant), 30 Rock (fun, clever), The Shield (tense, gritty)...and I will be checking out some others mentioned myself!
posted by cosmic osmo at 1:54 PM on May 26, 2008
Mad Men is the best show on TV right now (I can say that since The Wire is done, right?): it is set in a Madison Avenue ad agency in 1960. It was created by Matthew Wiener who wrote for The Sopranos, but it is very, very different. It is beautifully shot and art-directed (fabulous period costumes) and does a great job of undermining any lingering American nostalgia for the Eisenhower era as the "good old days": the sexism, racism, antisemitism, and homophobia of the ad world and the culture at large are explored at length. AMC's about page does a good summary. Jon Hamm, who plays Don Draper, the show's anti-hero, had done hardly anything before this came out and he is just amazing on it. It's a summer show, so the first season is out on DVD soon and the second season starts sometime next month.
My other favourite shows right now are Battlestar Galactica (the "frack" is annoying, but the rest of the show is so deeply good, it's worth just pretending they are allowed to say "fuck" on American cable), 30 Rock, How I Met Your Mother, and Gossip Girl.
Gossip Girl seems like kind of a cheesy teen soap, where rich kids' exploits are detailed on a gossip blog, and the acting is pretty inconsistent, but it's wicked smart and insanely well-produced, if you like the scandalous exploits of rich, bitchy teens who never have trouble ordering a drink and whose parents never seem to stop them from doing anything. Oh, and the clothes are great. It would be a guilty pleasure if I felt guilty about it.
posted by SoftRain at 2:31 PM on May 26, 2008
My other favourite shows right now are Battlestar Galactica (the "frack" is annoying, but the rest of the show is so deeply good, it's worth just pretending they are allowed to say "fuck" on American cable), 30 Rock, How I Met Your Mother, and Gossip Girl.
Gossip Girl seems like kind of a cheesy teen soap, where rich kids' exploits are detailed on a gossip blog, and the acting is pretty inconsistent, but it's wicked smart and insanely well-produced, if you like the scandalous exploits of rich, bitchy teens who never have trouble ordering a drink and whose parents never seem to stop them from doing anything. Oh, and the clothes are great. It would be a guilty pleasure if I felt guilty about it.
posted by SoftRain at 2:31 PM on May 26, 2008
"Very little" should say "Friday Night Lights is about so much more than football." Does that make you feel better?
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 2:39 PM on May 26, 2008
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 2:39 PM on May 26, 2008
A few that haven't been mentioned yet: Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles started out pretty good. Eli Stone is somewhat similar to Ally McBeal - but only somewhat.
Others have mentioned but I wanted to rename How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory for emphasis.
As for older shows, West Wing definitely has superior writing and Alias was great. If you're going to get into some UK series - try Red Dwarf, Teachers, Coupling and Spooks. And Rome was excellent.
posted by kirstk at 4:03 PM on May 26, 2008
Others have mentioned but I wanted to rename How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory for emphasis.
As for older shows, West Wing definitely has superior writing and Alias was great. If you're going to get into some UK series - try Red Dwarf, Teachers, Coupling and Spooks. And Rome was excellent.
posted by kirstk at 4:03 PM on May 26, 2008
Definitely "The Office", either version, my preference being for the UK version. I really love "Top Gear" (entertaining motoring program), "Flight of the Conchords" (comedy) and "Kitchen Nightmares" (Chef Gordon Ramsay's brutal overhaul of flailing restaurants.)
posted by lottie at 4:20 PM on May 26, 2008
posted by lottie at 4:20 PM on May 26, 2008
30 Rock
The Office both versions
Extras
Filght of the Conchords
The Venture Brothers
Veronica Mars
posted by robofunk at 8:09 PM on May 26, 2008
The Office both versions
Extras
Filght of the Conchords
The Venture Brothers
Veronica Mars
posted by robofunk at 8:09 PM on May 26, 2008
Response by poster: Thank you for playing, everyone! Loads of good rec's, so I've decided I'm going for these first:
"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"
"The Wire"
"30 Rock"
"Extras"
"How I Met Your Mother"
"Rome" (a friend has it, and has been pushing it for a while, so I'll get it from him directly)
and giving "Battlestar Galactica" another go.
And Lottie, the Gordon Ramsay show sounds great, too. I expect it to be harder to come by, but I definitely will get it if I can. I love those UK shows - cooking and otherwise. Love "Top Gear" too.
I think these will keep me entertained for a while.
Oh, and I'm kicking myself for forgetting to mention "The Sopranos" as an all-time favourite. I *love* that show. I also really liked the first season of "Heroes", but season 2 just totally dropped the ball, IMHO. "Coupling", definitely, and "Alias". Not that anyone mentioned it, but "Stargate" (the first few seasons. sometimes I still call people a "sholv'a". yes, they look at me funny). And the inevitable "McGyver". Honestly, I'm sure I'm leaving loads out...
Also, just for the record, shows that I've watched but are kinda "mehh" (as in, I'll watch it, but only because there's nothing else on): Boston Legal, Close to Home, Waking the Dead, Brothers and Sisters, Veronica Mars, My Name is Earl, Supernatural, Numb3rs, The West Wing (even though I admit it's brilliantly written)
And the I-really-can't-stand-this-show shows: "Curb your Enthusiasm" (sorry, Larry...), "Dr. Who" (what are they *thinking*??).
And yes, Mefi, I do loads of stuff other than watching tv, okay? ;)
posted by neblina_matinal at 3:35 AM on May 27, 2008
"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"
"The Wire"
"30 Rock"
"Extras"
"How I Met Your Mother"
"Rome" (a friend has it, and has been pushing it for a while, so I'll get it from him directly)
and giving "Battlestar Galactica" another go.
And Lottie, the Gordon Ramsay show sounds great, too. I expect it to be harder to come by, but I definitely will get it if I can. I love those UK shows - cooking and otherwise. Love "Top Gear" too.
I think these will keep me entertained for a while.
Oh, and I'm kicking myself for forgetting to mention "The Sopranos" as an all-time favourite. I *love* that show. I also really liked the first season of "Heroes", but season 2 just totally dropped the ball, IMHO. "Coupling", definitely, and "Alias". Not that anyone mentioned it, but "Stargate" (the first few seasons. sometimes I still call people a "sholv'a". yes, they look at me funny). And the inevitable "McGyver". Honestly, I'm sure I'm leaving loads out...
Also, just for the record, shows that I've watched but are kinda "mehh" (as in, I'll watch it, but only because there's nothing else on): Boston Legal, Close to Home, Waking the Dead, Brothers and Sisters, Veronica Mars, My Name is Earl, Supernatural, Numb3rs, The West Wing (even though I admit it's brilliantly written)
And the I-really-can't-stand-this-show shows: "Curb your Enthusiasm" (sorry, Larry...), "Dr. Who" (what are they *thinking*??).
And yes, Mefi, I do loads of stuff other than watching tv, okay? ;)
posted by neblina_matinal at 3:35 AM on May 27, 2008
I'm a little late to this party, but I just wanted to chime in on Rome, particularly to fill out the comment that "if you don't like it, you're obviously doing something wrong."
you know what that 'something done wrong' is? It's taking the BBC-cred and English accents of Rome and expecting either Gladiator or I, Claudius. This isn't that sort of BBC. It's more the sort of BBC that gave us Coupling collaborating with an American TV enterprise known for Sex and The City and entrusting the whole affair to the director who brought us Conan the Barbarian ... which is to say that it's trash.
Awesome, erudite, shamelessly fabulous trash.
I also bote for The Wire and BSG. Also, on the non-fiction tip -- I'd second Frontline, and also throw in the first season of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations -- though the second season shows Mr. Bourdain as being a little too full himself as he basically spends most of his time hanging out with cronies and too little time exploring the city outside of a few rareified restaurants.
posted by bl1nk at 8:14 AM on May 27, 2008
you know what that 'something done wrong' is? It's taking the BBC-cred and English accents of Rome and expecting either Gladiator or I, Claudius. This isn't that sort of BBC. It's more the sort of BBC that gave us Coupling collaborating with an American TV enterprise known for Sex and The City and entrusting the whole affair to the director who brought us Conan the Barbarian ... which is to say that it's trash.
Awesome, erudite, shamelessly fabulous trash.
I also bote for The Wire and BSG. Also, on the non-fiction tip -- I'd second Frontline, and also throw in the first season of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations -- though the second season shows Mr. Bourdain as being a little too full himself as he basically spends most of his time hanging out with cronies and too little time exploring the city outside of a few rareified restaurants.
posted by bl1nk at 8:14 AM on May 27, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by self at 5:33 AM on May 26, 2008