The Deuce (1 Season, HBO)
Possibly the best show on TV right now. Characters, characters and more characters. The time the show takes to develop each, is almost mind blowing, especially given that episodes are only an hour long (except the pilot which clocks in at 1.5) and the story progresses at a pretty rapid pace. James Franco plays twin brothers, and although that sounds like a negative thing (at least, it did to me originally), it's not. It's not saying a lot, but it's the best he's ever been and he holds his own amongst a great cast of familiar faces and new ones. Watch the first episode and if you aren't hooked, I'd be surprised, but at least you'll know the show isn't for you, because it's more of the same.
Search Party (2 Seasons, TBS)
First season does a good job of setting the tone but Season 2 is leaps and bounds better than the first. It's a show about millennials for non-millennials. In honesty, the characters are frustrating and borderline annoying, but that is the idea the show is going for. I don't think I've laughed out loud from a show this much in a while. It can be streamed on TBS on demand and their app. It's a 30 minute show, and is very binge-able.
Man Seeking Woman (FXX, 3 Seasons)
Sadly, from what I read, the show has been cancelled. However, if you can catch this show before it disappears forever, it's one of my favorite shows of all time. On the surface it seems very crass and uneducated but that is the genius of the show. Although I don't think Jay Baruchel floats anyone's boat, the greatness of the show comes from the writing and not any one role/character.
You're the Worst (FX, 3 Seasons)
Unlike most sitcoms about relationship, You're the Worst feels pretty real. Hooking up, breaking up, arguing, getting back together, breaking up again. It's fun to witness what most of us have been through from a far. It's cynical, mean and at times, just what you need to laugh. Signed on for one more final season.
Black Mirror (Netflix, 4 Seasons)
Think of the Twilight Zone with technology. That pretty much sums up Black Mirror. Episodes do not relate to one another, in any way, which is why I absolutely recommend watching season 3 and 4 first. Each episode plays out like a movie, is at times is movie length and usually ends with an unexpected twist. If you're non-committal, and don't want to get stuck in a bad, or even good, TV show loop, then Black Mirror is for you. Treat each episode and it's own movie.
Bojack Horseman (netflix 3 Seasons)
If you're not already into Bojack, I doubt I can change your mind. But I'll try. No, it's not like the Simpsons or Family Guy. It's much more real world based and depressing. A while ago, about the time Robin Williams killed himself, I wrote blurb about Bojack and how depression usually follows comedy, and vise versa. Skim back through this blog to find it and read more about my thoughts on Bojack. Keep in mind, those thoughts were based solely on season 1, and the show has only gotten better.
The Good Place (NBC, 2 Seasons)
Not your typical NBC Monday night show. It's very confusing, very surreal, and very unique, to say the least. I am very shocked that it's being as well received as it is. Generally if I like it, it's on the verge of getting cancelled. At about 24 minutes an episode, and with NBC on-demand, you can catch up in a handful of lazy hours.
If you want a one and done, limited run show:
Mr. Robot (USA, 3 Seasons)
I lied when I said The Deuce is possibly the best show on TV, because Mr. Robot definitely is. I'll admit, it does cheat by way of having a very inconsistent and untrustworthy narrator, however, it really works within the world that has been created. It's beautifully shot and designed and dripping with style. It's completely different than anything else on TV right now, and maybe ever. It's dark and dreary yet at times, very fun, even when it shouldn't be. Every single episode begs for a re-watch, either because of a twist or a great scene, or just because it's confusing as hell. Get on board and catch up before it ends. Shouldn't be longer than another season or two.
If you want a one and done, limited run show:
Waco (6 Episodes)
Although it's only a few episodes into its limited (1 season) run, it's extremely well put together. The story of Waco Texas has always intrigued me and this does it justice. The acting is top notch, and there is tension from the opening scene throughout. I'm excited to see how the rest of the story, and the show unfolds.
The Sinner
Jessica Biel stars in this pretty dark thriller. Even though it's only a handful of episodes, it does drag out a bit. However, if you dont know what the plot of the series is, the first episode will absolutly shock you. The beginning and the end are very strong and Biel is really good. It tries to hard to confuse you more than it's needed and that's where it's biggest flaw is. It's a genuinely interesting idea, there was no need to make it as mysterious as they did. With all that said it's worth sitting through a meaningless episode or two to get the full effect of the show. It's pretty dark.
Godless (Netflix, 1 season)
If you're not into Westerns, then this is going to be a tediously slow moving show. It takes it's time to build it's characters as the story isn't anything groundbreaking. However, if you are a fan of the old school Westerns, then this is the show for you. It's methodical, beautiful and powerful. It goes on tangents at times, but it's full of everything you come to expect from a legit cowboy movie.
