Here at FTS we’re obviously about movies, first and foremost. However, we all have our own TV junkie tendencies. I watch way too much television, but I still have managed to miss out on some of the biggest series that are hugely popular today. When I look at this list I wonder, do I even watch TV? It’s almost unforgivable that I haven’t watched a few of these. I do plan to watch all of them at some point, but for now they are on the to-do list. Just as a rule, these only include currently running drama programs since there are way too many shows that have already ended to include on one list, and comedies could be their own list entirely.
8. The Newsroom
When I heard this show was coming out I was so excited I couldn’t wait to watch. Created and written by Aaron Sorkin? A standout ensemble lead by the wonderful Jeff Daniels? And then somehow I just never watched it despite Lindsay yelling at me and taunting me with amazing quotes on a weekly basis. I will certainly watch the first season before the second starts in June.
7. Homeland
This show has gotten more buzz than most others in the past two years. At first I wasn’t too interested in this show, but after hearing so much praise it’s hard not to get interested. I have always been a Claire Danes fan, and there seems to be a lot of other actors on the show that I should get familiar with. Luckily this show hasn’t been on too long so it shouldn’t take much more than a few marathons to catch up. Unfortunately, I think Twitter has revealed a few key spoilers but I’m hoping it’s not enough to completely take away from the drama.
6. Dexter
Speaking of spoilers, I know way way too much about Dexter including the fact that it hadn’t held up extremely well over seasons. Since this is the longest running show on this list, that’s bound to happen so I still want to see what all the fandom is about. A couple years ago I watched all of Six Feet Under and found Michael C. Hall to be one of the most talented actors I’ve ever seen on screen. I need to see him in his most iconic role even if it will be a ton to catch up on.
Speaking of spoilers, I know way way too much about Dexter including the fact that it hadn’t held up extremely well over seasons. Since this is the longest running show on this list, that’s bound to happen so I still want to see what all the fandom is about. A couple years ago I watched all of Six Feet Under and found Michael C. Hall to be one of the most talented actors I’ve ever seen on screen. I need to see him in his most iconic role even if it will be a ton to catch up on.
5. JustifedThis show seems to be fairly low profile despite all of its huge praise. I don’t know many who watch it but its small following seems so loyal. I think Timothy Olyphant is awesome and this show is based on Elmore Leonard’s novels which is a serious draw for me. And best of all, I know seemingly nothing about what happens on this show besides its basic premise of a U.S. Marshall in a backwoods town. Can’t wait to see what this is all about.
4. Boardwalk Empire
The second show on this list that I saw the commercials for and knew I wanted to watch, yet never did. A Scorcese produced (and sometimes directed by) show about political gangsters in Prohibition-era Atlantic City starring Steve Buscemi intrigued me instantly. Sounds like a perfect set up for a show that I just happen to be three seasons behind on. How do I do this to myself?
3. ParenthoodThis is the only broadcast network channel show on the list. It’s gotten by on it’s merits and loyal watchers despite its middling ratings. I only got interested in watching it after it had been on for a few seasons when I actually paid attention to it. Another credit to Six Feet Under, I saw that Peter Krouse starred in this and thought it must be pretty good. Along with the talented Krouse are other people I would be happy to watch on screen including Lauren Graham, Dax Shepard, Mae Whitman, and Monica Potter. This is probably the most grounded show on this list, but it sounds completely in my wheelhouse.
2. Mad Men
This is undoubtedly the show I’ve received the most shit for not watching yet. I know I am so behind getting into this show, but I just haven’t jumped into it quite yet. Honestly, the biggest draw for me is just seeing Jon Hamm in his biggest role but the concept behind the show does sound intriguing. I’ve heard way too many good things to ignore that this is a huge blind spot in my pop culture consumption.
1. Breaking Bad
This tops my list because I know it will be the best show out of them all. Everyone who watches says they thought they might be underwhelmed because of the hype but end up completely falling for it. If it’s just as good as the extreme hype surrounding it, I know that I am missing out on a special show. This also tops my list because it will be the next show on this list that I watch. I have to see every episode before the final ones air this coming summer. I’ve managed to avoid any spoilers on this show and I simply cannot give myself anymore time to risk that lucky streak.
Any shows you’re also behind on? Can’t believe I still haven’t gotten my act together on some of these?
Other than Parenthood (no interest) and Breaking Bad (SO GOOD), I’m with ya. I caught the first episode of Newsroom and it was pretty good. I’ve seen a few episodes of Homeland and it wasn’t enough to really hook me but I still want to get into it.
Dexter is a weird situation for me because I watched the first season when it first came out on DVD and the show as a whole was still relatively under the radar. I’ve seen the second season as well but stopped at the third and haven’t watched since. I’ve been meaning to get involved again.
I tried to get into Mad Men but it didn’t really scream “Watch me!” I know it gets really good so I need to try again.
Watch. Breaking. Bad. It’s such a great show. Walter White’s descent into crime and treachery is awesome. That’s a good example of a show where I tried to get into it once and didn’t but got hooked on my second try. It’s really got some of the best scenes I’ve ever seen on a TV show.
Everyone’s insistence on watching Breaking Bad ASAP really makes me want to dive into it! There’s just so much to see and not nearly enough time. I always end up watching something that’s more easily digested and I don’t have to watch all at once because I’m obsessed. Right now it’s How I Met Your Mother which is easy to just watch in small chunks at a time.
So glad it’s not just me who hasn’t seen Dexter, though failed to get into “The Newsroom”. “Breaking Bad” is certainly worth a look though it’s like a chess game and about small moves leading towards bigger payoff’s.
For myself the most overlooked shows which I personally feel everyone should watch are
* Girls – One of the smartest scripted shows currently on TV
* Todd & The Book of Pure Evil – Still trying to figure out why this stoner version of Buffy The Vampire Slayer was axed after two amazing seasons of warped humor and graphic violence.
* Braquo – Superior French crime drama which manages to cram more into it’s short seasons, than most series manage in a full 24 episode season. To watch one episode is be hooked for the rest of the series, while clumsily referred to as The French version of “The Shield” especially when this is not only darker but awhole lot more gripping.
* Southlands – One of the best cop shows currently out there and almost like the TV version of “Narc”
* How To Make It In America – a spiritual sequel in many ways to “Entourage” which may have been about life at the top, this is the battle to get there on the NY fashion scene.
* Dead Like Me – Another cancelled show after two seasons and a spin off movie, but it’s warped take on grim reapers being another 9-5 job still amuses me, while Mandy Patinkin makes everything look so effortless.
Girls – I’ve seen some of but it’s more of a show I watch to hate than anything. I just don’t see what everyone else does I guess!
Todd & Braquo – Hadn’t heard of these but you’ve gotten me interested. I am a Buffy enthusiast and am down with a great crime story (was one of the few who really liked The Killing).
Southland, How To Make It, and Dead Like Me – I’ve heard great things about each of these but they just haven’t really been too much on my radar beyond the passing praise.
Thanks for the suggestions!
I share some of those shows, like Homeland (though I’m not really excited for that one, just not my kind of show), Breaking Bad (which I’ve stopped watching after three eps), and Dexter. I had no clue Newsroom existed, but it does sound interesting! Mad Men is one of my current favorites, and I kind of stopped watching Boardwalk this season — though I intend to pick it up, sometime.
Besides the ones you mentioned I’d like to watch Downtown Abbey, The Walking Dead, American Horror Story… maybe Wilfred and Scandal. And definitely House of Cards.
I can’t wait to watch House of Cards! Downton Abbey will likely be on my to-do list at some point but for right now I’m not too worried about it. Gave up on The Walking Dead after the first season but I hear the third was much improved. I am definitely into AHS. I loved the second season but thought the first was nowhere near as good or crazy. Wilfred is funny but I haven’t devoted much time to it and I hear Scandal is awesome.
Breaking Bad is obvs and I’m pretty sure you will dig The Newsroom. I agree with Robert about Mad Men not being a show that comes out screaming ‘Watch This!” I’m still on the first season and it’s a really well done, character driven show but it takes a little commitment which is why I put my viewing on pause.
You already know my conflicting feelings on Homeland but you should watch it anyway even if it’s just so we can make fun of the kid Chris together. Dexter starts out really strong and then waivers from season to season. I still love it but overall it becomes less compelling over time.
I’m also really interested in taking a peak at Justified and I think Boardwalk is next on my to do list.
I doubt I’ll watch Parenthood but agree that I really like Peter. Watch Sports Night!
Right now I’m getting down to House of Cards and the West Wing so… yay TV!
I plan to delve into Breaking Bad when we get back from Vegas. Rob is worried about getting pissed about all the conflict but he’ll have to stop being a weirdo and deal.
I just really need to get my act together on a few of these and stop watching Dawson’s Creek.
Parenthood certainly stands out like a sore thumb on this list but I think I’ll love it whenever I get around to watching it. I’ve heard it loads on the feelings.
Pissed about the conflict? Rob is so weird.
I CANNOT recommend The Boardwalk Empires enough. I have the first two seasons on the Blu-Ray if you’re interested in borrowing them for your viewing pleasure.
I will definitely be taking you up that sometime in the next 6 months. Hold me to it!
Breaking Bad is fantastic, none of those on the list even come close to this. I think the only show that was better in the entire history of TV was Deadwood. Boardwalk Empire season 1 was fantastic, season 2 was pretty good but season 3…I lost interest and kinda didn’t catch up yet. Same with Homeland season 2.
Another one that is awesome is Game of Thrones. Fantastic stuff.
I already watch Game of Thrones which is definitely a great show. I’ve heard such amazing things about Deadwood it would certainly be on my list of shows that have ended that I want to watch. That list is extremely long!
I also have the Complete Series of Deadwood in BluRay
We just started watching Boardwalk Empire recently, and it’s really, really good. It’s basically exactly what you would expect it to be, but that’s not a bad thing.
And yes, Breaking Bad should absolutely be your #1 choice. If you start now, you’ll have plenty of time to catch up before the final season!
Once I get back from Vegas the last week of February I plan to jump head first into Breaking Bad!
I’m a huge fan of Justified. Reviewed all the season on my blog. I can’t recommend it enough. Also, you definitely need to watch Boardwalk Empire. Admittedly, the first season is slow, the second season is better, and the third season is awesome. If you only watch two things from this list, make sure they are those two series. If you can only pick one, go with Justified.
Justified is the least talked about show on the list and that makes me want to watch it even more. Everyone who does watch swears by it so I’m excited to get into it eventually.