Andrew Robinson
As a reviewer, I’m big on lists. Favorite movies, favorite TV shows, favorite sports, favorite teams, favorite actors… the lists go on and on. As for television and film, I actually have two lists that document my favorites. Presented here will be the top 25 TV shows as voted by me. I released my top 25 movies a few weeks ago.
So, if you’re in need of a new show as the weather begins to change and beach trips dwindle, be sure to check out the following!
25. Big Mouth (Netflix)
This raunchy MA-rated animated comedy kicks off the list. Featuring two seasons of teenage angst, difficulty, love, and discovering oneself, Big Mouth is just as funny as it is relevant. It talks about what no one ever wants to talk about, and it does it hilariously. Season three is coming to Netflix soon, likely September or October. It is also renewed for seasons four and five.
Best episode: “Dark Side of the Boob” – S2, ep8
24. Criminal Minds (CBS, now found on Netflix)
Criminal Minds is one of the best crime procedurals ever produced. Entering its 15th and final season in the 2019-20 TV season, the CBS show has been lauded for its grittiness and complex “un-subs,” as the BAU team calls them. While it hits a snag in later seasons, the 11th-14th have been better, and Criminal Minds will get an opportunity to end on its own terms. The first five or six seasons are peak TV.
Best episode: “Mosley Lane” – S5, ep16
23. BoJack Horseman (Netflix)
BoJack Horseman is an MA-rated dark comedy about a once-loved – now washed-up – ’90s sitcom actor who has trouble dealing with the loss of fame and adoration. However, the comedy does a fantastic job at looking at depression, substance abuse, and other aspects of life that people don’t normally like to talk about.
On the air since 2014, Bojack Horseman has been nominated for two Emmys and gained a solid following. Season six will likely be released on Netflix in the fall.
Best episodes: “Time’s Arrow” – S4 ep11; “Free Churro” – S5 ep6
22. The Exorcist (FOX)
The Exorcist aired two superb seasons on FOX from 2016-18. It is currently unavailable for free, but is on Amazon Prime for $14.99 (S1) and $24.99 (S2). Following two priests as they investigate demonic possession cases in a city home (season one) and a foster home (season two), The Exorcist lives up to its big name.
With a TV/14 rating, The Exorcist is a good dip into the horror genre without getting into more hardcore horror shows.
Best episode: “One for Sorrow” – S2 ep4
21. Person of Interest (CBS)
Person of Interest aired on CBS from 2011-16. It is currently unavailable for free on any platforms besides old episodes showing on television. Following a former assassin and a programmer with near-unlimited funds who save lives via a surveillance AI created by the programmer, Person of Interest is a unique look at a different kind of crime procedural. Ending on its own terms, POI is worth the watch.
Best episodes: “Deus Ex Machina” S3 ep23; “6,741” S5 ep4
20. How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
How I Met Your Mother is one of the most recognizable comedies in recent memory. Despite a lackluster ending, HIMYM is worth the watch for its first six or seven seasons alone. Much like Friends, it features a group of 30-something friends who hang out nearly every night. Ted, the main character of the story, is searching for his future wife throughout the duration of the series. 208 episodes of comedy ensues.
Best episode: “Last Words” – S6 ep14
19. Fringe (FOX)
Airing on FOX from 2008-2013, Fringe is a mystery/sci-fi/horror television series about a special branch of the FBI that works with a thought-to-be-crazy scientist and his son in an effort to articulate the unexplained happenings that continue to occur. Delving far into sci-fi and utter mayhem as the seasons go along, Fringe is the perfect show for those who love the unexplained. The ending is perfect.
Best episodes: “Over There: Parts 1 and 2” S2 eps 22 and 23; “An Enemy of Fate” S5 ep13 (finale)
18. Shameless (Showtime)
Shameless may be the edgiest show in the history of American entertainment. The hard MA-rated comedy is also one of the most well-known cable shows on air. Featuring the Gallaghers – a poor family living on the South Side in Chicago – and their many, many antics, Shameless is, well, shameless in its portrayal of life. It is not for those easily disturbed or offended. But, man, is it good. Emmy Rossum puts forth the performance of her life season after season. The show does an admirable job at bringing to life sometimes-good characters with major flaws.
Best episodes: “Just Like the Pilgrims Intended” S2 ep 11; “Found” S9 ep14
17. Bates Motel (A&E, now on Netflix)
Bates Motel serves as a prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Norman Bates lives with mother, Norma, as they run their famous motel. Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga lead a wonderful cast that also features Olivia Cooke in a major role. Airing from 2013-17, the psychological drama details the unraveling of Norman Bates’ psyche. It also ends on its own terms. A perfect TV show for people looking to get into soft horror and psychological drama.
Best episode: “Dark Paradise” – S5 ep1
16. Big Little Lies (HBO)
Featuring an absolutely absurd cast of Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, Zoe Kravitz, and Meryl Streep, Big Little Lies is the most powerful female-led show currently on air. Detailing the events of one fateful night – as well as everything that leads up to it – the HBO drama is remarkable. With the addition of Streep in season two, the breathtaking acting just gets better. It is unclear if Big Little Lies will come back in season three but, regardless, it has a fantastic, important run.
Best episodes: “The Bad Mother” – S2 ep6; “I Want to Know” – S2 ep7
15. The Leftovers (HBO)
Have you ever wondered what would happen if a mass of people just… disappeared? That very thing happens in HBO’s The Leftovers when 2% of the world’s population inexplicably disappears.
Three seasons of craziness – complete with cults, worldwide travel, death, rebirth, and the afterlife – ensue. If you’re looking for a mind-bending experience, search no further than 2014-17 HBO’s The Leftovers.
Best episodes: “A Most Powerful Adversary” – S2 ep7; “International Assassin” – S2 ep8
14. Black Mirror (Netflix)
Netflix’s anthology series is also one of its most popular. Every episode works as its own mini movie, so fans can watch whatever episode they want whenever they want to do so. Nearly every episode serves as a stern warning as to what technological advancements can mean for society; how those advancements that supposedly make our lives more fun can also make them devastating. Its episodes are startlingly relevant, and are nearly always distressing. Just skip the pilot episode – it’s a tad too shocking.
Best episodes: “Fifteen Million Merits” – S1 ep2; “White Bear” – S2 ep2; “White Christmas” – S2 ep4
13. This Is Us (NBC)
This Is Us is the most recognizable scripted show on network television today. Its first two seasons are fantastic, yet it falters a bit in the third. Renewed for three more seasons, it has time to get back to the level of which it began its run. Regardless, the concept of the show – which spans three separate timelines – is fairly unique and the acting – led by Sterling K. Brown – is phenomenal.
Best episode: “That’ll Be the Day” – S2 ep13
12. Orphan Black (BBC America, now on Amazon Prime)
As far as unique concepts go, Orphan Black may take the cake. Airing from 2013-17 on BBC America, Orphan Black follows a rebellious young woman, Sarah Manning, who witnesses the suicide of someone who looks exactly like her. Soon after, she meets a network of people that change her life, as well as what she thought was true about herself, forever. Anyone looking for action upon action should land on Orphan Black.
Best episode: “The Scandal of Altruism” – S4 ep6
11. Chernobyl (HBO)
HBO’s 2019 five-episode miniseries is devastating. Telling the historical story of the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986 Soviet Russia, as well as the massive cover-up and ineptitude by leaders there, devastation is packed upon devastation. The acting is incredible, the story is heartbreaking, and the imagery is insane. Dedicate five hours and 30 minutes to this miniseries that’s nominated for 19 Emmys and ranked #4 on IMDb’s all-time top TV shows.
Best episode: “Vichnaya Pamyat” – S1 ep5
10. The Killing (AMC, then Netflix. Currently on Amazon Prime)
The Killing is a grisly crime procedural that aired originally on AMC, then Netflix. Following two detectives as they investigate the death of a 17-year-old girl (seasons one and two), the murder of a 16-year-old hooker (season three), and a tough case involving a military academy (season four), The Killing never fails to disappoint. Well, at least until the season finales – it never was good at ending a case. Regardless, The Killing is one of the best recent cable crime procedurals.
Best episodes: “Beau Soleil” S1 ep12; “Reckoning” S3 ep9
9. Parenthood (NBC, now on Netflix)
Parenthood has something for the whole family. This Is Us before This Is Us, it tells the story of the lives of an extended family – how they cross, live separately, and – most importantly – come together. One of the greatest feel-good shows currently on Netflix, Parenthood is absolutely perfect to watch in a family setting.
Best episodes: “There’s Something I Need to Tell You” – S4 ep 5; “I’m Still Here” – S5 ep 21
8. American Crime (ABC, now on Netflix)
Airing for three anthology-style seasons on ABC, this heartbreaking show tells the story of a trial with significant racial motives (season one), the alleged sexual assault of a teenage boy by members of a private school’s basketball team (season two) and, in a joint season, an undocumented middle-aged Mexican worker and a young prostitute (season three).
Many of the same actors come back for each season, making for an incredibly well-acted show that is simply devastating. Season two is both the heaviest and the best, but the other two seasons are not far behind. If you’re in the mood for a realistic show that documents the lives of those in seemingly-powerless positions, give American Crime a look.
Best episodes: “Season Two: Episode Seven” – S2 ep7; “Season Two: Episode Nine” – S2 ep9
7. Twin Peaks & Twin Peaks: The Return (ABC, then Showtime. Seasons one and two currently on Netflix)
Twin Peaks is not for everyone. Airing on ABC from 1990-91, it features two seasons of the strangest murder investigation you’ll ever see, complete with the surreal. Coming from the mind of David Lynch (Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive), it is easy to tell why it’s so weird.
In 2017, Showtime revived the drama for the best, most unlikely, revival season in the history of television. Bringing back much of the same cast – many of whom had been retired previously – the season is one for the ages. Lynch, who has always been ahead of his time, is given free reign to do whatever he wants by Showtime (unlike in his time with ABC), and the result is 18 episodes of often-incomprehensible brilliance. Regardless, when one watches The Return, they know they’re witnessing something special. And the ending is Lynch at his best.
Best episodes: “Episode #2.22 – S2 ep 22; “Part 17” S3 ep 17; “Part 18” – S3 ep18
6. Parks and Recreation (NBC, now on Netflix)
The second-greatest American workplace comedy ever brought to television, Parks and Recreation is drop-dead hilarious. Whether it be Leslie’s antics, April’s stone-cold demeanor, Ron’s viewpoints, Andy’s craziness, Jerry’s incompetence, or basically anything that occurs in the show, Parks and Rec will make anyone laugh. Further, it also features lovable characters, including one who cares about her job and her friends more than anything. It’s nice to see a character like Leslie on television. The 2009-15 comedy has 125 episodes of perfection.
Best episodes: “Moving Up: Part Two” – S6 ep22; “The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show” – S7 ep 10; “One Last Ride” – S7 eps 12 & 13
5. The Office (NBC, now on Netflix)
By the slimmest of margins, The Office beats out Parks and Rec for the best American workplace comedy ever made. Michael Scott may be the greatest boss of all-time, and Steve Carell portrays him beautifully. The show’s intros are infamous for their hilarity, whether it be Kevin’s chili, Asian Jim, or so much else. While the show loses its way just a little bit in the later seasons, it has a fantastic finale and is the GOAT comedy.
It is also quite possibly the most meme-able and GIF-able show in the history of television.
Best episodes: “Basketball” – S1 ep5; “Dinner Party” – S4 ep 9; “Finale” – S9 ep 24
4. Freaks and Geeks (NBC)
This cult classic launched the careers of well-known actors James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Linda Cardellini, among others. Airing for just one season during the 1999-2000 TV season, Freaks and Geeks’ run was criminally cut short, but the 18 episodes that fans received are peak television.
Featuring the “freaks” – the senior-aged stoners – and the “geeks” – the freshmen-aged kids just trying to survive – NBC’s gem of a show is lovable, brilliant, and hilarious.
Best episode: “Tricks and Treats” – S1 ep3
3. Hannibal (NBC, now on Amazon Prime)
Who would have thought that Silence of the Lambs could be matched? Shockingly enough, a network television show takes on Dr. Lecter from 2013-15. The result is perfection. Giving Bryan Fuller the keys to the show is a wonderful idea, as he creates a beautiful television show in the midst of all the cannibalism and calamity. The violence is extremely heavy and disturbing, especially for a network television show, but the cinematography is breathtaking; the acting is top-notch. Mads Mikklesen is given the unenviable task of portraying Dr. Lecter in a prequel format, forcing him to follow up the Oscar-winning performance of Sir Anthony Hopkins. He puts his own spin on the character, but presents the pre-caught Hannibal in a manner that is simply brilliant. Consulting with the FBI (and Will Graham) on crazy murder cases, Dr. Lecter becomes close with the very characters that want to catch him. Seasons two and three are some of the best seasons ever put on network television.
Best episodes: “Mizumono” – S2 ep13; “The Wrath of the Lamb” – S3 ep13
2. Game of Thrones (HBO)
The ending of Game of Thrones sucked. There’s no nice way to say it. However, the first six seasons are so good that it still makes the rough seasons seven and eight (particularly eight) worth it. Personally-speaking, this fan-favorite show ended after season six. Nothing could top the final two hours of season six. Those two episodes are the best two hours of television one will ever find.
All in all, despite a horrible ending, the show about power – and the desire for said power – is one of the best ever created for television. Just don’t watch it around your kids.
Best episodes: “The Rains of Castamere” S3 ep 9; “The Door” – S6 ep 5; “Battle of the Bastards” – S6 ep 9; “Winds of Winter – S6 ep 10
1. Stranger Things (Netflix)
Stranger Things came out of nowhere in the summer of 2016. Featuring actors that no one had ever heard of – outside of Winona Ryder, who was well-known in the ’90s – the show captured the hearts of millions to become Netflix’s most recognizable show.
Given the nature of the show – a group of misfits searching for their missing friend – it would be nothing without incredible child actors. Luckily, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, and Sadie Sink are up to the task. Brown and Schnapp, in particular, are incredible in their respective roles.
Taking place in the 1980s, Stranger Things is a walk down nostalgia lane for many adults and its attention to detail is fantastic.
The little show that no one thought would succeed became Netflix’s best and launched the careers of many actors. It is an absolute must-watch.
Best episodes: “Chapter Three: Holly, Jolly” – S1 ep 3; Chapter Eight: The Upside Down” – S1 ep 8; Chapter Three: The Pollywog” – S2 ep 3; “Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer” – S2 ep 8; “Chapter Nine: The Gate” – S2 ep9; “Chapter Six: E Pluribus Unum” – S3 ep 6
