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FINISHED - #1 REVEALED || Allstar's Best Of
Member Since: 12/21/2010
Posts: 51,088
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Ready for more.
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Member Since: 11/20/2010
Posts: 29,258
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We have reached the Top 25 which means that this is a perfect time to start off with the first few tv shows on my comedy list.
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Top TV Comedies
#25 - The Big Bang Theory
Still one of the most successful shows on tv 'The Big Bang Theory' remains a testimony to people's interest in plain, old-fashioned sitcoms. Although far from one of the best comedies, this sitcom about a group of socially awkward scientists with a fable for all the nerd-clichés you can think of has somewhat improved in its 9th(!) season.
What makes this show a tragic case succumbing to the side-effects of its success is that had it been provided on cable or been less of a hit, 'The Big Bang Theory' could have actually become an interesting primer on social anxiety and interaction and how humans can still relate to each other despite such struggles.
Unfortunately, whenever a character is going through great changes that would be emphasized so much stronger somewhere else, Chuck Lorre & his co-writers minimize the effect by contrasting it with an almost belittling look on their characters and jokes that boil down to nothing else but stereotypes.
This season's best episode - "The Opening Night Excitation" - is the perfect example as the show's breakout character Sheldon goes over his pride and actually wants to make his girlfriend Amy happy. Thus, he decides to ditch the Star Wars premiere to have his first ever sexual intercourse with her which is a bold and laudable decision for the character and results in some very strong and surprisingly sweet scenes (Jim Parsons & Mayim Bialik also give the show's best performances).
At the same time the show always cuts back to the rest of the group who actually does go to see Star Wars and pokes fun at Sheldon & Amy's sexual interactions by matching the cuts of satisfaction either gets and comparing it to the euphoric state the rest are in thanks to watching Star Wars.
I hope 'The Big Bang Theory' ends soon so it can go out with a bang (lol) ratings-wise as well as concerning its (somewhat) newfound stability and it might really just happen. If the show wasn't so torn between ridiculing its characters and making them soulful, caring human beings it couldn't just be one of the most successful shows but maybe actually live up to its accomplishments.
Best Episodes: "The Opening Night Excitation"
2014: #16
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Member Since: 11/20/2010
Posts: 29,258
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#24 - Archer
After a season with sudden and nonsensical character revamps, Archer, once again, re-innovated itself anew and simply acted like last year’s changes had basically never happened. This is proof enough that many of their writing decisions haven’t been carefully thought out and thoroughly considered for a long time. On the other hand, it was probably better to just pretend as if last season didn’t go through the developments it did to directly respond to the backlash it had received.
Without the rogue ‘Vice’ setting Archer found its way back into familiar territories of storytelling that guided the show towards a more stable basis. Unfortunately, maybe everything felt too familiar as previously raised stakes felt diminished and made it hard to get invested. In addition to that quite a few episodes felt like sloppy, less witty and less funny versions of the show’s classics such as “Vision Quest” aka “The One Where They Get Stuck In An Elevator”.
Don’t get me wrong though - it wasn’t a completely awful season by all means, and “Vision Quest” in particular was still a great individual segment as it was interesting to observe this batch of personalities being forced to admit and stand up to the problems they have with each other in a "symbolic" small room.
Yet, after all these years I can’t help but feel as if Archer’s light has been fading and it seems to do that at an exponential speed. More than it is my fault for losing interest, however, it’s probably theirs for not trying to be as fresh and daring as they once were. That this sits on one of the last spots on my Comedy list proves how strong of a year 2015 has been for that genre.
Best Episodes: "Vision Quest"
2014: #13
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Member Since: 11/20/2010
Posts: 29,258
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#23 - Grace and Frankie
'Grace and Frankie' might not be the reason why Lily Tomlin's and especially LeJANEd Fonda's careers have gone through such a revival recently, but it's one of many incitements. Despite a lukewarm critical reception, the show has garnered a lot of love by award shows which is mostly thanks to the nuanced performance of Tomlin which compliments so well to the more eccentric turn by Fonda.
The 'Friends' showrunners have decided to take a look on how two women's lives fall apart and how they have to cope when they learn that their long-life husbands are actually in love with each other and now decide to finally share a life together. This forces the free spirit and creative Frankie to live with the elegant, fashionable Grace who so far have had nothing but bad things to say about each other.
Ironically, the show is always at its best when it goes to explore the friendship these so different women have created this late in life and the general life struggles women at their age have. There's something intimate between their shared fates which connects them and lets either find a much needed anchor in the other one.
'Grace and Frankie' improved gradually with each episode which could indicate that maybe next season will start stronger and keep improving. The show has interesting things to say and is supported by two very strong performances by legendary powerhouse actresses with unparalleled chemistry so it would be great if the quality of the mostly stereotypical jokes and material could actually live up to those.
Best Episodes: "The Elevator"; "The Bachelor Party"
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Member Since: 11/20/2010
Posts: 29,258
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#22 - Cucumber & Banana
Technically, ‘Cucumber’ & ‘Banana’ are two shows but both are set in the same city and usually complement each other theme-wise, also starring the same set of characters which is why I will put them together on one spot.
Whereas ‘Cucumber’ was generally more cohesive and followed its middle-aged gay protagonist through a life crisis when he realizes he can’t give his husband the sexual satisfaction he needs and in return neither is he really receiving what he wants.
‘Banana’, however, follows an individual story of young characters in the LGBT scene which made it at first somewhat stronger because it explored a variety of themes from transsexuality, online mobbing or the euphemism of young love. After a bumpy start ‘Cucumber’ finds its footing later on and becomes a tragic and incredibly dark character study that doesn’t shy away from the most frightening or unspoken situations.
I can’t say much more without spoiling so if you’re in need of a precious tv gem many have ignored this year but delivered one of the most emotional and unique rollercoaster rides this year or if you generally care about important LGBT or young adult topics, you can’t go wrong with a concurrent ‘Cucumber’ & ‘Banana’ watch.
+ there’s a really cool, smart Queer As Folk (same showrunner) cross-over reference so there you go.
Best Episodes (Cucumber): "Episode 5"; "Episode 6"; “Episode7”
Best Episodes (Banana): "Episode 2"; "Episode 3"; “Episode 4”
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Member Since: 11/20/2010
Posts: 29,258
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#21 - Another Period
‘Another Period’ is yet another comedy that shows how daring and unique Comedy Central’s decisions have been in recent years. It’s been creating a lot of niche-shows that wouldn’t be able to find a place anywhere else and by this the channel has made and proved itself more vital and crucial to today’s tv landscape than ever before.
This comedy is both a spoof on reality shows (Keeping Up With The Kardashians; Real Housewives) as it is a satire on period dramas (most notably Downton Abbey). They go to make fun of everything that usually defines such shows - - class, social standing, reputation, money, power, …
Supported by a great cast that includes Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks, comedy veteran Ben Stiller and two leads with exceptional chemistry (Riki Lindhome; Natasha Leggero), ‘Another Period’ is beyond anything greatly hilarious and therefore despite critical themes also simply makes it a funny watch for everyone. Its second season will probably focus on a different period with some other new additions to the cast which ensures that hopefully it can be just as fresh, silly and fun as it was this year.
Best Episodes: "Divorce"; "Pageant"; “Switcheroo Day”; "Dog Dinner Party"
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 9,657
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Glad someone else knows about Cucumber + Banana. I discovered them earlier this year and enjoyed both. I started watching Grace and Frankie but kind of lost interest, even though Lily and Jane played their parts well. If it gets better over time I might revisit it.
I haven't watched Archer but I've heard a lot of good things about it so I'll have to check it out.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,973
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Cucumber & Banana have been on my to-watch list for the longest time
I really need to start them
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Member Since: 5/23/2007
Posts: 65,087
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The Big Bang Theory is one of my favorite TV shows
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Member Since: 10/3/2009
Posts: 35,844
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Grace and Frankie looks fun.
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Member Since: 10/28/2011
Posts: 5,786
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Cucumber and Banana sounds interesting Actually would love to watch that
Grace and Frankie was cute too<3
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Member Since: 5/6/2011
Posts: 26,891
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I come across Archer sometimes and it's kinda funny. Can't wait to see the rest of your list tho
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Member Since: 11/20/2010
Posts: 29,258
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TOP TV DRAMAS
#25 - Masters of Sex
As I mentioned last year already, after a brilliant, cohesive first season 'Masters of Sex' had a tendency to become increasingly inconsistent in its second year. Its third season, sadly, continued that trend of becoming less and less coherent.
'Masters of Sex' seemed in many ways to be 'Mad Men's direct offspring. Aside from its period setting it also tried to put in-depth thoughts behind everything -- mise-en-scène, cinematography, frame constructions, even color palettes. Couple that with one of the best acting you could get and you have a masterfully crafted show. This intent certainly continued up to this day but the show got lost in too conventional, almost Lifetime-like discussions on family and love. Where 'Masters of Sex' used to be a deeply insightful and multi-layered rumination on the passionate, emotional side and effects of sex and sexuality and where it boosted an extremely rich palette of different thematics within sex it now more often than not became that show with a very narrow and particularly clichéd look on its themes such as affairs that I so often feared it might turn into.
As I mentioned though, you could tell at least their intentions hadn't really changed they probably just tried too much. Libby Masters for example is trapped in an unsatisfying marriage without love and seeks validation in her life, something bigger to help her escape from the vicious mid-60s boring housewife routines which is definitely something interesting to tackle but the show keeps answering very one-dimensional with yet another affair for her. Weekly patients still brought along unique problems that were interesting to delve into and 'Masters' worked its procedural elements surprisingly well this year.
So yes, there's still a lot of good stuff in there, don't get me wrong -- 'Masters' is one of the most feminist shows there are (even though that has strongly toned down as well) and the acting was as good as ever, saving many of the character mistakes on the writer's side. The show still miraculously finds new ways to explore different topics that can be logically linked to the show's themes of love, sexuality, family or work even if some of those have undoubtedly been more than questionable (Virginia sexually satisfying a gorilla by exposing her breasts to it and bringing him to ejaculate? lol, that was as ridiculous as it sounds and probably the show's weakest point so far).
Last year, it would have broken my heart if I had seen I would be ranking 'Masters of Sex' at this place (although it's still quite high especially considering the multiple heights of "peak tv" this year). However, as the season went on and the show kept making mistakes too big too ignore it also lost a lot of its appeal and grew into a show I was less invested and engaged in. By the end of the season I found myself only caring very little about the protagonist's stakes and I have strong doubts as to whether they will be able to return to form next year but I also would be lying if I said I didn't heartily root for it.
Best Episodes: "Parliament Of Owls"; "The Excitement Of Release"; "Matters Of Gravity"
2014: #12
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 29,531
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I don't like Archer. It's too silly for me.
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Member Since: 11/20/2010
Posts: 29,258
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#24 - Scream Queens
Everyone's allowed a few guilty pleasures and like it or not mine is definitely 'Scream Queens'. It might not really be anything more than yet another Ryan Murphy show with a great, subversive idea but an execution that never quite lives up to its potential, however, somehow 'Scream Queens' still managed to occupy its own distinctive place in "Murphyland".
At its best 'Scream Queens' is actually really, really good and does achieve some smart, witty 'Scream'/'Cabin In The Woods'-like satire of the genre. It's backed up by a cast of comically talented actors who perfectly fit into their roles - Emma Roberts who seems to have found her signature role, the very underrated Niecy Nash and original Scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis in particular. In some of the outstanding episodes such as 'Thanksgiving' or 'Black Friday', the show doesn't only spoof the horror archetypes and plot restraints (red herring accusations, etc) but on top of that or even simultaneously also succeeds as a mirroring self-mockery of American society, class standards and culture.
Even if at its worst 'Scream Queens' made some huge missteps, the show at least always remained so over-the-top silly and ridiculously hilarious that at all times it managed to stay just as entertaining as it looks by never taking itself too seriously and thanks to some helpful performances. That's a huge difference from other Murphy shows that more often than not try to be much more than what they are and end up feeling drowned in self-seriousness and pretentiousness that isn't entertaining to follow and simply becomes too much too fast.
If you can't take 'Scream Queens' for what it is, you probably shouldn't give it a try.
However, if you can tolerate silly shows such as this one that definitely aren't always perfect or the smartest out there but have a light heart I guarantee that you'll go through one of the most enjoyable watches of the year that sometimes still reaches some poignant climaxes either way.
Best Episodes: "Pilot"; "Chainsaw"; "Thanksgiving"; "Black Friday"
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Member Since: 11/20/2010
Posts: 29,258
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#23 - Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
Magicians, fairies, parallel worlds and war -- set in an alternative British19th century 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' tells a mythical, fantastical tale where countries are at war and magic has become just another story for the history books.
There is one man, though, who still actually practices magic and he knows as soon as he goes public things will never be the same. He does, eventually, and is soon faced with popularity, fame and all the riches in the world he wants if he in return starts to support the British armies with his magic. He knows the evil that can lie in false practices and knows it's the reason magic has died out in first place and so he refuses but another man - Jonathan Strange - who teaches himself magic takes his part and unravels a chain of events far beyond his sight.
'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' is not only beautifully and realistically produced, it also delivers on visual effects. Unlike so many other shows, this one knows a story about magic is only gripping if you can feel and see it and the show knows better than any other how to perfectly stage and visualize its enchantments. Aside from its widely entertaining and intriguing story it's also a beautiful love story and painted with a tone of moral ambiguity that only makes things all the more interesting.
Not only is this alternative history entirely convincing but the show will captivate and mesmerize you with one of the most original and inventive fairytales to be told on tv in a very long time. It's hard to be more convincing without spoiling details but as soon as the story gets going events and actions follow in such engrossing manner and ultimately lead in a final, huge climax in the end that is one of my favorites of the year. With every passing episode you can really feel the story growing bigger and becoming more important.
If you like fantasy, magic or Harry Potter, this is one for you. If you like period dramas, Britain or Harry Potter, this is also one for you. Or if you simply like to be excited and surprised, well, you probably guessed it - this is one for you!
Best Episodes: "The Education of a Magician"; "Arabella"; "The Black Tower" ;"The World Shall Be Punished"
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Member Since: 11/20/2010
Posts: 29,258
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#22 - Bloodline
'Bloodline' has been a personal favorite of mine this year that I felt went greatly underappreciated and kind of got lost in between so many other major releases.
This family drama is another show that took 'Sense8's storytelling approach and dedicated most of the first half of its season to character developments and world building. Even though there was a dark family secret in the centre of the show, this method works so much better here because of several reasons. The characters are intriguing and have an instant relatability about them that hooks you rightaway so even as the story barely progresses, 'Bloodline' makes for good, old, simple drama. If it does feel a little long and tedious at first at least every scene is still backed up by arresting visuals and some truly powerful performances that can hold you over until the show really gets going.
Ben Mendelson, the son, returns to his home town in the beautiful Florida Keys and brings with him a load of unresolved family issues. While he definitely gives the best performance, 'Bloodline' is filled with talented actors from subtle Kyle Chandler, the charismatic screen-legend Sissy Spacek to the experienced Linda Cardellini and even great supporting performances by the likes of Chloë Sevigny who looks more beautiful than ever.
Together they form one of 2015's most personal, intimate looks on family dynamics that slowly builds up into an almost epic-sized vendetta story by the end of the season. After characters have been set up properly, 'Bloodline' truly picks up in pace and becomes an engaging crime story where the entire family is involved in something they'd rather not be. The show's last three episodes are as good as anything Netflix has ever produced and up until that point were probably the best three hours I'd gotten from the streaming service.
Unfortunately, I also think that 'Bloodline' should have told its story in one season. The finale felt definite and the story really didn't need to be dragged out to another year. I just really hope they can live up to the first year but I'm not getting my hopes up.
Best Episodes: "Part 3"; "Part 11"; "Part 12"; "Part 13"
#21 - Deutschland 83
This has been an exceptional year for Germany's cinematic storytelling -- one of the most acclaimed movies of the year ' Phoenix', ' Labyrinth of Lies' which is most likely soon to be awarded with an Oscar nomination, the captivating 3hr-one take movie ' Victoria' or the spy-show 'Homeland' being set in Berlin starring several German actors (e.g. 'Phoenix' Nina Hoss).
Then there was 'Deutschland 83', another spy show which channeled a combination of 'Homeland' & 'The Americans'.
At first it's as slow, quiet and sly as the latter but as the season progresses it builds up to the huge events 'Homeland' is so very well known for. At all points, though, 'Deutschland 83' keeps its own identity and perfectly captures the essence of 80s Germany - the country being both figuratively and literally speaking split into two but it's just as much about what motivated people at that time (pop culture, political movements, ...). The show is full of great twists that will make you keep watching, stars a convincing lead performance by Jonas Nay who also succeeds in turning this spy thriller into a coming-of-age drama. Surprisingly, it's a combination that works marvelously.
'Deutschland 83' tells the story of an untrained spy being sent to West Germany who then progressively finds himself in a more complicated situation than before. Moral ambiguity, complexity, violence and love all wrap together a story that's already enticing enough on its own but combined make one of 2015's most exciting and alluring contributions to tv, particularly seeing as it's an international one. Keep your eyes out for season two.
(Also I guess 'The Americans' now has to battle with another show for the title of the most killer 80s soundtrack on tv.)
Best Episodes: "Brave Guy"; "Atlantic Lion"; "Northern Wedding"; "Bold Guard"
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,973
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I never made it to the second half of Scream Queens. The Halloween episode was the set nail in the coffin for me
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Member Since: 8/17/2013
Posts: 15,103
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Not SQ that high
But I guess just like I have AHS as guilty pleasure, you have SQ
I wanted to watch Bloodline but I kind of thought the first episode was boring.
Does it get better after the first episode?
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Member Since: 8/17/2013
Posts: 15,103
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I also adore Archer
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