Top TV Shows

My Favorite TV Shows

First I must mention two things:

Firstly, this list is notably missing very well-known and respected shows because I have yet to watch them. That includes Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Empire, Transparent, Orange is the New Black (this one I've just yet to finish so I feel inadequate to judge), Daredevil and The Flash.

Also, this list is obviously only including TV shows of the past few years. I'm aware that I need to watch some older shows and I have several favorites from the 90s but I felt this list was better suited for new shows.

1. Sherlock

No other TV show in recent history has been so expertly written, directed, acted, and even scored. Every single person that put any effort into the show has extreme talent. I refuse to even compare this to other film or television adaptations of Sherlock Holmes. Nothing even comes close. It has won multiple awards in almost every category.  Anything less than perfection would make 3 90 minute episodes a way to short season to garner as much attention and acclaim.
Favorite Episode: The Reichenbach Fall
Why: I think it might be too hard to explain without spoiling but if you've seen the series, you'll know.

2. Gilmore Girls

I was so addicted to this show that it only took me less than a month to watch. The writing is the best I've ever seen. Every quip and every touching moment was timed and written perfectly. My plan is to model my mothering after Lorelei: she is a realistic balance between friend and mother. Some TV shows will have you crying at the season finale but this will have you crying every other episodes.
Favorite Episode: Raincoats and Recipes
Why: I don't recommend just watching this episode because it'll spoil it for you and you won't get the same feelings as someone who knows and loves the characters. This is one of the most touching episodes of television I've ever seen. I think about it a lot, months after first viewing it. That's how much I love this episode.

3. Gossip Girl

I put this show on here mainly for the plot twists and the intensity. If a page turner book was a TV show, it'd be this TV show. I started this show one morning and continued to watch it for the next 24 hours without sleep. It's pretty inappropriate but that fades into the background with the kind of plots that develop around all the drugs and sex. They also get a lot of flack for the way they handle sex but I found it very realistic (can't stay the same for the way they handle alcohol). Don't even bother picking a favorite character because no one is who they seem.
Favorite Episode: G.G.
Why: If you're going to put a show on the list for twists, you'd better have a real game changer episode to mention as well.

4. Parks And Recreation

The absolute funniest show I've ever seen. I'd recommend being able to pause and rewind because if you laugh too much at one line, you'll miss the next joke. The characters are on the very edge of being relatable and being way too over the top. It makes every episode heartwarming, for at least one moment. Because the 7th season isn't on Netflix, I haven't actually seen it. I've heard very positive things about the finale and can't wait to see it.
Favorite Episode: Jerry's Painting
Why: This is the moment I fell in love with Chris Pratt.

5. Scandal

I can only speak for the first two seasons. Every single episode feels like a season finale. The best thing about the show is that it feels like the cliff hanger at the end of each episode is going to be followed by a long wait but, if you're watching on Netflix, its just 10 seconds away. The characters are on point in every aspect. Kerry Washington's Olivia Pope is the new feminist hero of our generation, only behind Emma Watson. Thank you, Shonda Rhimes, for making the most powerful people in D.C. women. You go, girl.
Favorite Episode: Seven Fifty-Two
Why: Huck is absolutely my favorite character behind Olivia. His backstory is also the best.