“We’re gonna play a new game called Top 10 TV shows because there’s one for films, so I’d like to do one for TV shows. Write down your top shows and then tag 10 friends to do the same!”
Big thanks to nubbin-ectomy for tagging me, that got me so excited! This list is based on how re-watchable the episodes as a whole were, as well as how well these shows have aged over time. I should note that just because I really like a show doesn’t mean it’ll be high on this list. Obviously I’m gonna go in depth because I got your attention!
10. Mister Roger’s Neighborhood
Not the most exciting entry on this list by far, the show makes it on this list before other shows like Doctor Who or Sherlock because what this show doesn’t have with gimmick, it has with substance and soul. The screen practically drips with the honeyed voice of the late Fred Rogers. HIs kindness, compassion, and genuine personality left an especially big impact on me.
9, Doctor Who
Probably the oldest entry on this list, this charming piece of British sci-fi makes for fairly good re-watching and brings in a rich medley of iconic creatures and symbols. It’s constantly changing formula and plot points may not always make for a strong story, but it’s sheer quantity of good moments brings it on this list. I really hope later seasons will help me fall in love with it.
8. Cyberchase
Putting this show about math where it is honestly unfair. Really it’s here to punish Doctor Who because it doesn’t need time travel, scary monsters, or love interests to write an intriguing story of travel and puzzle solving. Far from about a joyriding time traveler fighting whatever convenient baddie approaches him, this show is about three smart kids saving the world with the power of math. And their bad guys? A balding wannabe supervillain (played by Christoper fucking Lloyd) and his two only minions. While the mysteries and puzzles of the show could be solved by the audience before the characters, seeing how they solved the problems undoubtedly helped a lot of kids grasp their math homework. And the underlying themes of real teamwork and enjoying life are just timeless.
7. Sherlock
A truly iconic show with a great grasp of mystery and eerily good casting. Plus it’s always a big plus when there’s a deeply intriguing story outside of the case at hand. This show would undoubtedly be higher on the list had I watched all the episodes, but since I’ve only seen the first season I don’t exactly have much to go for. In addition, it’s a show meant to be watched with fans, and most often I have to watch TV alone. Sorry, Ben.
6. Mythbusters
If only this suggestion had reached me just a year ago, this would’ve been listed higher (on a top-down list), Without any underlying plot and just a bunch of guys testing urban myths and strange curiosities without any condescending characters, this show was pure, good fun. Re-watching the first 300 episodes on loop, honestly, could keep me entertained for months. That, by the way, I learned from experience. The show has aged, but that’s only because they’ve done so many myths that it’s pretty hard finding new ones. If science class kept you around for the experiments, this is your show.
5. Fringe & The Americans
One show is about science breaching into science fiction. The other is about a family of deep cover Soviet spies fighting with their increasingly American identities. Fringe struck a chord because it wasn’t just strange, it had a logic to it’s madness and a world rich with mystery and intrigue. Even when it was cut short, the show treated it’s premature identity with grace and kept me near the edge of my seat to the last episode.The Americans, well, it’s always fascinating seeing the grayness of the Cold War when you have loving Soviet parents keeping their kids in the dark their CIA counterparts struggling to keep their family together. If only I had stayed in the loop with the latter, surely it’d be much higher.
4. The Colbert Report & Last Week with John Oliver
Both of them offer valid political commentary, but do so in such different ways. Colbert seeks to lampoon with gags and do interviews that hilariously go nowhere, while Oliver takes news as it is yet somehow finds a way to dissect it into something as funny as it is provocative. And he does it all in a small, but very effective, time slot. In fact, Last Week could be considered a valid news source in and of itself. If not for either of these two men, the news wouldn’t be so funny. It’s important, by the way, to mention John Stewart, who basically started both of their careers. His show, while on the sidelines now, is just as relevant, just as entertaining, and much older. He’d be here too, but that would’ve made this entry even longer and all awkward looking.
3. Adventure Time & Regular Show
Once upon a time Regular Show was just a better than average cartoon towing a ride off the back of Adventure Time. And then Margaret left Mordecai, and he learned to let her go. The secondary characters stepped gloriously into the spotlight, and the strangest cast of recent memory became timeless. Even if less consequential characters like Thomas or High Five Ghost left, the show’s theme of growth and friendship wouldn’t survive. Now J.G. Quintel’s teenage masterpiece can stand on level with Cartoon Network’s pop culture darling, and likely stay there for years to come.
2. Steven Universe
This show is an underdog, which is largely why it’s here on this list. And that’s because it doesn’t stand against the TV norms of action, violence, and misogyny, it stands beside beaming with character, offering a hand for future shows to hold. The challenging themes of pacifism, age, compassion, family, friendship, parenting and growing up ring with a strength not seen for a long time. In addition Steven, Garnet, Pearl and Amethyst are far and above most other casts in action shows for having personality despite gimmicks, and having that brilliantly expressed in small, yet powerful, actions and gestures. If you love a salty sweet story with soft visuals and plenty of fun and laughter, you too can believe in Steven.
Honorable Mentions (‘cuz I want you to listen to my ego, goddamnit)
Space Dandy
Samurai Jack
The Pool Master
Cowboy Bebop
GAME OF THRONES (IT WOULD’VE BEEN ENTRY 2)
Ghost Hunt
Fargo
And now number one…
1. The Simpsons
Steven Universe would be the top of this list… if the Simpsons never existed. This rightfully iconic piece of American television far overshadows its contemporaries for its matured soul, its deeply flawed yet beloved characters, the easy but brilliant comedy, it’s zeal for striking at social issues, and the moments that make you feel like no live action drama can. No one forgot when Maggie’s first word was spoken. No one forgot when Maggie shot Mr. Burns. And even now I cry a little when I think on Homer’s remarkable yet difficult life. While the series has noticeably slowed down after it’s beginning seasons, the series continues and indeed thrives at being one of the most relevant cartoons on television. Honestly, I could be French kissing it’s ass here but by God do I love this show, I think it is the best thing to have ever happened in my living room. This show shaped my identity, draws me to the TV industry, and inspired many of my dreams. If there is a heaven out there, a world in which to live forever, far beyond our own, I’d like it to be Springfield.
Tagging these badasses: endless-fuckery, tinkykittenprincess, pip-pin,wombatmike, firebender-in-the-tardis, let-the-cherry-blossoms-fall, thereallytallguy, and wombatmike
