Now that the TV season is coming to a close, we thought it the perfect time to reminisce on some of our favorite shows this year, as well as pour one out for anything cancelled or ending. Feel free to hit up the comments and tell us about some of your favorite TV shows!
Mac
Game of Thrones
“Game of Thrones” – While I’m not a huge fan of sword & sorcery in book form, slap that stuff onto the small or silver screen and I’m first in line. This show has everything you could want in an epic fantasy story, minus a Kraken and names you can pronounce/spell/remember. Dinklage is THE MAN and deserves all the Emmy’s for this show.
“Justified” – Timothy Olyphant, skinny as he is, is such a badass you can’t help but just laugh every time he hurts or insults the redneck populace of Harlan county. With characters like Raylan Givens and Boyd Crowder, this ode to the dirty South, complete with constant Bourbon swilling and amazing guest stars, is by far one of the most rewarding on TV.
“The Walking Dead” – The first season and a half is a little slow going, considering the massive escalation of zombie antics in the comic series, but the last half of season two is absolutely fantastic, with a wicked cliffhanger for fans of the comics. Plus, I really enjoy the “Where’s Carl?” “Not in the house, that’s for sure.” memes that are floating around.
“Dexter” – Dude, it’s a show where the serial killer is the center of attention. I mean, this is “CSI” meets “The Punisher”, and Punny isn’t getting his own series any time soon, so violent revenge is in the hands of our favorite blood spatter expert. This show also has excellent Big Bads each season.
The New “Friends” – I don’t know which of these is my favorite, but the group dynamics between these sets of friends are hilarious week in and week out, minus Chevy Chase. He’s the only one that’s worn me down, but the rest of the cast make up for it. In no particular order: “How I Met Your Mother,” “Happy Endings,” “Cougar Town,” “Community,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
AND ON AND ON: “Supernatural”, “Breaking Bad”, “Spartacus”, “Bones”, “Suits”, “Alphas”, “Eureka”, “Leverage”, “Saturday Night Live”, “Castle”, “House of Lies”…
Dinah
Cougar Town
I think the shows I’ll miss the most this summer are my beloved sitcoms: “Cougar Town” (R.I.P. Big Carl), “Happy Endings,” “Modern Family,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “The Big Bang Theory.” They’re just such fabulous little half-hour nuggets of happiness and laughter. As for the hour-long dramas, I’ve really come to enjoy “Grimm,” “The Good Wife,” “The Finder,” “Revenge,” “Ringer,” and, I’ll go ahead and admit it, “Hart of Dixie” (sue me, it’s adorable).
All of that said, I love the summer TV season, and have been bouncing off the walls waiting for USA’s “Suits” to come back all year. Gabriel Macht + Gina Torres = BADASS AWESOMENESS. I am also excited for the return of SyFy’s “Alphas” and “Eureka.” And of course, there’s my summer obsession, “So You Think You Can Dance.” I haven’t had time to recap the last couple of seasons, but my love for the show, the choreographers, the “jidges,” Cat Deeley, and all the wonderful, wonderful dancing remains as strong as ever. I really can’t wait for it to start up again!
Emily
Downton Abbey
“Downton Abbey” – Absolutely fell in love with this series within the first 5 minutes of episode 1. The cast is brilliant, Maggie Smith’s one liners make me smile every time. Beautiful scenery; even with all the crazy that happens in their world, who would’t want to live at Downton Abbey!
“Sherlock” – Besides the obvious draw of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, Sherlock draws me in with each episode. It’s wonderfully shot and marvelously entertaining. Who knew a modern day Sherlock could capture a world’s attention?
“Gilmore Girls – Completely missed seeing this series until it had ended, but I’m finding myself making my way through the entire series a second time (all hail TV on DVD!). The quick quips and personal stories are fun and touching, and just makes me want to live in Stars Hollow amongst all it’s quirky inhabitants!
“Castle” – Let’s be honest, Nathan Fillion is awesome. I love the stories, the mysteries, the characters. Just love.
“Scandal” – Found myself sucked in almost immediately, and quite unsuspectingly. Have not missed an episode since.
“Bones” – The unusual murders and stories that the writers bring to this series keeps me endlessly entertained. I’m always happy to put on episodes from older seasons as I work around the house.
Scott
Girls
“Game of Thrones” – Insanely compelling every single week. It makes me wish there were more than just 13 episodes per season.
“Girls” – Yeah, yeah… I hear all the haters of this show, but they’re wrong. Lena Dunham’s creation is a nearly-perfect example of just how crazy life can be during your twenties.
“A Day in the Life” – This show is exclusive to Hulu Plus and that makes me worry that it’s really underseen. Produced and narrated by Morgan Spurlock, every week is a great look behind the scenes of one person’s life over the course of 24 hours. From celebrities to mayors of small towns, they’re all compelling.
“My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” – I tried to resist it for as long as possible, but I have to just come out and admit it. I’m a Brony. I like to tell people it’s because I have a three-year-old girl, but it’s really not. I’m just a Brony and I can’t fight it. Oh and if you think this show is just for kids, you’re crazy. Need proof? Check out this awesome article on Topless Robot about the 10 Nerdiest Easter Eggs in the series. Yay!
Kim
Scandal
I watch an insane amount of television… not normally when its on the air, I have to catch it later online when I’m having insomnia… but TV is killin’ it right now with amazing writing, casts, and the production value has been stellar. Here are my latest obsessions:
“Scandal” – Shonda Rhimes, I bow to thee. If you haven’t seen this show, block out 7 hours of your day because you will want to see every single episode available the second the first episode ends. It’s got more tension and storyline pay off than Grey’s or Private Practice, and you can’t help but want to be a Gladiator in a suit right along with them. DOPE show!
“Homeland” – Claire Danes is a bi-polar CIA agent whose hunches about a POW being turned against the US, turn out to be not so crazy, but people don’t believe her. It’s scary because I have a sneaking suspicion its not too far from the truth of how it really goes down… There is literally nothing better. And the jazz score…It simplifies the tension. Amazing.
“Revenge” – I was waiting for a sudsy, soapy, campy thriller of a show, that also happens to have an intriguing storyline… Melrose Place left such a void. And this group delivers. I’m sorry, but NOBODY does a death stare like Madeliene Stowe. That woman looks at you and your veins ice over!
“House of Lies” – Don Cheadle as a lying, womanizing, genius, crisis management bad-ass who leads a team of equally dysfunctional business-school geniuses? Yes please. Add in his odd relationship with his psycho ex-wife, and his son who loves dressing up in girls tank tops and listening to Britney Spears and Barbara?! Like really? I’m watching this.
“Suits” – I love lawyer shows, and this one is finally unique! A kid with a photographic memory who has taken the bar for OTHER PEOPLE dozens of times, finds himself hired by a law firm. His boss finds out his secret, and the way they negotiate their relationship as friends and as boss and employee is really cool. And I love any show with Gina Torres, especially as a no-nonsense boss. Yes.
“Shameless” – There are no words to truly express the twisted depravity that is evident on this show. But its just soooo good. William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum are deliciously good actors.
“Dexter” – Everybody knows this show is amazing. I don’t really need to explain, frankly.
I could go on…I watch everything…But these are the without fail have to watch every week favorites.
Dre
Breaking Bad
It’s a little known fact that I do not watch current television. In the true spirit of online, I get most of my on-screen entertainment from Netflix (I can’t seem to keep up with Hulu’s windows of episode availability). That said, I see most shows after they’ve generated quite a bit of buzz, either by streaming on Netflix or watching TV on DVD box sets. Most recently, I’ve blown through all available episodes for “Breaking Bad” and I’m currently watching “Roswell” for the very first time. A big fan of “Weeds,” I thought that the gateway had been opened for the world of meth manufacturing and distribution with BB. I was SO wrong. “Breaking Bad” takes drug drama to ecstatic new highs and dark deep lows- I love it! As far as “Roswell” is concerned, I’m a little surprised that I’m so late to the party on this one. The show basically marries two of my other 90′s favorites- “The X-Files” and “Dawson’s Creek,” and I told William Sadler (“Sheriff Valenti”) as much when I moderated a round of phone interviews for him, recently!
Julie
Parks and Recreation
“Parks and Recreation” – I’ll admit, it wasn’t love at first sight. However, that quickly changed once season two came around. I found the cast additions of Rob Lowe and Adam Scott to be brilliant, and before I knew it, I was being charmed by Leslie Knope’s adorable nature and laughing my arse off at Ron Swanson’s isms.
“Colbert Report” – My weekday evenings are nothing if spent sans Stephen. Every night I’m amazed at his ability to remain on-point while delivering comedic gold that often brings me to tears. The man is a true talent. I’d also like to utilize this opportunity to urge you to purchase his latest children’s book, “I Am A Pole (And So Can You!)”.
“Breaking Bad” – I began my journey with this brilliant show via Netflix. I consider myself lucky for this, as I have NO IDEA how anyone has watched this show with week-long gaps in between each episode. Needless to say, I dedicated many a late night to taking in its majesty. The suspense, surprises, and stellar performance from Bryan Cranston are just a few of the reasons why it’s one of my all-time favorites.
“Girls” – Such an honest portrayal of the early 20′s! Some of the scenes are so awkward I can hardly stand it. Its raw humor and fresh perspective have me excited to see what the rest of the season will bring!
It would also be a lie for me to talk TV without mentioning my newest Netflix obsession, “Friday Night Lights”. My best friend insisted that I give it a go, and I haven’t looked back since. In fact, anytime I’m with my fellow-Friday-Night-Lights-Lovin’-Clickster Dre, there is a 100% chance that you’ll hear us dish out our best Texas accent, ya’ll. CLEAR EYES. FULL HEARTS. CAN’T LOSE!
Tyler
Workaholics
There are two shows that I never missed a new episode of this year, “The League” and “Workaholics”. “The League” is being renewed for a fourth season and in line with the football calendar, doesn’t air until the fall, thus I am stuck watching reruns on Netflix. Season 3 was the bomb dot com, catch up if you haven’t started, you have the entire summer. I was in that same boat for “Workaholics”, but season 3 starts May 29th, so “LETS GET WEIRD!” I haven’t been this excited for a new season of a comedy show since “Chappelle’s Show: Season 2″!
Haley
Revenge
This was one of the hardest posts for me to write yet, as I am at all times watching approximately 10-15 television shows. My Hulu queue is constantly growing and I have to admit I am somewhat ashamed of my television show addiction. My top three however go in this order:
“Revenge” – I live for this show in almost as dedicated a fashion as Emily VanCamp lives for Revenge.
“Modern Family” – Not only does this show provide me with a good laugh, but it’s helped me solve many problems in life by simply asking myself: WWPDD? – What would Phil Dunphy do?
And lastly,
“Gossip Girl” – This show has lasted for several years in my heart and I pray for a few more. But will it last? Only time will tell.
XOXO, Gossip Girl.
Tommy
The Big Bang Theory
There was a whole lot of quality TV this past season. From ABC’s “Once Upon a Time” putting a new twist on the childhood stories we grew up with, to “Game of Thrones” finally returning and transporting us to a beautiful but frightening fantasy universe once again. The one show that I must mention, however, is “The Big Bang Theory”. No other show delivers as consistently, in my opinion. Every week I find myself laughing out loud and waiting to see what will happen in the romance between Leonard and Penny. We all tend to root for the underdog, and there’s no underdog quite like the geeky guy trying to get the pretty girl. Add in the neurotic Dr. Sheldon Cooper’s annoying but hilarious quotes, the mama’s boy Howard Wolowitz, and the lady shy Raj Koothroppali and you’ve got a recipe for laughter. This is one of those shows that will go down as one of the great sitcoms of our time. If you’re not watching this show, you should be!
Jackie
New Girl
Like a lot of the Clicksters, I watch an inordinate amount of television, but here are some of my favorite shows that are currently on or just wrapped up the season:
“Game of Thrones” – A classic tale filled with adventure, love and power struggles as seven noble families fight for control of the Iron Throne in this epic fantasy where no one (including small children based on last week’s episode!) is safe. Just when you think you have this show figured out, a beheading, dragon or even a smoke monster will come into frame making it a must-see week after week.
“New Girl” – Sit back with a “Nick Miller Manhattan” (straight bourbon in a plastic cup) as you follow the antics of four charming but often clueless 30-somethings who live in a larger than life loft in LA. The West Coast version of “Friends,” this show is hilarious with pithy pop culture catchphrases a plenty from “Backslider” and “Fancy Man” to “White Fanging” and “Underpants Captain” (Just wrong).
“CBS News Sunday Morning” – Sunday morning would not be complete without Wynton Marsalis trumpeting in the day and Charles Osgood as his soothing voice introduces stories about bird migrations, shelling and other human interest stories that I and every other 84-year-old love. It’s basically “60 Minutes” without the indictments.
“Smash” – Who will play the lead in a new Broadway musical about Marilyn Monroe? Drama on-stage and off, this riveting musical drama from Steven Spielberg stars Anjelica Huston and Debra Messing, along with relative newcomers Megan Hilty and Katherine McPhee. Team Ivy all the way!
“House Hunters International” – If you need to know what the options are for a Paris loft or what does that Domincan Republic beachfront getaway really cost, this is the show for you. One day!
