It's a fact universally acknowledged that I love television. Be it drama, comedy or musical, I love every TV genre. At different points in my life I have come across or gone back to certain television shows that have the uncanny ability to make me feel better.
With this in mind, it seems that now is the perfect time to share some recommendations in order to help my family, friends and followers get through this trying time. So, I've compiled a list of 10 must watch tv series to help you through isolation.
5. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000 - 2011 and 2017 - present)
Source: Google images
While some may think Curb Your Enthusiasm is a Seinfeld knock off, I must inform you that you've never seen a show like it. Some episodes of Seinfeld did have a dark feel to them, however, they have nothing on Curb.
For those who don't know, the Seinfeld comparison stems from the fact that Larry David co-created Seinfeld and also created Curb. I must admit I am a Seinfeld fan, however, Larry has saved his best work for Curb.
Unrestrained by HBO, Larry is left to run wild. There's the persistent use of profanity as well as racial and sexual themes, yet the audience just eats it up. At times painfully awkward, Larry is the master of social faux pas.
What results is laughter from the infamous opening music to when the credits roll. To put simply why you should binge this series today- Larry says the things we all are thinking yet never have the guts to actually say out loud. What results is once in a lifetime television.
4. Glee (2009 - 2015)
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I am not ashamed to admit that I love Glee. In fact, I think everyone should watch Glee. Whether young or old, male or female, there are lessons to learn and things to find funny in this musical television show.
Premiering right as I entered high school, it helped me understand others, but more importantly myself. Including Glee might be a bit controversial seeing as the actions of some of the cast has tarnished this show's legacy, however, I can separate the cast from the show.
Some musicals have the tendency to be awkward, however, Ryan Murphy (series co-creator) does a seamless job with the musical numbers and choreography on this show. Glee made stars of Lea Michele and Cory Monteith but more importantly, it made people more accepting and open to the human notion that we are all different.
Glee is a musical show that isn't afraid to delve into comedic or emotional themes. Making this a show for everyone. It also doesn't hurt that the music is more often than not top shelf. I mean, we all think of Glee when we hear Don't Stop Believing, right?
3. Gilmore girls (2000 - 2007)
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One of the great shames of Gilmore girls is the fact that the critics never recognised this properly. In fact, I truly believe that more people would give this show the time of day had the Emmys and the Golden Globes woken up to themselves.
In every season Lauren Graham deserved a nomination and in season 6 she deserved both the Golden Globe and the Emmy. I digress. There is a certain power to this show that will never be replicated again. In fact, any show that centres around a mother and daughter dynamic will always be a Gilmore girls rip off.
Packed with pop culture references, Gilmore girls will make you laugh and then hit you with a dramatic event that will leave you sobbing. This was the first television show that I actually fell in love with. I wanted to be a Gilmore girl and I wanted Jess to fall in love with me.
Whether you're close to your Mum or have a complex relationship with your parents, Gilmore girls never isolated the audience. Rather, in every character and relationship dynamic, each person was able to relate and see themselves.
Popping on an episode and hearing that iconic theme song is akin to receiving a warm hug. With every season available to binge watch and with the state of the world, we should all be taking hugs at whatever chance we can get.
2. Sex and the City (1998 - 2004)
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It's a strange feeling to watch pre social distancing television. This notion is never more apparent than when watching Sex and the City (SATC). Obviously there's the dating part of it all, but also seeing these four friends able to go out, hug each other and eat a meal is strange.
However, this is the reason why we should all be watching SATC. It will remind us of the good times rather than what it's like to live in today's world. While this pandemic will be but a fleeting moment in time someday, right now we need to find solace in whatever form we can get it.
SATC is immersive and will help us forget. It will also help us fall in love with four New York girls. We will cheer Charlotte and her relentless pursuit of the perfect man. We will disagree with Miranda's pathological need to push Steve away. We will admire Samantha's self confidence. And we will have mixed feelings about Miss Carrie Bradshaw.
At the end of the day, this series will help us laugh, love and remember a time when drinks at the local bar was ok. Binge watching all six seasons is good for the psyche and the fact that this point is not yet scientifically proven is baffling to me.
1. The Sopranos (1999 - 2007)
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I'm sure many of you thought I would have Friends, Gilmore girls or even SATC at the top of this list. However, during this period of social isolation it seems that my taste has (???) matured.
While I will forever label Gilmore girls and SATC as my favourite shows of all time, it doesn't mean that they are in fact, the greatest shows ever. Rather, this label belongs to The Sopranos.
The Sopranos revolutionised television, so much so that there has never been another show like it. The themes the show dealt with and the way in which they played out on screen were equal parts unique and compelling.
How on earth David Chase (series creator) had the world follow every move of Tony Soprano and yet still like him is a masterclass in modern screenwriting. In fact, despite being about mobsters, the audience became invested in every single character.
The Sopranos tried things that no other series has ever attempted. The best part was that this often resulted in utterly compelling television. Television that was never seen before and won't be seen again.
Despite being a mob show, the narrative techniques and dramatic performances make The Sopranos a multi layered drama that will suck people in from the very first episode right until the 86th and final episode.
While notorious for its divisive ending, it is worth noting that I believe the series finale to be one of the best episodes of the series and, more broadly, in television history. The Sopranos is a roller coaster ride that is able to hook even the most gun shy of people.
Exploring themes of violence, therapy, family and love in ways that will surprise you, there is no doubt that The Sopranos is the best television show in history. Need proof? Look no futher than the Emmys and Golden Globes that line the display cabinets of all involved.
Author's note:
Because I am an extremely indecisive person who loves all sorts of television, I've simply had to include some other tv shows that were extremely close to making the cut.
Notable mentions go to outstanding series like:
- The Good Wife
- Desperate Housewives
- Frasier
- Grace and Frankie
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