Top 7- My Favourite TV of 2017
TV has had a pretty strong year this year and while my deliberations weren't quite as tortured as the ones I've had to go through for the film list earlier in the week, I've still had to fight myself to whittle them down. It should be added that you're more likely to disagreee with this list than the film one as I haven't had time to watch every hit new show and ongoing ones that I never got into are also going to be obviously snubbed. If your favourite isn't here, I'm sorry but deal with it, maybe have a read and find your next favourite in here.
GLOW Season 1
GLOW was a show that was just excellent fun. There is genuine sincerity there and you get to see boobs but most of all, it is as joyous as the wrestling shows it is based on.
Broadchurch Season 3
Whatever your thoughts on season 2, Broadchurch returned as strong as ever before here, weaving a terrific mystery while refusing to make light of serious subjects.
Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later
Wet Hot American Summer returned and was as silly as ever, making me giggle at every turn and somehow managing to create a four hour mini-series off one throwaway joke.
American Gods Season 1
Showrunner Bryan Fuller has apparently departed the show already but while we mourn that, it's worth enjoying the majestic and oddly beautiful season he gave us.
Inside Number 9 Season 3
Sadly doomed to be the second fiddle anthology show behind Black Mirror, Inside Number 9 was always smart as hell, frequently terrifying and no thirty minutes has ever left me feeling as violated as the Christmas episode.
The Handmaids Tale Season 1
While not as oppresively haunting as the novel, The Handmaids Tale TV show proved to be excellent and managed to justify every change it made to the novel in ways that make me confident of season 2 and the departure from the novel.
American Vandal Season 1
A mockumentary series whose parody was spot on and whose humour made me hurt at times but most impressively, left me and my friend still asking "but seriously, who drew the dicks?" with sincere interest.
The Sinner Season 1
The Sinner earns its place on this list because of how easy a binge it is. Within one evening, I devoured this show, not a whodunnit but a whydunnit with a conclusion that manages to satisfy and career best performances from Jessica Biel and the legendary Bill Pullman.
The Good Place Season 1 and 2
The Good Place starts as an entertaining sitcom before evolving into one hell of an examination of sitcoms, surprising at every single turn in delightful ways.
13 Reasons Why Season 1
Easily the most controversial show of the year, I fall on the side of those in favour of the show. In my opinion, it never truly justifies Hannah's actions and most importantly, shows the devastating fallout that the choice to take your own life can lead to in totally gripping television.
Mindhunter Season 1
I was always going to love a show that had this much involvement from David Fincher but equally, the interviews with the killers are tense to degrees almost unparalleled and the main story at the FBI works as an examination of society's fascination with murderers.
Legion Season 1
Noah Hawley is easily the best showrunner on TV right now (see later on the list) and this stunning first season of his new show gave superheroes a fresher take and more exciting future than anything on the big screen this year.
Preacher Season 2
This show should have made the top 7 but couldn't because of an incredible year. Still, it was a ballsy season that hit the reset button by heading to New Orleans, making a furry into a major plot point and introducing Hitler as a supporting character. There is no other show out there this wonderfully stupid.
It's been tough cutting this lot down but we're finally at the last seven and ranking these has not been easy, let me tell you.
7. The Leftovers Season 3
There are some shows in the honourable mentions that could have made it here instead of The Leftovers but I wanted to give this show the appreciation it deserves, especially as this was the last season. First off, Justin Theroux is a total beefcake and will make any straight guy question their sexuality at least a little. Second, this is a legitimately smart show that is willing to use its fascinating premise (2% of the population vanish) to instead study characters, not the events themselves. This final season gave us some answers to that event but not in a way that inhibited further character progression, acting performances that were criminally snubbed by every single award group and one last insane afterlife sequence that is on a whole other level to the one in season 2. If you missed this show, you're missing out and you should make this show your next big binge.
6. Rick and Morty Season 3
The fan base may have become more toxic than ever but it was still a welcome return for Rick and Morty. Some criticised the show for not being quite at the level it once was and while I don't love it as much as season 2, this is still a really smartly written show. Even the scenes that have become memes (Pickle Rick anyone?) have actual depth to them. To take the example of Pickle Rick, that's actually an examination into Rick's insecurity and how he would rather die as a pickle than attend one hour of therapy. There's also possibly the best episode of the show yet in The Ricklantis Mixup which manages to parody most film genres while still dealing an emotional punch. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the animation is better than ever, maybe even better than any other animated show on TV. Even if that is a stretch, it is the most creative show.
5. Fargo Season 3
For some reason, it's been hard to find other people as much in love with Fargo this year as me but let me tell you, I rank it up there as highly as the other two seasons. This season (as with the other two) is held up primarily on the acting. Carrie Coon as the lead is wonderful and while not quite as good as in The Leftovers, she shows her range superbly. There's also two great supporting performances from Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Michael Stuhlbarg in stunning roles. Where the show gets amazing is with two actors. First, David Thewlis (more recently in Wonder Woman) who plays a detestable villain with horrific teeth, excellent manners and confidence like no one else. Show stealer has to go to Ewan McGregor though, playing dual roles as two brothers. Each is somehow unique, all due to McGregor's brilliant talent. What keeps the show moving beyond that is the endless talent of showrunner Noah Hawley who keeps every episode fresh feeling and looking, throwing in references to nursery rhymes next to sublimely gorgeous acts of violence. For fans of the other two seasons and those who are yet to discover Fargo, this remains must watch TV.
4. O.J. Simpson: Made in America
Despite being submitted for the Oscars, OJ: Made in America is actually a TV series and I'm going to honour it as such. Now I confess, I didn't watch all eight hours at once but regardless, it probably serves as the best documentary I've ever watched. I can guarantee you, even if you know the story of OJ, even if you were actually alive as it happened (hi Mum and Dad, hope all is well), even if you watched the TV drama based on this story, you are going to find out new and shocking details about the whole story. Plus, it is an absolutely riveting 8 hours, charting the rise, fall and attempted re-rise of one of the most notorious celebrities to have ever lived. Whether you come at the show interested in sports, celebrity or the legal system, you're going to find scathing criticisms of all and a documentary that will surprise you with its timely nature and gripping details. If you have any interest at all in documentaries, this is a must watch.
3. BoJack Horseman Season 4
Every single year, BoJack Horseman has gotten better and better and while it may not have got much funnier this year, it got much better at the emotional gut punches it has slowly become famous for. Testament to the power of the show is that in the first episode, BoJack is completely absent, instead allowing for a focus on all the other wonderful characters the show has created. This season can probably be broken down by my three favourite episodes. The comedic high point is "Hooray! Todd Episode!" because it is exactly that, an entire episode centred around the lovably dopey Todd. For many, the highlight was the episode "Time's Arrow" and it's certainly an outstanding feat in animation as we get a first hand experience of what dementia is like in an episode that makes accessible one of the most hatable characters in the show. For me, my favourite episode was "Ruthie", an episode that is a pitch perfect exercise in how to use framing devices and left me with a hole in my soul as the credits rolled and to say anymore would spoil the surprise. In any other year, BoJack probably could have topped the list but this is no ordinary year.
2. Black Mirror Season 4
The reason this whole list was delayed was for Black Mirror and by the fact that it's this high up, I think we can safely assume it was worthwhile. I'm going to try not to repeat too much from my review on Tuesday (do feel free to go and read it) but essentially, in its second season of gradual Americanisation, Black Mirror has lost none of its bite. In previous seasons, most people have always had at least one episode that didn't quite fit right with them and while I could pick a weakest episode for this season, it is a close call. Plus, I could have picked one of about four episodes as my favourite episode, such is the quality of the entire season. Many will spend their watch picking for easter eggs and hints at an expanded universe but by doing so, they're missing out on one of the most interesting and consistently challenging TV shows around.
1. Twin Peaks: The Return
It could only have been this. While being a recent fan of Twin Peaks meant I didn't have to live with an agonising 25 year wait for The Return, each episode still somehow felt like a once in a lifetime experience. Some will find parts of the show agonising as Lynch definitely takes his time to tell the story he wants to tell but all the investment is worthwhile for the roller coaster on offer. The Return gave me the biggest laughs, the most terrified shrieks, the most beautiful moments and countless, countless moments that have left a deep and permanent impact on my brain. What is most impressive about The Return is that it did exactly what the original Twin Peaks managed to in 1990; completely change TV. It couldn't have happened at a better time. We've finally reached the peak impact of Peaks in 2017 with Riverdale, The Leftovers and even Preacher all wearing their inspiration on their sleeve and now David Lynch has returned to inspire a whole new generation of filmmakers. Even among Lynch's filmography, there is nothing like The Return and while it makes the world a poorer place, it makes the 18 hours of pure, unfiltered genius that much more special. I will treasure the time The Return gave to me, the week to week excitement of "what the fuck now?" and while I can't wait for my rewatch of it with the original series, it has given me an experience I may never get again. Thank you David Lynch. I love your crazy brain.
GLOW Season 1
GLOW was a show that was just excellent fun. There is genuine sincerity there and you get to see boobs but most of all, it is as joyous as the wrestling shows it is based on.
Broadchurch Season 3
Whatever your thoughts on season 2, Broadchurch returned as strong as ever before here, weaving a terrific mystery while refusing to make light of serious subjects.
Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later
Wet Hot American Summer returned and was as silly as ever, making me giggle at every turn and somehow managing to create a four hour mini-series off one throwaway joke.
American Gods Season 1
Showrunner Bryan Fuller has apparently departed the show already but while we mourn that, it's worth enjoying the majestic and oddly beautiful season he gave us.
Inside Number 9 Season 3
Sadly doomed to be the second fiddle anthology show behind Black Mirror, Inside Number 9 was always smart as hell, frequently terrifying and no thirty minutes has ever left me feeling as violated as the Christmas episode.
The Handmaids Tale Season 1
While not as oppresively haunting as the novel, The Handmaids Tale TV show proved to be excellent and managed to justify every change it made to the novel in ways that make me confident of season 2 and the departure from the novel.
American Vandal Season 1
A mockumentary series whose parody was spot on and whose humour made me hurt at times but most impressively, left me and my friend still asking "but seriously, who drew the dicks?" with sincere interest.
The Sinner Season 1
The Sinner earns its place on this list because of how easy a binge it is. Within one evening, I devoured this show, not a whodunnit but a whydunnit with a conclusion that manages to satisfy and career best performances from Jessica Biel and the legendary Bill Pullman.
The Good Place Season 1 and 2
The Good Place starts as an entertaining sitcom before evolving into one hell of an examination of sitcoms, surprising at every single turn in delightful ways.
13 Reasons Why Season 1
Easily the most controversial show of the year, I fall on the side of those in favour of the show. In my opinion, it never truly justifies Hannah's actions and most importantly, shows the devastating fallout that the choice to take your own life can lead to in totally gripping television.
Mindhunter Season 1
I was always going to love a show that had this much involvement from David Fincher but equally, the interviews with the killers are tense to degrees almost unparalleled and the main story at the FBI works as an examination of society's fascination with murderers.
Legion Season 1
Noah Hawley is easily the best showrunner on TV right now (see later on the list) and this stunning first season of his new show gave superheroes a fresher take and more exciting future than anything on the big screen this year.
Preacher Season 2
This show should have made the top 7 but couldn't because of an incredible year. Still, it was a ballsy season that hit the reset button by heading to New Orleans, making a furry into a major plot point and introducing Hitler as a supporting character. There is no other show out there this wonderfully stupid.
It's been tough cutting this lot down but we're finally at the last seven and ranking these has not been easy, let me tell you.
7. The Leftovers Season 3
There are some shows in the honourable mentions that could have made it here instead of The Leftovers but I wanted to give this show the appreciation it deserves, especially as this was the last season. First off, Justin Theroux is a total beefcake and will make any straight guy question their sexuality at least a little. Second, this is a legitimately smart show that is willing to use its fascinating premise (2% of the population vanish) to instead study characters, not the events themselves. This final season gave us some answers to that event but not in a way that inhibited further character progression, acting performances that were criminally snubbed by every single award group and one last insane afterlife sequence that is on a whole other level to the one in season 2. If you missed this show, you're missing out and you should make this show your next big binge.
6. Rick and Morty Season 3
The fan base may have become more toxic than ever but it was still a welcome return for Rick and Morty. Some criticised the show for not being quite at the level it once was and while I don't love it as much as season 2, this is still a really smartly written show. Even the scenes that have become memes (Pickle Rick anyone?) have actual depth to them. To take the example of Pickle Rick, that's actually an examination into Rick's insecurity and how he would rather die as a pickle than attend one hour of therapy. There's also possibly the best episode of the show yet in The Ricklantis Mixup which manages to parody most film genres while still dealing an emotional punch. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the animation is better than ever, maybe even better than any other animated show on TV. Even if that is a stretch, it is the most creative show.
5. Fargo Season 3
For some reason, it's been hard to find other people as much in love with Fargo this year as me but let me tell you, I rank it up there as highly as the other two seasons. This season (as with the other two) is held up primarily on the acting. Carrie Coon as the lead is wonderful and while not quite as good as in The Leftovers, she shows her range superbly. There's also two great supporting performances from Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Michael Stuhlbarg in stunning roles. Where the show gets amazing is with two actors. First, David Thewlis (more recently in Wonder Woman) who plays a detestable villain with horrific teeth, excellent manners and confidence like no one else. Show stealer has to go to Ewan McGregor though, playing dual roles as two brothers. Each is somehow unique, all due to McGregor's brilliant talent. What keeps the show moving beyond that is the endless talent of showrunner Noah Hawley who keeps every episode fresh feeling and looking, throwing in references to nursery rhymes next to sublimely gorgeous acts of violence. For fans of the other two seasons and those who are yet to discover Fargo, this remains must watch TV.
4. O.J. Simpson: Made in America
Despite being submitted for the Oscars, OJ: Made in America is actually a TV series and I'm going to honour it as such. Now I confess, I didn't watch all eight hours at once but regardless, it probably serves as the best documentary I've ever watched. I can guarantee you, even if you know the story of OJ, even if you were actually alive as it happened (hi Mum and Dad, hope all is well), even if you watched the TV drama based on this story, you are going to find out new and shocking details about the whole story. Plus, it is an absolutely riveting 8 hours, charting the rise, fall and attempted re-rise of one of the most notorious celebrities to have ever lived. Whether you come at the show interested in sports, celebrity or the legal system, you're going to find scathing criticisms of all and a documentary that will surprise you with its timely nature and gripping details. If you have any interest at all in documentaries, this is a must watch.
3. BoJack Horseman Season 4
Every single year, BoJack Horseman has gotten better and better and while it may not have got much funnier this year, it got much better at the emotional gut punches it has slowly become famous for. Testament to the power of the show is that in the first episode, BoJack is completely absent, instead allowing for a focus on all the other wonderful characters the show has created. This season can probably be broken down by my three favourite episodes. The comedic high point is "Hooray! Todd Episode!" because it is exactly that, an entire episode centred around the lovably dopey Todd. For many, the highlight was the episode "Time's Arrow" and it's certainly an outstanding feat in animation as we get a first hand experience of what dementia is like in an episode that makes accessible one of the most hatable characters in the show. For me, my favourite episode was "Ruthie", an episode that is a pitch perfect exercise in how to use framing devices and left me with a hole in my soul as the credits rolled and to say anymore would spoil the surprise. In any other year, BoJack probably could have topped the list but this is no ordinary year.
2. Black Mirror Season 4
The reason this whole list was delayed was for Black Mirror and by the fact that it's this high up, I think we can safely assume it was worthwhile. I'm going to try not to repeat too much from my review on Tuesday (do feel free to go and read it) but essentially, in its second season of gradual Americanisation, Black Mirror has lost none of its bite. In previous seasons, most people have always had at least one episode that didn't quite fit right with them and while I could pick a weakest episode for this season, it is a close call. Plus, I could have picked one of about four episodes as my favourite episode, such is the quality of the entire season. Many will spend their watch picking for easter eggs and hints at an expanded universe but by doing so, they're missing out on one of the most interesting and consistently challenging TV shows around.
1. Twin Peaks: The Return
It could only have been this. While being a recent fan of Twin Peaks meant I didn't have to live with an agonising 25 year wait for The Return, each episode still somehow felt like a once in a lifetime experience. Some will find parts of the show agonising as Lynch definitely takes his time to tell the story he wants to tell but all the investment is worthwhile for the roller coaster on offer. The Return gave me the biggest laughs, the most terrified shrieks, the most beautiful moments and countless, countless moments that have left a deep and permanent impact on my brain. What is most impressive about The Return is that it did exactly what the original Twin Peaks managed to in 1990; completely change TV. It couldn't have happened at a better time. We've finally reached the peak impact of Peaks in 2017 with Riverdale, The Leftovers and even Preacher all wearing their inspiration on their sleeve and now David Lynch has returned to inspire a whole new generation of filmmakers. Even among Lynch's filmography, there is nothing like The Return and while it makes the world a poorer place, it makes the 18 hours of pure, unfiltered genius that much more special. I will treasure the time The Return gave to me, the week to week excitement of "what the fuck now?" and while I can't wait for my rewatch of it with the original series, it has given me an experience I may never get again. Thank you David Lynch. I love your crazy brain.
Interested to know what your favourate episode of this season of Black Mirror was?
ReplyDeleteI go through the whole bunch of them in my review of the season but for me, the standout (barely) was Crocodile
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