I remember when watching TV series was just another daily habit, but after the massive Netflix world domination TV series became even more popular than ever!
If you do not have the habit of watching TV series not only are you missing out, but you are also on the road to become a pariah.
Millennials even consider the series one likes to watch to decide if said person would be a compatible partner, I actually got to witness (more than once) millennials analyzing their dates’ Netflix “My List”, yes it is a thing now!
Change of times and generations aside, watching TV series is not only therapeutic, but also very inspiring. With the increase of streaming services the need for content is higher than ever, and that generates something lovely to us consumers: a HUGE variety of content! I remember how it was like back in the day when a new TV series was released, everyone, absolutely EVERYONE would talk about it, the series would be heavily promoted and talked about, now we do not see such promotion or buzz when a new TV series is released, simply because times have changed, and instead of hearing about a new series we now receive alerts that shows a list, yes a LIST of new releases. The buzz is only going to happen to those series that will be able to become public sensations, otherwise they will simply not get new seasons, and you will probably not even know some of those series ever existed.
Considering all these new concepts that became our reality, here is a list of TV Series one simply MUST watch! They are addictive, inspiring and will crush your heart once you reach the grand finale.
Get ready to be entertained, to fall in love, and get your heart broken, you are going to experience that emptiness we all feel when our favorite series end, well, you are about to feel it 10 times!
10 – The Walking Dead The series started with an interesting story and appealing plot; however, after so many seasons and years I feel that the series is just really repetitive now. A lot of needless dialogs and no action, different characters come and go but nothing really new ever happens, yes some regulars and main characters died, but there is nothing really jaw dropping happening, EVER!
I would say the first 2 seasons are magnificent, the third and fourth seasons are great, and the rest is really good to help you fall asleep. If you wanted to finally substitute your melatonin pills for something else you just found the perfect replacement!
The reason why I am recommending the Walking Dead is because like I stated above the first seasons really are magnificent. The series became a phenomenon, and it is definitely understandable because it really is good, I just wish the writers would be bolder and change the plot completely, just give us some jaw dropping surprises guys!
Nonetheless, it is always nice to be included in a discussion when you are socializing, and in order to do so you have to know what you are talking about (hence you have to watch it!), and I can almost guarantee there will always be a “The Walking Dead Discussion” in most get togethers, the series is a generation jewel, a cultural phenomenon, it is a MUST WATCH!
9- American Horror Story
A combination of horror, different yet connected stories, despicable yet lovely characters, urban tales, classic horror, and a unique style. This is American Horror Story.
Each season presents a different story; however, the stories are connected and the way the characters are portrayed and presented is to die for. It is a kind of series you just cannot get enough, you simply must watch the next episode and when you finally reach the series finale, you wish there were more episodes to watch.
I will always recommend American Horror Story, the way the writers and producers reinterpret urban tales and classic horror stories is simply unique, they can somehow successfully combine the original features of such tales and characters with a contemporary approach.
Another feature of this series that attracts me is the connection of the stories, they are linked either by characters or locations, which is something that always generates discussions and conversation in social circles, I remember spending hours having glass after glass of White Zinfandel and talking to my friends about the “Easter eggs” hidden in the seasons of this amazing show.
You can thank me later for recommending this series, just put on your PJs, get your bucket of pop corn and get ready to fall in love with AHS, it is bloody awesome!
8- Vikings
If you think Game of Thrones is graphic and a bit too violent that means you have not watched Vikings.
This show presents a reinterpretation of the story of the iconic and feared Vikings. Known for their reckless and violent approach and their never-ending search for power, the show portrays the characters with a combination of tradition and originality, and the plot develops in perfect harmony and rhythm.
I personally enjoy when writers are bold and believe that killing main characters is not only necessary to deliver a good story that has several characters (like Vikings), but also very interesting, not only because we all love a good death scene, but because you have to make the audience engage with other the characters in order to continue your story successfully, and the writers of Vikings do it gracefully and effortlessly.
There is always a lot of action and the way the dialogues are delivered by the characters simply seduces the audience. The show is authentic, graphic, brutal, and yet it’s lovely to watch! I love the way the Viking culture is portrayed; the mix of rich research and execution is explicit, and turns the show into an immersive experience. After watching the show I caught myself actually saying “Thor is beating his hammer many times whenever I would hear thunder.
I hope you have the same great and immersive experience I had watching this series,it felt like I was in Valhalla!
7- Dead To Me
It is a new series and so far there is only one season available (UPDATE: This post is originally from 2019, since the post was published the series got a second season, and in July of 2020 Netflix announced the show will get a third -but final- season); however, the show is so, SO good it had to make list!
The show presents a story that feels really real and characters that are twisted in a very lovely way. Christina Applegate is better than ever and the way the characters end up connecting to each other is really incredible. The plot develops in a very interesting and curious manner and the way the story is presented is simply a work of art.
Complicated situations, problematic characters, a cold reality and the birth of an iconic friendship. I was very pleased when I was informed there is a new season on the way! I truly hope the second season will be as good as the first season, and even more successful just so we can all rest assure Netflix will keep renewing the show!
6- The Handmaid’s Tale
This series is by far one of the BEST book adaptations I have ever witnessed!
It takes a lot of talent to adapt a book successfully, and the way the writers and producers adapted The Handmaid’s Tale really is a work of art! The characters are portrayed with grace and authenticity, the plot is addictive and it is developed with perfect timing and balance.
The series presents us to an incredibly terrible reality, a violent change of scenery and behavior derived from new laws that affected every citizen of the United States, even the country gets a new name: “Gilead”, a hell on Earth!
You get to witness the bravery of a mother’s heart, a never-ending thirst for justice, and the birth of a contemporary revolution.
This is by far one of my favorite TV series EVER, it takes a lot of talent and creativity to come up with such a great story and such an interesting (yet very scary) scenario! Sit back and enjoy. Enter the world of Gilead and feel a mix of anger, love, hatred, faith and a thirst for justice. You can thank me later. Blessed be the fruit!
5- The OC
The OC is one of my favorite series of ALL TIME!
It is one of the shows that influenced me the most, and actually helped build my character; it is part of who I became, and this is a testament to how powerful audiovisual productions are in our lives.
I was teenager when I watched this early 2000’s cultural phenomenon for the very first time. I have the series’ DVD Box Set displayed in my home office and I rewatch it from time to time (specially when I am about to go to Southern California to visit my family members who live there).
The OC portrays Orange County in a very compelling way, the characters are very distinct and interesting, the story itself is very appealing and keeps you watching episode after episode simply because you must know what is going to happen next.
The idea seems simple: a rich Orange County community changes forever after a pariah from Chino becomes part of one of the rich families; however, the plot is richly developed with harmony, and cliffhangers are guaranteed (specially at the end of each season).
The soundtrack is as beautiful as Newport Beach and Mischa Barton, and one of the great surprises of the series is the series finale. After the end of the third season we were all curious to see how the writers would continue the story, considering one of the main and audience-favorite characters dies in the last episode (season finale) of season three, but for our surprise they wrote a beautiful, interesting, and lovely series finale. It was great to see how that amazing story ends, but I must warn you: it feels like you just lost beloved family members, yes, this series is THAT compelling!
It is a series you can watch with your family and friends or you can just binge watch it (like I do). After no more than three episodes you are going to find yourself singing “California here we come, right back where we started from, Californiaaaaaaa”. Enjoy and welcome to the OC bitch!
4- Penny Dreadful
I have so much to say about Penny Dreadful I do not even know where to start.
This series is a work of art, a masterpiece, a couture audiovisual production in every way.
A combination of perfectly-combined classic tales, iconic characters portrayed with excellence, sets and wardrobe are so next-level they take you to a different time, and to end on a high note, the series has one of the most beautiful soundtracks ever created!
Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, Dracula, witches and vampires all combined to perfection in a dark Victorian London, the show is classy and addictive, the narrative is flawless and do notfool yourself thinking that because I used the words “witches and vampires” that this show is for a younger audience, this series is for adults, trust me.
One of the aspects I love the most abut this show is that there is no happy ending, just a realistic one. A must watch!
3- Bates Motel
Writing an interesting and compelling story is never easy, neither is adapting a great one!
Bates Motel presents the early years of Norman Bates and his journey to becoming one of the most iconic serial killers of all time. The characters are portrayed to PERFECTION. I fell in love with Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, the chemistry between them is undeniable and a spectacle apart. The story is dark yet extremely realistic, the relationships are relatable and somehow lovely in its own twisted way.
This is one of those series you binge watch guilt-free. You spend the night awake promising yourself you are going to bed after just one more episode, and next thing you know you spent the last two days marathoning. Yes, Netflix marathons are one of the best things to do in life! All you need is a good show and some delicious snacks, so, here you go. Enjoy your marathon!
2- Sex and The City
My runner up series. Sex and The City is more than just a show, it is a world apart.
Needless to say it is one of my favorite shows EVER! You get four best friends, you're suddenly living in Manhattan, wearing designer shoes and clothes, you go to the most fabulous places in the city, and share personal experiences with your loyal girls in the most fun way possible. The show is revolutionary is many ways, it is a late 90’s show about love and sex through a female perspective, it is filled with love, drama and a lot of style.
The way the story is developed is an example of harmony and perfect timing, it develops so perfectly it feels extremely real, so real you get seriously depressed when it ends because you feel in your heart, you just lost your four best friends.
Not only a must watch but a must own so you can keep rewatching it.
1- Breaking Bad
This is not a TV series, this is not a TV show, this is an audiovisual masterpiece!
I personally LOVE an antihero and Walter White in my opinion takes the cake when it comes to being the perfect antihero. The way the character’s story is developed wins your loyalty, I am and always will be on his side. Bryan Cranston is a force of nature, he is one of my favorite actors and the way he portrayed Walter White (and Heisenberg, yes for me they are two different characters) is something of another world.
The characters are amazingly distinct and portrayed by actors of the highest quality (the best “batch” of actors I have ever witnessed), a prime plot developed with perfect timing, master cliffhangers, epic scenes and dialogues, it's simply an audiovisual phenomenon.
The story is realistic and relatable, from cancer to financial difficulties to taking a step that completely changes life forever (and creates an alter-ego).
I watch Breaking Bad every year, sometimes more than once because I was never able to find another series that could even be compared to Breaking Bad, it is the meaning of audiovisual excellence.
This series is going to change your life (and maybe you as well) FOREVER, just watch it and surrender yourself! Like Pinkman would say: just watch it BITCH!
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