Top Five TV Series You Need to Watch
Written by: Emily Vella
3-Body Problem
Television this year has been more exciting than ever, with shows pushing boundaries in storytelling, character development, and visual spectacle. From the historical intrigues of feudal Japan to the dark, chilling mysteries of Alaska, viewers have a rich selection to choose from. Whether you're into the raw, unpolished world of espionage, complex diplomatic negotiations, or adventures that stretch the limits of science fiction, there’s something for everyone. Let's dive into the five standout series that have captured the imagination of audiences and critics alike, making them must-sees for any TV enthusiast.
1. Shōgun
Shogun.
Shogun tops my list as the standout TV show of the past year, setting a new standard for world-building, character development, cinematography, and mise-en-scène within television. Every detail, from the breathtaking costumes to the meticulously crafted sets, showcases a remarkable dedication to authenticity. Against the backdrop of feudal Japan, the series charts the journey of English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) as he makes landfall on Portuguese-claimed territory. His arrival ignites tensions, with both Catholic Portuguese and Japanese forces viewing the Protestant Englishman as a threat. Amidst political upheaval, Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) forms an unlikely alliance with Blackthorne to evade death. Their fates intertwine with Mariko (Anna Sawai), an outcast from a notorious family tasked with translating for Blackthorne. The dynamic interplay among these characters, combined with the shocking twists at every turn, keeps viewers eagerly craving each new episode. Shogun is a true testament to the power of storytelling, offering a riveting and immersive experience that is not to be missed.
Photo Credit: IMDb
Streaming: Hulu & Disney+
Release Date: Feb 27th, 2024
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAN5uspO_hk
2. Slow Horses
SLow Horses.
Slow Horses offers a refreshing departure from the glamorous facade often associated with spy dramas. Season three, which premiered in November 2023, further solidifies its status as a must-watch series. To truly appreciate its depth, it's essential to start from the beginning and delve into seasons one (Apr 2022) and two (Dec 2022), where the groundwork for the characters and their tumultuous world is laid. What sets Slow Horses apart is its unflinching portrayal of the unseen underbelly of MI5—the rejects relegated to the dismal confines of Slough House. Each character inhabits this purgatory for a reason—they've messed up, big time. Gary Oldman's portrayal of Jackson Lamb, far from the suave James Bond archetype, is gritty and repulsive, a past-his-prime relic. Yet, it's precisely these flaws that make the characters so compelling; despite their mediocrity, you find yourself rooting for them. The series weaves a meticulously crafted plotline, peppered with laugh-out-loud moments and grounded in gritty realism. Unlike the glossy portrayal of action heroes in typical spy flicks, Slow Horses offers a raw and unfiltered look into the messy world of MI5, where moral ambiguity reigns supreme. It's not about the heroes we want, but perhaps the ones we deserve—imperfect, flawed, and undeniably human.
Photo Credit: IMDb
Steaming: Apple TV+
Release Date: S1: Apr 2022; S2: Dec 2022; S3: Nov 2023
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9ZJChzPn0U
3. The Diplomat
The Diplomat.
The Diplomat emerges as a captivating addition to the television landscape, offering a compelling glimpse into the intricacies of international diplomacy. Set against the backdrop of the US ambassadorship to the UK, the series kicks off with a riveting first episode that deftly establishes the myriad moving parts at play. As Kate (Kerri Russell) grapples with the demands of her new role, she finds herself navigating a delicate dance of balancing foreign relations, her marriage to Hal (Rufus Sewell), and the egos of heads of state. However, unbeknownst to her, the people around her are already positioning her for the vice presidency—a revelation that adds an intriguing layer of tension to an already complex narrative. The Diplomat distinguishes itself with its quick-witted dialogue and masterful storytelling, with some of its best episodes confined to a single location. This only serves to accentuate the dynamic interactions and evolving storylines, ensuring that viewers remain captivated from start to finish. With its sharp writing, stellar performances, and an unflinching exploration of power and ambition, The Diplomat proves to be a must-watch for fans of intelligent and thought-provoking television.
Photo Credit: IMDb
Streaming: Netflix
Release Date: April 2023
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV6sJlBbhPs
4. 3 Body Problem
3-Body Problem.
The "3-Body Problem" stands out as a beacon of originality and intrigue, captivating audiences with its seamless blend of genres and compelling storytelling. For those who love their sci-fi with a healthy dose of mind-bending concepts, high stakes, and a slow burn that explodes into pure sci-fi brilliance, this show is an absolute must-watch. Its narrative unfolds with a tantalizing mix of mystery and suspense, drawing viewers into a world where an enigmatic phenomenon confounds the world's leading physicists. Ambitious and towering, the "3-Body Problem" packs each episode with big ideas about intellectual curiosity, exploration, and humanity's place in the universe, all while managing to tell intimate stories about human relationships with depth and nuance. It channels the atmospheric tension of Kiyoshi Kurosawa's techno-horror film, "Pulse," the friendship dynamics of John Hughes' "The Breakfast Club," and elements of many alien invasion narratives. This genre-blending approach not only kept me on the edge of my seat but also offered a fresh and innovative take on familiar tropes, making the "3-Body Problem" a standout in the television landscape.
Photo Credit: IMDb
Streaming: Netflix
Release Date: March 21st, 2024
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mogSbMD6EcY
5. True Detective: Night Country
"True Detective: Night Country" beckons viewers into the chilling depths of mystery, unfolding amidst the desolate wilderness of Ennis, Alaska. The icy remoteness of Season 4's Alaskan locale during the polar night adds a palpable sense of unease, heightened by eerie visions and unexplained phenomena that plague the town. As Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Navarro (Kali Reis) confront their own personal demons, including shadowy family tragedies, the narrative unearths the festering dark side of Ennis. The investigation into the disappearance of a group of scientists from a local research lab brings to light an unsolved case: the murder of Annie Kowtok.
Despite garnering mixed reviews online, "True Detective: Night Country" deserves a fairer assessment. Amidst the pitch-black setting, the series offers a compelling exploration of complex female leads who defy traditional archetypes while respectfully representing indigenous culture in the modern world. The show subtly acknowledges current and pertinent issues affecting indigenous peoples: water contamination, mining waste, mental health crises, and more. It strives to balance the logic and reason aspect of police detective work while staying true to the spiritual and supernatural elements central to Iñupiat culture. Whether or not you believe it lives up to the previous seasons, "True Detective: Night Country" promises an immersive narrative teeming with spine-tingling revelations, inviting audiences to embark on a journey of justice and uncover the truth hidden within the ice.
Photo Credit: IMDb
Streaming: HBOmax
Release Date: Jan 14th, 2024
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkL7cpG2UhE
