TV talk: Best shows of 2015

[jeaniebueller]

Obviously not kid related, unless you are on maternity leave and binge watching any of them Thoughts? My two cents, if you aren't watching The Affair or Fargo, you must!

www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/the-best-tv-shows-of-2015-the-affair-master-of-none-fargo-and-more/2015/12/08/cc363b76-8e53-11e5-baf4-bdf37355da0c_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_best-tv%3Ahomepage%2Fstory

 By Hank Stuever TV critic December 9  
 
Clockwise, from top left: "Empire," "The Affair," "Master of None," "Show Me a Hero" and "Fargo." (Chuck Hodes/Fox; Mark Schafer/Showtime; K.C. Bailey/Netflix; Paul Schiraldi/Courtesy of HBO; Chris Large/FX)

Just 10 shows? In my conversations with readers this year, I heard their increasing worries about drowning in choices — the number of good, worthwhile shows long ago exceeded the number of hours we have to watch them. As such, people keep asking me for “permission” to give up on a show that may be getting lots of buzz but just isn’t pressing the right button. I’m all about letting go of shows you aren’t feeling.

I decided to use that rule as my surest test for this list: Is it a show that I couldn’t wait to see the next episode of? Then it’s probably on this list.

Without further ado (because who has time for ado?) . . .

1. “The Affair” (Showtime)

Intriguing in its first season and hauntingly perfect this year, this drama is about the ripple effects of marital infidelity, only now it’s not just about Noah (Dominic West) and Alison (Ruth Wilson). The narrative has expanded to include the story as seen from the points of view of Alison’s husband, Cole (Joshua Jackson) and Noah’s wife, Helen (Maura Tierney) — and everyone involved is giving a first-class performance, including the show’s supporting players. “The Affair” is a provocative, almost philosophical study of the nature of truth (nobody’s versions quite match up), but not in a maddeningly opaque way. When I watch “The Affair,” I not only feel entertained, I feel respected — not a single second of the viewer’s time is wasted.

2. “The Americans” (FX)

Knocked to No. 2 by “The Affair” — but a very, very close second. Season 3 of this complex, underappreciated nail-biter about Soviet spies living in Northern Virginia brought its characters closer to a breaking point, as Philip and Elizabeth (played with unerring strength by Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell) struggled with the fact that their teenage daughter Paige (Holly Taylor) is completely onto them. Also memorable: Lois Smith’s heartbreaking one-episode turn as a bookkeeper who picked the wrong night to work late.


3. “Game of Thrones” (HBO)

Aside from full-grown dragons and humiliating walks of shame, this was a crucial season for the hit series, as it began to diverge from George R.R. Martin’s novels. (Martin, as most everyone knows, is under pressure to finish another, but the TV show can’t wait around.) I never read the books, so it makes no difference to me; I remain in awe of how many ways “Game of Thrones” works as an epic piece of entertainment for both the casual viewer and the full-on obsessive fan.

4. “Master of None” (Netflix)

As co-creator, co-writer and star, Aziz Ansari delivered an endearing first season of this comedy, which on paper sounds like another exercise in the self-absorbed angst of a slackadaisical New Yorker. Instead, Ansari took viewers on a 10-episode walk through a lot of big subjects — modern relationships, gender equality, race relations, what it’s like to be the child of immigrants — while keeping things remarkably chill and sharply funny. What “Louie” did for Gen-X cynicism at midlife, “Master of None” does for millennial freneticism running smack up against the reality of turning 30.


5. “Fargo” (FX)

Dazzled by Season 1, fans of the show were excited to see what creator Noah Hawley would do with a late-1970s setting — but who would have guessed it would peripherally involve close encounters with UFOs and a Bruce Campbell cameo as Ronald Reagan on the campaign stump? Hawley and company proved with Season 1 that a “Fargo” TV series could be a worthy companion piece to the Coen brothers’ 1996 film classic. Now, with Season 2, “Fargo” stands on its own, adding layers to this cold-blooded Midwestern crime saga. This is another show where everything’s just exactly right — the plot, the writing, the characters and, yes, the body count. “Fargo” just keeps outdoing itself.



6. “Wolf Hall” (PBS)

Fictionalized drama can sometimes be so masterfully conceived and performed that it threatens to supplant the actual historical narrative on which it is based — and that’s saying something since “Wolf Hall,” drawn from two of Hilary Mantel’s prize-winning novels of the Tudors, revisits the oft-portrayed reign of Henry VIII. Mark Rylance was unforgettable as Thomas Cromwell in this meticulously told, suspenseful miniseries. I also admired “Wolf Hall’s” darkness — and I mean that literally: At last the 16th century seemed lit as it should be, by candles.


Based on the DC Comics character Supergirl, Melissa Benoist plays the costumed superhero who is the biological cousin to Superman and one of the last surviving Kryptonians. (CBS)

7. “Supergirl” (CBS)

Sure, it’s mostly just another slice of superhero cheese, but it’s a fine cheese, made even better by a winning performance from Melissa Benoist as Kara Danvers, the office assistant who decides to let her Krypton flag fly as the nation’s newest cape-wearing superperson. After a pitch-perfect pilot episode that aired in late October, the series hasn’t lost much momentum. I also like how it turns millennial insecurities about career and destiny into legitimate reasons to soar with confidence. 



8. “Empire” (Fox) and “UnREAL” (Lifetime)

Sure, I’m cheating a little by putting two shows in one slot, but “Empire” and “UnREAL” are similarly shining examples of how a TV show can become a surprising cultural vanguard. Both shows are also utterly absurd, but that’s what makes them fun to watch. In “Empire,” which chronicles the ridiculous levels of spite and loyalty coursing through a family that runs a hip-hop record label, there’s a curious permissiveness to explore and debate caricatures and race. Likewise, “UnREAL” invites multiple analyses of how “Bachelor”-style reality shows denigrate not only the people who are in them, but the people who make them — while neatly, subtly raising the issue of complicity in the viewer who watches them. I love it when TV shows both derail and launch a flurry of PhD dissertations across the land.


Oscar Isaac as Nick Wasicsko, left, and Carla Quevedo as Nay Noe on “Show Me a Hero.” (Paul Schiraldi/Courtesy of HBO)

9. “Show Me a Hero” (HBO)

Yes, it sounds like quite the indulgence to give creator David Simon (with Paul Haggis directing) a six-hour miniseries to tell the story of a squabble over public housing in Yonkers, N.Y., that took place more than 25 years ago. But it was totally worth it, not just for Oscar Isaac’s amazing performance as the city’s naive young mayor (and an ensemble cast of women who played the parts of public housing residents), but for the quietly impressive way that “Show Me a Hero” proved relevant to the bitter conversations we’re having today about race, neighborhoods and open hearts.

10. “American Crime” (ABC)

After so many years on the “Law and Order” loop, TV is in desperate need of a new — and more nuanced — way to dramatize the criminal justice system. The superb first season of John Ridley’s “American Crime,” which starred Felicity Huffman and Timothy Hutton as the bitterly divorced parents of a murder victim, was an unsparing journey into grief, anger and vengeance, which then fanned out into the subjects of race, prejudice and recompense. By the standards of TV dramas, the ending might be viewed as unsatisfying, but that also seemed to be the message here: Who ever leaves a courthouse fully satisfied?

Other shows that almost made this list: “Catastrophe” and the second season of “Transparent” (both on Amazon); the final seven episodes of “Mad Men” (AMC); the current, surprisingly streamlined season of “Homeland” (Showtime); “Better Call Saul” (AMC); “Getting On,” “Looking,” “Silicon Valley” and “Veep” (HBO); “Bloodline” (Netflix); “Home Fires” (PBS).

And: “Casual” (Hulu); “The Strain” (FX); the quietly beautiful docuseries “The Last Alaskans” (Animal Planet); and the finally-there’s-a-winner season of “American Ninja Warrior” (NBC). I also enjoyed most of “The Muppets” reboot (ABC) and “Aquarius” (NBC), and I kinda-sorta came around to Netflix’s “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.”

[bowies]

I loved Unreal. Over the top but it did make you think. And it felt like it's probably not far from the truth.

I want to watch Empire but I can't support anything that employs Terrence Howard.

We are enjoying Master of None and Jessica Jones right now. I'm surprised that one didn't make the list.

[bullsgirl]

I am 100% with you on The Affair and Fargo. 2 of the best shows by far. From that list I also really like The Americans. I also think Homeland is still really, really good this season.

[preppy]

The only ones I have seen is The Americans, which I love, and The Affair, but I haven't caught season 2 yet.

[sunshine608]

Ooh this is perfect. I'm going to catch these shows while we are on break. The only one I've watched is Empire which I've actually stopped because it lost me.
I loooved American Crime last season and can't wait to January for the new season.

I would add the Man in the High Castle as my favorite show this season ( even though it came out in November and is on Amazon prime) it's the only standout I had. Most of my other shows lost me this year- I still watch but more out of boredom than anything else.

I've been meaning to catch Home Fires. I caught one episode but couldn't determine the schedule because PBS just list it as Masterpiece Classic which covers several shows. #lazy

[Deleted]

As a Sci-Fi/horror/fantasy fan, we really enjoyed The Strain. A fresh new spin on vampires, coupled with complex characters spanning multiple generations. The mythos of the vampires doesn't overshadow the personal drama or vice-versa.

[vtdiamond]

I really want to watch the Americans. Anyone know where I can get it streaming?

[jeaniebueller]

I am a little pissed that the final season of Mad Men isn't there in favor of some of these softball CBS shows, but oh well.

I hate Noah Solloway so much, but The Affair is so good. Much better than last season.

I was never really able to get into Kimmy Schmidt even though I normally love that kind of humor. Maybe I'll give it another try again.

[scm1011]

The Americans is incredible, and so overlooked, so I'm glad to see it listed here.

Homeland has been fantastic this season, and Veep is the funniest show on TV. GoT is amazing too, can't wait for it to come back.

I just started Jessica Jones, and I'm really enjoying it so far.

Unpopular opinion: The Affair this season is starting to bore me.

[scm1011]

Dec 11, 2015 9:10:34 GMT -5 vtdiamond said:

I really want to watch the Americans. Anyone know where I can get it streaming?

Amazon Prime

[scm1011]

Dec 11, 2015 9:10:52 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

I was never really able to get into Kimmy Schmidt even though I normally love that kind of humor. Maybe I'll give it another try again.

Same. I feel broken that I don't love it like everyone else.

[hilwithonelary]

Of these, the only ones we've seen are Game of Thrones and Better Call Saul. I'd like to see The Americans and Homeland, but we just haven't gotten around to it.

Another great show not on this list is Turn: Washington's Spies (AMC). We stumbled across season 1 on Netflix just in time to catch season 2 on TV. We hadn't been sucked into a show so quickly since Breaking Bad.

[noodleskooze]

Jessica Jones is fantastic, too.

DH and I have started The Americans several times but can't quite get into it.

[HoneySpider]

I love The Americans, might be my favorite show on right now. Can't wait for it to start up again.

[simpsongal]

I watched Master of None over a weekend - so good! Love Game of Thrones, Fargo is even better than last season. Show me a Hero was very good, well done. Catastrophe should have made the list, maybe b/c it was only 6 episodes?

I haven't seen the Affair or the Americans....need to get around to it.

[pugz]

Man in the High Castle

[Queen Mamadala]

Pleasantly surprised by the success of UnReal.

My top:

GoT
Better Call Saul
UnReal
Daredevil
Jessica Jones
The Strain

Still need to watch Man in the High Castle and Fargo.

[5kcandlesinthewind]

I love UnReal. I watched it at first thinking it was going to be terrible, but I got sucked in. I thought Shiri Appleby and Constance Zimmer were amazing. Catastrophe is also great; I'm glad it got a mention, and I can't wait for season 2. I haven't watched season 2 of Fargo or The Affair. I thought the first season of Fargo was the best thing I saw all year (though I binge watched it on maternity leave over the summer, so it may have actually aired last year), so I am really looking forward to this season. And I thought The Affair was good and all, but there's no way I could watch it a week at a time, because it just felt like it moved sooooo slowly. I also thought Wolf Hall was just ok. I actually dozed off during every episode, and it was only the Go Fug Yourself recaps that helped me piece it all together. And I had read the books. Still haven't watched Master of None or Show Me a Hero, but I want to watch both of them soon.

Not on the list but should be: You're The Worst and Man Seeking Woman. The episode of MSW from the first season that was from his sister's point of view was hilarious and heartbreaking and fucking spot on. But I don't think enough people outside of me and my husband actually watch them for them to even be noticed, ha.

[jessnpaul]

I loved UnReal and we are watching Supergirl. I like it but don't think it's so amazing to be considered one of the best shows of the year!

Then again, I watch a lot of bad tv (Teen Mom, anyone?!) so I have zero right to judge ;-)

[jeaniebueller]

Dec 11, 2015 11:02:07 GMT -5 @mrswindycity said:

Is Fargo on demand? We looked a while back and it wasn't but I haven't checked again since.

We've seen Master of None, but that's all from that list! We live a sad life of no premium channels.

Fargo has been really weird about on demand. The newest ep will be available for like a week and then gone.

[whiskeyandwine]

Dec 11, 2015 9:14:50 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Dec 11, 2015 9:10:34 GMT -5 vtdiamond said:

I really want to watch the Americans. Anyone know where I can get it streaming?

Amazon Prime

I'm so happy about this! 

I'm going to ask my H if he wants to make this our new show to watch together. 

[scm1011]

Dec 11, 2015 20:11:17 GMT -5 whiskeyandwine said:

Dec 11, 2015 9:14:50 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Amazon Prime

I'm so happy about this! 

I'm going to ask my H if he wants to make this our new show to watch together. 

Do it! It just keeps getting better and better.

[whiskeyandwine]

Dec 11, 2015 20:18:31 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Dec 11, 2015 20:11:17 GMT -5 whiskeyandwine said:

I'm so happy about this! 

I'm going to ask my H if he wants to make this our new show to watch together. 

Do it! It just keeps getting better and better.

We watched the first season and loved it, but somehow just lost track of it. Now I'm excited to start it over!

[imojoebunny]

Where is Blackish? It is the reason I fold laundry every week. Hilarious. I wish it was longer, because I have to move on to other, lesser shows.

[mcfelix]

I like the Affair - the current season I like better than the first. Very dark and interesting how the main character is such an asshole.

We've watched 4 episodes of Master of None. Good but I wouldn't have out it in the top 10.

Catastrophe is absolutely hilarious. Can't wait for the next season.

I really liked Transparent. Will start the second season soon.

Bloodline was okay. I felt like it moved very slowly.

Never heard of Unreal and doesn't sound appealing. Never heard of Show Me a Hero but I absolutely want to watch it.

[swank]

Umm...one word. Narcos.

[jorja]

I can't wait to catch up on The Affair. I watched the first season last year while I was on maternity leave. I'm excited for Maura Tierney to have a bigger role...I've loved her since ER:

I was surprised by how well I liked GoT diversion from the books. I think it's been well done and has made it more exciting to watch the show for me.

hilwithonelary I also love Turn!

[lilles]

Narcos and Mozart in the Jungle

[meowmaps]

I love Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. I was hoping to see it on that list. I think it's so funny and unique. It's a good time.

I started this season of Fargo and I thought it was excellent but I had to give up. The episodes kept piling up on the DVR and then it became too daunting because each one is like a full-length movie. I just don't have the patience/attention-span for that kind of program. I really gravitate toward the lighter stuff.

[Deleted]

I am watching ABC'ABC'S "Quantico ". I think it's interesting, and has some opportunities to grow up....but I am liking it for now.

Love, love "The Americans."