Now that 2014 has come and gone, it’s time to look back on a
great year of TV. It was very hard narrowing
it down, but here are my choices for the 10 best shows of 2014.
10. The Blacklist (NBC) –
As the only network show on my list, the Blacklist almost feels out of
place on NBC. While watching it, I
almost feel like it should be on AMC or FX.
It has that cable feel to it.
That’s a compliment, in case you were wondering. James Spader’s performance continues to make
this show worth watching.
9. Boardwalk Empire (HBO) – Boardwalk Empire ended its 5
season run in 2014. The final season was
a great end to a great series. Flashing
back and showing us how Nucky became the man he was, bringing the show full
circle and ending all of the storylines in a very satisfying way. Steve Buscemi was outstanding as always.
8. The Knick (Cinemax) – I will freely admit, it took me a
few episodes to really appreciate and enjoy this show. The Knick made Cinemax a real player in the
original series landscape. From Director
Steven Soderbergh and starring Clive Owen, this series about a NYC hospital in
the early 1900’s was emotionally compelling and extremely well written. Owen was brilliant as the drug addicted chief
surgeon, and Andre Holland was terrific as the black doctor he begrudgingly
accepted as a colleague.
7. The Walking Dead (AMC) – The Walking Dead continues to
amaze. While the show garners massive
ratings, it is still highly underappreciated by critics and the awards circuit.
Now in its 5th season, it
keeps us caring about its band of survivors.
Week after week it keeps us coming back and shows no signs of slowing
down.
6. Homeland (SHO) – After a less than stellar 3rd
season, Homeland came roaring back this year with one of its best seasons
yet. Mandy Patinkin’s powerhouse
performance this season had us riveted to our TV’s. While the season finale left a lot to be
desired, it didn’t diminish what a great season Homeland had.
5. Game of Thrones (HBO) – Season 4 of HBO’s epic series was
perhaps its best. The show continued
with its sprawling scenery and shocking moments. The death of King Joffrey and the subsequent
trial of Tyrian highlighted a season full of those moments. Masterful storytelling.
4. Mad Men (AMC) – AMC’s landmark series is still great
after all these years. One of the
greatest drama series of all time has one season left to go, and it will be
sorely missed. While I was annoyed at
AMC’s decision to split the final year into 2 seasons, I couldn’t stay mad for
very long, Mad Men is just too good. Jon
Hamm as Don Draper is as good of an acting performance as anything on TV, now
or ever.
3. Orange Is The New Black (Netflix) – After an absolutely amazing first season, we
wondered how Orange is the New Black could top itself. Well, we’re not quite sure that it did, but
it came awfully close. The shows 2nd
season raised the bar on storytelling.
Intricately weaving the lives and back stories of each prisoner into the
current storylines, and doing so with humanity and a nice dose of humor as
well. Not to mention one of the
strongest and most diverse casts on TV today.
2. Fargo (FX) – Based on the film of the same name, and
highlighted by the performances of Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, and
Alison Tolman, this 10 part anthology series Fargo quickly became an
unexpectedly gripping crime story. When
I first heard of a series based on the 1996 film, I thought it would be a
mistake. But the show was so good, you
forget that it was even based on a movie.
Just Missing My List: House of Cards, Ray Donovan, 24: Live
Another Day, True Detective, Veep, Sirens, The Strain, Bates Motel.
What do you think? Did I miss your favorite show? Hit me up in the comments and let me know, or leave a comment on my facebook page. Thanks for reading!