07 February, 2011

American Television - Anything good on it?

So, I'm sure most people have noticed the massive decline in quality of American TV shows. It's mostly been over the last ten years, but I suppose it's easy to argue that there have been more bad TV shows than good in the history of TV.

Well, currently, I can only think of five shows (based on shows I've watched) that have been made over the last year or two that are worth watching.

The first show would be Burn Notice. I'm not even going to attempt to hide my fanboyness over this show. It's really the best thing on American TV right now - or any TV, for that matter.
The show tracks "ex" spy Michael Weston as he attempts to find out why he was fired, and who did it. Seriously, I find it difficult for anyone to watch just one episode of the show and not want more. It's really amazingly done.

Next show would be Psych. This show follows along a different path than Burn Notice. It's about a guy who's dad was a detective and trained him to be hype-perceptive. In the future, he uses his ability to notice things to pretend to be psychic and work with the police. He doesn't want to be a real detective, just do the detective work.

I really hate describing Psych, cause it's hard to summise it any better than that if you want someone to know what it's about. The best way to avoid that is to just have somone watch the show. It's witty, it's cute and most importantly, it's good.

Third would be Lie to Me. I went into this show expecting a half-assed detective show about human lie detectors, and came out with awesome smashed into my face. It's a well-paced, intriguing show that's actually original. The lead actor is who really brings the show together, though. Without him, the show would be horrid. He just really pulls it off.

Fourth is The Mentalist. Ironically, it's quite similar to Psych. Guy pretended to be a psychic, now does detective work. However, it's a bit darker than Psych is. What I love about it, though, is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. It's more of a drama than a comedy, but it's balanced in a fantastic way.

Fifth is a tie between House and 24. I know 24 is over, but it's probably been one of the best shows in the past decade, so I had to mention it. House is still running strong and fantastically. Won't waste time explaining these, since you should already know about them. If you don't, rectify this immediately.


Well, that's all everybody. Let me know some other shows you enjoy. Doesn't have to be American shows. Just don't list Doctor Who or Torchwood. Doctor Who has been sub-par since Tennant and Davies left, and Torchwood has always been sub-par.

14 comments:

  1. Wow, I watch none of those shows :s

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  2. I don't watch T.V. much so i wouldn't know.

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  3. I enjoy The Mentalist and House. I've never actually watched any of the others as they don't air on television here, except on satellite. I'm sure I would enjoy them, though! May have to check them out and get the seasons.

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  4. I dont really watch TV, but I love most of those shows, I also enjoy watching such as "Bones" and "Scrubs" they arent like great shows, but I have a nice time watching them

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  5. I only watched a couple of episodes of burn notice and I was hooked.....very enjoyable show

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  6. American television..when i hear that i think of HBO. And HBO means good stuff, right?

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  7. Lie to Me is great, and Tim Roth is one of the greatest actors alive. Check out The Legend of 1900

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  8. I agree with some, disagree with others. Some I haven't seen I'll have to look into them! :) Thanks

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  9. LOL U WATCH TV?
    I stream The Office and Family Guy when I'm bored.

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  10. I don't watch it on TV, I meant the ones that are on-air. lol

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  11. You got me. I seriously thought you ACTUALLY watch television.

    And yes there's a decline in quality of American TV. Look at Glee for example.

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  12. You put House and 24 last? Those are two at the top in my books

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  13. No worries, the list is in no particular order. 24 is my favourite show of all that I listed.

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  14. Granted, my wording did seem like it was in order.

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