Each season, we’re exposed to new television series from each of the cable networks. Some new shows are hit or miss, but occasionally we’ll find a diamond in the rough. The longevity of shows are typically determined by viewership, rather than awards or positive or negative feedback from critics. Networks are typically quick to pull the trigger on new series that are slow starters. Below is my completely subjective list of 5 shows that have either deserved to last longer or have failed to garner the attention and respect it deserves.
5. Friday Night Lights – Oct 6, 2006 to Present
Concept: The show focuses on the town of Dillon, Texas. In Texas, football is everything and the show explores the significance placed on the high school football team, The Dillon Panthers and how it affects the town of Dillon. The star of the show is Kyle Chandler, the head coach, but many other football players and their family are well developed.
Awards: 19 total awards for it’s 3 seasons, including 4 Emmy Awards.
Links to Watch: Hulu | TVShack | Fancast
4. Dog Bites Man – Summer of 2006 to 2007
Concept: This comedy sitcom was partially improvised and aired on Comedy Central. It was a parody of local news coverage that followed the adventures and misadventures of a struggling news team in Spokane, Washington. The show could be considered a mockumentary as it incorporated both scenes from the cast and improvised with non-actors who believed they were an actual news crew. The show to me is most similar to The Office and Parks and Recreation. Unfortunately it lasted just one season.
Awards: None
Links to Watch: Comedy Central | iTunes
3. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia - Aug 4, 2005 to Present
Concept: This FX sitcom is a comedy that focuses around 5 main characters, Charlie, Mac, Dee, Dennis and Frank, who own a bar in Philly named Paddy’s. The characters are often times referred to as “the Gang.” Each of the characters can be best described as dishonest, egotistical and antagonistic. They lie and cheat to win and avoid confrontation. This show is not for those who are easily offended, but it’s easily one of the funniest shows and quite unique.
Awards: None
Links to Watch: TVShack | Hulu | Ninja Video
(NSFW: Language)
2. Arrested Development – 2003 to 2006
Concept: The show is a comedy sitcom produced by Ron Howard. It’s centered around a formerly wealthy, but dis-functional family, the Bluths. What makes the show unique is that it’s shot using a hand-held camera, narration and historical footage. It’s set in California and notable cast, which includes Jason Bateman and Michael Cera. Great news for AD fans. A movie is in the works!
Awards: Countless awards, including 6 Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe and a place on Time News Magazine’s Top 100 Shows of All-Time.
Links to Watch: Hulu | TVShack | Project Free TV
1. The Wire - Jun 2002 to Mar 2008.
Concept: This series is a drama set in Baltimore, Maryland. It aired on HBO and explored different facets of the city of Baltimore in each of it’s 5 seasons. It explored a realistic take on the drug trade, the port, city government and bureaucracy, school system and print news media. The cast is large, but each are character actors. The star of the show is the city of Baltimore. What makes The Wire unique is how it displays institutions and it’s effect on individuals. It shows that each individual is flawed in their own way, whether they are cops, drug dealers, or politicians.
Awards: 12 total awards and 2 Emmy Nominations. The Wire has topped several critics polls.
Links to Watch: TVShack | Project Free TV | SurftheChannel
(NSFW – Language)
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I love It's Always Sunny in Philly and Arrested Development. Both fulfill my need for crude humor. Rumor is they're making an Arrested Development movie.
I'm also a big fan of "Arrested". Talk about a comedy that really made you think (to figure out everything that was going on and how it all tied together). There is serious talk of a movie being made with most all the original characters returning. Twould be sweet.
This is the first time my computer has allowed me to make a comment on your site. Looking forward to making many more!!
Good to hear from you Tom. Arrested is also my number 2 show of all-time. I love Buster and Gob, probably the most. I can't wait for the movie! I hope it brings the show back, although I think Michael Cera would probably never come back since he's tasted the most success.
Sorry for not commenting on your blog in awhile. Been tied up with house hunting and now moving. I'll hopefully be back in the swing of things in about 3 weeks or so.
Crikey! I see you mentioned the potential "Arrested" movie in your initial post. Sorry about the duplication, B-man.
[...] Bring on the comments 14.04.2009 | Posted in Computer World Apr145 Of The Most Underrated TV Shows Posted on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 in entertainment, movies, television, tv shows, videosEach season, we’re exposed to new television series from each of the cable networks. Some new shows are hit or miss, but occasionally we’ll find a diamond in the rough. The longevity of shows are typically determined by viewership, rather than awards or positive or negative feedback from critics. Networks are typically quick to pull the trigger on new serie Continue reading here: Bring on the comments [...]
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The Wire is the greatest show ever made. It's realistic portrayal of the American city and how this show can actually twist your emotions makes it incredible. People are going to be watching this show in 20 years as a novel and a document of what the world was like. Its lack of big name actors (who are so naturally gifted that they don't even appear to be acting) and HBO's failure to promote the show made it the most underrated show on television
Hi Sean, I completely agree with you. There has been no other show
like The Wire. I Aldo enjoyed David Simon's The Corner. I'm building a
site to find all episodes to watch online if you are interested. When
I'm done it will also be a bit of a dedication site too.
Watchthewirefree.blogspot.com
thanks for your comment.