Do you think picking the best TV series of the 2010s was easy? Think again…
From Netflix to Hulu to HBO and even Apple TV, there are hundreds of new TV series airing on a regular basis. Not to forget the shows that traditional broadcast networks are producing as well. There’s so much content out there and it can be overwhelming, I know because it takes me a while to find a new series to start…determining where it’s available, how long the episodes are, how many seasons are there…is it over, just started…do new episodes come out weekly or can I binge them all back-to-back, the list goes on and on. While many would say I watch too much TV (and I know I do) I can’t say that I’ve seen the big name shows like Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad or Stranger Things so unfortunately those won’t be on this list.
With that being said I wanted to compile a list of my recent favorite series, miniseries/limited series (starting post 2010). You can’t deny classics like The Sopranos or Seinfeld but here are my Top 10 Series of the 2010s:
10. Catastrophe (2015-2019)
I recently discovered this show and while I am not a “huge” fan of comedy, this one was very well done. I loved the fact that it was written and acted by Sharon Horgan & Rob Delaney, it just added to the show. You know it will be a laugh when the two unexpectedly become pregnant during a fling and the life that unfolds from that. While the last 2 seasons aren’t as great as the first two, it’s still a recommended watch.
Now Streaming: Amazon Prime
9. High Fidelity (2020)
Yet another “comedy” is on the list, but this is probably the last one in my top 10 with two others in my honorable mentions. Starring Zoe Kravitz, this series is based off the 1995 book and a remake of the 2000 movie starring John Cusack. While some might not like the attitudes or how the characters handle themselves in the series…it just shows how honest and real it is. Add in a GREAT soundtrack and it’s a solid, easy binge watch.
Now Streaming: Hulu
8. You (2018-Present)
This one…it’s a thrill ride! Every episode, in both seasons has you on the edge of your seat. Yes, it is a thriller/drama but there’s also some real issues portrayed in the series that are important in this day and age. I watched both season 1 in one full day and then when season 2 came out I watched that in one day. (so it’s an easy binge watch if you need one) The main character, Joe, played by Penn Badgley…grows on you slowly and probably more so in season 2 but really has an amazing duality as a character. Badgley also does an impressive job at acting as a love-struck stalker. Not to mention there are also some catchy tunes throughout the series as well.
Now Streaming: Netflix
7. Waco (2018)
When the show aired back in 2018, I really wanted to watch it but didn’t have the proper access to watch it on the network it aired on. So, when it came on Netflix last month (April 2020) I immediately jump on it and watched it all in one night. I absolutely love a historical drama and that is exactly what this is. I remember the events that unfolded on that day and the reminder we got 2 years later during the OKC Bombing. While the events might not be entirely accurate about what happened, the series is very well done. Another great performance by Taylor Kitsch & Michael Shannon. Highly recommend this!
Now Streaming: Netflix
6. Chernobyl (2019)
I watched this one live and each week was better than the last. As you know, I love a good historical drama (see above) and I’ve always had a fascination with the events of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986. So much so, I watched the horribly done 2012 horror film, Chernobyl Diaries. When I learned HBO was making a series based on (partly) accurate facts, I was beyond excited. One thing that really stood out for me was the score…this really kept me on the edge of my seat. The sounds actually came from noises you’d hear at an active nuclear plant, which just adds to the intensity and draws a lot of suspense. The story has a nice progression accompanied by outstanding performances by Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgard and Emily Watson.
Now Streaming: HBO
5. Homeland (2011-2020)
I just finished watching the entire series (I didn’t watch it during the air times) and while I got very annoyed with Carrie’s quivering lip/chin in EVERY SINGLE EPISODE, the story, the characters, the music and the acting was spectacular each and every episode. The portrayal of bipolar disorder in a character (not so often done on screen) also really sets the show apart. While some of the scenarios might not be entirely realistic, the 8-season show kept me hooked for all of them. Plus, the finale…left me feeling good about the entire series so on that note…this is highly ranked on my list.
Now Streaming: Showtime
4. Big Little Lies (2017-Present)
First, the fact this takes place in such a scenic area makes this 10x better than if it were to take place in like…NYC or something. Based off the best-seller by Liane Moriarty, Big Little Lies checks most of the boxes for me. Murder, mischief, rumors and romanticizing marriage, sex, friendships and parenting. What more could you want? I really enjoyed the first season, while the second was very well-done but I don’t think you could really beat the first. The progression and the way in which the story is told really left me wanting more and more each week. Not having read the book, it was a new experience each episode. The casting choices & the soundtrack will forever remain iconic. I mean picking Reese Witherspoon to play Madeline couldn’t have been more spot on. Highly recommend this one!
Now Streaming: HBO
3. Sharp Objects (2018)
Since this aired in 2018, I’ve re-watched it 3-4 times and I always find something that I missed the times before. For me, that makes this very highly ranked on my list plus like many other shows my list it is accompanied by a great soundtrack. Amy Adams was a well-thought-out pick for this role (it was actually her first major role on the small screen), and she does an incredible job portraying an alcoholic recently released from a psychiatric hospital after years of intense self-harming. The dynamics of the characters, the story, the twists and turns just make this a must watch for me. I would expect to see a review on this series coming soon!
Now Streaming: HBO
2. Peaky Blinders (2013-Present)
This one took me some time to start watching, I believe I started watching the series back in January of 2019 and timed it nicely to watch the 5th season in October of that year when it came to Netflix. Once I started watching though, I fell in love with it. The dynamics of the family relationship, the brutality and the fact it takes place in the UK really pulled me in. I’ve been a huge fan of Cillian Murphy so getting to watch him on the small screen has been great. The turmoil Thomas Shelby (Murphy) experiences really adds in a dramatic element from PTSD from the war to the loss of love really makes him an interesting character to follow. Seeing the varies power struggles between the characters is quite entertaining and leaves a bit of suspense at the end of each season. All around, I can’t wait for the remaining 2 seasons whenever they come out!
Now Streaming: Netflix
Honorable Mentions
Little Fires Everywhere (2020)
Divorce (2016-2019)
Friends From College (2017-2019)
Westworld (2016-Present)
The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-Present)
The big reason why Westworld and The Handmaid’s Tale aren’t higher on the list really has to do with the last season of each of the series. While I LOVED the shift from Westworld to the real world in Season 3, I felt they were trying a little too hard to be mainstream and blockbuster-y. Will I watch the next season? Yes absolutely but know I am not overly excited for it. The same goes for The Handmaid’s Tale, the first 2 seasons were incredible and I stayed up way too late each night it premiered to watch the episode. The third season just felt a little off to me, it’s been a while since I watched it but I know I will continue to watch the series till the end.
1. Normal People (2020)
If you’ve read my latest blog post, you know that this has become an instant classic for me. I’ve watched the series a few times (mainly for my blog but also because I discover new things every time) and this is truly a universal story that everyone can relate to. While some people didn’t experience a grand romance of epic proportions as your first love, you still remember it…the good and the bad. Everyone can relate to the emotions felt on screen. The acting, the story, character development, the soundtrack & the score make this worth the watch. Highly recommended!
Now Steaming: Hulu
The Fade Out: A Movie Blog 