With more networks shoveling out new dramas, comedy, and reality shows than ever, it is nearly impossible for anyone to keep up with all of the best programming. In addition to the hundreds of channels of televised programming, we are now able to choose between series on additional platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, just to name a few.
Whether or not you watch the most popular dramas, such as Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead or Empire, or buzz-worthy comedies, such as The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, or New Girl, it is impossible to deny that they are powerhouse shows that are impossible to get away from.
But what about the shows that are not at the top of the Nielsen ratings each week? Does that mean they are not as good, or simply that they are not being talked about as much, because people have not given them a chance?
Below are the 5 shows that you are probably not watching, but absolutely need to be.
5. Game of Silence, NBC (7 out of 10 season 1 episodes have aired.)
The fact that NBC decided not to renew the series for a second season, does not mean that Game of Silence is not worth spending the time on. In fact, the story may actually be better condensed into one, 10 episode series.
Silence is a drama based on the Turkish series Suskunlar, which tells the true story of four teenage boys whose foolish childhood mistake sends them to prison for 9 months. Once there, they encounter horrific acts performed by the inmates, as well as the guards and warden.
Years later, the childhood best friends are reunited when tragedy strikes one of the men. From then on, every episode reveals another secret that one of the group has been hiding, and a series of twists and turns will keep you captivated, and get your brain spinning in circles wondering what will happen next.
As the weeks go by, the actors are getting more comfortable with their characters, and in turn, give better performances (the younger version of the main character, Jackson, played by Curran Walters is the best acting in my opinion. It’s a shame we do not get to see more of him.) The storyline is unique and unlike anything else on TV. And now that NBC has announced there will not be a second season, the 10 episode series is a great way to spend a rainy weekend, or binge watch a few episodes a night, and you will see how the story unfolds in just a week’s time.
Game of Silence airs Thursday nights on NBC.
4. Animal Kingdom, TNT (episode 1 is available online. The series is set to premiere on June 14, 2016)
If you are envisioning a Disney theme park, or a live stream of cute monkeys swinging from jungle vine to jungle vine, then promptly eliminate those pleasant images from your brain before preparing to watch the new TNT drama, Animal Kingdom.
Based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name, by David Michôd, Animal Kingdom centers around a 17 year old boy that is forced to move in with his criminal family clan, after the death of his mother.
The premiere episode introduces us to Josh “J” Cody, and follows his journey as he re-introduces himself to his family that he has been cut off from for roughly 10 years. He quickly builds unique relationships with his grandmother (who is unlike any grandmother you have ever met), and his four uncles, who all have chosen to live a life of crime.
The pilot starts slow, but finishes strong, and sets the stage for a family-oriented criminal thriller, that, if done properly, could potentially fill your “Sons of Anarchy” void that has been tearing apart your heart and soul for nearly two years.
3. Veep, HBO (Currently airing Season 5)
Sure, Veep has won plenty of awards, including Emmy’s for Best Comedy Series, Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Louis-Dreyfus), and Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Hale), but it still does not have the water cooler factor that it deserves.
Do to the outstanding writing, and acting by the ENTIRE cast, you can start watching Veep in any season, and at any episode, and you will quickly catch on to who these characters are, and how brilliant this show is.
Not only is it the funniest show on television today, but I strongly believe it is one of the funniest shows in television history. It takes every boundary that you think you know about television comedy, and pushes it right the hell off the cliff.
The May 15th episode, titled “Mother”, is so bold and daring that as you are laughing your ass off, your jaw is on the floor because you can’t believe how wildly inappropriate the jokes are. If you are offended easily, say, by Stephen Hawking jokes, or Anne Frank references, or jokes about pulling the plug on your dying mother, then Veep is not for you. But, if you can appreciate the humor, and can take a joke, Veep will instantly become your new favorite television comedy.
Veep airs on Sunday nights at 10:30pm on HBO
2. Preacher, AMC (Episode 1 premiered Sunday. Season 1 will consist of 10 episodes.)
Preacher is AMC’s answer to not being able to have 52 Walking Dead or Walking Dead spin-off episodes, per year. Co-Created by Seth Rogan and based on the comic book of the same name, Preacher is a drama, it is a comedy, and it is a thriller, all rolled into one fascinating series.
Sure, there has only been one episode, but with so many unique characters, amazing acting, and casting perfection, Preacher could be exactly what AMC needs to solidify themselves as one of the best networks for original series on television.
First 4 minutes of Preacher…
1. The Night Manager, AMC (6 part mini-series, final episode airs tonight at 9pm)
Rather than thinking of The Night Manager as a television series, think of it as a 6 part James Bond movie that has 6 climaxes rather than 1.
The Night Manager is a British-American series based on the John le Carré novel of the same name. It tells the story of Jonathan Pine, played by Tom Hiddleston, former British Soldier, turned hotel night manager. After getting recruited by an intelligence operative, Pine must infiltrate the operations of one of the “worst men in the world”, Richard Roper, played by Hugh Laurie.
The acting is flawless. Jonathan Pine, (Hiddleston) is one of the most intriguing television characters in recent memory, and Hiddleston delivers his performance so perfectly, that it is nearly impossible to imagine anyone else playing this character. Laurie’s character Roper, is one of the most lovable villains that has ever been on TV. It is difficult to determine whether or not the fact that Roper is such a villain, yet you actually want to be best friends with him, and part of his crew, is a testament to the exceptional writing, the phenomenal acting by Laurie. Or both.
The only awful thing about The Night Manager is the fact that it is only 6 episodes, the last of which airs tonight on AMC. Do yourself a favor, and treat yourself to six hours of this masterpiece.