Every year I select the 10 shows that I haven’t seen an episode of that many others are buzzing about. This is my summer “Ketchup List”. I then allow you to vote for the two you think I most need to catch up on. Last year you selected Downton Abbey and Dexter (how’s that for a pairing? Maybe they could do a cross over episode.) and I spent the summer of 2012 immersed in old English aristocracy and new world serial killers. I’m also sad to say that after reaching the ketchup statute of limitations (five years off the air) “The Sopranos” will remain a gap in my TV repertoire and has been removed from the list. That leaves three open slots that I have combined with the seven hold overs for this year’s choices. Read further thoughts on them below and then vote on which of the 10 you think I should catch up on this summer. I’ll try and binge on the top two vote getters the next couple months and then regurgitate my thoughts by the end of August!
In alphabetic order:
Archer (4 seasons, 49 episodes) (2010 – ?)
One of the rookies on the list, widely considered the best animated show on TV, and referred to by a friend of mine as the “show that will make milk come out of your nose”, whatever that means. It’s definitely got my interest piqued and I could use another laugh out loud show on my list.
Curb your Enthusiasm (8 seasons, 80 episodes) (2000 – 2011)
I keep hearing how Larry David is a genius and one of the key reasons behind why Seinfeld was such a huge success. I’ve also heard that some of the comedic payoffs in this show are transcendent. The problem is (begin ruining of comic credibility) Seinfeld was never my favorite. I didn’t hate it, I just didn’t see it the way everybody (and I mean everybody) else did.
Friday Night Lights (5 seasons, 76 episodes) (2006 – 2010)
One of three shows on the list that are finished. I missed this one simply because it never picked up enough steam to interest me. I’ve heard it’s a story filled with authentic and beautiful characters, and some great core values as well.
Game of Thrones (3 seasons, 30 episodes) (2011 – ?)
Another recent offering from HBO, all I know about this show is that it’s based on a book series and that anything can happen, with a significant emphasis on the word anything. My friends who love this one talk about how it’s changing the face of storytelling.
Happy Endings (3 seasons, 57 episodes) (2011 – 2013)
This one just completely slid under my radar, but I’ve heard from 3 different sources that it may just have been the funniest thing on TV last year. I highly doubt that considering how consistently New Girl is hitting it out of the park, but if you like I’ll give it a shot, even if it has been cancelled because no one else is watching it.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (8 seasons, 94 episodes) (2005 – ?)
This one just seemed a little abstract for me, but I’ve had friends tell me that the surreal humor is some of the most satisfying they’ve seen. At almost 100 episodes it would also be the largest binge watching task I’ve ever taken on.
Justified (4 seasons, 52 episodes) (2010 – ?)
I know the least about this show as any of them. It’s apparently dramatically intense and engaging. I just figured it was another crime procedural and I honestly could do without every watching one of those again in my life. Yet some of my friends compare it to Breaking Bad. Really?
Mad Men (6 seasons, 78 episodes) (2007 – ?)
Easily the most critically acclaimed of the shows on my list this year. Critics have squawking about how good it is for years now. I do like John Hamm, but I just never could bring myself to invest in the show. This might be my summer of Mad Men, but it’s up to you.
Suits ( 2 seasons, 28 episodes) (2012 – ?)
I can’t believe a show airing on USA is making it’s debut on this list, but I’ve been told by more than one trusted source that this show is actually funny and genuinely compelling to watch. I guess it is the network that gave us Monk so maybe lightning can strike twice.
Veep (2 seasons, 18 episodes) (2012 – ?)
The final newbie on the list is on for what I hear is an incredible performance by Julia Louis Dreyfus and some genuinely funny political satire. This one completely escaped my radar, but I’ve been hearing a lot of good things. What do you think?
VOTE NOW IN THE POLL TO THE RIGHT OR AT THE YOUR MOVIE FRIEND FACEBOOK PAGE!