The summer is here and with it the annual “Ketchup” list. With network schedules winding down the summer offers the breathing room I need to binge on TV that I missed the boat on. But I need your help! Already many of you have helped by offering great nominations, many of which are on the list below. Because of your nominations my list is bigger than ever with 15 shows making the prospective combatants, but only you can help decide which two will ultimately be my summer binges. Last year you elected “Game of Thrones” and “Mad Men” and the year before that it was “Dexter” and “Downton Abbey”. Whichever ones you choose I will try my best to plow through in the next couple months and give some feedback on by the end of the summer!
Without further ado here are the 15 shows I’ve missed that I might want to “Ketchup” on, vote in the poll below which ones you think are worth my time!
Vote now for as many as you like!! And scroll past the poll for more thoughts from me on the choices!
Archer (5 Seasons, 62 Episodes) (2009 – ?)
Picked up quite a few votes last year and came in third to Game of Thrones and MadMen. People keep telling me it’s the funniest animated show on TV. I guess I’ll find out if it gets enough votes.
Broadchurch (1 Season, 8 Episodes) (2013 -?)
I’ll be honest. I’m going to watch this no matter what the results of the voting. I mean come on murder mystery… with David Tennant… only 8 episodes… AND there is an American version called “Gracepoint” starting in the fall ALSO starring David Tennant? No brainer.
Curb Your Enthusiasm (8 seasons, 80 episodes) (2000 – 2011)
Larry David’s post Seinfeld endeavor is often seen by some as even a step beyond Jerry’s show. One of the few completed shows on the list, I have a feeling this one might just get left unseen by the time it drops off the list next year.
Episodes (3 Seasons, 25 Episodes) (2011 – ?)
Matt Leblanc is a funny dude. I mean, to be honest, I’m much more of a Chandler guy than a Joey guy, but I’m also a sucker for any show where actors play themselves.
Friday Night Lights (5 seasons, 76 episodes) (2006 – 2010)
Sports, faith, family, how was I not all over this one? I think I had issues with the movie that preceded it. Whatever the case I’ve heard nothing but amazing things. With one more year left on the list, it’s now or never.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (9 Seasons, 103 Episodes) (2005 – ?)
There are two ways to fall off the list of “Ketchup” possibilities; either be off the air for 5 years or cross 100 episodes unseen. I just can’t invest that kind of time. I’ll give “It’s Always Sunny…” 3 grace episodes, but this is it. Despite how funny and surreal I’ve heard it is, if it doesn’t get voted through this year, it’s out.
Justified (5 Seasons, 65 Episodes) (2010 – ?)
I keep seeing it on people’s lift of favorites but I really don’t know much about it. I think I saw a picture of a guy with a cowboy hat, does that mean it’s a Western?
Luther (3 Seasons, 14 Episodes) (2010 – ?)
Idris Elba. BBC. Critically Acclaimed? Nuff said.
Orphan Black (2 Seasons, 19 Episodes*) (2013 – ?)
Possibly the highest concept show on the list, the lead character discovers they are a clone and the actress then has the privilege of pulling a multiple Patty Duke and playing many different versions of herself. Plus I love that the idea reminds me of “Dollhouse”. The * is because it is currently in season.
Parenthood (5 Seasons, 90 Episodes) (2010 – ?)
Another show probably with it’s last shot on the list as it will likely have passed the 100 episode mark by next year. Also one of the most mentioned show when I asked for nominations on Facebook. I’ve heard it’s a pretty straightforward family drama with solid character work.
Portlandia (4 Seasons, 38 Episodes) (2011 – ?)
A comedy sketch show staring Fred Armisen sounds like a good investment to me. Plus I’ve heard it’s a pretty creative take on the genre.
Scandal (3 Seasons, 47 Episodes) (2012 – ?)
More of a soap opera than a true drama from what I hear, and not only that, but my understanding is it pushes the line of reality and ridiculousness. But if you want me to watch it, I’ll give it a shot.
Silicon Valley (1 Season, 8 Episodes) (2014 – ?)
I hear that this comedy is genuinely funny and interesting and that the cast is really solid. It also just debuted in April, making it the youngest show on the list.
Turn (1 Season, 10 Episodes*) (2014)
Well tied for the youngest at least. Turn debuted in April as well and was one of the top mentions in the nominations. I’ll take a look even if I’m not a huge fan of the American Revolution (as a genre… the actual event I’m kinda glad for.)
Veep (3 Seasons, 28 Episodes) (2012 – ?)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is the Vice President and she’s funny. At least that’s what I’ve heard. Not that it’s a surprise that the VP would get laughed at, just possibly that it would be intentional.