I previously wrote about my favorite films of the last decade here. This inspired me to think about the shows I most enjoyed over the past ten years. As I previously noted, these are personal favorites, and I’m sure there are some great shows I never got around to watching. So if you don’t see your favorite show here, please take no offense.
Twin Peaks: The Return
Of course, this has to be on my list. As a Real Fan of the classic Frost/Lynch series, I eagerly anticipated The Return. While many fans criticized some of the creative decisions made in the series, I was all in and appreciated the subverted expectations. I will eagerly revisit this before I attend the 30th Anniversary Twin Peaks event this April.
Downton Abbey (Series 1-3)
Like much of the world, I was absolutely enraptured by the series when it debuted in the early part of the decade. I bailed when Anna was raped, as did many viewers, but I cannot dismiss the magic of the first three series.
Longmire
One of the hidden gems on TV and streaming the past decade, Longmire takes the traditional cop show premise and tweaked it magnificently. With great performances by all the principles, amazing writing and incredible cinematography, Longmire is a show that will be appreciated for years to come.
Luther
My wife’s incredibly attracted to Idris Elba, and after watching this show… I get it. A great anti-hero for the UK in this new century, Luther and Alice are the dysfunctional power couple of the decade.
Bob’s Burgers
SOOO quirky and funny. It’s one of the many dark cartoons we got this decade, but this one has a heart. H Jon Benjamin is the All Star of this show and also the star of another favorite (and “runner-up”) Archer.
The Great British Bake Off
Comfort food for the soul. Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood are a match made in baking heaven; A shame that they have gone their separate ways.
Mom
The little show that could. While everyone was watching The Big Bang Theory (Including yours truly), this witty and dark sitcom from Big Bang’s Chuck Lorre is a better show. Anna Ferris and Allison Janney are so good, in a show about addiction, recovery, and family. I (and many others) can relate.
Bojack Horseman
Speaking of addiction and recovery, I cannot put into words the impact some of these episodes had on my heart. So dark, so touching, so good. It’s one of the best written pieces of entertainment I’ve ever watched.
Fargo
I was cynical that a TV version of the Coen Brothers film would work. Then, that first episode began, the words This is a True Story appeared… And within moments I knew my doubts were unfounded. Billy Bob Thornton wrecked his car, a half-naked man ran out of the trunk, and all was right in the world of Fargo.
Better Call Saul
I would have put Breaking Bad on this list, but it technically began in the last decade. Which is fine… because Better Call Saul is in every ways its equal. Like with Fargo, I was doubtful about a prequel to the saga of Walter White… And SURPRISE! It’s amazing. I’ve ran out of superlatives at this point, so just watch it.
Runners-up:
- What we do in the Shadows
- Bosch (Seasons 1 and 2)
- Feud: Bette and Joan
- The Grand Tour
- Archer (Seasons 1-3)
- Westworld (Season 1)
- Doctor Who (Peter Capaldi, Series 9 and 10)
- Doctor Who (Matt Smith, Series 6 and 7 and 2013 Specials)
- Game of Thrones (Season 1-3)
- Broadchurch (Series 1)
- True Detective (Season 1)