I love to rank things and discuss favorites. I like learning about what other people like and why. I'm an opinionated person, and so I also enjoy debating with friends and family about our preferences and tastes. Some of my family absolutely hates this quality about me, but they tolerate it. My wife and I share similar tastes in film and television, though they're not identical. For example, my wife will enjoy putting on Angel or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, shows I enjoyed in my teenage years, but for some reason can't stand anymore. Some people think it's silly to rank things or list favorites, but I think it tells me something about another person to know what the value most in medium. A couple of disclaimers. First, I haven't seen every TV show ever made, especially stuff that aired in the 1980's or earlier. Second, I'm not including any shows that haven't finished (like Breaking Bad and Legend of Korra, which would almost certainly compete for a spot). So, without further ado, here's my list of Top Five Favorite TV shows and why:
1. The Wire - hands down, without question the greatest television show ever made. I think it's something people need to watch so they understand the problems our society faces with poverty cycles, bureaucracy, corruption, and education. Each season focuses on a different aspect of these. It will blow your mind. It's funny, sad, witty, wry, and just the best show ever made, no question, hands down. Please watch if you haven't seen it. My favorite character? Omar Little.
2. Avatar: The Last Airbender - beautiful animation, lovable characters, brilliant story arcs, excellent voice acting, and hilarity for kids and adults, this show is the epitome of striking that balance in writing and directing to make it a show for the entire family. I've watched this show all the way through twice, and absolutely adore it. Uncle Iro is probably my favorite character.
3. Seinfeld - The show about nothing. How can you not love Seinfeld? It's like a comedy sketch played out as a TV show. The jokes build on themselves. It has slapstick, situational comedy, irony, and wonderful characters. So many memorable moments and such rewatchability. Favorite chacter? Puddy.
4. LOST - The first show I ever watched that had me dying to watch the next episode. My LOST experience started when my wife and I borrowed the first season, and would stay up til all hours of the night thinking, "Just one more... just one more." I think we watched the whole season in 3 or 4 days. So many moments that touched me: Charlie's Greatest Hits, Not Penny's Boat!, "We have to go back!", the final episode, Sun and Jin, and of course, everything surrounding John Locke. Wow. My favorite character in this was definitely Jack.
5. MASH - Probably the first TV show that became a phenomenon. And for good reason. Funny, heart-breaking, poignant, and relevant. MASH did it all, blending comedy and current event commentary with genius rarely, if ever again, seen on television. It would be years before another show would reach such similar heights. How popular was this show? No other series finale even comes CLOSE to its viewership. 125 MILLION people tuned in. That's the kind of numbers only the Superbowl pulls in. Favorite character? Hawkeye.
What are YOUR favorites?
1. The Wire - hands down, without question the greatest television show ever made. I think it's something people need to watch so they understand the problems our society faces with poverty cycles, bureaucracy, corruption, and education. Each season focuses on a different aspect of these. It will blow your mind. It's funny, sad, witty, wry, and just the best show ever made, no question, hands down. Please watch if you haven't seen it. My favorite character? Omar Little.
2. Avatar: The Last Airbender - beautiful animation, lovable characters, brilliant story arcs, excellent voice acting, and hilarity for kids and adults, this show is the epitome of striking that balance in writing and directing to make it a show for the entire family. I've watched this show all the way through twice, and absolutely adore it. Uncle Iro is probably my favorite character.
3. Seinfeld - The show about nothing. How can you not love Seinfeld? It's like a comedy sketch played out as a TV show. The jokes build on themselves. It has slapstick, situational comedy, irony, and wonderful characters. So many memorable moments and such rewatchability. Favorite chacter? Puddy.
4. LOST - The first show I ever watched that had me dying to watch the next episode. My LOST experience started when my wife and I borrowed the first season, and would stay up til all hours of the night thinking, "Just one more... just one more." I think we watched the whole season in 3 or 4 days. So many moments that touched me: Charlie's Greatest Hits, Not Penny's Boat!, "We have to go back!", the final episode, Sun and Jin, and of course, everything surrounding John Locke. Wow. My favorite character in this was definitely Jack.
5. MASH - Probably the first TV show that became a phenomenon. And for good reason. Funny, heart-breaking, poignant, and relevant. MASH did it all, blending comedy and current event commentary with genius rarely, if ever again, seen on television. It would be years before another show would reach such similar heights. How popular was this show? No other series finale even comes CLOSE to its viewership. 125 MILLION people tuned in. That's the kind of numbers only the Superbowl pulls in. Favorite character? Hawkeye.
What are YOUR favorites?
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