My Favorite TV Shows, Revisited

So, yes, I realize that “Captivated Reading” is, indeed, a blog for–and about–books. And, I also realize that TV and books are pretty different forms of entertainment. But, seeing as how this is the 21st century, and I’m pretty sure most of my fellow book-lovers are also TV-lovers, I figured I couldn’t go wrong with a post dedicated to all things television.

So, without further ado, here is my (revisited and updated) comprehensive list of (what I consider) the best EVER television–complete with an assortment of animated gifs!!

 

10. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Last Time: 10)

Sarah Michelle Gellar takes on the role of Buffy Summers in this TV version of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” based on the film of the same title, which starred Kristy Swanson. Buffy is a Slayer, one in a long line of young women chosen for a specific mission: to seek out and destroy vampires, demons and other forces of darkness. Unlike her predecessors, Buffy establishes a group of supportive friends who aids her in her battles with evil, including Willow, Xander and Cordelia. Her battles with evil are frequent, since Sunnydale, where Buffy and friends live, sits atop a gateway to the realm of the demons.

 

Ohhhh, Buffy, how I do love you!

So, I’m going to be completely honest. This show could’ve had the worst writing and plot lines in the world and it would’ve still gone on my list.
A lot of my love for this show stems from the fact that it’s nostalgic for me. I started watching this show when I was fourteen years old. Because it was, essentially, my first TV love it could be garbage and I wouldn’t know any better.

As luck would have it, however, “Buffy” is not garbage and has not only wormed its way into my heart, but the heart of critics and brainiacs all over. Thanks to Joss Whedon’s superb writing skills, “Buffy” will always be considered a cult classic that pleases all ages.

Angel + Buffy 4eva!!!

Oh, the angst!

 

 

9. Homeland (Last Time:8)

When Marine Sgt. Nicholas Brody returns home following eight years in captivity, CIA agent Carrie Mathison thinks he has turned and is connected to a terror plot to be carried out on American soil, and she engages him in a dangerous game of cat and mouse that puts America’s national security at risk. Later on, Carrie gets a promotion and returns to the front lines overseas. She is assigned to one of the CIA’s most volatile and dangerous stations in the Middle East, where she is in the heart of battle in the war on terror. Years later, after being disillusioned and placing herself in a self-imposed exile in Berlin, Carrie becomes estranged from the CIA.

So, I’m really not big into political dramas. I mean, my hubby just loved the first few seasons of  “House of Cards”, and while I can respect the acting chops of Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, I just can’t really relate to the characters. And, for my relating to the characters is a big deal.

Which is why I can get past the “politicalness” of “Homeland”.

Claire Danes portrays the affectingly flawed Carrie Mathison who struggles with being bipolar while trying to maintain her significant career with the CIA. Throw in some is-he-evil-or-isn’t-he drama, all tied up in a big suspenseful bow and “Homeland” is the political drama that can keep even my mercurial attention.

Plus, there’s this:

Oh, Quinn..

 

8. I Love Lucy (Last Time:7)

Lucy Ricardo is the wacky wife of Cuban bandleader Ricky Ricardo. Living in New York, Ricky tries to succeed in show business while Lucy — always trying to help — usually manages to get in some kind of trouble that drives Ricky crazy. Their best friends are Fred and Ethel Mertz, who are also their landlords. Usually, Ethel becomes Lucy’s less-than-willing partner in crime. Ricky and Lucy welcomed little Ricky in 1953, whose birth was a national TV event. Later in the show’s run, the Ricardos (and the Mertzes) moved to Hollywood, where Ricky tried to become a movie star.

I’ll just leave these right here:

If you haven’t seen this show, I don’t think I can help you.

 

4. The Office (Last Time:6)

This U.S. adaptation — set at a paper company in Scranton, Pa. — has a similar documentary style to that of the Ricky Gervais-led British original. It features the Dunder-Mifflin staff, which includes characters based on roles in the British show — and, quite possibly, people with whom you work in your office. There’s Jim, the likable employee who’s a bit of an every man. Jim has a thing for receptionist-turned-sales-rep Pam — because office romances are always a good idea! There’s also Dwight, the co-worker who is successful but devoid of social skills and common sense.

You guys!! This show! Look, I actually don’t normally drift towards comedies. Maybe that says something about me; I take life too seriously, I hate to laugh, who knows… But, every once in awhile I’ll find one that I can’t not watch. “The Office” hits every mark with witty banter, office pranks, and even some sincere emotional moments that only a show about a group of close friends can bring.

This show has just moved up in my estimations. This is one that I rewatch CONSTANTLY.

 

3. Friends (Last Time:4)

Three young men and three young women – of the BFF kind – live in the same apartment complex and face life and love in New York. They’re not above sticking their noses into one another’s businesses and swapping romantic partners, which always leads to the kind of hilarity average people will never experience – especially during breakups.

I’m assuming that if you’re reading this, then that means you don’t live under a rock or in a country where they ban awesome things like American TV shows. And if that’s the case, then I’m not going to expand much on my love of Friends, because I’m sure you’ve heard of it before.

Now let’s “pi-vot!” 😂

 

 

 

2.(Tied) A Discovery of Witches (New on the List)

Primarily taking place at Oxford University, the story centers around a witch named Diana Bishop who has rejected her heritage and magic due to her parent’s deaths early in her life. While preparing a speech in the library, Diana discovers a book of magic called Ashmole 782.

I get all fan-girly and twelve when I think about this show and the book series. This is and next pick are actually a tie for first. If you haven’t read my reviews on the books–let alone the books themselves–get to it!! Now! I’ll wait…

Deborah Harkness, I’m convinced is one of the smartest ladies on the planet. She writes fiction and colors it with both history and science. I just can’t with this franchise.

The show is done BEAUTIFULLY. The cinematography just pulled me in from the first frame. And it follows the books as accurately as a show could. Not to mention I love the actors that they got to portray all the characters.

Season 2 comes out later this year!

 

 

 

1.(Tied) New Girl (New on the List)

After a bad break-up, Jess, an offbeat young woman, moves into an apartment loft with three single men. … Jess, a bubbly, off-beat teacher, who is known to burst into song, catches her boyfriend with another woman. Newly homeless, she moves into a loft with three single guys she’s never met before.

This is one of those shows that I didn’t give a really good chance when it was in its prime because I was just watching so much TV, that there was just no time!

Now, I probably watch this show more than anything else. It’s kind of embarrassing that when I’m watching it alone, I start cracking up… It’s ridiculous how funny this show is. I never thought another show would make me laugh like The Office, and then this show happened.

 

Let me know if you’ve seen any of these! What do you think? What are some of your favorites?!

 

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