Addictive TV show recommendations required

Donegal Dan

Im house bound with an injury for awhile and, although friend chats and books etc are good, Im finding that an engrossing TV show seems to be best at keeping me from going insane with boredom. Im looking for those TV shows where you need to watch "just one more episode" every time you watch the boxset.

Shows Ive loved and I have rewatched:

• The West Wing
• Breaking Bad
• Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
• Shark Tank
• Entourage

Shows that I have loved but I dont want to watch again:

• 24
• Dexter
• Lost (The best TV journey ever, all undone by a terrible finale)

I tried my best with The Wire but couldnt get past season one. The thoughts of having to watch it again to get to the apparently better (some would say best TV ever) seasons dont exactly fill me with warm fuzzy feelings


I tried one episode of The Sopranos and was similarly underwhelmed (though this show is definitely under serious consideration for a proper go).


So what shows would you recommend as the most addictive ever? If they are of a "feel good" nature in tone and theme it would be a bonus.


All suggestions very welcome!

_Whimsical_

If you like West Wing and Studio 60 you'll love Newsroom .Like the previous two you like it's written by Aaron Sorkin .It hits upon some interesting issues that are very topical just right now so this is a good point to be watching it back. Ultimately it's about genuinely good people working to do whats good and what is right in the arena of tv news. It's very intelligent too. It does have a 3 or 4 show acclimatization curve though, I hated the first few episodes then from 5 or 6 on I loved it. It's one of my all time favourites now.

Following on a political theme there's Borgen. It's a Danish drama, it's subtitled and it is absolutely fantastic. There's threads here if you want to search,it has loads of fans. It's one of the best things thats been on tv. Id say it's even a little better than the West Wing. After 3 mins you'll forget you're reading subtitles, it's that absorbing. There are 2 series with bbc subs out there and a third on the way.

Friday Night Lights is a fantastic drama. Textured,nuanced.interesting,touching, heatfelt,intelligent - its as good as human drama gets on tv. I would defy anyone not to like it. It's one of those shows that will renew your faith in humanity without ever hitting a twee note.

All of those have some feel good appeal and there's plenty between the 3 to keep you going.

JONJO THE MISER

New show this summer from Showtime called Ray Donovan, 9 episodes so far.

Tango One

Homeland is brilliant TV it's from the makers of 24

SuperInfinity

You can't bait a good episode of The Outer Limits.

murria

The Killing (Forbrydelsen). A 20 part Danish crime drama had us addicted a few weeks ago, there is a US remake but we loved the dark gritty Danish version, the subtitles didn't distract.

Also watched Game of Thrones, brilliant.

Skerries

based on your choices for serious shows with overall arcs I would recommend the following

Mad Men
Californication
Justified
Boardwalk Empire
The Walking Dead
Luther
Game of Thrones
Homeland
Love/Hate

but have a read here for what other boardsies have recommended

Vivienne23

Orange is the new black, prob not exactly the same as the genre in your list, but I binged watched it , you just can't help yourself !! It's kind of mindless too so if you aren't on form for one of the more complicated shows give it a go

SusieBlue

Criminal Minds is one of my personal favourites, I've followed it since it first aired in 2005 and it just gets better and better. There's about 8 seasons as well so plenty to keep you busy!

Game of Thrones is another recent favourite. It normally wouldn't be my kind of thing at all but I loved it and ended up watching the whole 3 seasons in about 5 days. The episodes are 60 mins long too, so its another one that'll keep you occupied.

I'm not sure if they'd interest you but I loved Desperate Housewives, Suburgatory and Awkward too. Desperate Housewives in particular has the perfect balance between being serious and being laugh out loud funny.

December2012

How about some comedy?

Parks & Recreation
Community
30 Rock
How I met your mother
The Office (US or UK)
The Inbetweeners
Arrested Development
Curb your Enthusiasm

delboy85

Lots of good stuff recommended by people so far. I'd like to nominate "The Good Wife" - easily the best network drama from the U.S. these past few years. Oh, and "Hannibal" is pretty damn good too!

JP Liz V1

_Whimsical_ wrote: »

If you like West Wing and Studio 60 you'll love Newsroom .Like the previous two you like it's written by Aaron Sorkin .It hits upon some interesting issues that are very topical just right now so this is a good point to be watching it back. Ultimately it's about genuinely good people working to do whats good and what is right in the arena of tv news. It's very intelligent too. It does have a 3 or 4 show acclimatization curve though, I hated the first few episodes then from 5 or 6 on I loved it. It's one of my all time favourites now.

Following on a political theme there's Borgen. It's a Danish drama, it's subtitled and it is absolutely fantastic. There's threads here if you want to search,it has loads of fans. It's one of the best things thats been on tv. Id say it's even a little better than the West Wing. After 3 mins you'll forget you're reading subtitles, it's that absorbing. There are 2 series with bbc subs out there and a third on the way.

Friday Night Lights is a fantastic drama. Textured,nuanced.interesting,touching, heatfelt,intelligent - its as good as human drama gets on tv. I would defy anyone not to like it. It's one of those shows that will renew your faith in humanity without ever hitting a twee note.

All of those have some feel good appeal and there's plenty between the 3 to keep you going.

Another Sorkin series is Sports Night more of a dramedy

I also recommend The Good Wife and Scandal

Lovely Bloke

Skerries wrote: »

based on your choices for serious shows with overall arcs I would recommend the following


Californication

Californication is not a serious show, it's a dark comedy.

I'm in Season 5, and unless it takes a serious diversion into the drama side of things, it is firmlt a dark comedy which doesn't take itself very seriously at all.

highly recommended though

mutley18

I recently binge watched all 30 episodes of Game of Thrones and all I want to do now is watch more! Hurry up season 4 goddammit! Peter Dinklage steals the show.

Skerries

Baldy Conscience wrote: »

Californication is not a serious show, it's a dark comedy.

I'm in Season 5, and unless it takes a serious diversion into the drama side of things, it is firmlt a dark comedy which doesn't take itself very seriously at all.

highly recommended though

well I put that in because they had Entourage on their list which is a similarly dark comedy

don ramo

mutley18 wrote: »

I recently binge watched all 30 episodes of Game of Thrones and all I want to do now is watch more! Hurry up season 4 goddammit! Peter Dinklage steals the show.

you do know their based on books:pac::pac::pac:

maudgonner

I'd definitely recommend Friday Night Lights. It's got the feel good factor you mentioned and is a completely absorbing, addictive series that never got the audience it deserved when it was on-air.

It's about a small-town American Football team, but don't let that put you off if it's not your thing, because it's so much more than that.

I'd also second the recommendation for Sports Night, Aaron Sorkin's lesser known series. Just give it a few episodes, because the studio forced them to use a laugh track in the beginning and it's much better once they get rid of that.

Pinkman

The Wire and The Sopranos are right up there with Breaking Bad as the all time greatest US TV Drama in my view. I gave up on the Wire halfway through season 1 but forced myself to give it another go a few years ago and it is astounding how great it gets.

Other addictive shows that are finished are Oz, The Sheild, Damages, Prison Break, Weeds, Boss, and Friday Night Lights. As far as current shows go I would say all of the following are very addictive. Boardwalk Empire, Game Of Thrones, Homeland, Justified, Sons Of Anarchy, Scandal, The Following, The Newsroom, Ray Donovan and House Of Cards.

eh i dunno

Prison Break is very addictive

don ramo

eh i dunno wrote: »

Prison Break is very addictive

for 2 seasons, then it falls flat on it fat face

mutley18

don ramo wrote: »

you do know their based on books:pac::pac::pac:

I am not a big reader and I enjoy looking at Emilia Clarke's tits. :P

Donegal Dan

Meant to say in my OP that Ive also watched (and they've been mentioned above):

• Game Of Thrones. I never struggled so much with a show to keep up with storylines but its worth it for Peter Dinklage and the surprises alone
• The Newsroom. Sorkin at his most "clever for clever sake" and this one has almost lost me this season, Im staying with it for now as there's a great show in there somewhere
• Sports Night. Just season one of this so far. This is early Sorkin stuff and he re-uses a lot of the lines to better effect later in The West Wing. Not bad.
• Love/Hate. Decent! /got it as a DVD present but not sure if Id have watched it weekly
• Community. One of my all time favourite comedies
• Arrested Development. Gave it just two episodes and then discovered 24. This is definitely worth another go
• Tne Inbetweeners. Very over-rated imho.
• UK Office. An all time classic show, I think I'll rewatch
• US Office. Lost interest a couple of years ago, might be worth catching up on
• Modern Family. Same

Ones Ive tried since reading some replies here

• Ray Donovan. Tried 3 episodes so far, Im 50:50 on this one. The premise is a great one but some characters (like Ray's wife) are already grating

• Orange Is The New Black. About to watch episode 3 of this. So far this could be a winner

Thanks for all your replies so far and keep them coming

eh i dunno

don ramo wrote: »

for 2 seasons, then it falls flat on it fat face

agree completely with that

don ramo

mutley18 wrote: »

I am not a big reader and I enjoy looking at Emilia Clarke's tits. :P

honestly is the best policy i always say :D:D

i also agree wholeheartedly

Donegal Dan

eh i dunno wrote: »

Prison Break is very addictive

Used to love this till it got to season 3. I did finish it but only to see how it concluded. A bit like Dexter now

don ramo

Donegal Dan wrote: »

Thanks for all your replies so far and keep them coming

just throwing it out there, but if by any chance you enjoy very very over the top violence and a lot of nudity and sex scenes try Banshee, it aired earlier this year in (Sk)cinemax, it actually is a pretty good show, and a very enjoyable watch, if your into lots of violence and sex :pac::pac::pac:

homeland is also a great show, season 3 is staring next month,

also a recently started show The Bridge is looking like its gonna be a good show, its 8 episdoe into its first season and me personally im really enjoying it, its about a US Mexico cross border investigation, about a serial killer killing people on both sides of the border, a US and Mexican cop are investigating and tracking down the killer,

NapoleonInRags

Already a couple of recommendations for Danish TV series, and here's another one - The Bridge. The Danes make great TV and Movies.

Oh and please don't miss the opportunity that the Wire presents - it is the most complete and entertaining TV series I've ever seen.

JP Liz V1

The newest US version of House of Cards with Kevin Spacey on Netflix already worth a look

Plus shows kinda like Entourage, I'd recommend are How To Make It In America and Action

Average-Ro

BBC's Sherlock. 6 episodes out (3 episodes er season) but they're each an hour and a half long.

As a plus, you wont have as long to wait for season 3 as the rest of us did:pac:

murria

You've probably seen it already, but seeing as you likedThe Office so much Im going to suggest Extras.

Hope the arm is improving

hfallada

Sopranos
Mad Men ( last 2 seasons are missable)
Breaking Bad is incredible
Orange is the new Black is seriously addictive and so is House of Cards(both Netflix)
Girls By HBO( if you are twenty-something)

I dont find how people think love/hate is good. I watched a few episodes and doesnt reflect what normal criminals do

Maire2009

Average-Ro wrote: »

BBC's Sherlock. 6 episodes out (3 episodes er season) but they're each an hour and a half long.

As a plus, you wont have as long to wait for season 3 as the rest of us did:pac:

Just about to suggest this - kept been told to watch it and it was always on my "to-do" list, finally got around to doing it and I recommend it 100% - really am glad I only watched it this year though cos no way I could have waited so long for Season 3 - they are only wrapping up filming of it now, but make sure you watch it before that airs because everyone will be talking about the first episode. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are excellent in it.

I also enjoyed Boston Legal for a bit of comedy drama.

trashcan

hfallada wrote: »

I dont find how people think love/hate is good. I watched a few episodes and doesnt reflect what normal criminals do

In fairness it does improve as it goes along. First series was ropey enough (apart from an excellent performance from Brian Gleeson) but there's been a steady improvement since then. People are probably giving it extra credit too, as it's RTE and a definite improvement on their usual standard.

Am reluctant to recommend The Wire again to the OP, as he says he's tried it, but... it truly is magnificent TV. Best series I've ever seen, by a street.

Donegal Dan

Currently on day 3 of a 3 day binge of House Of Cards. Episode 11 next up to play and this is definitely my kinda thing. Top notch television.

Dman001

I've started binging on The US Office recently. I was a huge fan of it, but stopped watching after Season 6. The latter seasons aren't actually as bad as I remember them to be, although I've only got as far as the episode where Steve Carrell leaves, so it could possibly take a further nose dive in Season 8 and 9. But I did watch the finale when it was broadcast, and thought it ended on a very high note. It tied everything up nicely.

Anyway, the first 4 Seasons are fantastic and defo worth the watch. While it fell in quality after this, there are still some great moments in the episodes following the forth season.

Donegal Dan

Thanks to whoever recommended House Of Cards, I binge watched it over 4 days, an excellent show.

Have given up on Orange Is The New Black as it didnt hook me in enough after 5 episodes.

Homeland was decent and I gave it all of the first season, unfortunately the cliffhanger at the end of the 12 episodes wasnt strong enough to get me into the second season. Knowing the writing style of its creators so well with 24 its already obvious that they'll do a flashback scene with

Saul

in the interrogation room and it'll show

he did in fact kill with the razor blade.

. I havent seen this anywhere online but Im 99% sure it'll happen, so its already too predictable for me.

On the upside I just got Netflix so I'll be able to stream and try many of the recommendations on here

Dman001

Donegal Dan wrote: »

Thanks to whoever recommended House Of Cards, I binge watched it over 4 days, an excellent show.

Have given up on Orange Is The New Black as it didnt hook me in enough after 5 episodes.

Homeland was decent and I gave it all of the first season, unfortunately the cliffhanger at the end of the 12 episodes wasnt strong enough to get me into the second season. Knowing the writing style of its creators so well with 24 its already obvious that they'll do a flashback scene with

Saul

in the interrogation room and it'll show

he did in fact kill with the razor blade.

. I havent seen this anywhere online but Im 99% sure it'll happen, so its already too predictable for me.

On the upside I just got Netflix so I'll be able to stream and try many of the recommendations on here

Since resubscribing to Netflix over a month back, I've haven't looked at the "Traditional" TV once and can safely say I haven't missed it. Can't beat binge watching, in HD and ad-free!