(In alphabetical order)
Breaking Bad - This show had an amazing finish. Though it perhaps concluded slightly too neatly than felt fair to the anti-hero, the drive to get to there was excruciating and incredible.
Broadchurch - This little-known show from the BBC was fantastic. Slow, down-to-earth, and emotion-crushing. This show gave me the feels.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine - As a new comedy finding its way, there are many elements of Parks and Rec's first season, in which the writers are still figuring the characters out. But this show gave me some of the biggest laughs, particularly the Thanksgiving episode.
Game of Thrones - Season 3 recovered amazingly well from a bit shakier Season 2, and was downright incredible. The Red Wedding - need I say more.
Justified - Every year, I think Justified won't be able to come back with the same strength, and yet it does. This season is notable for the incredible hour that was "Decoy".
Masters of Sex - I don't think I can adequately express how much joy this show gives me. It's funny, fun, serious, important, genuine, and original. No other show is able to deal with a serious issue like human sexuality in an engaging and creative way. Highly anticipating the next season.
Michael J Fox Show - Ok, this is a little kitch-y, but I genuinely find this to be a sweet show. I get a nice combination of chuckles and smiles.
Orange is the New Black - Netflix proved its model, with a great show that completely took advantage of streaming. And no other show elevated women of color in the same way.
Parks and Recreation - Though the show is slowing a bit in its ability to deliver great episodes every week, it is still one of the warmest and happiest shows around and it will be hard to ever fall off my list.
The Good Wife - It can fluctuate between serial and episodic, but the first half of the fourth season was great and expertly built and executed the main character's departure from the firm. It was cooking with gas, as they say.
Top of the Lake - Another foreign import, this show gave us Elizabeth Moss in quantities Mad Men doesn't. The beautiful scenery, strong and complicated female lead, and a confidence in storytelling.
In quick sum, 7/11 have male leads, 5/11 have female leads (I'm counting Masters of Sex twice, as it feels equal to me), which to me suggests that we may finally be getting a breakthrough in gender parity. But mostly, I'm grateful for the good friends to come home to and be with. Among the shows I didn't get to this year but still want to: Enlightened, Orphan Black, Rectify, and The Returned.
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