With television, streaming services and the internet there is so many different things to watch nowadays that it’s easy to miss really good shows. Here are five of the best shows you might not be watching, but most certainly should be:
#1: BETTER CALL SAUL
Breaking Bad is one of the most highly decorated television shows of all time, and has the top stop on almost every individual television show rating list. While many people were probably aware of its existence upon its announcement, it’s prequel is just as good, if not better. Better Call Saul tells the story of Breaking Bad fan favorite Saul Goodman’s transition into being a crooked lawyer. While it doesn’t surround the rigors of drug cooking and dealing – and also features far less murder – like it’s predecessor did, it manages to encapture the same type of intrigue Breaking Bad did, focusing on The Law instead of drugs. It might sound boring upon hearing about it, but Jimmy’s hijinx and personality, and how he uses one to get around the other, make for fascinating tales. Overarching plotlines – both leading into Breaking Bad and also creating their own narratives – result in the same slow build fans know and love from Breaking Bad, with satisfying, yet tragic climaxes. There is nothing more tragic than the relationship between Jimmy and his brother Chuck, as well as all the other relationships he forms in Better Call Saul, as it’s written in stone that they will end miserably due to the foresight of Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad. Currently, on its third season, each episode is better than the last and is perfect binge-watching material.
#2: THE EXPANSE
The sleeper hit Sci-Fi show that no one, or not enough, people are talking about is The Expanse. Taking place on the Sci-Fi television network – yes the one that shows those Lake Placid movies – The Expanse is Game of Thrones in space, as it deals planetary politics. Most space and sci-fi oriented shows will focus on the first contact – or even war with those other species but – our finding magic like powers, but this show is Hard Science Fiction at it’s best. Like the others on this list, the show is based on a previous incarnation from a different genre, as it blends stories from James S. A. Corey books with its own narratives to create intertwining tales. And the best part? They have plenty of source material still left to go through, as The Expanse’s first season only represents about the first half of the first of six books.
#3: LEGION
The Marvel show that isn’t a Marvel show, Legion is based on the comic of that name that takes place in the X-Men universe, following mutant villain David Haller. Even though he is a significant character in the universe – being the son of Charles Xavier – the show still exists in an unconnected universe to the established films. The story follows the mutant and how he deals with his powers and takes a unique and grounded approach to the subject matter of Schizophrenia and dissociative personality disorder. It’s also very interesting to see a take on not only a villain but a Marvel character outside of the Fox and Marvel film or television universe.Despite mixed reviews from the fans on the first season’s finale, the show is a must watch for any comic book or superhero fan. Or just anyone who likes a complicated character.
#4: RIVERDALE
Chances are you’ve heard of Archie comics, and if not ask your parents because they definitely have. Riverdale is a dark and gritty adaptation of those comics which, on paper, doesn’t seem like it would turn out to be very good. But Riverdale, quite literally, flips those expectations and turns classic team dramas tropes on their heads with its stories. If that’s not enough to entice you, the shows noir, a gothic genre is one of the only of its kind on modern television today, with a Supernatural vibe to it, but even grittier, with more mystery. Its association with an old comic might turn you away at first, but I implore you to at least give it a shot.
#5: THE MAGICIANS
Based on the best-selling science fiction book series written by Lev Grossman, The Magicians takes a more adult look into the Wizarding world. Closer to a college version of Harry Potter, the show follows a group of 20-year-olds – more specifically Quentin – studying magic at the secret institution known as Brakebills University. With the help of magic, The Magicians transports viewers into a whole new world filled with trippy tricks and stunning visuals. While it does suffer from some of the exaggerated drama that seems to inhabit most sci-fi or fantasy shows – looking at you CW – the magic in the show more than makes up for it.
Do you agree with this list? Do you have any suggestions of your own? Feel free to leave your own opinions in the comments below.
