EPIC TV SERIES GUIDE 2014-2015

Last year, I had an inclining to start this post as a fun way for me to actually see how many series I could place down and see just what the hell I have been watching thus far.

It was A LOT. I mean, I even got scared when I first finished the post. Of course there were tons of omissions on my part. My apologies in retrospect for all the TV junkie freaks like me out there, who were kind enough to mention but a few. This year I shall remedy this. And of course add new series that popped up last year.

Disclaimer:

(a) This post will be written mostly in English. You know, better expression and all. Apologies in advance.

(b) The post is something beyond HUGE so to those who are bored, just simply hit ignore and move along. To those who will dare to take a sneak peak…”Wanna hang out sometime and watch TV?” *wink* *wink*

(c) Enjoy!

Current Watch List:

ABC

(1) Revenge: Emily Thorne/ Amanda Clarke. Already 4 seasons in. Ended up being somewhat of a prime-time soap. It did, it did. Oh well. Schemes and lies are just what the doctor prescribed for a Sunday night in. Well that, and the one below. Emily Thorne/ Amanda Clarke, is a child who ended up in juivie after her dad was wrongly accused of being a terrorist. She spends her life nowadays strolling the Hamptons wreaking havoc, and since she’s filthy fucking rich now, she swore to avenge her father’s murder…or did she now?! Watch to find out!

(2) Once Upon a Time: Oddly enough, this series made a nice little come back last year. With the Wicked Witch of the West and now Frozen, Maleficent and Ursula on the horizon, this series is blooming by the year. A nice little twisted plot on all the fairytales, which now we’ve moved on a tad to a Disney fairy tale too, this is great fun for all the family. Tune in if you’re a fantasy/fairy tale fun with a spin. This is definitely your cup of tea.

(3) Grey’s Anatomy: This year ABC has an amazing time parading the whole Shondaland extravaganza in the series frontier. This was the first success of Shonda Rhimes. A hit medical drama, mixing it up with surgical tools and whirling romances and dramas going on in the on-call rooms, more often than not. Already in its 11th season, this series has seen its rise and fall, but it never lost its gleam for attracting audiences in on Thursday evenings. Watch it if you’re somewhere between an ER & a Scrubs fan. Otherwise, if you’re looking to find HOUSE M.D. in this, then this is definitely not your cup-o-tea.

(4) Nashville: Any country music fans out there? Well you’re in luck ‘cause this series has got it all. The drama, the glitz, the tension, the talent and of course all the ‘howdy-m’ams’ you can get. Starring Connie Britton, with an excellent cast that doesn’t cease to amaze me by each episode, this series has proven to be a nice treat for a prime time mid-week series. Telling the stories of various country music artists, and their respective dramatic lives, this series managed to hold out the interest of the televised audience and went in so far as to also tour with the actors/singers in the show in real life too. Double kudos for everybody involved.

(5) Modern Family: Ed O’ Neill, Eric Stonestreet, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Ty Burell. I mean…okay…hands down this comedy series about 3 intertwined family lives has kept us laughing year after year for the past 6 years. Hilarious story lines, but apart from the adult cast, the kids are what make this show just as great. Great fun for everyone who loves a good comedy.

(6) Scandal: ALL HAIL TO MISTRESS SHONDA RHIMES – aka Le Shondaland! Now, this woman not only managed to strike gold, but she’s got the hand of Midas. Whatever she produces for ABC seems to be flourishing. Scandal started up with a few episodes. It was soon skyrocketed by the staggering audience numbers and the growing fan base. This series follows Olivia Pope (aka the SHAMAZING Kerry Washington) who is basically a fixer for the White House, but she’s also romantically linked with the President of the United States (aka the GORGEOUSLY-HANDSOME and equally awesome actor, Tony Goldwyn). Yes, yes, I know what you’re thinking. Pmmmpffff these things are so farfetched that not even my grandmother would believe them (if she were alive to see them ofc). But believe me, Shonda knows drama and good drama at that. She can whoop and spin you round like you never thought you would. And this is good farfetched-over-exaggerated drama at its best. ABC has learned a formula and it’s sticking to it. The Shonda-formula. Ahmn…Definitely worth a watch in my opinion. Especially if you’re already an averted Grey’s fan too.

(7) How to Get Away With Murder: I mean…Come the freak-on! For reals, this woman has no end to her ideas! Likewise, this excellent new series is created by the wonderful and ingenious Shonda Rhimes (no, I’m not working on commission here), who’s proven once again she’s not just medicine and on-call-room-romances. She can combine romance with politics, and now murder too!! Ahmn, you heard me well. Sex and murder go hand in hand, and with this new series, Shonda’s proven this can definitely go places. Starring Viola Davis – HERE YOU SHOULD BE STANDING UP BY NOW AND TAKING A BOW (WHY HASN’T SHE WON AN OSCAR/EMMY/GOLDEN GLOBE YET??????????? – is beyond me), as Professor Annalise Keating, a Law Professor at Middlesex University (no, not the one in the UK, the other one) who teaches students the rules of the court and how they can (or most lawyers that is can) bend the rules to make sure they win in court. The story follows also a murder which is committed by the chosen few students of Davis’s law firm, and how they paved their way on how to get away with a crime committed. Interesting story that delves into a well-woven plot step by step. Let’s see how it will unfold.

(8) Forever: New series as well. ABC has already ordered a full season of it too. Starring Ioan Gruffand (oh! My little boy is flourishing. I mean, I saw this handsome British lad back in 1997’s ‘Titanic’ in one of the last scenes of the disaster flick as the sailor who saves Kate Winslet, and now he’s nearing 40, after years of unsuccessful TV series and passing through ‘Fantastic Four’ superhero stand too, but he’s flourishing finally), as Henry Morgan, a man who has lived for 200. He’s – as you might have guessed – immortal, we still have no clue as to why that is, but every time he dies, he comes back alive in water, and always naked! Morgan is an ME – i.e. Medical Examiner – and as he has died for numerous times, he’s developed a sort of macabre fascination for death and the human behavior that leads to death. Anyways, long story short, nice little series, definitely worth the watch so far. Pleasing and entertaining.

(9) Jimmy Kimmel Live: Love him even when he hates on Matt Damon! Especially his after Oscar show and his Halloween prank to kids #iateallyourhalloweencandy is simply to die for. He’s definitely amongst my favorite night hosts. Kinda quirky but I like him. And no, he’s not hating on Matt Damon. He’s even made him his child’s godparent. Suck on that Ben Affleck (not don’t cause you might win an Oscar after, and we’ve already seen that scenario play out, didn’t we?!?)

NBC

(10) Parks and Recreation (Final Season): Leslie k-NOPE (Amy Poehler) is an anal, over-the-top council woman who is working at the Parks & Rec department aka maintaining the order of community green areas and such. Matching up with a great cast of Nick Offenman, Rashinda Jones, Chris Pratt and Aziz Ansari, this comedy set up is quite ludicrous from beginning to end, but it’s delightful to its core for its sheer madness that unravels in a council office. I wish my office environment was as hilarious as this one.

(11) About a Boy: One of the newest comedies of NBC, which I didn’t think would pan out, but I’m kinda glad it did, this is the sorta remake of the film version of ‘About A Boy’. Tells the story of Marcus, a lonely 11-year-old boy (previously played in the film version by the now dashing Brit boy Nicholas Hoult – oh those blue eyes, I could totally swim in them *swoon* hmmm hmmm earth to Lou), who invades the privacy and domestic space of Will (previously played in the film version by Hugh Grant), a washed-out jingle song musician, who turns out to be more of a kid himself than Marcus. Nice chemistry between the main actors, and nods on for Minnie Driver who’s made a comeback as Marcus’s vegan/Buddhist eccentric mom. Cute little comedy. If you ain’t got anything better to watch, it’s worth the watch. And as it’s also already in its 2nd season, it definitely holds out a spark there.

(12) The Blacklist: James Spader stars in this crime/action series about an ex-con who’s come back to help a police officer catch the bad guys. Quite a fast paced, clever little series that keeps you second-guessing who’s evil and who’s not at every turn. Personally, I’ve struggled to get into it at first, but it does get good once you give it a chance.

(13) The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon: Jimmy Fallon is slowly (and dangerously) becoming my weekly addiction, since all of his shows involve some kind of celebrity game, hence it makes the talk show all the more fun. Who doesn’t love celebrities getting egg or splashed with beer or water once in a while?!? This is one of the shows where #hashtagging is a weekly routine and it’s nice to be able to listen to the masses opinion too and broadcast it on air. Well done Fallon. Hope he gets a nod in the awards season that’s coming up.

(14) Saturday Night Live (SNL): The US version of a Saturday night satirical live show offers for the past 39 years moments of laughter, of sheer hilariousness and comedy, featuring and introducing actors/actresses into a world of live sketches on NBC. Something like our very own sketches broadcasted on CYBC, this is definitely a series that can keep a family in on Saturday night. Clever-witted and professionally executed this is a fantastic way to test TV actors on how well they cope with live feed TV numbers. It’s not for everyone, believe me, I’ve seen some great actors fail at live TV. It takes a lot out of you, but it’s definitely great fun.

(15) Late night with Seth Meyers: Freshly out of SNL and replacing the old spot that Jimmy Fallon had hosting this time slot, Seth Meyers is extremely sarcastically funny, witty jokes all around but sort of lacking the fun atmosphere that Jimmy Fallon seems to be having in his show. Excellent jokes though. Very clever. Look him up.

(16) Hannibal: Lawrence Fishbourne, Hugh Dancy and of course the almighty Mads Mikkelsen. I’m like writing down all these names and I’m currently drooling. Not so much from horror as from the exquisite cuisine that this series offers. What a marvel! Psychological thriller at its best. This series offers grinding performances, horrific and murderous plot lines but above all, it also offers some excellent cooking recipes (black humor!). All things aside, Hannibal is of course the prequel to the film versions of the life of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, who’s taken on, Will, a homicide police officer, who thinks is going insane and is in need of psychological assessment by an expert. Dun dun DUNNNN! Here comes Dr. Lecter to the rescueeee!!! (well sort of). Watch this series if you don’t mind EXCELLENT drama. YES, it’s slow, and harrowing and unbelievably good psychological thriller. Believe me, if you appreciate a good psycho-series, this is the most refined one out there. Also worthy to mention the exceptional Gillian Anderson who plays a vital role between Dr. Lecter and Will. 

CBS

(17) The Big Bang Theory: Jim Parsons is a killer actor! And I’m not just saying that on behalf of Sheldon-mania. I mean granted, the Big Bang is B-I-G because of Parsons, but let’s not put down the rest of the cast. For example Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar as well as okay okay ‘Penny, Penny, Penny’ aka Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, the annoying voice of Melissa Rauch aka Bernadette and the exceptional dorky but equally lovable Amy Farrah Fowler played by the wonderful and so so beautiful in real life Mayim Bialik. This is a series that not only blossomed in its 8 year course but it’s also already renewed for another 3 seasons ahead. The jokes aren’t always on the spot, well not after 8 seasons, it’s quite normal for the jokes to be lacking and not always be just as hilarious as the first few seasons, but I find the characters development is strong enough still to keep audiences interested. Definitely worth the shot.

(18) 2 Broke Girls: Ahahahahahahahaha – Max – ahahahahaha – Caroline. All the penis jokes you want, you got them in this series. Produced by the guy who did ‘Sex and the City’ but it’s nothing like it, this comedy is about 2 girls who – ding ding ding – are broke. They’re waitresses, working at a god awful diner, they own their own tiny little cupcake business, somewhere in Brooklyn, and are always, making fun of poor people in the US. Simply hilarious. And it shows you that having little but having people around you that care is just as awesome.

(19) Mom: Already in its 2nd season, Anna Farris stars in this comedy which is about a single-ex-alcoholic-mom with two kids, who’s trying to find her own two feet, whilst her own ex-alcoholic-mom (played by the wonderful Allison Janney), is constantly popping in and out of her life. This series started off as a bore for me, but it turned me round 180o degrees. It’s funny, if not tragic, and it also plays a lot on the sarcasm of alcoholics and people who are generally screw-ups and how to cope. Nice little one.

(20) Under the Dome: Okay Mr. King, we got it. You’re the almighty king of mystery novels and now you got it exceptionally and equally good with this series. Already renewed for its 3rd season, this sci-fi series is about a mysterious dome that has been raised over the ‘innocent’ little town of Chester’s Mill. But – obviously – mysterious phenomena lie ahead, as this dome didn’t come down just by mere chance. Nice sci-fi plots, was very interesting at the beginning, somewhere lost in the middle, but seemed to gain quite the popularity again with season 2. For any sci-fi fans out there, this is something worth the watch.

CW

(21) The Originals: Klaus! Klaus! Klaus! Nicolaus! Klaus! Klaus! Klaus!....and some Elijah while we’re at it. God, if only I could be killed by Klaus lip’s and nothing more. Ummm it seems I’m getting carried away. This is of course, none other than the spin-off series of the ridiculously lame ‘The Vampire Diaries’, that takes place in New Orleans and tells us of the Mickaelson’s family and their desperate tries to reunite and bond as a family. But alas, witches, werewolves and many other creatures lark ahead who – always and not so surprisingly so – stand in their way. Definitely better than its sister series, and so much better, due to the history that New Orleans offers, this is for everyone who loves a teenagy series to kill their time around. Better actors in here too.

(22) The Vampire Diaries: Nina Dobrev. Ian Somerhandler. Yada, yada, yada. Elena and Damon. Elena and Stefan. Yada, yada, yada. I’ve had enough with this vampire lot. Like I foretold above, this is the sister series of ‘The Originals’, currently running in its 6th season and it’s driving me insane with their mundane plot scenarios. Love triangles – obviously – mad witches and the founding members of the little town called ‘Mystic Falls’ who want to destroy all vampires and all that hoopla. Personally, this series is long overdue for the ‘axe’ and believe me if it wasn’t for all the Klaroline (Klaus+Caroline) and this Delena (Damon + Elena) and Stelena (Stefan + Elena) storylines, it would have sunk a long time ago. Luckily, there’s teenagers out there (and morons like me) who still watch this crap and give it ratings (well not me, as I’m not in the US) so CW will drag this cash cow as far as they possibly can. If you are so desperate and you’d like to watch this gut-wrenching series, then by all means, there’s enough vampires to go around for everyone.

(23) Reign: Mary, Queen of Scots and Francis II, King of France. Sometime in the 16th century, the 16-year-old Mary (played by the beautiful Adelaide Kane) vents off to the French court to marry her Prince Charming, Francis (Toby Regbo), but she soon finds that a royal union is nothing but a bed of roses. Worthy to mention that a very unique part is given to Francis’s bastard brother, Bash (played by the gorgeous Torrance Combs – I mean, look at those eyes…you just melt), who seems to be stirring trouble and make a number of court ladies swoon in his path. This series is a joke, believe me. From the character of Mary to Catherine de' Medici (Francis’s mom), the historical inaccuracies are but a fixed point in every episode. Watch it if you were into Gossip Girl and Made in Jersey. The couture and the wardrobe is something to stare at, in every episode should you find you’d want to kill yourself of boredom from the plotlines. Definitely watch it for Torrance Combs’s eyes and Megan Follows performance. It is notable enough.

(24) Hart of Dixie: Five years already in the making, this little light-hearted and nuisance of a series, is definitely a nice little comic-relief in the CW-stratosphere. The series follows NYC doctor Zoe Hart, who moves to a little town called ‘Bluebell’, where she meets fate and a great big mash-up of love triangles. Very light-hearted series, like I said. Easy enough to pass your time and entertain you. Do not expect to be wowed by performances, but do keep an eye out for Ms. Rachel Bilson and Jamie King, who are always flawless in their appearance. THE BUZZ: It was announced also this week that the series will be returning ahead of it's scheduled time (instead of January 2015, now it will air in December 2014). News of whether this will be the last season with its 10-scheduled episodes have not yet been made public. 

(25) Beauty and the Beast: “Twas Beauty killed the Beast”. Or the quote says. But in this one, Katherine (Kristin Kreuk), a NYC police officer, meets Vincent (Jay Ryan), the genetically deformed ex-soldier, who is now turned into a beast once he gets mad. Unrealistic plots, ridiculous scientific scenarios and numerous of hunky-punky going on with the star-crossed lovers, this is definitely a series that will barely feed you with any viable information but it will simply entertain you on the edge.

(26) Arrow: Stephen Amell’s abs VS Colton Haye’s abs. Uuummmm, I’m having a hard time focusing what’s the subject in this series. Abs? Oh yes, sorry, no, it’s not the abs. I got side-tracked for a minute there. It’s the ‘Arrow’. The Sterling City vigilante, who has sworn to “clean” the city of its scum. Along the way of course it gets personal, as the vigilante, handsome multi-billionaire, Oliver Queen, finds himself trapped in a web of lies that his own household seemed to have unleashed upon his home city. Thus, problems ensue, loyalties are betrayed and it all leads us to another super-hero TV Series that’s made it into the small screen through ‘Arrow’, none other than ‘The Flash’. What do superhero TV series have in common? Why the abs of course….eeeerrmmm, I meant the skills (ahmn! *wink* *wink*) Watch it for Stephen Amell’s abs…eeeermm, his glorious acting I meant. Okay, touché, he’s good enough of an actor, but his abs are way better – know whaimsayin’? Also, it has just been announced that a little character named ‘Black Canary’ will soon be making its re-appearance in the show, which that’s something to look forward too as well. Will see.

(27) The Flash: The fastest man alive. Granted, if he was, he would have entered the Olympic Games long ago and won shit loads of money, but instead, this ordinary Peter Parker wannabe (played by Grant Gustin), decides to use his superpower to aid his city. Yada, yada, yada. Where are your fine abs my man? I was promised superhero abs, not this scrawny little man who can simply run fast? What am I going to do with him? Have him to “run” my errands? I can do that by myself, thank you very much. Fine, fine, I’ll try to take this seriously (somehow). New spin off series by the CW (ofc!) who tries hard enough to resemble its sister series ‘Arrow’. Has quite the fan base so far, and the leechers in all the torrent sides mark it as a high priority link for download every time an episode is being broadcasted. That means, ratings are high enough for ‘The Flash’ to wipe out any other superhero TV Series lurking around (with the exception of course of FOX’s ‘Gotham’ – see below) and establish a strong mark on this year’s new series board. Watch it if you’re into this superhero crap…I meant, stuff. It’s definitely something notable to the original comics as well. Keep in mind that not long ago a ‘Flash’ film (2018) was also announced with actor Ezra Miller, being cast as the lead. Just a heads up.

(28) Jane The Virgin: But she’s pregnant! How can this be? This is a miracle. An immaculate conception!!! AYE, DIOS MIO CORAZON! This hilarious series, comes from CW (who would have thought, eh?). I mean it has wit, it has jokes, it has Spanish romance CORAZON, it has sarcasm, it’s got a spunky script. Honestly, I’m thoroughly impressed. This is my comedy series stand-out for this year and I’m glad it's already soaring in the ratings. Nice cast, clever script. Definitely something to watch. Jane (played by the gorgeous Gina Rodriguez), is a young waitress, who is a virgin (FYI), and she gets accidentally inseminated, thus…she gets pregnant. A lot of hilarious plot hiccups (i.e. her famous telenovela dad who comes out of nowhere), this series resembles in the footsteps of ‘Ugly Betty’, but let’s hope it doesn’t end up just as ridiculous by the end, but coming to think of it, since this is based primarily in an already existing Mexican-telenovela, it looks like it will end up just like that, since the jokes at some point will fall into the same patterns. It is said it's the most notable series that premiered this fall, but let's keep our wits together and see what's coming ahead, shall we corazon?!?

FOX

(29) Glee: Don’t stop believing, hold on to the feeling….Well this song oughtta do it. From the makers of the awesomely horrifying ‘American Horror Story’, comes another awesomely petrifying musical of modern day TV. Why petrifying? Cause this series started off with many hopes and dreams offering a unique opportunity to new musical talents to expose their talent in acting but singing as well. It started off with hilarious shenanigans of a Glee choir group in highschool, beating the odds and dealing with sore subjects that trouble youngsters such as teen pregnancy, obesity, sexual orientation, religion etc, but ultimately it became somewhat contrived and monotonous with the singing lacking its enthusiasm and novelty that had at its beginning 6 years ago. Currently will run its final course with a 13 episode airing starting January 2015. Don't miss the ending or Rachel Berry and her gang! 

(30) Sleepy Hollow: Tom Mison portrays Ichabod Crane, a soldier of the British who comes back from the dead, 200 years after the American Civil War, and tries to prevent the total destruction of humanity that’s looming over the small town of Sleepy Hollow in the 21st century. Followed by a townie police officer on his supernatural quest to kill the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Miss Abby Mills played by Nicole Beharie, this sci-fi urban-legend mystery series keeps up the viewer’s interest by the witty re-imagining of mystical creatures and the dry humor of having to explain 21st century appliances to a 200-year-old British soldier and their function. Quite a nice little fall series, which seems to be doing rather well for its 10-episode span every year. Let’s see for how long FOX will choose to drag this on. Worthy to mention the wonderful addition in the cast of the wonderful John Noble, who is as always an enticing villain.

(31) The Following: Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy. Friends or foes? This crime thriller suspense series started off with Bacon, an FBI agent hunting down a psycho-serial killer, aka Purefoy, whose intelligence in murdering people led him to the creation of a cult based on psychos and his grimm fascination on Edgar Allan Poe’s works. Currently about to premiere in its 3rd season in January 2015, this series has proven suspense-worthy, as it definitely knows how to keep audiences at the edge of their seat for most of its episodes. Perhaps not in the same way the creative team managed to do in the 1st season, but let’s hope the clever writing will continue in up-coming seasons too.

(32) New Girl: Zooey Deschanel plays Jess, a newcomer tenant in an all-boys apartment and invades their little world with her cute little exaggerations and her down to earth demeanor. Deschanel is definitely a worthy comedy actress, as is Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris, Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. Perhaps not the brightest comedy series out there and not the funniest either, for me it kinda lost its touch after season 3 premiered, but it’s something to laugh with when there’s nothing else playing on.

(33) Family Guy: Seth McFarlane. Well, he is definitely a nut-case. And a great one at that. The wonderful McFarlane, presents us for 13 seasons in a row just how nuts the Griffin family is. An adult animated comedy sitcom, this series is definitely something you should keep your children away from, especially if they can understand the crude jokes. But it has wit, and sarcasm and lots and lots of humor. Definitely a must-watch.

(34) Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Let me make it clear, I never was a fan of Andy Sandberg. Well, I’m definitely converted now. He’s just simply marvelous. I mean, I should have known since he was involved with SNL and all, but truly, I think this sitcom definitely exhibits his comedic talent. But let’s not be biased, the rest of the cast deserves a nod as well since it’s also the secondary characters who filled up storylines and make it worthwhile to watch. Sandberg plays an immature but talented NYP cop, Jake Peralta, who comes to conflict with the new appointed commanding officer of his precinct. 

(35) Gotham: Okay. Now before you get all hyper on me ‘cause this is a) a Batman TV thing and b)’cause the hunk ‘Ben McKenzie’ from the 'The O.C.' has taken the lead in this one, pace yourself and distinguish the reason why this series is worth the watch this year. It’s another superhero TV thing. But, here lies the good part; characters such as the Penguin or Poison Ivy or Selina Kyle or Fish Mooney (portrayed by the wonderful Mrs. Jada Pinkett Smith) are but a few of the reasons why, yes, this is a series you should be watching this year, whether you are a fan of the Batman series or not. Let’s hope the storylines don’t become somewhat contrived and to unrealistic to handle on the small screen, but so far it seems to be soaring on the ratings board.

(36) The Mindy Project: Dr. Mindy Lahiri, is a New York(er) gynecologist, working at a private practice in Manhattan, and among her many hilarious adventures her true romantic nature always seem to be making everything look jolly and fixable. Sitcom that possesses great dosage of spark and insanity, with primary cast members Mindy Kaling (an ex veteran of ‘The Office’ phenomenon) and the dashing and sexy Mr. Chris Messina, who’s proven once too many times on the show that, yah, the man has got some major moves. This is definitely a sitcom I suggest. Clever plot lines and satirizing jokes for the Manhattan lovers, definitely in my top 5 best sitcoms of the year thus far.

FX Networks

(37) American Horror Story: Are you a witch? Are you a freak? Are you an insane person of some kind? Well then, you’re in luck ‘cause the ingenious and always fabulous mind of ‘Glee’ creator Ryan Murphy is here to dazzle and spook audiences with its 4th season in a row of this awesome American Horror Story. An anthology series if you’d ask me to categorize it, that not once, but twice managed thus far to spook me to the point where I would have to double check underneath my bed for monsters before I go off to sleep at night. This series goes thematically, and from what I’ve recently read in an interview of Murphy, all seasons are apparently connected, something which urges audience to rewatch every season from the beginning for connection clues. The 4th season takes place in a….CIRCUS. And to those of you that are suffering from clownophobia of some kind, watching this series would not be a good idea. I was even spooked by it, and I don’t even care for clowns (perhaps that’s why). But regardless, the story lines, the art and make up production are excelling by the season. Season 1: AHS: Murder House, Season 2:  AHS: Asylum, Season 3:  AHS: Coven and Season 4: AHS: The Freak Show. What an amazing flair for horror ideas. Murphy has found a wonder formula that keeps his televised audience intrigued and horrified by each episode. Excellent cast, primarily led by the cold beauty of Jessica Lange (who albeit not one of my favorite actresses of her time out there, seems to possess great admiration through her roles in each season by the viewers) and Evan Peters, who one way or another is the handsome young beau in trouble. Watch it if you can stomach any kind of horror. If not, then better look for cheap thrills elsewhere as this is quality of great magnitude.

(38) The Strain: New series in the FX horizon, filled with the landing of a mysterious plan in JFK, with all its passengers, save but 4, mysteriously dead…or are they now? This ultra-mystery sci-fi series delves into the theme of an ancient threat that’s left up to epidemiologist Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (played by weirdly dashing-looking Corey Stoll) to fight against this supernatural phenomena. Horror drama series that’s produced by Del Toro, who seems to be having the horror masses of fans mystified, this is something enticing for the horror genre, crossing boundaries and serving up an intriguingly woven plot that will keep having you guess what in the world is being played here. Currently already renewed for its 2nd season, to be aired Summer 2015.

(39) You’re the Worst:  They truly are. New sitcom that’s magically managed to get a 2nd season, this is the story of a very unlikely couple, who start off as a one night stand hook-up, but who end up bumping (and humping) into each other with each passing episode. New fresh faces. Had a look over the summer. Something to watch during a TV hiatus. Not very funny but still.

(40) Fargo: Mini-series that drew a lot of attention, this show is based on the Cohen’s 1995 film version of ‘Fargo’. A heist gone awry, this slow-paced drama unfolds through our screens with dry black humor and gritting performances by Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton. An unlikely duo that seemed to be working well on the small screen giving the people a “chilly” performance of what lies underneath to every heist story. Freeman portrays a puppy-dog husband that somehow figures out a plan to steal money from his wife’s rich-prick-father and get away with it. Of course obstacles ensue along the way, leaving behind a blood money trail. So basically every Cohen’s favourite subject in a movie.

AMC

(41) The Walking Dead: Andrew Lincoln is one of those poor unfortunate souls who not only is trying to survive a Zombie Apocalypse but after running for 5 seasons he’s becoming a kick-ass pro in killing ‘walkers’ aka zombies. 'The Walking Dead' is caught somewhere between the violence of Dawn of the Dead and the psychological drama of 28 Days Later. The make-up department is having an amazing time with this awesome series, in their creation of the walkers and in creating this video games series into an actual dramatized show. Strong gritty performances, usually filled with a lot of violence and guts spilled all over the place in every episode, watch it if you trust that AMC serves you something insanely unique besides the blood spillage. Even if you aren’t a zombie fan the drama keeps it moving, so don’t be too quick to dismiss this if you’re not into the ‘walkers’ at all. I wasn’t and it’s become one of my top priority series to watch every week.

(42) Mad Men: John Hamm is Don Draper, an advertising agent (hey! I may have more in common with his character than I thought – moving on) working at…an advertising firm in the 1960s Manhattan. Of course he’s a charmer, he’s a flirt, he’s anything but faithful, all of the cast does nothing more than pitch ideas, drink whisky and go through some of history’s most life-changing events whilst trying to sell their souls to big corporate companies for money. Through this series such stars as Elizabeth Moss, January Jones, Christina Hendricks and John Slattery have taken to represent iconic figures in the small screen. This is drama at its best. Slow-paced but witty as hell, with overconceptualized plotlines but always ready to do more than just deliver to its audience. Don Draper is the ultimate embodiment of a ladies man who has done everything to prove to us that whoever said you can’t live a life of decadence and get away with it is totally in the wrong. Stay tuned for the final half of the final season.

TNT

#SaveDallas – will you?!? Well, as a remake this series started off with great potential and then it somehow followed on the footsteps of its ancestor, and ended up in the bin. Well, what did you expect if you had all your characters screwing each other and distrusting them was your primary motive in sitting down to watch this in the first place? I don’t think Dallas will be revived and perhaps it’s better this way. Some things just aren’t meant to last.

Lifetime

(43) Witches of East End – CANCELLED – Not really surprised here either, since this series albeit it started getting off the ground, its numbers didn’t soar high enough to keep it going. Too bad. Now Channing Tatum’s boob-wife will have to go back to being a mom and Julia Ormond will go back to begging in TV Series here and there. Witches, you’re out!!!

ABC Family

(44) Switched at Birth: ABC Family is kicking it with this upper-class family drama about 2 girls who were switched…at birth. And the catch of the series is…one of the girls, the rich one who grew up poor, is deaf. This is a touchy series about people who are different, about surpassing the boundaries of the rich Kansas kids, and about overcoming ethnical boundaries and acceptance of everyone around us. Nice little series that seems to be doing well. Already in its 4th season in.

(45) The Fosters: Another one of those problematic ABC Family drama series, this show talks about 2 kids, brother and sister, who get fostered into the Fosters family who is basically 2 gay moms. Nice little themes here too, teaching kids and teenagers how they should be more accepting of others despite ethnical background or sexual orientation. There’s quite a few themes being paraded in this show, rape/drug addiction/underage sexual harassment/sexual orientation you know all sorts of stuff that can happen to a teen in 2014. Among the producers of the show is the very own latina who grew up on the streets of a rough Brooklyn, Ms Jennifer Lopez. You know, sharing down experiences on troubled youth. Currently going on its 2nd season and doing pretty well too.

HBO

(46) Game of Thrones: WINTER IS COMING….WAR IS COMING…THE NORTH REMEMBERS…VALAR MORGHULIS…ALL MEN MUST DIE…Well these are but a few of the taglines we’ve been seeing for the past 4 years flashing through our screens. The HBO phenomenon will run for as long as the producers and G.R.R. Martin sees that they can milk their cow. If it’s pouring money, they kill producing this. And it’s pouring down pretty well at the moment. This fantasy tale about the ruling of the Iron Throne follows the 7 kingdoms and their bloodthirsty battles to take what is rightfully theirs. But who will win in this Game of Thrones? This show’s got it all – elation over teenage death (i.e. Joffrey Baratheon), overcompensation of witty dramatic monologues, unnecessary dwarf violence, objectification of women, reasons why you should never attend family weddings (or any weddings of any kind whatever color they may be, either red or purple, it doesn't matter, just don't attend okay? promise? good), tasty lemon cakes, Darth Sansa and some Arab dudes that somehow want to take over the steel-uncomfortable Westeros throne. Wait…wut? Where do the Braavosi come in all this? Tune in April 2015 to find out. First teaser trailer featuring serial-little-killer Arya Stark is here.  Oh and Dragons. I forgot about Khalessi and her dragons. Their GCI is off the charts and they’re trying to look up to their Uncle dragon Smaug, from you know that other fantasy book series which everyone seems to be stealing stuff from…what’s it called again….oh yes, THE HOBBIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, for all those Tolkien fans out there bear on. For all the G.R.R.Martin fans out there, the truth shall set you free. For more bloodthirsty battles and witty dwarves, then this series is for you.

(47) Boardwalk Empire: Set in the 1920s. This is Atlantic City, where the booze runs wild and the corruption even more so. Starring such fine actors as the pragmatic Steven Buscemi, this series is a gangster gem for the lovers of the genre. Produced by the master-directors of gangster, Martin Scorsese, this series is currently running its final season. Filled in booze, lies and loads and loads of stealing and mocking about, this show goes beyond offer the dramatic flair of the time but also transport you to an era of absolute freedom, where the Syndications run wild and ethics was nothing but a word on a page-book. Marvelous performances, worthy acting by the secondary roles too, make sure you keep up with the pace of the times.

(48) True Detective: The series-wonder for any HBO fan. This is the intriguing story of 2 detectives and their manic attempts to catch a particular sort of killer for a couple of decades. Extremely slow-paced series, with an even more intricate plot, this interwoven story embarks on a heavy journey of mysterious clues down in Louisiana. Be wary of their accent, it’s definitely hot and heavy so you might want to really pay attention to the action and the plot around it. Strong performances by an amazing duo of Woody Harrelson and the newly-I-can-act-in-most-about-anything-nowadays-Mr-Matthew-McConaughey. Crime based series that will undoubtedly move the smaller masses looking for something quality over quantity. This series is hot and buzzing at the moment in Hollywood with its 2nd season coming up with new storylines and new actors (Rachel McAdams) to take central stage.

(49) Looking: Now this!!! This is what I’m talking about. A series so down to earth about the sexual politics of the life of homosexuals in a society that accepts them and tries so hard to understand them. I can’t believe it took so long for this series to come along. But indeed it did and I’m glad it came (I’m sensing a bit of a pun here but whatever, I’m the blogger, I can pun my way through anything). Anyways, going back to ‘Looking’. This series is about a group of…guys, of course in LA, and we see their ups and downs regarding relationships and what does it really mean to be gay in 2014. It has spunk, lots of it, it has wit and heart, but most of all, this series has honesty. Just like ‘Girls’, ‘Looking’ tries to humanize the emotional agenda that surrounds gay people today. Of course, this is a direct depiction of a modern more accepting society, but I still find it ballsy enough to show very realistically the whirlwind of relationships between two men. Watch it ONLY if you’re open-minded enough to accept it ALL!!!

History Channel

(50) Vikings: Here come the Danish!!! And I’m not talking about the sweet, although the actors in this series, do make for a nice little treat at the end of the evening (I know I wouldn’t kick them out of bed). Anyhoo, coming back to it. 'Vikings' is a History Channel series, which premiered a couple of years ago and it looks like it’s going pretty solid on the ratings. It’s got its own share amount of violence and ethnic atmosphere to keep viewers interested. Not all of it is accurate in the series but it most certainly has elements that will hold your interest to keep on watching this Viking saga.

Showtime

(51) Homeland: Claire Danes “sparkles” every Sunday evening through our screens alongside the evasive Mandy Patinkin in this crime thriller drama about Carrie Matheson, a homeland security officer who’s always in some kind of trouble trying to save and see through high stakes operations in some foreign country that is of course an enemy to her state – the US of course. Still, despite the continuous propaganda in favor of the “greatest” country and superpower on the planet, 'Homeland' is a show that shows you the human side of these people who are primarily in control of how we will be allowed to live or not. Of course the script writers are basing most of the things on possible realistic theories and executed events, but there’s a great deal of truth in this heart of darkness; that even those with great power battle some great demons behind the execution point. And this is what makes this show great. It doesn’t just stick to its propaganda, it builts up characters, it feeds on their flaws and their weaknesses and it leaves you empathizing in some level of their tumultuous drama. Top notch series, starts every season somewhat on a dry note but by the end of each one you’re left gasping for air.

(52) Masters of Sex: Michael Sheen is Dr. Masters, a scientist who is intrigued with human arousal during sexual intercourse. Virginia Johnson, portrayed by the multi-talented Lizzy Caplan, is Dr. Masters’s assistant, and in the progresses perhaps something more. Together, this dynamic and multi-faceted duo explore the highs and lows of sexual arousal during intercourse. The show is based on the real life research of Masters and Johnson, based on their theories and practices, but also offers us a gusto of acting with Sheen and Caplan taking on the show onto a very exciting and emotional rollercoaster of their forming relationship through the years. An intriguing show to watch should one be so inclined. Masterful acting and quite a gutsy script writing too.

(53) The Affair: Now this is no ordinary affair. Because there’s always 3 sides to every story. What he thinks happened, what she thinks happened and what really happened. This series is set for 10 episodes, currently on its 1st season, something totally unique, as every episode it's always separated into 2 parts, his story and her story. It keeps you guessing...whose story is indeed true and what events have actually taken place? Noah and Alison (ummmm 'The Notebook' names....? Why?) are 2 married (to other people) couples, who meet somewhere in the "rich" and "elite" suburbs and start an affair. I won't tell you the whys or the hows, as the screen writers have us guessing by each episode. Watch this for well done performnces by Dominc West, Ruth Wilson and Joshua Jackson (woot! woot! Pacey is here....lol all the Dawson's Creek kids will get this reference). 

(54) Penny Dreadful: Simon Russell Beale (whom I had the opportunity to witness as ‘King Lear’ this past summer), Eva Green and the newly-coming-out-of-the-shadows-Josh Hartnett, are taking the lead charge on this mystifying horror drama series on a team of experts trying to fight supernatural beasts in Victorian London. Stylized and unique in its set-up and atmosphere, this series has exploded on the small screen since it offers viewers to see something uniquely creepy with excellent acting and intriguing storytelling. Be sure to make a note of Helen McCrory and Timothy Dalton who also make special appearances. Currently renewed for its 2nd season to premier in late Spring 2015.

USA Network

(55) Suits: My guiltiest pleasure around during the hiatus months. Oh how I love these Manhattan lawyers. This is about fashionable hot shot lawyers in…Manhattan of course, who are playing ball with the big sharks…aka multi-billionaires who have so much money they simply don’t mind starting up law-wars to pass their time. Starring the dashing Gabriel Macht and the cutie Patrick J.Adams, this series is something more than just top-notch lawyer tuxedos and law-talk; clever script and brilliant performances also worthy to mention them by Rick Hoffman (dude, you’re simply awesome!), Gina Torres (the boss with the balls), Meghan Markle (the ultimate love and brains affair) and the ingenious Sarah Rafferty (who basically runs the entire office). Definitely something to watch.

Netflix

(56) Orange Is the New Black: Who said that orange is not a pretty color? This is a highly addictive series filled with cat-fight, lies, girl-on-girl-love-and-sex, the Russian mafia, the Black-mafia, the Latina-mafia and all around your usual prison-esque drama. Based on the true events of Piper Kerman, and her prison sentence, this series is not about lesbians, like so many people think, it’s about women and people and life in prison. It’s about reality. Like I said, highly addictive. Watch it to find out. Coming out usually every June with a 13-episode bulk for our viewing pleasure, this is the series that will make you understand…everyone is equal, everyone is guilty and innocent in prison. Nice little stories coming out of this one. Be sure to go in prepared for a lot of woman-hood.

(57) House of Cards: Do you want to be the next President of the United States but you don’t know how? Well you’re in luck, cause Kevin Spacey’s got the answer for you. Kill your way to the top. And manipulate everyone non-stop. Also, troll the camera and break the fourth wall, to explain to your viewers who the fuck you are and what your evil plans are to take down the presidency. This shit works like a charm. Witty, gritty, manipulative to its core. The series follows Frank Underwood, a Democrat congressman who after he gets passed on for the Secretary of State position he plots his way through to become the Vice President and even the President. In his pathway of ruthless manipulation his wife joins him, portrayed by the excellent Robin Wright. This dynamic power duo are politics’ Macbeths in present day time. Definitely recommend this series for the plot, the performances and the intrigue. Based on the original British version (just putting it out there in case we have some hardcore 'House of Cards' (1990) fans out there who are more than ready to slash the US version for the British one).

MTV

(58) Awkward.: Jenna Hamilton is a teenager that everything seems to be not working for her all that well in high school…like ever. And she entangles herself into these awkward cringe worthy moments all the time that I’m sure will follow her up to her college years. Played by the awkwardly shaped Ashley Rickards, this MTV sitcom has played over and over again the same storylines I could ever write their scripts. Nice, cute and I’m glad they’re finally wrapping it up after season 5.

(59) Faking It: Since being gay these days it’s so “trendy” and “in” what could a high school loser girl do but pretend she’s gay with her bestie? Ahmn, that’s actually what’s going on in this MTV sitcom. Cute, starts off weirdly nice, has an exposure of some fresh talent in the MTV-stratosphere. Something light for when you’re feeling irksome to bother with anything else. Currently about to hit Season 2.

A&E Television

(60) Bates Motel: Now who said that mothers don’t know what’s best for you? Of course they do. The prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece, “Psycho”, this is the story of Norma Bates and her son Norma(n) Bates. Even their names are almost identical. A psycho duo, mother and son, this series is skilfully portrayed by the conniving Verga Farmiga and her charmer of a son Freddie Highmore. Compelling acting that makes you understand the psychotic nature that a mother and son share.

ITV UK

(61) The X Factor: Can I hear a Simon Cowell everyone? Cause he’s back!!!!! To find the next One Direction (pass), the next Olly Murs (pass), the next Leona Lewis (meh), the next Alexandra Burke (WAY PASS), the next Little Mix (are they still recording?!?). Anyways, singing, slashing, splotching with fellow judges Luis Walsh (manager of such bands as Westlife et al), Scary Spice aka Mel B and Cheryl  Ann Fernadez-Versini or as I like to remember Cheryl Cole…She will always be a Cole to me okay?!!!! Anyways, another ITV cash cow for reality TV. This year an Italian looks to be ruling over the show. Hope he manages to make the British drop dead and get the prize.

(62) I’m a Celebrity, Get me Out of Here: And after 14 years of broadcasting this piece of garbage, Ant and Dec are back for this year’s trashiest reality TV show in the history of mankind…no wait that’s 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo' and Duck Dynasty. Let’s back up a bit. Anyways, celebrities being tossed in the jungle for 3 bloody weeks, being thrown cockroaches, warms, snakes, eels and any other kind of reptile or disgusting jungle creature out there, forced to eat and breathe and touch them to be fed. Like I said…piece of garbage. But I like it. It’s totally lame and sad, and the celebs are so above all this cause no matter what they get paid for this shit, even if they quit. Total rubbish and ITV seems to be having money to spare. Imagine where all this money could go to instead of all those washed-out celebs and the production of this thing. Whatever. Moving on.

(63) Mr. Selfridge: On of the good shows that ITV is actually producing these days, Mr. Selfridge portrayed by Jeremy Piven, is the real life story of the American entrepreneur who opened the first over-the-counter superstore at the heart of Oxford Circus in London and it’s still alive to this very day. This year’s theme for their Christmas display from what I’m told is Disney fairy tale ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and they have the spindle to display. Selfridges is one of the most glorious shops in London town. But it seems, I’m being swayed away by the real Selfridges. Back to the drama. And what a dramatic life has the real Mr. Selfridge lived. Accompanied by Frances O' Connor as his dear wife, this period drama show is a sweet remembrance of how one man managed to bring something totally new and creative in England and make it one of the biggest landmarks in shopping history. Check this series out if you like a bit of costume and dramatic flair to go with it. Make sure you pay close attention to their 1910’s & ‘20s window displays. It is something marvelous.

(64) Downton Abbey: A very upstairs-downstairs little world that Julian Fellowes has manage to create. Following on his footsteps of his script of “Gosford Park”, this show has gone to become a worldwide phenomenon of the lives of a wealthy family during the early 1900s in the North of England in their beautiful estate ‘Downton Abbey’ otherwise known as Highclere Castle (which is really in Hampshire instead of way up North). The cast is flawless, the costume design it’s just as intriguing and the script has you wailing and banging for more by each episode. As of lately, Season 5 just premiered in the UK, and I do find that the series is starting to feel a bit dragged on, but nevertheless this is a series to make you sit down and watch, especially during Christmas time. Lookout for their Christmas special episodes too. They’re simple scrumptious.

BBC (Dramas)

(65) Peaky Blinders: Put in some Brommie accent, some illegal 1920s business, some gangsters and fine scotch and you’re in. Peaky Blinders – currently just finished its 2nd season, is based on the true events of this immigrants family in Birmingham during the 1920s. Spiky, fleshy and gritty, with some rock music to boot in the background (The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, Nick Cave and their likes) this crime-drama series coming from the UK has some top-notch acting from such actors as Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Sam Neill, Paul Anderson and Tom Hardy. Be sure to enjoy this if you like a good gangster family story saga.

(66) Sherlock: Benedict Cumberbatch plays the genius and highly insane at times, Sherlock Holmes. Re-imagined series taking place in modern day London, Cumberbatch’s other half is portrayed by the geeky Martin Freeman as Dr. Watson. Excellently clever storylines offered by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, this is one of the most notable series around. Currently fans are hanging in limbo as they don’t know when a next bunch of episodes will arrive (each season consists of 3 episodes of 1,5 hrs each one) so this is a daunting series that leaves fans of Sherlock waiting (and drooling currently) for more to come. THE BUZZ: A Christmas time-travelling episode has been announced, so yoopie for all the Sherlock fans out there! 

Starz

(67) Outlander: Yes, the series which got me hooked on the books by Diana Gabaldon and anything 'Outlander' and Scotland related…coming from Starz, Outlander is the story of Claire Randall, a 1940s nurse who takes a 2nd honeymoon with her estranged husband Frank after the end of WWII. On this honeymoon, Claire suddenly finds herself visiting some ancient stone circles where suddenly her whole world turns upside down as she falls into time. Won’t say more, but be sure to check this one out for its glorious photography (you will simply fall in love with Scotland), the astonishing Scottish attire (full on traditional regalia gents), the mesmerizing script and the masterful acting by such actors as Tobias Menzies (Game of Thrones, Rome), Graham McTavish (The Hobbit), Sam Heughan (Heart of Lightness, Emulsion) and Caitriona Balfe (Now You See Me, Super 8) who portrays the dynamic Claire Randall. Albeit biased ‘cause I have been engrossed in the book series (currently on book No.6), this is an enticing tale of adventure and traditional customs. It offers the viewer an excellent opportunity to gaze into the raw beauty of the Highlands in particular. Ronald D. Moore (the creator and producer of Battlestar Galactica) is reason enough to pay close attention to this one. THE BUZZ: Already making a buzz with its first 8-aired episodes (the other 8 of season 1 will be broadcasted in April 2015), this is a unique series that doesn’t come that often in our small screen. For the nature lovers, Scotland is a gem through this series. Currently already renewed for its 2nd season, scheduled to premier summer 2015.

BBC AMERICA

(68) Orphan Black: Ever wondered what it would be like to have another you? Another person who looked exactly like you? Yes, you’ve guessed it right. This series is about…clones. And skilfull ones too. Played by the wonderfully masterful Tatiana Maslany, this series is intriguing for reasons I can only grant due to excellent acting and good script-writing. This Canada-based series, albeit grossly dealing with clones and mostly betrayal, it’s also very fun to watch due to its secondary characters too. Forget the snubbing of the Emmys, it’s definitely the worth it.

CINEMAX

(69) The Knick: A new drama series directed by Steven Soderbergh and led by the spunky Clive Owen, this series is based on the professional and personal life of Dr. John W. Thackery, who bases his medical methods into innovative discoveries at the early 1900s. Battling with opium addiction and offering us a look at the acting talent of Owen, this series is something freshly unique for fans that are not so inclined to look away when it comes to blood or see dissecting corpses on their screen. Currently renewed for its 2nd season.

Channel 4

(70) My Mad Fat Diary: This girl is fat. This girl is skinny. This girl is cool. This girl is stupid. This series is about differentiation. Set in the mid 1990s in Lincolnshire (UK), this series is based on the diary of a teenage girl (mostly true events) Rae Earl. Based on her life experiences, and what she had to go through, how to deal with the fact that she was fat which that resulted in her attempting suicide, this series' got a lot of heart, a lot of good music, some top-notch family drama, and some real life lessons. Definitely recommend it for people looking for something alternative (kind of resembles the ‘Skins’ days too), this series is definitely a winner for Channel 4.

Comedy Central

(71) South Park: Let’s face it…for everything that goes wrong we have to BLAME CANADA! That’s it. Nothing else. South Park: one of the most vulgar, crude and hilarious adult animated sitcoms around, has managed on numerous occasions to get sued and still go on with the show for more than a decade now. Witty and nasty, this is definitely a satire on every-day events in our society. And whoever said that don’t love Eric Cartman….screw you guys, he’s going home. Thank God Kenny’s still aliv-….omg guys, you killed Kenny…AGAIN!!!! Watch it, or burn (in South Park Hell). Black Friday’s coming up, I’m sure they’ll take the piss…again.

Syndication

(72) The Ellen DeGeneres Show: She is simply wonderful. With Queen Latifah’s newly cancelled show too, Ellen is the ruler of mid-afternoon host-stratosphere. She is hilarious, she’s generous, she’s simply the best. She even put Cyprus on the map (well sort of – check this one out, I’m sure you all remember this too happened on Ellen). Honestly speaking, I first remember watching Ellen as a comedic actress back in the late 90s when I was kid, and she had that spark about her. And she managed on multiple occasions to help people out, to offer them things and give a piece of kindness whenever she can. Definitely a favorite among the bunch.

FROM HERE ON DOWN I WON’T BOTHER WITH A FULL COMMENTARY. AS THESE ARE SERIES I HAVEN’T/PARTIALLY WATCHED IT WOULD BE UNFAIR OF ME TO OFFER AN OPINION. POSSIBLY I WILL JUST BRIEFLY WRITE A SUMMARY PLOT (Copy-Paste - apologies about that) – WHAT’S IT ABOUT AND ANY EXPECTATIONS OF MINE. 

NEW-GOING SERIES 2014- that I am planning in the near future to get down with (should I find the time for them of course):

ABC

• Black-ish: new quirky sitcom from ABC, that’s made everyone go berserk since it aired. Apparently is getting quite the acclaim too.
• Cristela: Haven't heard the most amazing reviews for this sitcom. Will see how it will develop on and if I should bother with it.  

NBC

• Constantine: THE BUZZ: Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. NBC has decided to cut this journey short, leaving fans with only 13 episodes for the 1st (and only?) season of this tale. At least the production is halted for now.
• State of Affairs: Another sort of Secretary of State show, starring Katherine Heigl, who plays a CIA officer to become the Presiden'ts daily briefer. Mixed reviews on this on. Will check it out for Heigl though. 

CBS

• Extant: Starring Halle Berry and Goran Visnjic this is a sci-fi drama series with Exec.Producer Mr. Spielberg. (totally copy pasting this). The story revolves around astronaut Molly Woods, who return home to her family inexplicably pregnant after 13 months in outer space on a solo mission – well that sounds like another immaculate conception. 
• Stalker: Police drama series with Dylan McDermott and Maggie Q. Has proven to go extraordinary well with the ratings. Will have to check it out pretty soon. 
• Scorpion: Another win it seems for CBS this year, this drama series is based on the life of self-proclaimed genius computer expert Walter O’ Brien. Of course there’s a recruitment of other computer geniuses involved too. 
• Madam Secretary: Tea Leoni stars in this political drama, as Elizabeth Faulkner McCord, a CIA analyst who is promoted to US Secretary of State. Has some nice reviews so far. Let’s see. VERDICT: Also a series that made a splash this year on CBS. Tea Leoni shines as Madam Secretary of the State. Most of the times the plots seem like a cheap version of 'Homeland' but it's still quite intriguing to watch. Nice combination of politics and family drama. Let's hope they don't stretch this out too much. 

FOX

• Red Band Society: Another series that seems to have exploded in the televised stratosphere this year. This teen medical comedy-drama stars Olivia Spenser and Dave Annable, is focused on a group of teenagers living together as patients in a hospital’s pediatric ward.  VERDICT: Just watched the first 10 episodes of this series. Teen medical drama, but with a lot of heart to go around. Definitely recommend it. All REDBANDERS out there unite to help this gem of series to come back with a pick up for next year's fall TV schedule. 

ON-GOING SERIES - that I am planning in the near future to get down with (should I find the time for them of course):

ABC

• Castle: After a serial killer imitates the plots of his novels, successful mystery novelist Richard "Rick" Castle gets permission from the Mayor of New York City to tag along with an NYPD homicide investigation team for research purposes.
• Mistresses: A drama about the scandalous lives of a group of four girlfriends - each on her own path to self-discovery as they brave the turbulent journey together. 
• Agents S.H.I.E.L.D: The missions of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division.

NBC

• Chicago Fire: The story of firefighters in Chicago.
• Grimm: A homicide detective discovers he is a descendant of hunters who fight supernatural forces.
• Parenthood (Final Season): The lives and tragedies of the Braverman family tree.
• Chicago P.D.: Follows District 21 of the Chicago Police Department, which is made up of two distinctly different groups: the uniformed cops and the Intelligence Unit.
• Marry Me: Annie and Jake finally get engaged after six years, but her larger-than-life personality and his laid-back approach to life will severely test the theory of "opposites attract". They quickly realize getting engaged was the easy part.

CW

• Teen Wolf: A somewhat awkward teen is attacked by a werewolf and inherits the curse itself, as well as the enemies that come with it.
• Supernatural: Two brothers follow their father's footsteps as "hunters" fighting evil supernatural beings of many kinds including monsters, demons, and gods that roam the earth.
• The 100: Set 97 years after a nuclear war has destroyed civilization, when a spaceship housing humanity's lone survivors sends 100 juvenile delinquents back to Earth in hopes of possibly re-populating the planet.
• Whose Line Is It Anyway (ex-ABC show): In every episode Aisha Tyler hosts a skit comedy show where the actors on the show, usually Wayne Brady, Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles and another guest star or two do different comedy skits. It's all improv and made up on the spot. It's like the original British show Whose Line is it Anyway that ran from 1988 until 1998 and it was remade in USA that ran from 1998 until 2006.

CBS

• The Mentalist (Final Season):A famous "psychic" outs himself as a fake and starts working as a consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation so he can find "Red John," the madman who killed his wife and daughter.
• Mike & Molly: A couple meets at an Overeaters' Anonymous meeting.
• Person of Interest: A former CIA operative is recruited by an enigmatic billionaire to prevent violent crimes.
• The Good Wife: Alicia has been a good wife to her husband, a former state's attorney. After a very humiliating sex and corruption scandal, he is behind bars. She must now provide for her family and returns to work as a litigator in a law firm.
• Elementary: A modern take on the cases of Sherlock Holmes, with the detective now living in New York City.
• Two and a Half Men (Final Season): A hedonistic jingle writer's free-wheeling life comes to an abrupt halt when his brother and 10-year-old nephew move into his beach-front house.
• The Millers (Cancelled): A divorced reporter, looking forward to the single life, finds his parents' marital problems derail his plans.

FOX-FX-FXX NETWORKS

• Bob’s Burgers: Bob's Burgers centers on the Belcher family (consists of Bob, Linda, Tina, Gene and Louise) who own a hamburger restaurant. Bob's burgers are really delicious and appear to be better than his rivals' but when it comes to selling burgers, his kids aren't really helpful, as more customers head over to Jimmy Pesto's restaurant.
• Justified (Final Season):Old-school U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is reassigned from Miami to his childhood home in the poor, rural coal-mining towns in Eastern Kentucky.
• The Americans: Two Soviet intelligence agents pose as a married couple to spy on the American government.
• Louie: The life of Louis CK, a divorced comedian with two kids living in New York.
• Archer: At ISIS, an international spy agency, global crises are merely opportunities for its highly trained employees to confuse, undermine, betray and royally screw each other.
• It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia: Four young friends with big egos and slightly arrogant attitudes are the proprietors of an Irish bar in Philadelphia.
• Hot in Cleveland (cancelled): Three 40-something best friends from Los Angeles are flying to Paris when their plane makes an emergency landing in Cleveland. Realizing that all the norms from Los Angeles don't apply anymore, they decide to celebrate a city that values real women and stay where they're still considered hot.
• Married: Revolves around the lengths to which two best friends are willing to go in order to salvage their marriage.
• Sons of Anarchy (Final season): A man in his early 30s struggles to find a balance in his life between being a new dad and his involvement in a motorcycle club.
• Bones: A forensic anthropologist and a cocky FBI agent build a team to investigate death causes. And quite often, there isn't more to examine than rotten flesh or mere bones.
• Salem (partially watched): Set in the volatile world of 17th century Massachusetts, 'Salem' explores what really fueled the town's infamous witch trials and dares to uncover the dark, supernatural truth hiding behind the veil of this infamous period in American history. In Salem, witches are real, but they are not who or what they seem.

SHOWTIME

• Web Therapy: After quitting her job in finance under dubious circumstances, the affluent and self-interested Fiona Wallice tries her hand at therapy - offering clients 3-minute sessions over the Internet in hopes of weeding out any unnecessary emotion.
• House of Lies: A subversive, scathing look at a self-loathing management consultant from a top-tier firm. Marty, a highly successful, cutthroat consultant is never above using any means (or anyone) necessary to get his clients the information they want.
• Ray Donovan: Ray Donovan, a professional "fixer" for the rich and famous in LA, can make anyone's problems disappear except those created by his own family.
• Episodes: British writer-producers Beverly and Sean Lincoln (Tamsin Greig and Stephen Mangan), have a wonderful marriage and a hit TV series to their credit. Things couldn't be better. Until Merc Lapidus (John Pankow), a Hollywood network executive, gushes over their series at a gala.

TNT

• Transporter: The Series: Frank Martin is an ex special ops, who now spends his life as a transporter on the other side of the law. With three rules, he always completes his contracts. One way, or the other.
• Rizzoli & Isles: Detective Jane Rizzoli and Medical Examiner Dr. Maura Isles team up to solve crimes in Boston.

HBO

• Veep: Former Senator Selina Meyer finds that being Vice President of the United States is nothing like she hoped and everything that everyone ever warned her about.
• Girls: A comedy about the experiences of a group of girls in their early 20s.
• The Comeback (revived series): Yet another Lisa Kudrow series: an ex A-list celebrity attempts to rekindle the flame of her once prominent acting career with nothing but a camera crew and some determination.

USA

• White Collar (Final Season): A white collar criminal agrees to help the FBI catch other white collar criminals using his expertise as an art and securities thief, counterfeiter, and conman.

STARZ

• Black Sails: Captain Flint and his pirates, twenty years prior to Robert Louis Stevenson's classic "Treasure Island".
• Da Vinci’s Demons: The secret history of Leonardo da Vinci's tantalizing life reveals a portrait of a young man tortured by a gift of superhuman genius.
• Helix: A team of scientists are thrust into a potentially life-or-death situation in this thriller, which begins with the group being deployed to the Arctic to secretly investigate what could be a disease outbreak.
• The Missing: Follows Tony, played by James Nesbitt, as a man devastated by the abduction of his young son, Oliver, during a family vacation in France. He becomes a man obsessed, unable to accept that his child may be dead and spends years searching for him. Tony's exhaustive search fractures his marriage to Emily, played by Frances O' Connor and threatens to destroy his life.

TBS

• Cougar Town:A recently divorced woman decides to find some excitement in her dating life.

YAHOO

• Community: A suspended lawyer is forced to enroll in a community college with an eclectic staff and student body.

ABC Family

• Melissa & Joey:After a family scandal leaves Mel, a local politician, alone with her niece, Lennox, and nephew, Ryder, she hires a man named Joe to become the family's male nanny, or "manny".

NETFLIX

• Arrested Development (ex-FOX show) - (revived series): Level-headed son Michael Bluth takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. But the rest of his spoiled, dysfunctional family are making his job unbearable.

BBC (Dramas)

• The Fall (BBC 2): A psychological thriller that examines the lives of two hunters. One is a serial killer who stalks his victims in and around Belfast and the other is a talented female Detective Superintendent from the MET who is brought in to catch him.
• Happy Valley (BBC 1): Catherine is a no-nonsense police sergeant who heads up a team of officers in a rural Yorkshire valley. When a staged kidnapping spirals out of control turning into a brutal series of crimes, Catherine finds herself involved in something significantly bigger than her rank, but unknowingly close to home.
• Doctor Who (2005): The further adventures of the time traveling alien adventurer and his companions.

BBC AMERICA 

• The Musketeers (BBC 1): Set on the streets of 17th century Paris, series gives a contemporary take on the classic story about a group of highly trained soldiers and bodyguards assigned to protect King and country.

LIFETIME

• Devious Maids: Four Latina maids with ambition and dreams of their own work for the rich and famous in Beverly Hills.

COMING IN 2015 SERIES - which I would like to have a look at (at some point):

ABC

• Galavant: Costumer drama meets musicals meets fantasy fairy tales gone bad. This up-coming series will be filled with all kinds of ‘pun-intended’ jokes, fairy tale costumes and loads and loads of singing from everyone, even the villains. Looks promising. 

• Agent Carter: Inspired by the films of Captain America, this is the story of Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), an agent for Howard Stark who is trying to balance her daily job with her secret missions. Based on the existing comics of Marvel, this is something totally new for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 
• The Astronaut Wives Club
• Secret & Lies
• The Club

NBC

• Heroes: Reborn: Will be broadcasted as a mini-series in 2015, this is about a group of ordinary people who gradually become aware of their supernatural abilities and powers. The original cast might be involved. 
• Odyssey: Three families are torn apart when a stranded female soldier, a disillusioned corporate attorney and a disrespected political activist are pulled into the same shocking international military conspiracy.

Netflix – ABC Studios

• Daredevil: Based on the Marvel Comics (again) this series follows Matt Murdock / Daredevil (Charlie Cox), a lawyer-by-day who fights crime at night. 

AMC

• Better Call Saul: Drama spin-off series of Vince Gilligan’s Breaking Bad’, it focuses on the life of small-time lawyer Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) six years before his appearance on the ‘Breaking Bad’ series. 

SyFy

• 12 Monkeys: Sci-fi drama series based on the 1995 version film by Terry Gilliam (look here for info)

Lifetime – A&E

• Damien: Sequel to the 1976 film ‘The Omen’. Information on the development of the series haven’t yet been released.

CW

• iZombie: A medical student who becomes a zombie joins a Coroner's Office in order to gain access to the brains she must reluctantly eat so that she can maintain her humanity.

FOX - FXX Networks

• Man Seeking Woman:A naive romantic goes on a desperate quest for love when his longtime girlfriend dumps him.
• Empire: A unique family drama set in the world of a hip hop empire.

Syndication

• Babylon: A look at the people in charge and on the front lines of a contemporary police force. 

MTV

• Finding Carter: A teenager finds out she was abducted as a toddler and returns to her biological family. (already aired 1st season- 2nd season to commence in 2015)

BBC America

• The Last Kingdom - no details have yet been made public.

ELREY

• From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series: A Texas Ranger is in hot pursuit of the infamous Gecko brothers. (already aired 1st season- 2nd season to commence in 2015)

PBS

• The Roosevelts: An Intimate History:Starring our very own Meryl Streep, this is a docu-fiction that weaves together the stories of Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, three members of one of the most prominent and influential families in American politics.

TNT

• The Librarians: A group of librarians set off on adventures in an effort to save mysterious, ancient artifacts.

BBC 1

• Esio Trott: Starring Dame Judi Dench and Dustin Hoffman and produced by 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' Richard Curtis, this is about a retired bachelor has a thing for his neighbor who only shows affection to her pet tortoise.

Netflix

• Marco Polo: In a world replete with greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue and rivalry, "Marco Polo" is based on the famed explorer's adventures in Kublai Khan's court in 13th century China.
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: A woman escapes from a doomsday cult and starts life over again in New York City.  

FINISHED SERIES - that I am planning in the near future to get down with (should I find the time for them of course):

HBO

• The Newsroom: A news anchor's life is stirred up when he's forced to work with a new team of colleagues.

FOX

• 24: Jack Bauer, Director of Field Ops for the Counter-Terrorist Unit of Los Angeles, races against the clock to subvert terrorist plots and save his nation from ultimate disaster.

SyFy

• Warehouse 13: After saving the life of the President in Washington D.C., a pair of U.S Secret Service agents are whisked away to a covert location in South Dakota that houses supernatural objects that the Regents, an Authority above and outside any government, have collected over the centuries. Their new assignment: retrieve any lost objects and investigate reports of new ones.

ITV

• Whitechapel: A fast-tracked inspector, a hardened detective sergeant, and an expert in historical homicides investigate modern crimes with connections to the past in the Whitechapel district of London.

BONUS ROUND

MINI-SERIES to check out

• Top of the Lake (2013): When pregnant, 12-year-old Tui tries to kill herself in a freezing New Zealand lake, Detective Robin Griffin has plenty of questions for the girl. But when Tui suddenly disappears, Griffin finds herself knee-deep in small-town secrets.
• Houdini: Follow the man behind the magic as he finds fame, engages in espionage, battles spiritualists and encounters the greatest names of the era, from U.S. presidents to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Grigori Rasputin.
• Klondike: The lives of two childhood best friends, Bill and Epstein, in the late 1890s as they flock to the gold rush capital in the untamed Yukon Territory. This man-versus-nature tale places our heroes in a land full of undiscovered wealth, but ravaged by harsh conditions, unpredictable weather and desperate, dangerous characters including greedy businessmen, seductive courtesans and native tribes witnessing the destruction of their people and land by opportunistic entrepreneurs.
• Rosemary’s Baby: Based on Roman Polanski’s 1969 film version. Modern 4 hour mini-series adaptation of the classic novel by Ira Levin focusing on young Rosemary Woodhouse's suspicions that her neighbors may belong to a Satanic cult who are hell bent on getting one thing: the baby she is carrying.
• Broadchurch: The murder of a young boy in a small coastal town brings a media frenzy, which threatens to tear the community apart.
• Gracepoint: When a young boy is found dead on an idyllic beach, a major police investigation gets underway in the small California seaside town where the tragedy occurred. Soon deemed a homicide, the case sparks a media frenzy, which throws the boy's family into further turmoil and upends the lives of all of the town's residents.
• Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond: Look at the 007 creator, Ian Fleming, and his early life set against the permissive society of war-torn WWII London.
• The Spoils of Babylon: Cynthia and Devon are two siblings whose intense love drives everything and everyone around them to ruin.
• John Adams: Albeit a 2008 production you should definitely watch this mini-series.The life of one of the USA's Founding Fathers, its second President, and his role in the nation's first 50 years
• New Worlds: The 1680s bring a new king, Restoration and more tyranny. In Massachusetts, a robber's son falls for an anti-monarchist. In England, young lady falls for an outlaw.
• Marvellous: The life of Neil Baldwin, a man who has shrugged off his perceived limitations to live an incredible life.
• Death Comes to Pemberley: Elizabeth and Darcy, now six years married, are preparing for their annual ball when festivities are brought to an abrupt halt. An adaptation of PD James's homage to Pride and Prejudice.
• Flowers in the Attic – Petals in the Wind (TV Movie/Mini-Series): Based on the acclaimed books by Virginia C. Andrews. After the sudden death of their father, four children face cruel treatment from their ruthless grandmother.
• The Normal Heart (TV Movie): Produced by 'American Horror Story' and Glee's Ryan Murphy, this film is about a gay activist attempts to raise HIV/AIDS awareness during the early 1980s.
• The White Queen: Three different, yet equally relentless women vie for the throne in 15th Century England.

I know what you're thinking...I have no life. Well, sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I have multiple lives. This is my TV life.  Overall it must have taken me over a month to complete this post (on and off of course). To those of you who actually sat down and had a sneak peek on this post, congratulations, you’re a freak like me. 

There's so many more series that keep popping all the time, it's hard to keep track and watch everything. What do you think I am? A machine? But, whether I manage to watch or not, I make sure I'm informed on the TV happenings all the time. 

TV in the past 5 years or so has transformed into stories of quality. Slowly we see a major shift of film actors doing TV, because there's so many good scripts out there, so many well done productions. I think all of this really took a booming after LOST and Game of Thrones premiered, as it showed to the wider audience that TV can be exceptionally good and well done, if there's only a budget and creativity involved. 

If I'd forgotten something, please by all means include it in the comments, as I will also include it in, in future posts. My apologies for all the copy-pasting in the end. I did it only where I believe that my opinion was lacking, but for you to have a summary of what a TV series is about. 


Hope you like the post. 

And gable! gable! everyone. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

(or you know, Happy St. Andrew's Day...)

The Skye Boat Song 

(Outlander Theme)