Must See TV: Emmy's 2015

Year three of my own Emmy awards and boy is television changing. The pace at which TV has shifted to a stream and binge activity is a bit intimidating to me. Sure, there have been a number of trends and changes in film, during my 23 years on the earth, but the recent changes in the television world are absolutely crazy. Nevertheless, the content continues to flow at a faster pace.

Does anybody else remember the days when you only watched two or three shows and life was just as fun?... Yeah, me neither! Instead, 2015's Top Ten list only includes only about half of the shows that I watched from start to finish, this year--not to mention the time-fillers, like HGTV, re-runs, and all things ESPN.

Just so you know, the shows and seasons that qualify for this year's list aired between June 2014 and May 2015, much like the actual Emmy's.

If you want to compare and read the descriptions, check out my lists from 2013 and 2014.

Here are my Top Ten shows from last year:

1 - Orange is the New Black (Season 1 - Netflix)
2 - True Detective (Season 1 - HBO)
3 - The Big Bang Theory (Season 7 - CBS)
4 - The Tonight show Starring Jimmy Fallon (Season 1 - NBC)
5 - The Newsroom (Season 2 - HBO)
6 - American Horror Story: Coven (Season 3 - FX)
7 - The Writer's Room (Season 2 - Sundance)
8 - The Americans (Season 2 - FX)
9 - The Colbert Report (Season 10 - Comedy Central)
10 - MasterChef Junior (Season 1 - FOX)

A few notes, as your compare this year's list to last's:

- I have yet to watch season 3 of The Americans, but the reviews have been quite favorable.

- The Writer's Room appears to have been cancelled or perpetually postponed, as I have heard nothing about it (which is quite a shame).

- True Detective did not air from June 2014 to May 2015 and does not qualify for this year's list.

So, now, check out my favorites from the 2014-2015 television season...

10. The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon

(Season 2 - NBC)

 

While some of the new car smell has worn off of Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show tenure, he still has so much going for him, and, as long as he keeps it up, I'll keep watching. I truly believe that no one has more fun at their job than Jimmy Fallon, and that fun-loving air permeates through the television every night. Kudos to Jimmy Fallon for being so likable.

9. The Celebrity Apprentice

(Season 14 - NBC)

 

Unfortunately, Donald Trump has decided that his ego is more valuable than my television entertainment, but, regardless, for 14 seasons, he and Mark Burnett kept me plenty entertained. There is very little space in my diet for reality shows, but The Apprentice has always been great, in my opinion, regardless of how C-list the celebrities may be.

8. American Horror Story: Freak Show

(Season 4 - FX)

 

Another season of AHS, another shift DOWN my Top Ten list... Most critics have been harsh on this season of AHS, and I can understand why. The story was all over the place, with very little purpose or emotion. But, nevertheless, there were a few great performances from Kathy Bates, Finn Wittrock, and Angela Bassett. Hopefully, AHS can turn things around, this season, with Hotel, but I am not sure that Gaga is going to be the savior.

7. The Newsroom

(Season 3 - HBO)

 

Most of my readers know of my love for Aaron Sorkin and, out of that love, stems my love for The Newsroom. While most critics never cared for the show, I have loved it from the first episode, and, if there had been a fourth, fifth, or sixth season, I would have loved it just the same. If Sorkin writes it, I'm intrigued. It really is that simple. The first three of the final six episodes were so good, and my hopes were quite high that Sorkin actually cared enough to write a great ending. But, everything quickly went to crap. Fortunately, it was still The Newsroom, and I still liked it.

6. The Colbert Report

(Season 11 - Comedy Central)

 

Thankfully, the Colbert drought is over, as Stephen's tenure on The Late Show has finally begun, but there is no doubt that the Stephen Colbert of The Colbert Report will forever be missed. The final season offered a number of great moments, with Colbert just being Colbert, and that is exactly what we, the fans, wanted. Kudos to everyone who was ever involved with The Colbert Report!

5. How to Get Away with Murder

(Season 1 - ABC)

 

For the record, I never thought I would ever enjoy a Shonda Rhimes show, but How to Get Away with Murder really impressed me in its first season. Sure, the show is overdramatized and a bit slow, but there are a number of twists and turns. And, there are not nearly as many overly-emotional moments as with Grey's Anatomy (thank God!!!). Kudos to ABC and Shondaland for impressing me, this year!

4. Bloodline

(Season 1 - Netflix)

 

While there were a few shows that I enjoyed better than Bloodline, this year, there are none that I miss as much as Bloodline. I truly fell in love with the crazy Rayburn family and loved the drama that kept you on the edge of your seat, even with the outcome being declared in the premiere. That move alone was genius and quite engaging. I'm not sure that season 2 can really keep up, but, either way, I cannot wait!

3. The Big Bang Theory

(Season 8 - CBS)

 

For the second straight year, The Big Bang Theory lands at number 3 on my top ten list, which is quite an impressive feat for a show in its 8th season, in my opinion. I know that many folks are no longer as fond of the show, but the past two seasons of the Big Bang have seen great improvements over seasons 5 and 6, where the women took a lot away from the show. The continuing evolution of Sheldon Cooper, along with a truly emotional send off for Ms. Wolowitz sold me on season 8 of this classic show. Hopefully, everything will continue to trend up, during season 9.

2. Orange is the New Black

(Season 2 - Netflix)

 

Orange is the New Black took Netflix and all of television by storm, during the summer of 2013, and, thankfully, the show just kept on chugging in season 2. There are a number of television shows that are great, from a critical standpoint, but Orange is the New Black draws you in and provides you with all you need to connect emotionally to its flawed characters. While it didn't quite make number 1, this year, there is no doubt that Orange is the New Black continues to impress.

1. The Last Man on Earth

(Season 1 - FOX)

 

Networks have such a hard time producing appropriate content that keeps the interest of today's TV audience. But, this season, FOX was able to absolutely blow me away with the unique addition of The Last Man on Earth, a hilarious new show from Phil Lord and Chris Miller (21 Jump Street, The LEGO Movie). It is my guess that many of you have not seen The Last Man on Earth, but you should work hard to correct this issue. If you're looking for something original and hilarious, go check it out! The last true comedy that I fell in love with was New Girl, which also airs on FOX, but it has been a whole 4 years since that show premiered. And, of course, New Girl has struggled greatly in recent seasons. While there have been new comedies that I like (Silicon Valley, Girls, Trophy Wife, etc.), none have been THIS great. I can't wait for season 2. I don't even care that New Girl got bumped to mid-season! Go watch this show, people!


Well, there you have it, folks! Be sure to tune in to the Emmy's on Sunday night and see who the lucky winners are, this year.

Also, go watch each and every show that I've just listed. You won't be disappointed!

Must See TV: Emmy's 2013

Now, I'm no TV critic, but it is safe to say that I watch more television than the average individual, so I consider myself a reputable source. Unfortunately, I don't get to watch as many shows as I would like to. In fact, there are more that I want to watch than I actually have time to watch, but that is not your problem! I say all of that to discredit the list that I am about to show you as a complete analysis of all TV shows. This list is my own list of "Must See TV." These are the shows that I required myself to watch as soon as I could, over the past TV season, because I love them so very much. However, my love is personal, and I do not expect anybody to love the exact same shows as me. I'm not even going to claim that these are the best shows on television... Let them Emmy's do that. These are just the few shows that I was the most engulfed in throughout the year, and I want to share this with you, as I truly love my TV shows. Sure, there are movies that can capture your heart and memories, but nothing can connect you to characters like great television. So, here are the five shows that I loved the most, over the course of the 2012-2013 TV season:


5. The Office

The Office is undoubtedly one of my favorite comedies of all time, and I actually started watching the show before it was popular and continued to watch the show after it had lost its popularity. If you didn't get a chance, you can read My Farewell to The Office, and maybe you will fully understand my love for this amazing show. There is no doubt that the final season was better than the previous, which probably wouldn't have landed anywhere near this list, but I still hate to have to put this great show at number five. I must be accurate, though!


4. The Celebrity Apprentice

Aside from my parents, I highly doubt that any of my readers actually watch The Apprentice, which is a darn shame! I know that many people hate Donald Trump, but I love him and the entire concept that surrounds the show. Unfortunately, the future of The Apprentice is not so clear, so let's pray that we get another season. Regardless, I love this show, and Trump is my bro... And I rhymed...

 

3. American Horror Story: Asylum

Had I made a list like this last year, there is no doubt that American Horror Story would have topped the list. There is no other show on television that has the ability to shock me, each and every week, quite like AHS. However, I didn't enjoy season 2 quite as much as season 1, probably because I knew that I was going to be shocked (if that's even possible). Regardless, it was still fantastic, and I cannot wait for season 3!


2. The Newsroom

I know that a lot of critics out there really, really hate The Newsroom, but I cannot figure out WHY?!? This new show, from the genius mind of Aaron Sorkin, was able to bring the news industry to its knees in each and every episode, which could be the reason we never hear any good NEWS about the show. The Newsroom's presence on this list is a result of its first season, which is the season that qualifies for the Emmy's next week. However, the season 2 finale is on tonight! So, go turn on HBO... right now!



1. New Girl

For me, the 2012-2013 television season will forever be remembered as the year that New Girl reigned supreme! There is no doubt that I enjoyed the creation of "Jess and Nick" and the hilarity that ensued, but there was never a dull moment throughout the entire season. No show has made me laugh this much in a single season since the third season of The Office, which is probably my favorite season of any comedy ever. So, kudos to New Girl! They may not have a chance to win next week, but they certainly take home all the imaginative awards that I give out as The Average Critic.



As an avid movie viewer, it is understood that I love watching The Oscars each and every year. In fact, I love pretty much any awards show. I even watched the VMAs this year (good grief, Miley!). However, there is absolutely no awards show that I love more than The Primetime Emmy's, and you can take that to the bank!

Here's the deal:
Even though I usually enjoy two or three of the best picture nominees at The Oscars, rarely am I truly in love with the film on a super-personal level. And, if the awards aren't personal, I could care less who wins. Sure, I may be pulling for a movie in a category or two, but, for the most part, I just want there to be some sort of huge upset... which rarely happens at The Oscars! When it comes to TV, though, if my show that I LOVE is nominated for an award, I'm going to cheer them on until their award is given out, and I will be holding out hope for every show, until the final award is passed out. Unlike The Oscars, The Emmy's are unpredictable, so make sure you watch next week!

Here are some folks, in various categories, that I will be cheering on, next Sunday:

 

Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel), Lead Actress in a Drama

Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom), Lead Actor in a Drama

Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey), Supporting Actress in a Drama

Mandy Patinkin (Homeland), Supporting Actor in a Drama

Jane Fonda (The Newsroom), Guest Actress in a Drama

Margo Martindale (The Americans), Guest Actress in a Drama

Henry Bromell (Homeland), Writing for a Drama

 

Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation), Lead Actress in a Comedy

Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory), Lead Actor in a Comedy

Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory), Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live), Supporting Actor in a Comedy

Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live), Guest Actress in a Comedy

Bob Newhart (The Big Bang Theory), Guest Actor in a Comedy

Greg Daniels (The Office), Writing for a Comedy

 

Jessica Lange (American Horror Story: Asylum), Lead Actress in a Mini Series or Movie

Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story: Asylum), Supporting Actress in a Mini Series or Movie

Zachary Quinto (American Horror Story: Asylum), Supporting Actor in a Mini Series or Movie

 

American Horror Story: Asylum, Miniseries or Movie

The Voice, Reality-Competition

Saturday Night Live, Variety Series

The Colbert Report, Variety Series

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Variety Series

Anybody but John Stewart, Variety Series

The Big Bang Theory, Comedy Series

To my movie lovers,
Don't worry... I'm not turning this into a TV blog! There just isn't much going on, movie-wise, in September, and I needed something to write about. Hang in there! There are many more reviews to come...