Must See TV: Emmy's 2016

Very few things have been able to pull me from my blog hibernation, over the past year, but the Emmy's can make me do anything. So, here I am, prepared to share with you my TV best-list from the 2015-2016 television season. For the record, only seasons of shows that aired between June 2015 and May 2016 are being considered for the list. Anything that has aired since May will be included in next year's list (I'm talking to you, Stranger Things).

Also, know that there are a number of great shows that I really love that didn't quite make the cut, this year. Fortunately, there is always hope for next year!

In case you are interested in comparing, here is last year's Top 10:

1. The Last Man on Earth (Season 1 - FOX)
2. Orange is the New Black (Season 2 - Netflix)
3. The Big Bang Theory (Season 8 - CBS)
4. Bloodline (Season 1 - Netflix)
5. How to Get Away with Murder (Season 1 - ABC
6. The Colbert Report (Season 11 - Comedy Central)
7. The Newsroom (Season 3 - HBO)
8. American Horror Story: Freak Show (Season 4 - FX)
9. The Celebrity Apprentice (Season 14 - NBC)
10. The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon (Season 2 - NBC)

Now, on to the good stuff...

10. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

(Season 2 - HBO)

In a world with no Colbert Report and no Jon Stewart, John Oliver has happily filled a void that, in the midst of an insane election year, absolutely must be filled. While I do love British humor, Oliver has done a great job of Americanizing his humor for many years, and, for some reason, his passion for his stories truly feels stronger and much more serious than than the stories of Colbert and Stewart. Kudos to Oliver for finding his niche and giving America something to laugh at!

9. The Last Man on Earth

(Season 2 - FOX)

Last year, The Last Man on Earth topped my tv best-list and truly blew me away with its unique form of humor. Unfortunately, season 2 felt a bit drawn out and lacking in creativity (likely because of the greatness of season 1). However, the show was still fantastic and remains, in my opinion, the most creative show on any of the big four networks.

8. Mr. Robot

(Season 1 - USA)

I was extremely late to join the Mr. Robot bandwagon, but there is no doubt that USA has a gem on their hands. Not only is the story intriguing, but the show is so visually impressive that I would often get lost in a scene because of the impressive direction and camerawork. The hacker jargon goes way over my head, but the characters are so well-written that everything makes sense anyway. Mr. Robot is definitely worth the hype!

7. The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story

(Season 1 - FX)

O.J. Simpson has taken the world by storm, once again, and, while it might eventually get old, I'm kind of digging it! As a big fan of Ryan Murphy and his FX ventures, I was an easy target for American Crime Story, and, while this season was cinematically wonderful, I cannot wait to see what Murphy and crew have in store for next year's Katrina-based storyline. Hold on to your seats, folks! We've only just begun!

6. Life in Pieces

(Season 1 - CBS)

As the lone new network show that I enjoyed, in 2016, Life in Pieces provided viewers a new, fun family that everyone could love and laugh at. The show may not be breaking any giant molds, but the cast is so great that they really don't need anything else. Anyone else looking forward to Life in Pieces season 2?

5. New Girl

(Season 5 - FOX)

New Girl had totally lost its way in seasons 3 and 4, but, for the few that were able to hang in there through the disaster, season 5 brought a breath of fresh air. We can only hope that the show continues to get back on track with season 6, and, also, we can hope that FOX won't blow through all 20-ish episodes in three weeks, as they did in 2016. 

4. The Man in the High Castle

(Season 1 - Amazon)

The lack of Emmy recognition (or even snub-recognition) for The Man in the High Castle is absolutely baffling to me. Unfortunately, there probably weren't enough viewers to initiate a Mr. Robot-esque takeover of awards season, but the show is truly a masterpiece that keeps you guessing, throughout. There are so many television shows to choose from, right now, but very few of them leave you wanting for answers in the way that The Man in the High Castle does. Go check it out!

3. Master of None

(Season 1 - Netflix)

Master of None's success at stacking up Emmy nominations was a surprise to many, but I'm not sure why everyone was so shocked. This show is genius! While there were a couple of episodes that didn't quite work, the bulk of season 1 was near perfection, and that's coming from someone who isn't really a huge Aziz Ansari fan. Master of None has a little something for everyone, and I can almost guarantee that you will find at least two or three episodes that blow you away.

2. Orange is the New Black

(Season 3 - Netflix)

As is the case with every year, Orange is the New Black lags a season behind the awards show, because of its release date. And, while I really want to use this time to talk about how amazing season 4 is, let's focus on season 3, which really helped the show transition from Piper-world to prison-world. Kudos to Jenji Kohan for allowing the show to continually evolve into what is has become, rather than sticking us with hours of Piper, just to weed through to the good parts. If you gave up on Orange is the New Black because of Piper Chapman, please return. She's still here, but not NEARLY as much!

1. How to Get Away with Murder

(Season 2 - ABC)

I watch a number of new television shows, each and every year, and, while I do enjoy a number of them, the long term outlook for these shows isn't always as pleasant as the present. Upon the completion of How to Get Away with Murder season 1, I was 90% sure that this show would be a one year fling that completely loses its way in season 2. Fortunately, in my decision to question Shondaland's brilliance, I was completely and totally wrong. Not only was season 2 of Murder better than season 1, but it was my favorite show of the 2015-16 television season--by far! Nothing else comes anywhere close! And, unlike the ending to season 1, the ending to season 2 absolutely blew me away and established a murderous formula that I believe has a good chance of living on for a number of years to come. 

Another great TV year, in the books! Take a look at this list, and you'll know who I will be cheering on, during tonight's Emmy's ceremony. 

Isn't TV just the bomb?!?

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 2014

With the Emmy's on the horizon, I've decided to talk about TV for a minute!

For the second straight year, I'll be giving you my list of best TV shows and a snippet telling you why I love each show. If you want, you can check out my list from last year here.

This year, my list has been expanded to a "top ten" list, while last year's list featured only my top five shows. With the quality of today's television series, I figured you would be interested in seeing what all I tuned in to, rather than just seeing five shows. The TV season runs from June to May, which means that this year's list includes TV shows released between June 2013 and May 2014... just so you know!

Here is my top five list from 2013:

1 - New Girl (Season 2 - FOX)
2 - The Newsroom (Season 1 - HBO)
3 - American Horror Story: Asylum (Season 2 - FX)
4 - The Celebrity Apprentice (Season 13 - NBC)
5 - The Office (Season 9 - NBC)

While reading this year's list, keep in mind that I am not listing these shows from a critical perspective, like I do in my movie best-list. Instead, this list simply consists of the shows that I enjoyed watching the most, over the past year. On the same note, there is no way that I could possibly watch every TV show that is made, meaning that this list is far from exhaustive. It's more of just an opportunity for you guys to see what I watch when I'm not at the theater.

Final note: I've put every TV show (of any kind) on the same playing field, which is much more fair than the current division of categories at the Emmy's, in case you wanted to know my opinion.

10. MasterChef Junior

(Season 1 - FOX)

Unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of reality TV, which you should be able to infer from the lack of any other reality show in my top 10. However, when reality TV is done right, it can be spectacular. Last year, The Celebrity Apprentice landed at the #4 spot on my list, and, had it aired this season, it might have found itself in the top 10, yet again. Thankfully, the super-fun show that was MasterChef Junior was there to pick up the slack. If you enjoy cooking shows (I LOVE them) and children (some of them are alright), you will have a blast with this show, which I believe only aired about 10 episodes. Upon completion, MasterChef Junior certainly left me wanting more, and I can't wait for season 2, this fall!

9. The Colbert Report

(Season 10 - Comedy Central)

I have long been a fan of Stephen Colbert and his crazy antics, and, as a moderate, I just love watching him and his writing staff brilliantly pick apart the flaws of both the left and right. Unfortunately, The Colbert Report will soon come to a close, but I am so pumped for Stephen and his crew to have the opportunity to move on up to CBS. There is no doubt that the last few months of The Colbert Report will be an absolute blast.

8. The Americans

(Season 2 - FX)

Season 1 of The Americans was a bit slow and repetitious, and, without the brilliant acting, who knows if I would have taken the time to watch season 2. But, boy, am I glad that I did! Not only did the show start the season with its most exciting episode ever, but the storyline continued to unfold into an awesome season of drama and suspense that I think almost anyone would enjoy. Although it's a hard time to cheer on the Russians, The Americans easily convinces me to do so.

7. The Writer's Room

(Season 2 - Sundance)

As someone who is continuously keeping up with both the television and film industries, I often find myself reading about TV shows and movies that I have never even seen. In the long run, I may be wasting my time, but, to be honest, I don't care, because I just love being in the know! For those of you who don't know, The Writer's Room, hosted by the hilarious Jim Rash, takes television writers and actors and allows them to talk a little about the process of creating the stories and characters that are found in our tube. If you've never had the chance to watch the show, I would greatly encourage you to do so, even if you only check out episodes that feature your favorite show. Of all the shows on this list, I don't know that there is another that left me wanting more quite like The Writer's Room, and that's saying something!

6. American Horror Story: Coven

(Season 3 - FX)

If I had made this list two years ago, American Horror Story (Murder House) would have likely found itself at the top of my list. Last year, Asylum moved AHS down to #3, and, this year, Coven brings AHS down to #6. However, the quality of American Horror Story has not gone down hill, AT ALL. I absolutely love the show! Every single episode! Instead, the shows slipping down the list can be attributed to both the newfound numbness to the insanity of AHS and the success of new TV shows, which you will certainly find as you move down this list. Don't worry... I will be tuning in for Freak Show, come October, and you should, too!

5. The Newsroom

(Season 2 - HBO)

Aaron Sorkin is a genius among geniuses, and, regardless of what many critics may say, The Newsroom is amazing. Unfortunately, season 2 wasn't quite as good as season 1, but I was absolutely hooked, regardless. Particularly, kudos are deserved by Sorkin, Jeff Daniels, and Sam Waterston (who was robbed of an Emmy nom, although no one is talking about it). All hail Aaron Sorkin!!!

4. The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon

(Season 1 - NBC)

Ever since I became hooked on Jimmy Fallon's Late Night, I was hoping that the day would come where the most likable man in late night television would be on before I went to sleep. However, I never expected that day to come this quickly. The build up to the launch of The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon was executed brilliantly by NBC, and, thus far, the first year of Jimmy's reign has been spot on. I can't wait to tell my children of the day I went to New York to see him on Late Night. Oh, the memories...

3. The Big Bang Theory

(Season 7 - CBS)

After a season 6 that I thought was the worst of the series, The Big Bang Theory rebounded brilliantly in 2013-2014 and is actually the only true comedy to make this list. With the return of Bob Newhart and a finale that brought out emotions that I have never felt for these particular characters, season 7 was absolutely perfect! As someone who started watching Big Bang before it was cool, I really love the fact that this genius show has become TV's number one comedy. But, nothing excites me more than seeing a great comedy be a great comedy, regardless of how many people are watching. Kudos to the Big Bang crew for sticking to what got them to their current level of success!

2. True Detective

(Season 1 - HBO)

As someone who doesn't care much for detective dramas, I was hesitant to check out True Detective, but thank God I did! Not only is True Detective the most brilliant cop show ever brought to TV, but it also caught me a bit off guard. While I did enjoy the first couple of episodes, I never anticipated to become as engulfed in the series as I was by the end of it all. With season 2 on the horizon, I can't wait to see what's in store for the new cast.

1. Orange is the New Black

(Season 1 - Netflix)

Where to start?!? Orange is the New Black had me hooked in the first 10 minutes or so, and I remained hooked for the entire 1st season. Not only does OITNB feature the best cast on television, but it is also one of the most uniquely dramatic and hilarious shows ever created. This show was created to destroy Emmy award categories, and I would not be surprised if we see a few big changes after this year's awards are handed out, considering how hard it is define current television in specific categories. Regardless, Orange is the New Black absolutely rocked my television world, this year. If you've yet to watch the show, go now! I'm sure that you will love it, even if you don't think that it's the best television show of the 2013-14 season!


As you might have noticed, only two of last year's Top 5 made it onto this year's list. However, The Office went off air and The Apprentice did not air this season. That only leaves New Girl, which topped last year's list. While it pains me to leave one of my favorite shows off of my list, season 3 of New Girl just didn't work, at all. Anyway... I'm hopeful that we will see New Girl return with great success this fall! Also, I just finished watching the first season of Silicon Valley, which was absolutely hilarious! I did not include it on my list, because I haven't really had time to digest it, but I could see it landing somewhere in the 6-10 range. Go check it out and see what you think!

Chime in with your comments, below, including suggestions for shows that I should check out (NOT The Walking Dead and NOT Game of Thrones). Also, as the new shows start up this fall, tell me what you'll be watching. I would love to know!

Finally... For entertaining bantering on Emmy night, be sure to follow me on Twitter @TheTan_Man. I promise to entertain!

Closure: July 2014

With a slow month at the theater and Orange is the New Black behind me, I actually had a good bit of time to watch movies, this month. You'll see the exhaustive list below, but two films that I really want to bring to light are The Grand Budapest Hotel and Annie Hall. If you've yet to see either of these films, I want to encourage you to check them out. Of course, Woody Allen's Annie Hall is a classic, and Wes Anderson is well-known, at this point, but, for those of you who aren't film buffs, you might find something nice in each of these uniquely quirky comedies.

For some reason, I'm having a hard time grasping the fact that August is actually upon us, so I apologize for this post being a little late. Fret not! I will be on time, next month!

Movie Watched	Year	Format	Did I Enjoy?	Would I Watch Again?
Transformers: Age of Extinction	2014	Theater > Matinee	Some	Yes
42	2013	Church > Yes, really	Yes	Yes
Annie Hall	1977	TV > Netflix	Yes	Yes
The To Do List	2013	DVD > Redbox	Yes	Yes
Kill Your Darlings	2013	DVD > Redbox	Yes	No
The Social Network	2010	DVD > Own	Yes	Yes
Gravity	2013	Church > Yes, really	Yes	Yes
Begin Again	2014	Theater > Full Price	Yes	Yes
(500) Days of Summer	2011	DVD > Own	Yes	Yes
Adult World	2014	DVD > Redbox	Yes	No
Frozen	2013	Church > Yes, really	No	No
Big	1988	DVD > Own	Yes	Yes
Big Trouble in Little China	1986	Blu-ray > Borrowed	Yes	No
The Purge	2012	TV > HBO	Yes	Yes
The Avengers	2012	Blu-ray > Own	Yes	Yes
The Purge: Anarchy	2014	Theater > Matinee	Yes	Yes
Easy A	2010	DVD > Borrowed	Yes	Yes
Submarine	2010	TV > Netflix	No	No
The Grand Budapest Hotel	2014	DVD > Redbox	Yes	Yes
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty	2013	Church > Yes, really	Yes	Yes
50/50	2011	DVD > Own	Yes	Yes
Out of the Furnace	2013	DVD > Borrowed	Yes	No
The Other Guys	2010	DVD > Own	Yes	Yes

Closure: June 2014

After a May full of movie watching, I turned to Orange is the New Black to occupy most of my screen-time in the month of June. Not only did I watch all of season 2, but I also went back and watched season 1 all over again, because of its sheer awesomeness. If there is one thing that I could influence you to do this summer, it would be to get your butt over to Netflix and watch Orange is the New Black. I know... I'm supposed to be promoting movies, but the prison drama goes above and beyond what can be found in most TV shows today, which says a lot about its quality. Trust me... You WILL NOT be disappointed!

On a completely separate note, which probably should not be sharing a page with Orange is the New Black, I will be heading off to Doraville, Georgia, tomorrow, with the high school students from my church. Last year, I had the opportunity to accompany them on this yearly mission trip, and the experience was absolutely awesome. Please, be in prayer for the students and the other leaders, as we spread the good news of the gospel with the children of the Doraville area. Because I won't return until next week, it is safe to say that my movie-watching month has come to a close, hence the early release of this list. Below, you will find a list of all the films I watched in the month of June... Enjoy!

Movie Watched	Year	Format	Did I Enjoy?	Would I Watch Again?
The Fault in Our Stars	2014	Theater > Full Price	Yes	Yes
The Perks of Being a Wallflower	2012	DVD > Own	Yes	Yes
Bernie	2011	TV > Netflix	Yes	Yes
22 Jump Street	2014	Theater > Matinee	Yes	Yes
Transformers	2007	DVD > Own	Yes	Yes
Jersey Boys	2014	Theater > Matinee	Yes	Yes
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen	2009	DVD > Own	Yes	Yes
Friends With Benefits	2011	DVD > Borrowed	Yes	Yes
O Brother Where Art Thou?	2000	DVD > Own	Yes	Yes
Enemy	2014	DVD > Netflix	Yes	Yes
The LEGO Movie	2014	DVD > Rental	Yes	Yes