Here is a list of my favourite shows of the last few months. Because I get addicted to shows I generally stream them online as I watch them so fast, also I don’t know what the deal is with the new torrent downloading rules.
Funnily enough I got rang the other day by some Indians who were trying to tell me my Windows XP computer had viruses. I asked where they were from and they said USA. I said where abouts? The guy said I’ll put you on to my manager. His ‘manager’ gave me the same virus rant and I asked again where they were calling from. He said USA. I asked where in USA and he said Washington.
I said ok, then he told me to go to my PC and do a key command with the windows button to bring something up on the screen. I said it wasn’t working, he said did you press the windows key? I said no. He told me again to hit the windows key and I said I can’t. He said ‘why?’, I said because I don’t have one. He said ‘why not?’ I said because I’m on a mac. He then hung up.
Here’s a list of my favourite shows at present. These are in no particular order. Each of the shows has a IMDB (Internet Movie Database) ranking. I find on this site any film or t.v show with an 8 or above is worth watching.
Parks and Recreation
From the makers of US office - A mockumentary following a parks department of a local council. Classic characters and it gets good around the 2nd-3rd season. It’s worth battling through some episodes, or even starting around these seasons as you can pick them up easily.
IMDB Rating: 8.7
Party Down
A group of actors move to L.A to make it big, but end up working as caterers. Pretty funny stuff. The lead character in this is Adam Scott, who also has a funny role in Parks and Recreation.
IMDB Rating: 8.5
Peep Show
This is the best show I have seen since The Office (UK). It is so unique and the characters/storylines are great. There is a new season out soon. High quality and there are 7 seasons so far.
IMDB Rating: 9.0
How to Make it in America
Made by some of the makers of Entourage it follows two trendy dudes battling their way through New York City’s fashion scene, determined to achieve their version of the american dream. There are only two seasons which sucks, although there may be more on a new network. I particularly enjoyed Season Two.
IMDB Rating: 8.2
The Office (US)
Now in it’s 8th season, I was a bit worried when the lead character Michael Scott left. I think The Office has stayed strong, and like most shows it has an off episode every now and then. But in my opinion I love the characters and I still thoroughly enjoy it.
IMDB Rating: 9.0
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Larry David. The co-creator of Seinfield stars in his own show where he gets himself into many awkward and hilarious social situations. The social assassin!
IMDB Rating: 8.6
Mr. D
Only discovered this in the weekend from a friend, and really enjoying it so far. The show follows a teacher ‘Mr. D’ who is a moron but thinks he’s awesome. It is in it’s first season but I’m enjoying it thus far.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
Angry Boys
Australian Chris Lilley’s latest project since Summer Heights High. I love Angry Boys, the characters are great and you can see how much work has been put into this. I think any people won’t like it as much as Summer Heights High but I like it better.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
EastBound and Down
Season 3 is just out, first two episodes have been great and it looks like they’re mixing it up a bit this season with an addition of a few new characters and fresh storylines.
IMDB Rating: 8.5
Entourage
Entourage has racked up 8 seasons and I find I can watch the episodes over and over again. Aimed at males, this show explores fame, friendship, sex and the high life in Hollywood. Apparently they are planning on making an Entourage movie soon.
IMDB Rating: 8.8
Madmen
Although I find Madmen slightly slower than the other shows, it has a unique style and can soak up hours of your time watching it when you get hooked. It follows New York’s most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm’s most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Don Draper.
IMDB Rating: 8.5
Wilfred
I really enjoyed watching Wilfred. This show was first created in Australia but has recently been made in America where it is now shooting it’s 2nd season. Interestingly it stars Elijah Wood (Frodo!), who plays Ryan, a depressed man who believes he is getting nowhere in his life becomes friends with his neighbor’s dog, Wilfred. But only Ryan can see Wilfred as a real person instead of an animal that everyone else sees.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
The Inbetweeners
Massive in the UK, I only just watched this recently. Very funny show and they also recently made a movie. It is about the exploits of four teenage friends on their quest, usually unsuccessfully, for such grown up things as beer and sex. I love this show.
IMDB Rating: 8.7
Fresh Meat
From the creators of peep show. This show follows a group of six students about to embark on the most exciting period of their lives at University. Features one of main dudes from The Inbetweeners. Looking forward to seeing more of this show. Recently won best new comedy in the UK.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
Trailer Park Boys
This is an old school Canadian series which follows two petty felons and their mates who live in a trailer park. These can all be seen on youtube and they made 2 films.
IMDB Rating: 8.7
It’s Always Sunny in Philidelphia
I can’t believe I didn’t see this until recently it is great. It follows the exploits of “The Gang”, a group of self-centered friends who a pub in Philidelphia. Many funny episodes.
IMDB Rating: 9.1
Arrested Development
I loved this show initially and still enjoy it although I find I can’t watch too much at once, I don’t know why. There is a new season out soon. This show follows a rich dysfunctional family with a unique mishmash style.
IMDB Rating: 9.4
Life’s Too Short
Gervais/Merchants new show which follows the dwarf Warrack Davis trying to get his life back on track. Overall I was slightly disappointed in this show as heaps of the gags are quite weak, and to me Warrack plays a bad version of David Brent. However there are still some brilliant moments and scenes.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
An Idiot Abroad 2 - The Bucket List
Follows the always entertaining Karl Pilkington around the world ticking off things on his bucket list. I enjoyed this season more than the first.
IMDB Rating: 8.7
Dexter
This show is epic. It follows a bloodstain pattern analyst who works for the Miami police who moonlights as a serial killer. Very addictive and freaky. Interestingly, this is Ricky Gervais’s favourite show and the writer of Dexter and Gervais are looking to collaborate on something soon.
IMDB Rating: 9.1
Im sure there are more great shows out there, on my to watch list is Game of Thrones (9.4 on IMDB!) and Seven periods with My Gormsy (NZ show with 8.4 on IMDB- these are all on youtube)
To me TV shows dominate movies, as you get to learn the characters so well over a period of time and shows can get so good once they find their feet. Obviously Shortland Street is the greatest show on the planet though…
