Best TV Shows to Watch Right Now (Updated in November 2018)
Best TV shows to watch in November 2018: Every year, there are thousands of TV shows released across hundreds of platforms. But quite obviously, our busy lives mean that we hardly have the time to catch more than a few without seriously compromising the quality of our social and family lives. Though there are cases when we stumble upon the odd gem, we often take up shows based on recommendations from friends and make no mistake, they are a significant investment of our time. There's little point in following one that offers no enjoyment or thrill, and because we care about your time, we've compiled a list of the 50 best TV shows that you can stream this year, any of which will keep you hooked to your screen. Happy viewing!
50. Escape At Dannemora (Showtime)
From the mind of the comedic genius, Ben Stiller comes the new prison drama slash noir thriller, 'Escape at Dannemora'. As surprising as that sounds, the show, which premiered on November 18, managed to earn rave reviews with its very first episode that aired mid-November. An added bonus to watch out for is Patricia Arquette in the role of Mitchell, as she is practically unrecognizable.
49. The Little Drummer Girl (AMC)
Florence Pugh stars as the bold and aspiring actress Charlie, who is lured by an alluring stranger Becker when she visits Greece with the rest of the theatre troupe. What could have been a coming-of-age love story, soon becomes an engrossing spy espionage across Europe. Pugh's smooth performance accompanied with Park Chan-wook's dreamy visuals, this show stands out as a spy classic. It delves deep into the psychological turmoils that a spy goes through, and how reality and fiction often blend in a spy's life. By bringing in the aspect of a play-within-play, Chan-wook has depicted the characters through both real and reel lenses. Mind blogging as it is, this slow-burning spy story is a must watch this season.
48. Black Mirror (Netflix)
If you're ever in the mood to lock yourself into an existential crisis and question the sanity behind rapid modernization, globalization, and technological advances happening all around you, look no farther than 'Black Mirror.' The British science fiction anthology series first premiered in 2014, earning plaudits for its scathing takes on modern society and the unanticipated consequences of new, lauded technologies. It's one of those that's almost impossible to binge, not because it's bad, but because at the end of each episode, you're often just left speechless, struggling to comprehend what you just watched. Though season 4 was mellow by the show's standards, each of the previous 3 is as hard-hitting and harrowing as they come. A fifth installment was announced in March, so there's more mind-numbing content to come yet.
47. Cobra Kai (YouTube Premium)
Inspired by 'The Karate Kid' film series, 'Cobra Kai' takes place 34 years after the original film and sees Johnny Lawrence reopen the famed Cobra Kai karate dojo and rekindle his age-old rivalry with Daniel LaRusso. The nostalgia and feel-good factor are arguably the show's biggest selling points, with both Ralph Macchio and William Zabka reprising their roles from the original franchise. While the stellar cast undoubtedly attracted viewers for the premiere — YouTube reported that the first episode, which was posted for free along with episode 2, earned 5.4 million views within the first 24 hours — its well-written characters and intriguing premise don't hurt either.
46. Rick and Morty (Netflix)
Adult Swim's 'Rick and Morty' needs little introduction. Arguably the biggest adult-animated sitcom on the planet today, Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon's pet project has quite the fan base. What appears to be a series filled with fart jokes, misogynistic humor, and endless sequences of burps and belches from protagonist Rick Sanchez at first glance reveals itself to be something a lot more complex on further inspection. Woven into the show's fabric are concepts such as absurdism, existentialism, nihilism, and cosmic pessimism, and every episode offers a rollercoaster of emotions that leaves one breathless at the end. Seasons are slow to come by — the average gap between two is close to 1.5 years — but they are, without a doubt, worth the wait.
45. The Cry (Sundance Now)
The Jenna Coleman starring show brings out the controversial topic of postpartum depression, garbed under the plot of a kidnap and murder. When young mother Joanna (Coleman) joins her husband, Alistair (Ewen Leslie), for a trip to Australia, the new parents are struck by tragedy when their baby boy, Noah goes missing. The murder mystery is accompanied by an underlying terror of domestic violence, and the denouement which follows the protagonist's dramatic realization. Not only is the show marked one of the best this year for its gripping plot, but Coleman has also given a convincing performance as Joanna. In the era of #MeToo and #TimesUp, this show brings out something that no one is talking about but should be talking about.
44. Into the Dark (Hulu)
Hulu's new anthology horror series, 'Into the Dark', premiered this October with quite the fresh new concept. Releasing on a one-episode-monthly basis, each of these episodes showcases a horror story revolving around a festival that signifies the particular month. What's even better is the dark, psychological, and sometimes satirical twists that this festivals are portrayed with - helping the show garner an impressive viewership right away.
43. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon)
In a scene overcrowded with shows that rehash oft-done premises, 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' attempts something different, and does so spectacularly well. The comedy follows a housewife in 1958 New York City who after spending years standing behind her husband's failing stand up career, realizes she has a knack for it herself. Revealing more would be depriving you of the experience of enjoying a masterpiece; don't take our word for it, the show's two Golden Globes — for Best Television Series and Best Actress — and two Critics' Choice Television Awards speak for themselves.
42. Archer (FX)
In a new age for adult animated sitcoms that saw the likes of 'Rick and Morty,' 'Bojack Horseman,' and 'Big Mouth' all become instant hits and garner their own massive fan bases, 'Archer' is often forgotten. Created by Adam Reed after 'Frisky Dingo' was scrapped by Adult Swim, the show first premiered in 2009 and follows the exploits of a dysfunctional group of secret agents. Each of the subsequent eight seasons saw the series build on its trademark reference-heavy humor, rapid-fire dialogue, and meta-comedy, with a ninth season premiering in April. A mooted tenth could be its final one, so enjoy the fun while it lasts. Each of the 101 episodes is available for streaming on Netflix, so there's little stopping you if you wanted to!
41. Barry (HBO)
Created by and starring comedy mastermind Bill Hader — known for his work in films such as 'Superbad,' 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' and 'Tropic Thunder' — 'Barry' is a dark comedy like few others. The show shadows Barry Berkman, a former United States Marine, as he travels to Los Angeles to kill someone, but somehow finds himself joining the local theater scene. 'Barry' is arguably Hader's best work yet, a fact that won't come as too much of a surprise when you consider that the series earned him four Emmy nominations.
40. American Vandal (Netflix)
'American Vandal' premiered on Netflix with little fanfare in 2017, going unnoticed amongst the sea of other big releases on the streaming platform, but audiences and the internet soon wised up to the mockumentary series. Advertised as a satire of the traditional true crime documentaries such as 'Making a Murderer' and 'Serial,' 'American Vandal' is, in fact, so much more. The series provides a biting and no-holds-barred commentary on modern social entertainment and the media's obsession with dissecting even the most mundane events with unnecessary rigor. The first season was universally praised and earned itself a prestigious Peabody Award, and an eight-episode second season is expected to premiere sometime in 2018.
39. Peaky Blinders (BBC Two)
Set in 1920s Birmingham in the aftermath of World War I, 'Peaky Blinders' follows the exploits of the Shelby crime family and premiered on BBC Two in 2013, becoming an immediate hit for the network. Three further seasons have followed, with the fourth having premiered in November 2017, and an expected fifth scheduled to broadcast in 2019. The series has a BAFTA to its name and has earned praise for its unique visual style and modern cinematography. The drama is one of the better ones to have premiered in the past few years, and if one were interested in catching up to the developments so far, Netflix is the place to be.
38. Alias Grace (CBC)
Margaret Atwood's novels have been in demand in recent times with 'Alias Grace' the third adaptation to premiere on television in 2017 after 'The Handmaid's Tale' and 'Wandering Wanda.' The miniseries explores the murders of Thomas Kinnear and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery in Canada West in 1843 and the conviction of two servants of the household, Grace Marks and James McDermott, in the crime. 'Alias Grace' earned universal acclaim for stellar performances from the cast, as well as its underlying social commentary, and is available for streaming on Netflix.
37. Mad Men (AMC)
Set in the 1960s, 'Mad Men' reportedly took its name from a slang term coined at the time by advertisers working on New York's Madison Avenue to refer to themselves and followed the story of Don Draper, the talented and charismatic creative director of the fictional Sterling Cooper advertising agency. The show spanned seven seasons, with the last having aired in 2015, and was one of the most critically acclaimed series of the decade, earning widespread praise for its writing, acting, direction, visual style, and historical authenticity. Netflix has made the drama available for streaming on its platform, and when you find yourself with the free time, we suggest you give it a go.
36. Fear the Walking Dead (AMC)
Following the unprecedented success of 'The Walking Dead,' AMC decided a spin-off was worth a punt, and so, 'Fear the Walking Dead' was born. The post-apocalyptic horror series first premiered in 2015 and boasted of a similar premise to its predecessor, with the key difference being that it focused on a different dysfunctional group that desperately tried to survive as civilization collapsed around them. Four seasons in so far, 'Fear the Walking Dead' has been one of the network's bigger draws, and if you're a fan of the genre, the show provides its fair share of thrills and frills.
35. Disenchantment (Netflix)
After a long hiatus, Matt Groening will make his much-expected return with Netflix's 'Disenchantment,' a series about an alcoholic princess, Bean, her elf companion, Elfo, and her personal demon, Luci, who all live in the medieval kingdom of Dreamland. Fans will recognize the trademark animation style accompanying the series, having come across it previously in 'The Simpsons' and 'Futurama,' and knowing Groening, it's unlikely the show will disappoint. The first ten episodes are scheduled to release on the streaming platform on August 17 and we believe it's going to be one of the surprise hits of the year.
34. Ozark (Netflix)
'Ozark' stars Jason Bateman in the titular role as financial planner Marty Bryde alongside Laura Linney as wife Wendy Bryde, a homemaker turned real estate agent, with the pair finding themselves neck-deep in trouble as Marty's money laundering scheme for a Mexican drug cartel spectacularly fails. Along with their two children, they move from the Chicago suburb of Naperville to a summer resort community in the Missouri Ozarks to escape only to find themselves entangled with a local crime lord. Season 1 premiered last August, with the second set to begin airing this coming August 31.
33. Mindhunter (Netflix)
Having debuted on Netflix in the October of last year, 'Mindhunter' explored the early days of criminal psychology and criminal profiling at the FBI in the 1970s and the formation of the agency's Behavioral Science Unit. Named one of the best shows of 2017 by outlets such as the Guardian, TIME, Vanity Fair, and Vogue, the series was based on the true crime book 'Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit' and has been renewed for a second season that should premiere sometime this year.
32. Legion (FX)
After the success of 'Fargo,' Noah Hawley was commissioned to create psychological thriller 'Legion,' which stars Dan Stevens as Haller, a mutant diagnosed with schizophrenia at an early age. 'Legion' is unique in its style of narration, with Hawley choosing an unreliable narration technique through Haller's distorted view of reality. The first two seasons have both been received well by critics and audiences, earning acclaim, and the series was renewed for a third season this June. It is available for streaming on Netflix.
31. Suburra: Blood on Rome (Netflix)
A prequel to 2015 Italian neo-noir mafia thriller 'Suburra,' which was based on the 2013 novel of the same name by Carlo Bonini and Giancarlo De Cataldo, 'Suburra: Blood on Rome' was the first-ever Italian-language original TV series produced by Netflix. The series is inspired by real-life events and focuses on the power clashes and corruption amongst the organized crime syndicates, politicians, and churchmen infesting capital Rome and Vatican City. The production for season 2 has kicked off, with the release expected sometime in 2019.
30. Castle Rock (Hulu)
Hulu's upcoming psychological horror show is scheduled for a July 25 premiere, but the first looks indicate it will be a show not to be given a miss. The series will be based on the stories of acclaimed supernatural fiction author Stephen King and is "an original story that combines the mythological scale and intimate character storytelling of King’s best-loved works, weaving an epic saga of darkness and light, played out on a few square miles of Maine woodland." A world premiere is set for the San Diego comic con on June 19.
29. Billions (Showtime)
The first season of the Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis-starring series premiered in 2016, earning praise for its unique, less-than-likable characters and frequent narrative twists. Loosely based on the activities of Preet Bharara, the former U.S Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and his legal battles with hedge fund manager Steve Cohen of S.A.C. Capital Advisors, 'Billions' has become one of Showtime's premier TV shows. The third season began airing in March and the network has since renewed it for a fourth successive season as well.
28. Silicon Valley (HBO)
The HBO sitcom premiered in 2014 and immediately became a big draw for the network. Focusing on five young men who founded a startup company in California's Silicon Valley, the show provides a hilarious take on contemporary technology, the often-awkward men behind it, and an underlying social commentary on the viciousness and ruthlessness of the IT world. 'Silicon Valley' is very much like what 'Big Bang Theory' was in its initial seasons, but manages to maintain a balance that the latter abandoned in its later seasons for cheap laughs and a larger target audience.
27. Yellowstone (Paramount Network)
On premiere on June 20, 'Yellowstone' officially became Paramount Network's most-watched original scripted television series, more than doubling its previous record, set with 'Waco.' The series, featuring a stellar cast including Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, and Gil Birmingham, probes the conflicts along the shared border of John Dutton's (Costner) Yellowstone ranch, described as the largest contiguous ranch in the country and bigger than the size of the state of Rhode Island. Written and directed by the acclaimed Taylor Sheridan, the episodes feature some breathtaking visuals and shots of Montana and offer a fresh take on the age-old tradition vs development debate. Only two episodes in so far, it's the perfect time to dive in!
26. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
Since its premiere in 2015, 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' has garnered quite the following and critical acclaim for its writing and cast. The series follows 29-year-old Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper), who armed with an irrepressible positive attitude, attempts to carve a life for herself in New York City after her release from captivity at the hands of Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne (Jon Hamm). The first six episodes of the fourth and final season premiered on May 30, with the second half expected to debut this coming January 25.
25. The Looming Tower (Hulu)
'The Looming Tower' premiered on Hulu in February and is based on Lawrence Wright's non-fiction 'The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11,' which explores how Al-Qaeda came into being, the background of numerous terrorist attacks and how they were investigated, as well as how the rivalry between the FBI and CIA at the time culminated in the twin tower attacks of September 11, 2001. Featuring powerful writing, an excellent ensemble of actors who deliver standout performances, and fast-paced storytelling, 'The Looming Tower' is a must-watch for history aficionados.
24. The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (FX)
The first season of FX's true crime anthology series followed the controversial trial and acquittal of O.J Simpson in the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. The second season, which premiered this past January, explored the murder of fashion icon Gianni Versace by killer Andrew Cunanan. While criticized by the Versace family as 'a work of fiction,' the series is based on Maureen Orth's book 'Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History,' and provides interesting insights into a man who redefined fashion as we know it.
23. Gomorrah (Sky Italia)
'Gomorrah' is an Italian crime drama series created and produced by investigative journalist Roberto Saviano, who had previously also authored a novel of the same name. Saviano's years of research and painstaking eye-to-detail laid bare the messy underbelly of Italian politics and the wide-reaching influence of the country's powerful mafia — the title is a play on Camorra, supposedly Italy's largest crime syndicate — that have a monopoly in industries ranging from construction to textiles. 'Gomorrah' tells the story of Ciro di Marzio (Marco D'Amore), a member of the Savastano clan, headed by Pietro Savastano (Fortunato Cerlino), a high-ranking drug lord and is one of Sky's most-watched cable shows.
22. Psych (USA Network/ION Television)
One of the few in the list that wrapped up its final season a while back, 'Psych' is nonetheless one of the most pleasant shows you can stumble across. The detective comedy-drama follows the adventures of duo Shawn Spencer (James Roday) and Burton 'Gus' Guster (Dulé Hill) as they crack open cases in their hometown of Santa Barbara. Blessed with supreme observational skills, Shawn often gets to the bottom of any crime while successfully antagonizing the detectives at the SBPD by consistently claiming he's psychic. Available for streaming on Amazon Prime, both Roday and Hill have excellent chemistry and impeccable comedic timing, meaning all 8 seasons will go by in a flash. When you're done there, make sure you don't miss out on 'Psych: The Movie.'
21. Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and Notorious B.I.G (USA Network)
The first season of USA Network's true crime anthology series attempts to uncover the mysteries behind the deaths of two of the greatest rappers of the 90s — Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G (aka Biggie Smalls). Tupac was killed in a drive-by shooting in 1996, with Biggie Smalls, a rival at the time, suspected to be involved. Smalls himself was murdered a little over a half a year later, with both deaths unsolved to this day. 'Unsolved' explores a variety of themes from the corruption at the LAPD investigating the crimes, as well as the possible involvement of rival gangs in the rappers' shooting deaths. Currently available for streaming on Netflix, the series provides a holistic view of one of the biggest mysteries of our time.
20. Fargo (FX)
Inspired by the 1996 film of the same name written and directed by the Coen brothers, FX's black comedy-crime drama anthology is one of the network's prized assets. Created by prodigal son Noah Hawley, each season of 'Fargo' is set in a different era with a different story and different cast. While the first two seasons are intrinsically linked to one another, it's possible for a new viewer to dive into any of the three seasons and not miss a beat. A fourth season is currently in development and will start filming in the fall of 2019 with an eye for a 2020 release. In the meantime, you can catch up with the first three seasons on Netflix.
19. The Terror (AMC)
'The Terror' premiered on AMC this past March and is based on Dan Simmons' 2007 best-selling novel of the same name. The show is a fictionalized account of Captain Sir John Franklin's lost expedition to the Arctic in 1845-1848 where he led two explorer ships, the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, into the uncharted section of the Northwest Passage but never returned. The entire expedition, comprising of a total of 129 men including Franklin, who was a Royal Navy officer and experienced explorer, was lost. The show has been renewed for a second season and will return sometime in 2019.
18. Queer Eye (Netflix)
More than a decade after the original series, 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,' went off the air from the Bravo network, Netflix decided the cult-hit was worth a reboot. And well, they were right. The popular show returned with a new Fab Five — Antoni Porowski, food and wine expert; Tan France, fashion expert; Karamo Brown, culture expert; Bobby Berk, design expert; and Jonathan Van Ness, grooming expert — focusing their attention on providing styling tips and advice to the communities in and around Atlanta, Georgia. The show returned for a second season this past June, almost immediately after the first season that aired in February, and with more than half the episodes still remaining, it's worth your time.
17. Fauda (Yes Oh)
Available for streaming on Netflix, 'Fauda' is an Israeli political thriller series that follows Doron Kavillio (Lior Raz), a member of the Israel Defense Force (IDF) unit who, along with his unit, is credited with the killing of high-level Hamas terrorist Taufiq Hammed (Hisham Sulliman). But when he's later discovered alive, Doron has to leave behind his idyllic retirement at his vineyard as well as his children to finish the job. 'Fauda' was named the best international show of 2017 by New York Times and has numerous accolades to its name, with season 2 having finished streaming this past May. An expected third season will premiere in 2019.
16. 13 Reasons Why (Netflix)
'13 Reasons Why' is arguably the most controversial series of the year, which is exactly why it's worth a watch. The series chronicles the life of high school student Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) as in aftermath of the suicide of friend Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford), with a box of cassette tapes recorded by Hannah in the lead up to her suicide detailing the 13 reasons she killed herself. While some have praised the series for its honest depiction of teenage issues, a prevalent culture of bullying, and school cliques, others, such as mental health professionals, have lambasted it for its graphic depictions of rape and other mature content, as well as the perceived glorification of suicide. We implore you to take that decision for yourself. Season 2 was released on May 18 this year, with the third season expected to premiere in 2019.
15. Jessica Jones (Netflix)
'Jessica Jones' features Krysten Ritter in the titular role as a former superhero who opens her own detective agency in New York City, with the likes of Rachael Taylor, Eka Darville, and Carrie-Anne Moss also starring. The first season, which premiered in 2015, was praised for Ritter's acting, as well as its noir tone, approach to sexuality, and the depiction of taboo topics such as rape, assault, and PTSD. The second season became available for streaming this past March 8, and production for the third season is already underway.
14. House of Cards (Netflix)
'House of Cards' was the show that put Netflix on the map as a serious contender for churning out well-produced, high-budget original content, with big names such as Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright turning up in the series. But the emergence of the numerous allegations of sexual assault against Spacey meant that the actor was axed from the series, leaving its fate in the balance. But a complete rework of the upcoming sixth season — announced as its final one — has seen Wright take up the mantle of leading star and will see her character, Claire Underwood, in the position of Commander-in-Chief. The final season will premiere in late 2018 and though Spacey's absence might be felt, it's likely to be more than made up by Wright's excellence.
13. GLOW (Netflix)
'Glow' is a comedy that fictionalizes the characters and gimmicks of the 1980s syndicated women's professional wrestling circuit and stars Alison Brie as the out-of-work actress who wants to try her hand out in the field at a promotion called the 'Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling' (GLOW). Featuring a brilliant ensemble of actors, as well as exemplary writing that pays a stellar eye-to-detail, GLOW has been unanimously hailed by critics and audiences alike. Season 2 of the show is currently streaming on Netflix having premiered late last month on June 29.
12. The Alienist (TNT/Netflix)
'The Alienist' is a psychological thriller that stars Daniel Brühl, Luke Evans, and Dakota Fanning as an ad hoc team assembled in mid-1890s New York City to investigate and capture a serial killer who is gruesomely murdering boy prostitutes on the streets. The series is inspired from Caleb Carr's novel of the same name and includes the characters of historical figures such as future president Theodore Roosevelt, who held the post of police commissioner from 1895 to 1897 in the city. The first season officially premiered this past January 22.
11. Altered Carbon (Netflix)
The first season of 'Altered Carbon' premiered on Netflix this past February and received praise for its fantastical visuals, well-choreographed fight scenes, and an engrossing premise that stays true to its cyberpunk roots. Based on the 2002 novel of the same title by author Richard K. Morgan, those who are averse to sexualized violence and less-than-subtle takes on issues such as race, gender, and class may be put off by the show, but its fair share of thrills, frills, and unexpected twists are sure to keep your mind distracted from its few flaws.
10. Killing Eve (BBC America)
Based on Luke Jennings' 'Codename Villanelle' novella series, 'Killing Eve' provides a refreshing take on the done-to-death 'spy vs spy' premise. Eve Polastri is an MI5 officer who becomes obsessed with catching Jodie Comer, while Comer is a psychopathic, skilled assassin who likewise becomes obsessed with the former. The show stars Sandra Oh and Jodie Corner as Polastri and Comer respectively, and the two women soon find themselves in a high-stakes cat and mouse game to see who can catch the other first. The first season premiered on BBC America this past April, with critics having described it as 'hilarious, bloody, unclassifiable, and idiosyncratic.'
9. The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu)
The plot features a dystopian future following a second Civil War where a totalitarian society subjects fertile women, called 'Handmaids,' into child-bearing servitude. Based on Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel of the same name 'The Handmaid's Tale' was one of the surprise hits of 2017. The dystopian drama series premiered with little fanfare but soon took viewers by storm for its haunting, vivid, and engrossing adaptation of Atwood's work and the performance of lead Elisabeth Moss, walking away with eight Emmy's from thirteen nominations, as well as two Golden Globes. Season 2, this past April and has so far, lived up to, if not exceeded expectations from season 1.
8. The Punisher (Netflix)
Marvel's 'The Punisher' was born as a spin-off from 'Daredevil' after John Bernthal's Frank Castle proved to be quite popular with the fans. Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, the series revolves around Castle, a former special forces soldier who uses his training to eliminate gangsters and mobsters in New York City. Merciless, ruthless, and with little care for his or his enemies' life, the vigilante is out for vengeance against those who killed his wife and child, with season 1 as violent as violent can get on television. Bernthal will be returning in the titular role for season 2, which is expected to premiere later this year.
7. Narcos (Netflix)
Seasons 1 and 2 of 'Narcos' covered the life and times one of the most infamous and violent drug barons to have ever lived — Pablo Escobar. Season 3 went back to Colombia, the land of magical realism, in the aftermath of the Escobar hunt, and the height of the Cali Cartel, who had come to occupy the vacuum left through the collapse of the Medellin Cartel. Because 'Narcos' is rooted in reality, there's an element of suspense and thrill that few other shows can hope to accurately capture, with the death of a location scout Carlos Muñoz Portal, who was surveying locations in Mexico for season 4's coverage of the country's notoriously bloodthirsty cartels, telling you all you need to know about the upcoming episodes. Season 4 is expected to drop on the streaming platform in September.
6. Big Mouth (Netflix)
In a day and age where sex and sexuality should be open to discussion and debate and not the taboo it once was seen to be, it's rare to come across series' that attempt to crack open what many still perceive to be the proverbial 'can of worms.' And with sex ed still very much taking a back seat in school classrooms, 'Big Mouth' takes its shot at educating and informing, and oh boy, does it do a good job. The show's simplistic animation often belies its smart, no-hands-barred approach to the messiness of adolescence and puberty, and the second season is expected to premiere sometime this year.
5. Patrick Melrose (Showtime)
There's a little too much depth to 'Patrick Melrose' to sell it in a few hundred words. Based on Edward St Aubyn's semi-autobiographical works of the same name, Benedict Cumberbatch, who is a big fan of the novels, described it as one of the 'greatest works of prose of the 21st century,' and stars as the titular Patrick, a narcissistic, sharp-tongued, fast-witted Englishman born into privilege. The series chronicles Patrick's less-than-healthy relationship with his parents and the subsequent debilitating drug and alcohol addiction that plague the better part of his adult life, as well as his cathartic journey to recovery and self-acceptance. Writer David Nicholls has managed to brilliantly capture the essence of five wordy novels into five one-hour episodes, and Cumberbatch's exemplary performance as Patrick sees him as a shoo-in for 'Best Actor' come the award ceremonies.
4. Atlanta (FX)
What can't Donald Glover do? Dissatisfied with a C.V that consisted of writing for '30 Rock,' acting in Dan Harmon's 'Community,' and putting out multiple albums under his rap moniker of Childish Gambino, Glover went ahead and created 'Atlanta,' a comedy that revolves around two cousins who try to make it in the city's rap scene. The series stars Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, Lakeith Stanfield, and Zazie Beetz, and has already walked away with two Golden Globes — for Best Television Series and Best Actor for Glover — and two Primetime Emmy's. Season 2 of 'Atlanta' premiered on March 1, and if you're a fan of any of Glover's previous works (it's hard not to be), it's strictly in the 'DO NOT MISS' category.
3. Better Call Saul (AMC)
Not many would have expected 'Better Call Saul' (BCS) to come anywhere close to its predecessor 'Breaking Bad,' considered to be one of the greatest shows of the 21st century. And yet, because of the careful diligence of creators Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, both of whom were also behind 'Breaking Bad,' BCS has turned out to be quite an incredible show in its own right. The creators have avoided leaning on the predecessor, instead, giving it a life of its own, and the performances of the likes of Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, and Rhea Seehorn are commendable. Season 4 of the spin-off premieres on August 6th.
2. West World (HBO)
The best compliment one can give 'West World' is that the show will make disbelievers look within and question whether their off-handed dismissal of a God or supreme creator was misguided. The first season of HBO's science fiction series — based on the 1973 film of the same name written and directed by acclaimed author Michael Crichton — garnered rave reviews and ranked as the most-watched first season of any HBO original series, with season two having premiered this past April. Not to miss if you're a fan of Anthony Hopkins or you love gripping visuals and an even more gripping storyline.
1. Bojack Horseman (Netflix)
Season 5 of Raphael Bob-Waksberg's 'Bojack Horseman' is returning to stream on Netflix on September 14, 2018, and if any of the previous four seasons are any indication, expect heartwrenching tragedy, existential crises, depressing realizations, and self-deprecating humor galore. The animated black comedy's satirical and often accurate take on a plethora of issues including current events, politics, Hollywood, and show business, as well as its accurate depictions of depression, trauma, addiction, and self-destructive behavior is second to none. A microcosm of everything today, definitely a show to catch up on if you haven't dived in already.
