Couch Potato

I watch a lot of television - and with so many great choices it is little wonder why I am an addict. P.s there are no spoilers so feel safe to read away...

1. Fargo; Noah Hawley Click here to see trailer

Based off of the Coen brother's film of the same name, this gruesome, hilarious, sullen and epic series follows sweet and seemingly gutless Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman) after his wife is murdered. Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton), a rough and sadistic drifter visits the small town in Minnesota and begins to reek havoc, while police officer Molly (Allison Tolman) is in hot pursuit- despite being held back by her dimwitted boss Bill (Bob Odenkirk) who you may recognise from Breaking Bad. This show had me on edge from the very first episode with excellent female characters, a quiet romance, unexpected violence, and the trademark dark humour 'Minnesota nice'. 

2. American Horror Story; Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk Click here to see trailer

This show is as terrifying as it is strange. Each season has a different set of characters based around a different horrifying setting; Murder House, Asylum, Coven, Freak Show and soon to come Hotel- but my favourite is Asylum. We follow the horrors the patients and staff face in the Briarcliff Mental Institution in 1964, particularly lesbian journalist Lana Winters (Sarah Paulson) whose partner was tricked into admitting her to the hospital, accused serial killer Kit Walker (Evan Peters), and harsh nun Sister Jude (Jessica Lange). Their stories are escalated by alien abductions, mixed racial marriages, underground Nazi experiments and demon possessions for an exciting and scary journey. 

3. Bob's Burgers; Loren Bouchard Click here to see trailer

It's not all fart jokes, I promise. This hilarious cartoon has me in stitches every episode with pan-faced humour, great music, puns and realistic family angst. Dad Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) and his family Linda (John Roberts), Tina (Dan Mintz), Gene (Eugene Mirman) and Louise (Kristen Schaal) all run the not-so-flash burger business. Whether it be on the streets, at home, at the restaurant, or at school there is always mayhem to be had. These characters manage to turn the mundane, like shopping for a turkey or a table setting competition, into a disaster. 

4. Breaking Bad; Vince Gilligan Click here to see trailer

If you have yet to see this series you really have been missing out! When quiet high school chemistry teacher, Walter White (Bryan Cranston), is diagnosed with terminal cancer he turns to a life of crime with former pupil Jesse (Aaron Paul). Walter initially makes meth to fund his treatment and to leave something behind for his wife Skylar (Anna Gunn) and son Jr. (RJ Mitte), but soon makes a name for himself in the business and things get out of control. Although there are some lulls in the beginning, the majority of the episodes are thrilling, sexy, and haunting - and of course twists that you'd never see coming. 

5. Twin Peaks; David Lynch Click here to see trailer

In 1991 this was the biggest hit television had seen, everyone was wondering: Who killed Laura Palmer? When the seemingly innocent high school student washes up on the beach wrapped in plastic, the small town of Twin Peaks attracts the attention of FBI agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan). In his quest to solve the mystery he meets many of the towns suspicious characters, such as a lady who carries around a log as though it is her baby, an old woman who thinks she is 16 again, and a cop who cannot stop crying. He also learns that all is not what it seems, with an underground drug ring and an island of prostitutes. This surreal and strange post-modern show gained a large and loyal fan base for it's quirky humour, exciting sets, eerie characters, fashion statements, and an excellent 'who done it' plot. It has also aged incredibly well so give it a shot!

6. Always Sunny in Philadelphia; Rob McElhenney Click here to see trailer

Prepare to be offended, and prepare to laugh. Friends Charlie (Charlie Day), Mac (Rob McElhenney), Sweet Dee (Kaitlin Olson), Dennis (Glenn Howerton) and Frank (Danny DeVito) own a pub in the quiet streets of Philadelphia and struggle to keep the business, their love lives, their family, and reputation afloat. The one thing that keeps these misfits' friendship strong is their equally sadistic ways and their sheer stupidity. This show is vile, disgusting, worrying and psychopathic - but in the best way possible. Each episode revolves around 'The Gang' doing something, whether it be discovering one of them was a failed abortion, or unwittingly stalking and terrorising a local waitress. You may recognise Charlie's shrill and panicky voice from The Lego Movie, where he plays the 1980's astronaut obsessed with spaceships. This series is a lot funnier than this synopsis makes it sound. 

7. Hannibal; Bryan Fuller Click here to see trailer

Based on the novels by Thomas Harris this series follows the FBI's hunt for the notorious killer cannibal. Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) has a very special talent for understanding and empathising with anyone - including psychopaths. He uses this talent to track and explain serial killer's moves and motives, yet fails to notice the worst of them all, Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), is his second hand, psychiatrist and friend. This series is extremely detailed, dark and eerie. The music, colour scheme and style will have you drooling, not to mention the delicious and stunning food which can easily trick you into thinking "Yum!" even though you know it is made of human flesh. With a devout fanbase already, nicknamed the 'Fannibals', it is heartbreaking to learn that the show has been cancelled after only it's third season. 

8. Parks and Recreation; Greg Daniels Click here to see trailer

Meet perky Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), a midlevel bureaucrat in the Indiana Parks and Recreation Department, who adores her city and it's strange, obese and dim-witted people. She constantly has to fight the governments red tape, budget constraints, and the townsfolk who are unable to be pleased, in order to make any change. This mockumentary style show has me in stitches, with a very quotable script, lovable characters and outrageous struggles of working for any government organisation. It also has some very tender moments, where friendship, love, and hard work conquer all.