Couch Potato #2

With how many great TV shows there are out there, it's hard to narrow it down to just one list. Here is the second installment of my favourite television programs. 

1. Black Mirror; Charlie Brooker Click here to see trailer

This anthology series (meaning that each episode is a different storyline, with different actors), is the modern day Twilight Zone. Each episode follows a character and their troubles with technology, new inventions, and eerily dystopian worlds. I love how each episode is so different, often with completely different directors and writers, and therefore different genres and styles. There are elements of horror, romance, thriller, sci-fi, and of course each episode has a twist you won't be expecting. My favourite episode is San Junipero, a tale of young love in the 80s - and I can't say much more than that without ruining it! 

2. Malcolm in the Middle; Linwood Boomer Click here to see trailer

This is the sitcom to beat all sitcoms, and still has me crying with laughter each episode. This series follows Malcolm (Frankie Muniz), his parents, and his three brothers. Sounds like an average setting for a show right? The family is chaotic, loud, poor, dirty, sometimes criminal, and hated by the other residents on the street. Each brother has a special gift which they don't always use in the right way; Malcolm the genius, Dewey the musical savant, Reese the budding Michelin star chef, and Francis the social schmoozer. Watching this show as a child made me very thankful for my 'normal' family, and it is nice to see a sitcom which follows a family less traditional, less tidy, and less functional than all the others we see on prime time TV. This too is where Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston got his fame, as the eccentric and loving father, Hal.  

3. Fringe; J.J Abrams Click here to see trailer

FBI Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) is assigned to find the answers to the most unusual and disturbing cases through the 'Fringe Division'. With the help of slightly mad scientist, Dr Walter Bishop, and his ex-criminal son Peter, they bust the most strangest cases and discover parallel universes and time travel. 

4. RuPaul's Drag Race; RuPaul Andre Charles Click here to see trailer

Think America's Next Top Model, but starring Drag Queens. This show has everything you want in reality tv; profanity, comedy, arguments, tenderness, growth, and glamour. This competition based show follows all varieties of drag stars and their quest to be crowned the best. They are put to the test by dancing, singing, sewing, modeling, acting, designing, directing, and... lipsynching for their lives - all while trying to navigate the sometimes bitchy world of drag. This show is mostly laughs, but also shows us the struggles and social stigmas queens have to face, such as coming out to their family, HIV awareness, and being accepted as a transgender in the drag community. So many of the girls are now household names because of RuPaul, and with All Stars 3 on its way we're all guessing who of our favourites will return. 

5. The Office (U.S); Greg Daniels Click here to see trailer

Based on the British version of the same name, Steve Carrel produces and stars in this hilariously deadpan mockumentary-style show. Following the everyday working lives of Dunder Mifflin employees, office boss, Michael Scott makes their days a living hell with his pranks, impersonations, lack of social skills, and questionable leadership. It's not all laughs though, with some budding romances and touching friendships growing throughout all 9 seasons, you will laugh as often as you tear up. 

6. Rick and Morty; Dan Harmon & Justin Roiland Click here to see trailer

Arguably the smartest TV series right now - this almost spoof of Back to the Future follows alcoholic, smartass Rick and his nerdy grandson Morty as they venture into infinity. This show is as funny as it is crass, combining science fiction and comedy, think Futurama with more swearing. The more adventures Rick and Morty go on, the more trouble the pair cause, even killing themselves off after having to move to another universe - not that this concerns Morty's indifferent mum or dad who have become accustomed to Rick's strange behaviour. 

7. Orange is the New Black; Jenji Kohan Click here to see trailer

If you haven't heard of this series then you must have been living under a rock - this is probably the most successful show produced by Netflix and is based on a true story. The first series follows Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) as she goes to prison for a crime she committed 10 years ago, and by coincidence meets up with her ex-lover, Alex (Laura Prepon). As the series evolves, we learn more about the other inmates and how they got where they are - often teaching us not to judge a book by its cover. 

8. New Girl; Elizabeth Merriwether Click here to see trailer

After a very awkward breakup, school teacher Jess (Zooey Deschanel) moves into an apartment with three young men. When they realise she is cramping their style, they work together to make her happier, more social, and to overcome her break up. They form a close friendship over the series, which is full of laughter, romance, and drama.