Sometimes we watch a lot of shows, just like the rest of the world, it seems like. Isn't it funny how people's watching habits have dramatically changed these last couple of years now with streaming and the increased availability of shows. For example, we watch very little television, but we spend more time than I care to admit watching shows on Netflix and Hulu. There is certainly something about getting completely sucked into one of these shows, and then knowing that it doesn't end, you have more! In fact, we don't actually watch that many movies anymore, for the most part movies seem kind of limiting, especially when there are so many high quality shows out there which basically are like prolonged movies.
Of course the thing with shows is that you can get sucked into anything, really - as long as you get familiar with the characters. In fact, a show has to be pretty bad in order for you not to like it.
I really don't know what we would do without Netflix. We ditched the DVDs a while back, and I don't miss them one bit. Lately we've been watching some stuff on Hulu and there has been more and more of a selection there I think. 
this is what it looks like sometimes when we watch shows, me messing around with fabrics and bowl of popcorn nearby!
Watching these shows like this though makes them so much better don't you think? When you watch them on TV it's easy to lose attention with commercials and everything else. By the time you get settled into it, it's over and you have to wait another week. But with streaming, you can just watch one after another after another. No wonder it's kind of addictive.
So I wanted to create a list of my favorite shows, my so-so shows and some of the light and funny stuff. These are the ones I have thoroughly enjoyed, those I wished I hadn't seen so I could watch them for the first time again.
Favorite shows in no order really
The Wire
Perhaps the best show ever I think, but painfully difficult to get into. You better put the subtitles on, at least I had to with that language! The first three episodes where so hard to watch, then over time it become the best show ever. Police centered show in Baltimore, Maryland about the drug trade, school system, prostitution etc… Candid, gritty, human, dark - but also really funny at times.
Dollhouse
Really good: mental, engrossing, unusual storyline, great acting.
Deadwood
Ian McShane makes this show, it's so very very good. I love the American western aspect here too, the mining town, the adventure. Most of the acting is just superb.
Mad Men
Well everybody basically loves Mad Men by now, but it is good! Perhaps at this point it's derailing slightly, but overall the quality is so very high. And don't you just love that setting and those clothes!
Life on Mars
The American Version is better I think, but the British isn't bad. The music in this show is just the best. Fun and easy to watch, very well made.
Lillyhammer
New Netflix-only show with Steven Van Zandt who plays a mob boss who goes into witness protection program in Lillehammer, Norway. Extraordinarily funny and well made. Hasn't gotten enough credit I think.
Big Love
I like this show. The acting is superb and for the most part, the script is good. Frustrating at times, but overall very good.
Downton Abbey
This is basically a glorified soap opera, but it's a damn good one!
Lost
Well everybody knows about Lost, but I still think it deserves a notice. Best and worst show at the same time. The first three seasons are beyond good. Then it kind of falls apart from there with some gold nugget episodes mixed in the shuffle.
Firefly
Star Wars meet Western here. Not at the very very top, but really fun to watch. The concluding Serenity movie is a must to see if you watch this show.
Once Upon A Time
Didn't think this was going to be this good, but the quality is very high. Very well written, many good characters, quite good, quite creative! But lets see where it goes... The Firm
Lawyer show which I think strikes the perfect balance of short story episodes and intertwined longer scope story. Quite well made and fun to watch. So bummed to hear it got cancelled! Weeds
The quality of this show really varies depending on what season you're watching. Overall quite good though, some scenes are just way over the top. Quite funny and She is very good. Seasons 2 & 3 are the best. Entourage
Flashy, young, fun and light for the most part. I think Ari and Drama are probably the best characters here, it wouldn't be the same without them! Good But Not My Top-Top List
Breaking Bad
We recently watched this show and while it's extremely well made and the show overall is really good, I don't particularly like that drug focused environment, nor really the people featured; they kind of frustrate me.
The United States of Tara
In some ways I like this show, and in some ways it frustrates me to no end. She is way to self-absorbed for me to fully enjoy it. But well made and easy to get sucked into nonetheless. Dead Like Me
It's been a while ago since I saw this one, but it's a pretty good one. Fun, addictive …. If I were looking for a new show to get sucked in, then this wouldn't be a bad one to get started on.
Veronica Mars
The same goes for this one - haven't seen it in a while, but it was quite fun and enjoyable. Rather light and high school focused - so very young, but fun. Light & Funny
The Office
I think the American Office is so good (British Office is good too, but completely different). It's one of those shows you can watch over and over and not get tired of. If I had to pick one show only to bring to a deserted island, this would be the one I would choose.
Parks & Recreation
The same goes for this one. At first I was lukewarm towards it but after re-watching it on Netflix, I like it a lot.
Arrested Development
This must be one of the funniest shows ever made.
The Defenders
About two lawyers in Vegas. Light, funny; not best the show ever but highly watchable. Too bad it got cancelled.
How I Met Your Mother
I didn't think I was going to like this show before seeing it, but boy is it funny. The writing is just superb, very creative.
Better Off Ted
One of those shows I kind of forgot about before compiling this list. But light, funny and enjoyable. Cozy & Watchable
Doc Martin
Perhaps not the best show ever, but it's so very cozy and relaxing. Cute British village, annoying doctor, forced love story. I see this one for the setting alone.
McLeod's Daughters
Not the greatest quality-wise, but really cozy Australian show about two sisters who run a ranch with just girls. Kind of soap-opera like, but I love the farm setting; the animals, the beautiful environment, the work etc…
Endgame
On Hulu, Russian chess champion (played by Shawn Doyle who's Bill's brother in Big Love) solves crimes and mysteries from the luxurious Huxley hotel he refuses to leave. Fun to watch, most episodes are pretty good. Hope to see it renewed. Smash
I'm not quite up to speed on all of the new episodes, but what I've seen has been quite addictive. Very girl-focused musical show with all the fun light and fluffy elements. ------------------------------ Now are there any great ones missing here? I don't jump high with joy over Six Feet Under, Thirty Rock (am I the only one who don't love that show?), Friday Night Lights (watched the first season, can't get myself to watch the rest - maybe it gets better?) We recently finished watching The Killing which I kind of liked but overall we thought was lacking. Also watching Prison Break, which isn't that great, but at least it's a continuing story. Life is another alright show (worst, non-descript name ever!), if you're looking for something light and somewhat continuous. Shows we haven't watched yet but that are on my radar: True Blood, Homeland and The Big C. We also watched part of the first episode of Dexter a while back but just kind of got annoyed. It's supposed to be so good though, so maybe it's worth pushing through... Phew - I'm kind of grossed out seeing how many of these characters and stories are in my head. But it is fun though. So any great ones missing?
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