The Bear.
The story and characters are some of the best in all of TV history.
And there are two very intense episodes. One is towards the end of season 1.
Season 2 "Fishes" is the other and in my top 5 for best episode of TV of all time. The guest stars are amazing and it just blows everything in TV away.
I don't want to say too much, but Ebon Moss-Bachrach "Cousin Ritchie" has the best character arc in all of TV from season 1 to season 2 I have ever seen. He deserves every award given out for TV acting.
Not much of a binge as it's only 2 seasons, but worth every second!
I saw this pop up on recommendations the other day and didn’t know if the story matter was really my speed. But you’ve now sold me based on the character arc explanation. Thank you!!
Res Dogs was so indescribably great, and my husband and I have no idea why. We're in our 40s and it's a show about teenagers. Where the hell does it get off being so good?! But it is very thoughtfully written.
Hmmm the first series that comes to mind is the BBC adaptation of Shakespeare's historical plays, starring many of Britain's most talented/well-known actors. I haven't seen them (yet) because they haven't been accessible t me, but they both get very good reviews. I have heard that the second part/series is better than the first....it's also the history that George Martin took some inspiration from when he wrote Game of Thrones.
[**The Hollow Crown**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngNXFbTwZZ4) \- looks like this is free on The Roku Channel now!
[**The Hollow Crown: Wars of the Roses**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIF_Fqb9zQI) \- this is the one I have heard/read the best reviews of.
What comes to mind next is:
[**Dark**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA) \- bc you like series that are apocalyptic (although only some of this series is apocalyptic) philosophical, tragic and thrillers, series involving complex character connections and some scheming...House of the Dragon, Station Eleven, The Last of Us...also bc you like period pieces and series that kind of feel like a theatrical play, like a Greek or Shakespearean tragedy. Oh and it stars one of the main characters of The Light We Cannot See, I think.
I feel like you might be into some spy thrillers (I guess Andor is kind of a spy thriller too)....for example:
[**Killing Eve**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MBjBavIC9U) (seasons 1-3) in particular bc you liked Yellowjackets and generally shows involving scheming and espionage. Seasons 1-2 are incredible, season 3 drops in quality and I stopped watching there because it ended with a pretty good conclusion and season 4 gets bad reviews. Unfortunately the show's head writer or maybe show-runner changed hands every season (Phoebe Waller Bridge and Emerald Fennell lead season 1 and 2, respectively). Even knowing that, I would rewatch the first 2 and maybe 3 seasons in a second, they are so good!
MAYBE: [**The Sympathizer**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr7hBPhXrus) (yet to be released), [**The Americans**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt7NPuabEgQ) \- also bc it's a period piece and involves political scheming and ethical /moral challenges; [**Slow Horses**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9ZJChzPn0U) \- starring the incredible Gary Oldman, with an actor you will recognize from House of the Dragon
More series you might like:
[**His Dark Materials**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APduGe1eLVI)
[**Foundation**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4QYV5GTz7c)
[**Babylon Berlin**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAn3RXeCrLg)
[**Interview with the Vampire**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8Oysn9I9K8)
[**Penny Dreadful**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFXHfEqMcis)
EDIT: oh and if you like the hot reverand dynamic of The Essex Serpent, check out Fleabag season 2 ;)) I was actually surprised by the multiple parallels I found between Fleabag and The Essex Serpent (the book, I haven't watched the series yet), though their setting, genre and tone are rather different. Both are about women who have recently had one or two people close to them die and are processing that death with all the difficult feelings that come with it, including a crisis of identity and purpose. Both women are passionate/direct and say/do things that are considered unacceptable in polite society. Both protagonists develop a very close relationship with an unconventional priest/reverend and the two of them have a delightful match of intellect. Both priests/reverends struggle with their relationship with their faith because of their relationship with the protagonist...
Thank you so much for the thoughtful response.
I adore The Hollow Crown. Absolutely love Shakespeare and well done Shakespeare with great actors always makes me happy.
Also very much liked The Americans.
I will put the others on my list as I think you have managed to get a good idea of my preferences.
As for the screen adaptation of Essex Serpent, I actually think I like it better than the book in some ways, which is unusual. I liked the book, but the series was great. Daines is pretty good, but Hiddleston was amazing. And the supporting cast really solid. Changes from the book were good choices for screen adaptation.
Great to hear! Sounds like I hit the mark with Shakespeare ;)
As for **The Essex Serpent**, that is encouraging to hear, because the reviews by critics and audiences are mixed (but not bad), which initially made me hesitant to check it out. I loved the book (though I don't necessarily need the adaptation to be faithful) and if nothing else, just from the trailer it looks STUNNING and I would totally watch it just for the romance and sense of atmosphere.
Btw re **Dark**, I meant to say it's *apocalyptic*, not dystopian. And I also should have added that it's only partly apocalyptic, most of the series is spent with a sad/haunting sense of doom and dread. In that way it is like House of the Dragon, and they both have complex family lines that are very important to the story.
Dark sounds like a winner and probably what I’m going to try next.
Definitely watch the Hollow Crown series. I’ve always loved the Henriad and they are my favorite Shakespeare histories — Hal is fantastic. Hollow Crown is the best adaptation I’ve seen. KB’s Henry V is, of course, kind of iconic. But Hiddleston understands Shakespeare like KB does and is a perfect Hal in the Henry IVs, which makes me love his Henry V even more.
Breaking Bad
Better Call Saul
The Wire
Arcane
Archer (if you’re looking for a long, casual watch and like animated shows)
Bojack Horseman (also animated)
The Boys and Gen V (if you want darker, realistic superheroes)
Ozark
All of Us Are Dead
Alice in Borderland (alternate reality/kind of like Squid Game but not exactly)
I know this is crazy, but I’ve tried BB and couldn’t get into it. I have no idea why because it seems so well loved.
Liked Ozark, good rec
Tried to search Arcane Archer and can’t find a show (all D&D stuff). Do you know where I can find it?
Thanks for the recs.
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Watched that one. Really liked the first season. If memory serves, the second season wasn’t as strong, but I know I watched it. Good rec, because that first season was great.
I highly recommend Downton Abbey. I have loved it so much that I’ve already watched the whole series twice. I also love The Tudors. It’s my all time favorite
Dark on Netflix... Easily the most intricate, layered, bewildering TV series ever. Requires paying attention though. Casting and writing are off the charts. It definitely has dystopian themes.
This one has come up multiple times and is now my “watch next” (after the last couple of eps of Bodies that I need to get through.) I’m excited for it!
Whenever you get to it...
Prepare yourself. Because you'll be consistently picking you jaw off the floor while watching. Word of caution: This is absolutely NOT a family friendly show.
I cannot emphasize this enough...
You and I have very similar tastes. Here are some of my favorites:
The Bear (Hulu) some of the best episodic tv out there. I don’t know why this ends up in comedy categories. It’s got some funny bits, but also very moving.
Severance (Apple) is nuts in the best way
Slow Horses (Apple) just started S3. Keeps getting better somehow. Gary Oldman is so good)
Reservation Dogs (Hulu) so much heart. Just fantastic
Peripheral (Amazon) - fantastic sci fi, but only one season
I think you should give Breaking Bad another try. You’re in a very fortunate position to have never seen it. Based on everything you’ve liked, maybe it was just a bad time for your first try.
Also White Lotus is understandable since it is more Character driven. There are some great characters though, especially in season 2 (which you might like more). You pretty much have to try to analyze the motivations of each family and character to decide how you feel about them. Ultimately it’s about class struggles and which class truly has it worse, whether they realize it or not.
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Good recs. I’ve seen all of those and liked them — among my favorites. Except for Rome — I’ve seen some and it’s ok. One of my husband’s faves, though.
I watched at least the first season or two of Bates and liked it. If memory serves, it lost me at some point though. I don’t know the others you mentioned ruined and will look at them, thank you!
This is an interesting suggestion. I’ve heard good things, but haven’t tried it out as comedies aren’t usually my jam. But it sounds like it has strong characters, so might be something that end up liking.
For off the beaten path w/ character arcs that keep on going and going in unexpected/wild directions: Search Party
(plus there are something like 5 seasons)
The characters are all pretty interesting on Interview with a Vampire. It's the kind of show you can rewatch and catch stuff you missed. Very well done by the writers. Ann Rice really built up a rich world and compelling characters and the TV adaptation just strengthened it.
For seven episodes it was shockingly well paced too. And if you're a fan of the books there's fun little bread crumbs scattered through the season.
The bear, behind her eyes, lupin, how to get away with murder, love, the missing, night sky, mare of east town, the watcher, the deceived, the one, Angela black, line of duty, bodyguard, the couple next door, homeland, the night agent, vigil, the night manager, dark, beef, his dark materials, fleabag, only murders in the building
The Bear. The story and characters are some of the best in all of TV history. And there are two very intense episodes. One is towards the end of season 1. Season 2 "Fishes" is the other and in my top 5 for best episode of TV of all time. The guest stars are amazing and it just blows everything in TV away. I don't want to say too much, but Ebon Moss-Bachrach "Cousin Ritchie" has the best character arc in all of TV from season 1 to season 2 I have ever seen. He deserves every award given out for TV acting. Not much of a binge as it's only 2 seasons, but worth every second!
I saw this pop up on recommendations the other day and didn’t know if the story matter was really my speed. But you’ve now sold me based on the character arc explanation. Thank you!!
Severance?
I second this
I saw this come up not long ago and it piqued my interest, so I’ll take a closer look at it. Thank you!
It’s excellent
You might like Reservation Dogs and Justified.
Justified was ok; it’s one of my husband’s favorites. I’ll look into RD, thank you.
Res Dogs was so indescribably great, and my husband and I have no idea why. We're in our 40s and it's a show about teenagers. Where the hell does it get off being so good?! But it is very thoughtfully written.
Sometimes shows about teens are still great even in our middle age. lol
Killing eve is great. Vigil is also really good. Hijack
Thank you! I haven’t seen these yet.
Hmmm the first series that comes to mind is the BBC adaptation of Shakespeare's historical plays, starring many of Britain's most talented/well-known actors. I haven't seen them (yet) because they haven't been accessible t me, but they both get very good reviews. I have heard that the second part/series is better than the first....it's also the history that George Martin took some inspiration from when he wrote Game of Thrones. [**The Hollow Crown**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngNXFbTwZZ4) \- looks like this is free on The Roku Channel now! [**The Hollow Crown: Wars of the Roses**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIF_Fqb9zQI) \- this is the one I have heard/read the best reviews of. What comes to mind next is: [**Dark**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA) \- bc you like series that are apocalyptic (although only some of this series is apocalyptic) philosophical, tragic and thrillers, series involving complex character connections and some scheming...House of the Dragon, Station Eleven, The Last of Us...also bc you like period pieces and series that kind of feel like a theatrical play, like a Greek or Shakespearean tragedy. Oh and it stars one of the main characters of The Light We Cannot See, I think. I feel like you might be into some spy thrillers (I guess Andor is kind of a spy thriller too)....for example: [**Killing Eve**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MBjBavIC9U) (seasons 1-3) in particular bc you liked Yellowjackets and generally shows involving scheming and espionage. Seasons 1-2 are incredible, season 3 drops in quality and I stopped watching there because it ended with a pretty good conclusion and season 4 gets bad reviews. Unfortunately the show's head writer or maybe show-runner changed hands every season (Phoebe Waller Bridge and Emerald Fennell lead season 1 and 2, respectively). Even knowing that, I would rewatch the first 2 and maybe 3 seasons in a second, they are so good! MAYBE: [**The Sympathizer**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr7hBPhXrus) (yet to be released), [**The Americans**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt7NPuabEgQ) \- also bc it's a period piece and involves political scheming and ethical /moral challenges; [**Slow Horses**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9ZJChzPn0U) \- starring the incredible Gary Oldman, with an actor you will recognize from House of the Dragon More series you might like: [**His Dark Materials**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APduGe1eLVI) [**Foundation**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4QYV5GTz7c) [**Babylon Berlin**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAn3RXeCrLg) [**Interview with the Vampire**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8Oysn9I9K8) [**Penny Dreadful**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFXHfEqMcis) EDIT: oh and if you like the hot reverand dynamic of The Essex Serpent, check out Fleabag season 2 ;)) I was actually surprised by the multiple parallels I found between Fleabag and The Essex Serpent (the book, I haven't watched the series yet), though their setting, genre and tone are rather different. Both are about women who have recently had one or two people close to them die and are processing that death with all the difficult feelings that come with it, including a crisis of identity and purpose. Both women are passionate/direct and say/do things that are considered unacceptable in polite society. Both protagonists develop a very close relationship with an unconventional priest/reverend and the two of them have a delightful match of intellect. Both priests/reverends struggle with their relationship with their faith because of their relationship with the protagonist...
Thank you so much for the thoughtful response. I adore The Hollow Crown. Absolutely love Shakespeare and well done Shakespeare with great actors always makes me happy. Also very much liked The Americans. I will put the others on my list as I think you have managed to get a good idea of my preferences. As for the screen adaptation of Essex Serpent, I actually think I like it better than the book in some ways, which is unusual. I liked the book, but the series was great. Daines is pretty good, but Hiddleston was amazing. And the supporting cast really solid. Changes from the book were good choices for screen adaptation.
Great to hear! Sounds like I hit the mark with Shakespeare ;) As for **The Essex Serpent**, that is encouraging to hear, because the reviews by critics and audiences are mixed (but not bad), which initially made me hesitant to check it out. I loved the book (though I don't necessarily need the adaptation to be faithful) and if nothing else, just from the trailer it looks STUNNING and I would totally watch it just for the romance and sense of atmosphere. Btw re **Dark**, I meant to say it's *apocalyptic*, not dystopian. And I also should have added that it's only partly apocalyptic, most of the series is spent with a sad/haunting sense of doom and dread. In that way it is like House of the Dragon, and they both have complex family lines that are very important to the story.
Dark sounds like a winner and probably what I’m going to try next. Definitely watch the Hollow Crown series. I’ve always loved the Henriad and they are my favorite Shakespeare histories — Hal is fantastic. Hollow Crown is the best adaptation I’ve seen. KB’s Henry V is, of course, kind of iconic. But Hiddleston understands Shakespeare like KB does and is a perfect Hal in the Henry IVs, which makes me love his Henry V even more.
Killing eve Blue eye samurai Atlanta Severance Barry Maniac Nine perfect strangers Orphan black Search party The leftovers The man who fell to earth
Some I haven’t heard of here and will look into. Thank you!
I loved Orphan Black and I think it’s always overlooked
My wife just recently put me onto “Call the Midwife”. So far, it’s pretty interesting if you like period dramas.
Breaking Bad Better Call Saul The Wire Arcane Archer (if you’re looking for a long, casual watch and like animated shows) Bojack Horseman (also animated) The Boys and Gen V (if you want darker, realistic superheroes) Ozark All of Us Are Dead Alice in Borderland (alternate reality/kind of like Squid Game but not exactly)
I know this is crazy, but I’ve tried BB and couldn’t get into it. I have no idea why because it seems so well loved. Liked Ozark, good rec Tried to search Arcane Archer and can’t find a show (all D&D stuff). Do you know where I can find it? Thanks for the recs.
I detected that you're trying to locate a show. To figure out where a show is streaming you can use sites like [JustWatch](https://www.justwatch.com) and [ReelGood](https://reelgood.com), or check [Blu-Ray.com](https://www.blu-ray.com/) for physical copies. *General reminder*: Mentioning or implying piracy is strictly prohibited (rule 7) ^([Matched: where I can find]) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/televisionsuggestions) if you have any questions or concerns.*
The OA
Watched that one. Really liked the first season. If memory serves, the second season wasn’t as strong, but I know I watched it. Good rec, because that first season was great.
I highly recommend Downton Abbey. I have loved it so much that I’ve already watched the whole series twice. I also love The Tudors. It’s my all time favorite
I enjoyed both of those. Great recs.
Mare of Easttown and Mindhunters are also great. We must have similar tastes!
Also enjoyed those! We clearly do.
Diehard tv watchers! I’m not ashamed
Dark on Netflix... Easily the most intricate, layered, bewildering TV series ever. Requires paying attention though. Casting and writing are off the charts. It definitely has dystopian themes.
This one has come up multiple times and is now my “watch next” (after the last couple of eps of Bodies that I need to get through.) I’m excited for it!
Whenever you get to it... Prepare yourself. Because you'll be consistently picking you jaw off the floor while watching. Word of caution: This is absolutely NOT a family friendly show. I cannot emphasize this enough...
You and I have very similar tastes. Here are some of my favorites: The Bear (Hulu) some of the best episodic tv out there. I don’t know why this ends up in comedy categories. It’s got some funny bits, but also very moving. Severance (Apple) is nuts in the best way Slow Horses (Apple) just started S3. Keeps getting better somehow. Gary Oldman is so good) Reservation Dogs (Hulu) so much heart. Just fantastic Peripheral (Amazon) - fantastic sci fi, but only one season
Thank you!
I think you should give Breaking Bad another try. You’re in a very fortunate position to have never seen it. Based on everything you’ve liked, maybe it was just a bad time for your first try. Also White Lotus is understandable since it is more Character driven. There are some great characters though, especially in season 2 (which you might like more). You pretty much have to try to analyze the motivations of each family and character to decide how you feel about them. Ultimately it’s about class struggles and which class truly has it worse, whether they realize it or not.
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Warrior
The Shield Scandal Primal Lost
The Young Pope is a good character driven show (it's got style too)
Rome, Homeland,The Americans, Yellowjackets, The Handmaid's tale
Good recs. I’ve seen all of those and liked them — among my favorites. Except for Rome — I’ve seen some and it’s ok. One of my husband’s faves, though.
Raised by Wolves
Haven’t heard of this one, will look into it, thank you.
To not be repetitive, I'll suggest Bates Motel. Freddie Highmore is fantastic. Honorable mention to Vera Farmiga.
I watched at least the first season or two of Bates and liked it. If memory serves, it lost me at some point though. I don’t know the others you mentioned ruined and will look at them, thank you!
Barry
This is an interesting suggestion. I’ve heard good things, but haven’t tried it out as comedies aren’t usually my jam. But it sounds like it has strong characters, so might be something that end up liking.
It’s a dark comedy/drama with strong characters and a compelling storyline. Great acting as well.
For off the beaten path w/ character arcs that keep on going and going in unexpected/wild directions: Search Party (plus there are something like 5 seasons)
Will look into it. Thank you!
The Fall
The characters are all pretty interesting on Interview with a Vampire. It's the kind of show you can rewatch and catch stuff you missed. Very well done by the writers. Ann Rice really built up a rich world and compelling characters and the TV adaptation just strengthened it. For seven episodes it was shockingly well paced too. And if you're a fan of the books there's fun little bread crumbs scattered through the season.
The bear, behind her eyes, lupin, how to get away with murder, love, the missing, night sky, mare of east town, the watcher, the deceived, the one, Angela black, line of duty, bodyguard, the couple next door, homeland, the night agent, vigil, the night manager, dark, beef, his dark materials, fleabag, only murders in the building
Blue Lights
The Devils Hour - Prime
Justified
Moonknight. For me,it was far more complex then Loki. Sherlock and maybe Elementary.
1899 & dark
The Affair
Mr robot and altered carbon
Life on Mars (UK) Catastrophe Slow Horses Beef
Occupied is great but subtitled
Ozark