Top Ten TV Shows :: Top Ten Tuesday

10. The Killing

As much as I was tempted to put The X-Files in this spot, there were seasons towards the end of the series that lost me too much to include in the Top 10 (though they do have a place in the Top 20). On the contrary, a different duo of investigators with a undercurrent of sexual and intellectual tension, Linden and Holder, did make my Top 10 because I loved every single episode, and longed for more once the series ended. I still think (often) about these two brilliant and broken characters, and wonder what came next for them – and I’ll always be secretly (or not so secretly) wanting one more case, even though it seems they left all that behind – and probably they are the better for it.

9. Jessica Jones

All hail a strong female lead, real friendships, flawed characters, bold personalities, women who are sexual and brave and strong and complex and vulnerable and human. Everything about this show I loved with only one exception (could have done without a throwaway body shaming comment in the pilot, it was unnecessary and did not fit Jessica’s personality, or the integrity of the show – but I digress), and I absolutely love both Jessica, and most especially Trish Walker. I look forward to where this show takes me next.

8. Supernatural

The Winchester boys, Sam and Dean (oh my heart), the “Family Business“, Castiel (oh my angels), Crowley, John Winchester, Meg (oh my demons), Charlie, Jo, Bobby, Ruby, Kevin, Trickster, Roweena, and I could go on – I have been there, with them, through all these seasons, and I’m still here, cheering them on. I love the emotion in the stories, the supernatural and the reality, the heartbreak, the complex dynamics, the broken pieces, the love, the humor, the sarcasm, the pop-culture references, and the way they survive. There is something about this show that always makes me feel better.

7. Parenthood

Part of it is because I’m so envious of their family, and would kind of love to be a Braverman, flaws and all, and part of it is because the emotional dynamics of being a parent, a child, a sibling, a spouse and the complications of family were captured so well. I had my favorites, I cried a lot of tears (and laughed sometimes, too), and I loved them all until the very end – and yes, I miss them.

6. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Strong female lead, friendships, vampires, survivors, flawed characters, complex emotions, pop-culture references, wit and sarcasm, and even a musical episode – how could I not love this show? With every re-watch I get something more out of the show, and I feel differently about the characters, deeper, in some ways, more personal. The Scooby Gang, they slay me.

5. Six Feet Under

A show I am in need of a re-watch of, Six Feet Under got to me in a way that has always been hard to articulate. I got the Fishers, and Brenda (especially Brenda), deeply, and in very personal ways, so much so that sometimes they were painful to watch. I miss them.

4. Lost

A brilliantly imperfect show that I love so much, a show that I may re-watch (again) next, a show that I think about still – a lot. I have so much love for some of the characters, in complicated and complex and wonderful ways, that I could talk about them for days. I love that I understand so much, and at the same time, will never understand so much – like life, that just seems nearly perfect to me.

3. Twin Peaks

Part of my love for this show is the memories that are attached to it, for me, from when I first watched it, the way it made me feel, and the people who were with me at the time. It is part of one of my love stories in my life, and part of a few great friendships, too. It is also a David Lynch creation, one involving mystery, coffee, family complexities, unforgettable characters and one hell of a soundtrack.

2. My So-Called Life

There once was a show that came around and moved me deeply, stole my heart and had me so interested that I sought out more about it, which eventually led me, accidentally, to an online community that would gift me some of the best friends of my life. A TV show did that, well, and we all did it, too. It is also a show full of characters and writing that I love, cherish and will never forget.

1. Gilmore Girls

There are a few things that I am always in the mood for: music, coffee, road trips and Gilmore Girls. Seriously, at any time, day or night, if you asked me I’d say yes to watching any episode of this show. It is my go-to show at any mood I’m in, a show I have re-watched more than any other, and a show that I do believe will always be my all-time favorite – I cannot wait for this upcoming season!