Top 10 TV Shows Full of Plot Twists
#10: “Twin Peaks” (1990-91; 2017)
This surreal mystery drama immediately drew viewers in with its initial mystery of who murdered Laura Palmer. However, the eponymous sleepy town full of strange and uncanny residents offers plenty of unexpected surprises even after her killer is revealed. From the appearance of bizarre, supernatural characters to unexpected shootings, “Twin Peaks” always keeps viewers on their toes with each new development. We may not always understand what’s going on, even after comparing notes with other fans, but the show is anything but predictable! Its mystery box format also proved a significant influence on some other series we’ll be discussing.
#9: “Ozark” (2017-22)
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Few shows are as anxiety-inducing as “Ozark.” While its soundtrack is unsettling enough, it’s how unpredictable the series is that leaves viewers short of breath. The Byrde family’s work for a Mexican drug cartel is stress-inducing enough, but death and other shocking developments seem to surround them like a whirlpool with them at the center. Characters die frequently during the series and in unexpected ways. Chaotic players will suddenly flip the script on what’s expected of them, changing the series’ status quo entirely in a single scene! “Ozark” is a rollercoaster ride that will have your heart in your throat half the time!
#8: “You” (2018-)
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Given that it’s about a serial stalker/killer, “You” has plenty going on underneath the surface. Joe’s obsessive and violent expressions of twisted love see him go to extreme lengths to achieve his goals. However, he isn’t the only one, as plenty of the other characters are also unhinged in how they go about trying to get what/who they want. This makes for an insidious and unnerving viewing experience, as we never know whether someone’s big “romantic” gesture will turn out to be not just from the heart, but through one!
#7: “How To Get Away with Murder” (2014-20)
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What do you get when you combine a Shonda Rhimes drama with a pulpy murder mystery? The answer is both a what and a “how.” “How to Get Away with Murder” follows a defense attorney/professor and her students as they get involved in several murders. The reveals of who killed who are shocking enough, but the protagonists’ past misdeeds coming to light offer plenty more surprises. If there’s one thing “How to Get Away with Murder” gets away with consistently, it’s leaving the audience’s jaws on the floor with each twist!
#6: “Lost” (2004-10)
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Arguably the 21st century’s first major mystery box show, “Lost” hooked viewers immediately with its intriguing premise - plane crash survivors stranded on a strange island. Plot twists abound throughout the show, from crazy connections between the characters' lives, to bizarre features of the island, to shocking deaths. “Lost” has it all! And, despite popularizing online theory crafting, “Lost” still kept viewers guessing, as each new reveal only left us with more questions! “Lost” may leave many of us feeling, well, you know, but there’s no denying that its twists are legendary!
#5: “Breaking Bad” (2008-13)
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When it comes to crime dramas, “Breaking Bad” has a stellar reputation, not only for its quality, but also for how many twists it has. Walter White’s journey from chemistry teacher to meth kingpin is fraught with crazy developments. Rivals are killed in extravagant and unexpected ways. The people around Walt turn to darker purposes too. Truths come to light. And each new twist surpasses the next as the tension and stakes get higher and higher! “Breaking Bad” is a masterclass in storytelling and character development, for sure. However, some shows deliver twists even more frequently.
#4: “Orphan Black” (2013-17)
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A show about clones just lends itself naturally to plot twists. The gradual introduction of the many, many clones played by Tatiana Maslany, as well as the clones unraveling the mysteries of their origins provides plenty of big revelations. Add in the plethora of opportunities for clones to masquerade as each other, not to mention surprise deaths, and it’s no wonder “Orphan Black” has acquired a devoted cult following. But, whether you’re in the Clone Club already or have yet to join, this show’s twists will have you seeing double and then some!
#3: “Dark” (2017-20)
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A sleepy German town hides plenty of secrets, and after several boys go missing, they all start unraveling. Spoiler alert - most of them involve time travel! Practically every episode is rife with new reveals about who is secretly a future version of a character we already know, who’s secretly related to who, and shocking murders. The show delves deeply into the darker side of human nature, while also tackling just about every potential avenue in non-linear time travel storytelling. “Dark” is a twisty, knotted mess of a show, but one well worth the time spent unraveling.
#2: “Game of Thrones” (2011-19)
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Pretty much since its first episode, “Game of Thrones” has had a reputation as being chock-full of jaw-dropping twists. The dark fantasy epic involving the struggle for the Iron Throne of Westeros features betrayals left and right, of course. Additionally, character deaths regularly rocked not just the fandom, but the internet at large! “Game of Thrones” also has some reveals that recontextualize huge portions of the series, making us look back on seemingly insignificant details with new eyes the next time we watch them. As far as modern TV shows with major twists, “Game of Thrones” may reign supreme… but, there is another… Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Mr. Robot” (2015-19) This Show, Like All Its Hacking, Features Plenty of Misdirection “Westworld” (2016-22) These Twists “Don’t Look Like Anything” to Us “True Detective” (2014-) True or False, This Show Always Throws Us For a Loop “Money Heist” (2017-21) It’s All Part of the Plan - Until It Isn’t! “Banshee” (2013-16) This Underrated Series Has Some of the Most Shocking Deaths on TV!
#1: “The Twilight Zone” (1959-64)
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If there’s one TV series synonymous with twists, it’s “The Twilight Zone!” This classic science fiction anthology series is famous for its twist endings. Nearly every episode features a big reveal that turns everything on its head. Not all of them are winners, but when some of them are among the most famous plot twists in TV history, that hardly matters! The show was incredibly influential on television as a whole, and we’re sure it’d be no surprise that many other twist-filled shows took some inspiration, at least indirectly, from “The Twilight Zone.” Is there a twisty, turny show whose absence from our list surprised you? You can’t shock us with your own picks in the comments. Or can you?
