Top 10 TV Shows That Exceeded Expectations
#10: “Cobra Kai” (2018-)
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“Wax on, wax off” – who doesn’t know that iconic line from the first “Karate Kid” film? After a few lackluster sequels stopped the franchise cold, it was announced that a tv series would continue the story. “Cobra Kai” takes place 34 years after the 1984 movie. Although the original film series mostly followed Daniel Larusso, A.K.A. the karate kid, the show tells its story from multiple perspectives. Most of the screen time is surprisingly devoted to Johnny Lawrence, Daniel’s washed-up former bully. The choice to focus the story on people who were not the karate kid...or rather, karate adult nowadays, could have backfired. But the show’s nostalgia factor and strong casting pleased fans and critics alike.
#9: “Fargo” (2014-)
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While remaking a beloved classic is hard, creating a successful series set in the universe of a movie that’s already deemed pretty near perfect is almost impossible. But the creators of the “Fargo” TV show were able to improve upon perfection. While the anthology series borrows from the name and spirit of the Coen Brothers’ critically acclaimed film, the characters and storylines are all brand new. And the talent in front of the camera can’t be matched. Billy Bob Thorton's chilling performance in season one and the knock-out turns by Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst in season two all helped make “Fargo” into a show that simply couldn’t be ignored.
#8: “Arrow” (2012-20)
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Although comic books can be great fodder for television shows and movies, they can just as easily become critical flops. Looking at you, “Batman v. Superman”. So you’d be forgiven for thinking a show based on lesser-known superhero Oliver Queen, A.K.A. Green Arrow, wouldn't be a hit. But to everyone’s surprise, “Arrow” became very popular. The series ran for eight seasons and became the highest rated CW show in five years. It also featured fun characters and stellar action scenes. Despite the fact that his only “superpower” was shooting arrows really well, Oliver Queen made for a compelling superhero. Coincidentally, this show began the same year “Hunger Games” came out. Maybe “Arrow” brought in people who were hungry for more archery?
#7: “Twin Peaks” (1990-91; 2017)
Who’da thunk something so utterly weird could withstand the test of time? “Twin Peaks” was a strange show with mysterious plotlines and odd characters. But despite its bizarre nature, “Twin Peaks” gave ABC’s Thursday night slot its highest ratings in four years during its first season. But, all good things must come to an end … or must they? After “Twin Peaks” was canceled due its second season’s low ratings, the series continued in 2017. Once again, audiences were drawn to the show’s unique storytelling and relentlessly weird tone. We’re not sure how many shows could return after a 25-year hiatus and have critics declare it one of the best series of the year. But we know that “Twin Peaks” was worth the wait.
#6: “Battlestar Galactica” (2004-10)
For a couple of decades, it looked like “Battlestar Galactica” was nothing more than a short-lived 70s cult hit. But the 2004 SyFy reboot brought the show back into the public light like no one could have expected. With veteran actors Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell at the helm, Battlestar quickly became a huge blip on the dradis of prestige television. The show’s grounded nature and political intrigue had critics comparing it to mainstream dramas like “Deadwood” and “24”. Plus, the chemistry between Jamie Bamber’s Apollo and Katee Sackhoff’s Starbuck gave space nerds everywhere a love story to root for. So say we all!
#5: “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-)
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This crass sitcom has a massive following. But what’s really amazing is that anyone liked it at all. The show follows a group of narcissistic, degenerate Philadelphia residents who make everyone’s lives a living hell. Their antics range from ridiculous to illegal to truly offensive. But over the years, the show has miraculously stayed true to its awful characters while managing to grow. We may have originally tuned in to hate-watch Mac, Dennis, Dee and Charlie’s wild antics, but the show has proven it can be achingly sincere when it wants to be. Take, for example, the time Mac came out to his father through interpretive dance. That scene had no right to make us cry so much.
#4: “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-20)
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Nowadays, everyone has at least heard of Schitt’s Creek. But that hasn’t always been the case. This charming Canadian sitcom has had quite a life. While it originally aired on the Pop TV channel in the U.S., the show didn’t see a huge bump in popularity until its first three seasons arrived on Netflix. The buzz just kept on building until the show received a record-breaking 15 Emmy nominations and took home nine statues for its final season. Awards aside, the show’s filled with heartwarming moments that take you by surprise. From Patrick serenading David to watching the Rose family grow together, “Schitt’s Creek” was more than just a funny show. And did we mention that Moira is a true gift to humanity?
#3: “Stranger Things” (2016-)
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A supernatural whodunnit set in the 1980s that follows a group of young friends… Yeah, we know this premise already. We’ve all seen “The Goonies”. But “Stranger Things” quickly proved itself to be anything but ordinary. By the second episode, stream data proved that fans were hooked. “Stranger Things” broke viewership records again in season three. Even if you weren’t born in the 80s, you might still have developed an urge to go to an arcade or play Dungeons and Dragons. When you combine the nostalgic feels of the show’s setting with its stellar cast of actors, you get another bonafide hit for Netflix.
#2: “The Office” (2005-13)
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“The Office” is another reboot that we definitely had to include on our list. The British version of the comedy was a short-lived but beloved show. So, its American counterpart had a lot of hype to live up to. Unfortunately, the reboot’s first season struggled to get out of its predecessor’s shadow. But the show found its voice in season 2, when the writers figured out how to bring out the best of Steve Carell’s Michael Scott. They gave us iconic moments such as Prison Mike and the most quotable four words of any sitcom. We also can’t forget Jim and Pam, who gave audiences a couple they could root for. Although reboots don’t always work out, we’re glad “The Office” got a chance to shine. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Dark” (2017-20) ThisAtmospheric & Sometimes Confusing Show Became A Huge Hit “You” (2018-) Stalkers Can Make Good TV Too! “The Leftovers” (2014-17) We Were Nervous after Lindelof’s “Lost” Ended, But He Proved Us Wrong “New Girl” (2011-18) The Show That Gave Us True American Deserves Unending Praise “Letterkenny” (2016-) Canadian Humor Strikes Again!
#1: “Breaking Bad” (2008-13)
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“Breaking Bad” is unquestionably one of the most popular television shows to ever exist. It’s so universally beloved now that it’s hard to remember a time when it wasn’t. But just like it took time for Walter White to descend into evil, it took a while for everyone to become obsessed. After the first three seasons landed on Netflix, “Breaking Bad” got a huge spike in viewership. Audiences were finally able to catch up and appreciate what critics had seen all along. “Breaking Bad” was groundbreaking in so many ways. Its dark main character, stellar supporting cast and...you know what? Don’t just take our word for it. The Guinness World Records has “Breaking Bad” listed as the highest rated show of all time.
