I haven’t seen every TV show this year, but I have watched an awful lot of television, and I’m betting you’re missing out on at least one of these. What better time than the holidays to churn through some high-quality programming?
1. The Leftovers (S02)
What would you do if 2 per cent of the world’s population suddenly disappeared, without a trace or explanation? A wobbly first season left a fragmented set of characters searching for answers. Season 2 has the world’s hottest cop/dad (Justin Theroux) pulling the pieces back together while quite literally fighting his inner demons. Prepare to be confronted by life’s greatest mysteries – and the fact that TV can be both weird and entertaining at the same time. HBO
2. Peep Show (S09)
I wish I could watch all nine seasons of this BBC gem over again for the first time. Two morally bereft and relatable roommates – one hopelessly anxious and conservative, the other a hedonistic “musician” – try to find love and work in a shitty economy in London. Bonus: you can watch it all on YouTube.
3. Show Me A Hero (S01)
This is a tightly contained, six-episode revelation set in Yonkers, New York, in the 80s, based on former New York Times reporter Lisa Belkin’s book of the same name. Directed by Paul Haggis and written by The Wire’s David Simon and William F. Zorzi, the dramatic series focuses on NIMBY resistance to a new public housing development planned for the middle class neighbourhood. Catherine Keener’s character left me shattered and gooey, making it excellent holiday-time viewing. HBO
4. Master Of None (S01)
At first I watched this show the wrong way, expecting huge laughs from fast-paced comedian Aziz Ansari every two seconds. (I may have conflated him with his perfect Randy character from the film Funny People.) Instead, it’s something more like Louie, but the story of an Indian actor trying to get a decent part in New York City kind of makes Louis C.K. look whiny. Netflix
5. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (S01)
Do you like your comedy deep and dark and feminist? Our hero, Kimmy, escapes a rural, underground cult where she’s lived for 15 years and starts over in New York City. Her charming, quaint 90s references (and politics) make you wonder what the hell we’ve been doing for the last decade. Netflix
6. Rick And Morty (S02)
This very smart, beautifully animated show combines Family Guy, the Back To The Future franchise and Star Trek, exposing modern life’s absurdity and humanity’s limitations while laughing all the way. AdultSwim.com
7. BoJack Horseman (S02)
I’ve heard from friends that they tried Bojack on Netflix and didn’t like it. But you know you should never judge a TV show by the first episode. BoJack is an animated Bob Saget with Will Arnett’s voice and the body of a horse. He’s narcissistic, oblivious but ultimately lovable. Netflix
8. Please Like Me (S01 and 02)
The CBC was smart to pick up this almost too twee Aussie comedy created by comedian Josh Thomas. Centring on a newly out millennial (played by Thomas) navigating the dating world with fresh eyes, it’s stylized to the max, but with gorgeous results. CBC
9. Broad City (S02)
This is American Peep Show by women. With her hyper sexuality and enthusiasm for weed, Ilana (Ilana Glazer) was decidedly “the fun one” and hence the star of Season 1. But Season 2 belongs to Abbi, (Abbi Abrams), if only for introducing the concept of “pegging” to the mainstream. Comedy Central
10. Game Of Thrones (S05)
Okay, so you probably did see this. But can we just take a moment to remember that scene where Jon Snow finally witnesses the true, seemingly un-surmountable power of the army of the dead? This was the biggest moment in television this year. I still shiver to think about it. HBO
kater@nowtoronto.com | @nowtoronto
