It’s always a tough decision when trying to find something new to watch. I constantly see people asking for recommendations on the next TV series to watch. Obviously I haven’t seen everything but I like to think I’ve seen more than the regular TV watcher. So, I decided to make a list of my 5 recommended shows for you to watch. I will not be including the extremely popular shows such as "Game of Thrones," “Sopranos,” etc. For obvious reasons you should already be watching these shows. Without further ado, here is my choice of 5 shows that you might enjoy!
5. ‘Vikings’
If you enjoy a well-crafted period piece, look no further. “Vikings” takes place in a time period most don’t often hear about. That of course is the “Viking Age.” Everything you’ve ever heard or thought about in regards to the “Viking Age” is most likely not true. This show is not only a great history lesson but an action-packed, drama-filled series. The scenery of this show along with the acting is truly beautiful.
Follow farmer Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) who wants nothing more than to adventure and explore new lands. Watch as he navigates his way through hardships and rulers that are not so keen on his progressive thinking. One of my favorite aspects of this series is how it shows life from the point of view of the Vikings.
They are often thought of as people who just pillaged and murdered but you learn here that this wasn’t exactly the case. With a great cast of characters, amazing fight scenes and a beautiful story, I can’t recommend this show enough. “Vikings" season 5 is currently airing on the History Channel and you can find it streaming on either Amazon or Hulu.
4. ‘Black Sails’
Another one of my highly recommended period pieces is “Black Sails.” This time step into the life of Piracy during the early 1700’s. “Black Sails” is the prequel to the Robert Louis Stevenson Novel “Treasure Island.” Before Nassau, Bahamas became a vacation getaway, it was once home to some of the most notorious pirates.
Follow fictional character Captain Flint (Toby Stephens) as he struggles to keep control of Nassau from the British Empire. While Flint may be fictional, there are a host of real life pirates portrayed in this series such as, Blackbeard, Charles Vane, Jack Rackham and many more.
Also included in this series is the legendary name of Long John Silver. While it may sound like this show is just about dirty pirates who constantly fight, it is much more. Not only is it filled with true history but it’s highlighted with some fictional drama that really makes for some twists and turns along the way. Once again, if you like history this show is a must-watch. “Black Sails” aired for 4 seasons on Starz.
The entirety of it can be seen on Starz on demand.
3. ‘The Leftovers’
By far one of my favorite shows of all-time, “The Leftovers” is a true masterpiece in acting and story. I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything quite like this show. Based off the Tom Perotta novel “The Leftovers” this series is a true “wtf” kind of show. The show highlights the lives of a small group of people that are forever changed after, just three years earlier, 2% of the world’s population vanished into thin air with no reason as to why. The acting from both Justin Theroux who plays main character Kevin Garvey, along with Carrie Coon who plays Nora Durst, is absolutely phenomenal.
The acting alone puts this show in my top 10 of all-time.
But the main reason I love this show so much is because of the meaning it has and how it shows people after something unexplained happens. Nobody has an answer for the disappearance but it’s human nature to figure out how and why. Season 2 of this show will forever be the single best season of TV I have ever watched. The emotion and drive behind these characters makes this show truly beautiful. I will say this show may not be for everyone. If you have the ability to sit down and focus on what you’re watching, I can’t recommend it enough. “The Leftovers” aired for 3 seasons on HBO. It can now be streamed through HBO GO or HBO Now.
2. ‘Fargo’
There are so many times where I can’t believe more people aren’t watching a certain show.
I’ve never felt this more than with “Fargo.” Loosely based off the Coen Brothers' 1996 movie titled “Fargo” this series is the true definition of dark humor and mystery packed into one. Each season so far highlights new characters and new storylines but always remains in Minnesota. If you’ve never seen the movie, it’s the story of a down on his luck kind of guy who finds himself connected to a serial killer and gets entangled in a big crime case. Season 1 follows this premise almost exactly. Season 2 is more or less a prequel to season 1 taking place in the 1970’s. While the first 2 seasons are connected pretty strongly, season 3 is more of its own story but still gives a few nice easter eggs that tie everything together perfectly.
If you like to laugh but also like to remain completely intrigued, this show is right up your alley. “Fargo” aired its third season in early 2017 and will be taking a small hiatus before season 4. You can find it streaming on Hulu.
1. ‘Peaky Blinders’
Over the past two years I kept hearing just how good this series is. So, finally, earlier this year I gave it a shot and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. “Peaky Blinders” takes place post-World War 1 in Birmingham, England. Follow main character Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) as he tries to grow his gangster family known as the Peaky Blinders. It is a true gangster epic that shows the true griminess of that time. Between the story and the acting I don’t know which I love more.
This series is not only enjoyable to watch but easy as well, since each season is only 6 episodes long. I wish it were longer but the way it’s crafted is truly perfect. You have actors like Sam Neill and Tom Hardy to add to the already amazing cast. This show is filled with drama, action, mystery and has a true gangster movie feel. If you haven’t seen or heard of this show, please watch it. All 4 seasons can be seen on Netflix.