GMonsters Top 10 Television Shows Of 2014

It's that time again when we reflect on the past year in television. I'm happy to report that 2014 continued the recent trend of great horror/sci fi/fantasy shows. There are so many good shows, it's hard to pick just 10. Honorable mentions that didnt make this list include: "Witches of East End" (which was recently canceled by Lifetime, booo!), "The Strain", "In The Flesh", "Hannibal", "Salem", "Bates Motel", "Helix", "Game Of Thrones" and "The Walking Dead".

Five of my top picks this year are in their first season. There are four non- horror/fantasy/sci fi shows on my list. Only one show is from the big 3 networks. There are 2 shows from Netflix, one from Amazon, and one from HBO. The rest are from cable stations (including 2 shows from SyFy).

What's in your top 10 list? Do any of yours match mine? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below. And if you missed my list from last year it's at Top 10 Television Shows Of 2013

10. Z Nation- SyFy- I know what you're thinking. Why do we need another zombie show when we already have "The Walking Dead"? While TWD deals more with what it means to be human during the apocalypse, Z Nation instead just goes for zombie killing fun. Along the way I've surprisingly grown to care about the humans too. What will become of Murphy, Doc, Roberta, 10K, Cassandra, Mack and Addy. I'm not sure how they can top season one's zornados, zunamis, radioactive zombies, zombabies, zombears and Viagra zombies... but I'm willing to watch them try. See my reviews here: http://gmonster320.blogspot.com/search/label/Z%20Nation

9. House Of Cards- Netflix- Netflix has become a serious contender in the TV ratings game with it's original programming. 2014 brough us season 2 of "House of Cards, season 2 of "Orange Is The New Black" (which is also on my list) and season 2 of "Hemlock Grove". In "House of Cards" we watched Frank Underwood lie/cheat/steal/murder his way up the chain of command. And his wife Claire is as dastardly and ambitious as Frank. After seeing how bloodthirsty these humans are, I'll take my chances with zombies. As least you know when one of them is trying to kill you. See my reviews here: http://gmonster320.blogspot.com/search/label/House%20of%20Cards

8. Orphan Black- BBC America- Tatiana Maslany (who plays every major character) continues to be seriously underrated at awards time. Despite the lack of love from TV snobs, the show has a serious following with #CloneClub. Why are we so crazy about "Orphan Black"? The interaction between the clones is seamless (see clone dance party as an example). In season 2 we learned more about the clones, how they were created, who their parents were etc. There are 13 girl clones to date (with several deceased). In season 3 we meet a whole new batch of clones. You can bet lots of clone craziness will ensure. See my reviews here: http://gmonster320.blogspot.com/search/label/Orphan%20Black

7. Defiance- SyFy- We follow the citizens of Defiance (present day St Louis) after the arrival of seven alien races and the Pale Wars. Earth is a much different place. Humans and aliens struggle to coexist. The best thing about "Defiance" is the introduction of the Tarr family (who would give the Sopranos a run for their money). Stahma Tarr (ie Ms Jaime Murray) come into her own in season 2 (and proves even more deadly than her husband). See my reviews here: http://gmonster320.blogspot.com/search/label/Defiance

6. Transparent- Amazon- Amazon has had original programming for some time but this is it's first mega hit. The critically acclaimed show follows the story of Mort (a retired professor) as he transitions into Maura. We also meet Mort's ex-wife Shelly and their three adult children (who are each horrible in their own way). What makes "Transparent" so powerful are the multilayered characters it presents. There are no completely good or bad guys on this show. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want some mustard. I cant wait for season 2. See my reviews here: http://gmonster320.blogspot.com/search/label/Transparent

5. Penny Dreadful- HBO- The show takes it's name from the penny horror stories that were sold in Victoria England. We meet a number of "monsters" during the premiere season including: Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, the wolfman, vampires, etc. Eva Green is excellent as the mysterious Vanessa Ives. And let's face it, everything sounds better with a British accent. See my reviews here: http://gmonster320.blogspot.com/search/label/Penny%20Dreadful

4. Orange Is The New Black- NetFlix- Season 2 saw less of Alex than many of us had hoped but this made room for the stories of other prisoners such Rosa, Morella, Gloria, Poussey, etc. Newly arrived Vee also shakes up Litchfield in a big way. OITNB continues to have one of the most diverse casts on television. See my reviews here: http://gmonster320.blogspot.com/search/label/Orange%20Is%20The%20New%20Black

3. How To Get Away With Murder- ABC- This is the only show in my list from the big 3 networks. Viola Davis deserves some serious awards. She is a force to be reckoned with. I was surprised at how much I love HTGAWM. It's unorthodox format (which flash forwards to the end of the season in each episode) worked well. But since the killer was revealed at the end of the season, what will they do for an encore? And will viewers come back for more? See my reviews here: http://gmonster320.blogspot.com/search/label/How%20To%20Get%20Away%20With%20Murder

2. American Horror Story: Freak Show- FX- Sure it has it's share of problems. Story lines disappear for no reason. Characters do things that are... well out of character. There is still nothing on television that comes close to the creativity of AHS. Twisty the Clown, Dandy, Bette & Dot, and Pepper draw you into their world and wont let you go. It's also a pleasure to watch the powerhouse acting of the grand dames of AHS-- Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett. If they are in the same room together, watch out. Sparks will fly. Who says women "of a certain age" dont make great TV leads? I'd watch them any day over teenage pipsqueaks. See my reviews here: http://gmonster320.blogspot.com/search/label/American%20Horror%20Story

1. Intruders- BBC America- For the second year in a row, my number 1 pick is a show most people probably havent heard of. Last year it was "The Returned". This year it's "Intruders". Both shows are US imports. "The Returned" (which aired on the Sundance channel) is French. "Intruders" (which aired on BBC America) is British. What makes "Intruders" so good? I honestly cant say why I loved the show so much. Maybe it's the idea of not knowing the person you think you know best. Each of it's eight episodes left me trying to figure out what in the world was going on. Millie Brown and Mira Sorvino were excellent in their roles. I wont ruin it for you but just watch "Intruders" and let me know what you think. Remember, what goes around comes around. See my reviews here: http://gmonster320.blogspot.com/search/label/Intruders

The World According To GMonster
TV: Heavy On Sci Fi, Horror & Adventure; Light On Reality

December 21, 2014