GMonsterTV's Top 10 Shows Of 2016

WARNING: This article contains major spoilers. If you haven't watched these shows turn back now or face the consequences.  

It's time again to reflect on the past year in television. I'm happy to report that 2016 continues to provide EXCELLENT viewing opportunities for horror/sci fi/fantasy fans. The recent pattern of the best shows appearing on subscription sites or non "Big 3 Networks" continues. This year there are three shows from NetFlix. The rest are from cable stations including: 2 from SyFy, 1 from History, 1 from USA, 1 from A&E and 1 from Showtime. One show from ABC rounds out the list. 

As in years past, several international offerings are included--1 from Australia, 1 from the UK and 1 from Canada. I did not include "Game Of Thrones" in my 2016 rankings. Yes, I know it's at the top of everyone's list. I'm trying to highlight programs that may not get that much attention. Also interesting (at least to me) is that 3 of these shows are in the crime genre, 3 in horror, 2 in sci fi/fantasy and 2 in history/politics. I watch mostly horror/sci fi so I would have expected more of those shows to make the cut.  

A few of my previous selections didnt make the cut this time around. They include: "The Walking Dead", "Z Nation", "Once Upon A Time", "Salem" and "American Horror Story". While some of these shows were excellent in their freshman year, the network's desire to make additional revenue by continuing proved ill fated. Case in point, "Wayward Pines" was #3 on my list in 2015. Unfortunately, I couldnt bring myself to watch past the season 2 premiere. There was no source material so they just made it up as they went along. It's sad given how enjoyable the first season was.    

And without further adieu, below are my 2016 favorites. Is there anyone you would add/subtract from the list? Please leave your thoughts/picks in the comments below. Also check out the previous winners here: Top 10 Television Shows Of 2015 and  Top 10 Television Shows Of 2014 and Top 10 Television Shows Of 2013 

10. Wynonna Earp- SyFy- On paper I would have predicted "Wynonna Earp" to be a major flop. The story involves the great great granddaughter of Wyatt Earp returning to her hometown of Purgatory to fight 77 demons/revenants that her family must continually put down. The premise is crazy but somehow the show still works. It's in large part to the excellent actors who portray Wynonna, her sister Waverly, reluctant partner Xavier Dolls (who has secrets of his own), Doc Holiday, and Officer Nicole Haught.  "Wynonna Earp" is a Canadian import and has a "Lost Girl" vibe. One of the best parts of the show is the #WayHaught pairing of Waverly and Nicole. Given the number of female gay characters killed on TV this year, it's a delightful change for these two love birds to survive the season (thanks to one wearing a bulletproof vest). Stay safe ladies! See my reviews here: Wynonna Earp Reviews

9. House of Cards- NetFlix- In it's fourth season, we might wonder what else "House Of Cards" could possibly do to keep the show fresh. The answer is almost kill Frank and put Claire in charge. As Frank clings to life after an assassination attempt, Claire manipulates her way up the food chain. Her next stop may be the vice presidency as she's now Frank's running mate in the next election. I would say this is absurd but given 2016's political climate, nothing surprises me. Robin Wright continues to be a delight to watch as the steely calculating Claire. See my reviews here: House Of Cards Reviews

8. Penny Dreadful- Showtime- "Penny Dreadful" begins it's third season with the various characters strewn to the corners of the earth. They eventually come together to fight their ultimate foe-- the Devil. He and his brother Dracula battle for the affections of Miss Vanessa Ives. Boys, there are other ladies in the world to date ya know. Although the show ended abruptly due to cancellation by Showtime, "Penny Dreadful" at least had a fitting ending. I think it had at least one season in it though if other supernatural characters were introduced. So far we've seen Frankenstein (Dr, Mr and Mrs), Dorian Gray, Dr Jekyll, Egyptian gods, werewolves, witches, and vampires. Eva Green as Vanessa is an acting tour de force. She switches from possessed demon to devout Christian-- many times during the same scene. Unfortunately Eva's performance has been largely ignored during awards season. Horror shows typically don't get the recognition they deserve. Josh Hartnett and Timothy Dalton are also great as Ethan Chandler and Sir Malcolm McDonald respectively. See my reviews here: Penny Dreadful Reviews

7. Colony- USA- Another surprise hit, "Colony's" success is primarily due to the relationship between it's main characters. Husband and wife Will and Katie Bowman are on opposite sides of a rebellion. Sure there's an alien invasion but watching Josh Holloway and Sarah Wayne Callies simultaneously try to out wit and keep other alive is compelling TV. The show enters it's second season this month. Can they keep up the momentum? Let's hope so. See my reviews here: Colony Reviews

6. How To Get Away With Murder- ABC- I had predicted that I would lose interest in "HTGAWM" by now. I'm so glad I was wrong. Currently in it's third season, the show is still going strong. Annalise and the Keating Five (now Four) keep knocking off those around them and somehow getting away with it. Annalise is not a good person but we still feel compelled to root for her. It's all due to the performance of Viola Davis. She blows away everyone within range. I'm so glad she's finally being recognized for her work. See my reviews here: HTGAWM Reviews 

5. The Fall- NetFlix- "The Fall" starring Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan released it's third and (I assume) final season. While it was shorter than the previous two, "The Fall" still provided a nice wrap up for the cat and mouse game between Detective Stella Gibson and serial killer Paul Spector. The show is a slow burn but definitely worth the commitment. PS Is Gillian Anderson a vampire? She keeps getting more beautiful with each passing year. See my reviews here: The Fall Reviews 

4. Vikings- History- Based on the historical Danish character of Ragnar Lothbrook, "Vikings" is in it's fourth season. Thanks to a time jump we meet Ragnar's wives and grown sons as they continue his legacy by attacking England, France, the Mediterranean and anyone else who gets in their way. Travis Fimmel is EXCELLENT as Ragnar. Not to give too much away but this season provides one of the biggest shocks in recent TV history. I'm not sure where the show can go from here but I'm interested to find out. Needless to say, life was rough for a Viking. See my reviews here: Vikings Reviews

3. Bates Motel- A&E- "Bates Motel" has completed four season and has one more before wrapping up. I was initially skeptical as to how the characters of Norman and Norma Bates would be treated. The show has FAR surpassed my expectations. We see the dysfunctional yet loving relationship between mother and son. We see Norman gradually unravel until he is beyond the point of no return. Like "Vikings" this season of "Bates Motel" provided a major shocker. Will viewership be hurt next year as a result? I guess we'll have to wait to find out. Also Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga deserve some serious awards for "Bates". The pain of Norma trying to save her son was palpable. See my reviews here: Bates Motel Reviews

2. 12 Monkeys- SyFy- The series "12 Monkeys" is based on the 1995 movie by the same name. The main characters and plot are similar. But the TV series is able to expand the theme in entirely new directions as reality continues to unfold upon itself. Yes the time traveling makes my head hurt but I can't wait to see what season 4 has in store for us. See my reviews here: 12 Monkeys Reviews

1. Wentworth- NetFlix- "Wentworth rises from #10 last year to the top of my list in 2016. It also has my #1 favorite female character of 2015 (and 2016) in Governor Joan Ferguson (ie "The Freak"). See 2015's 10 Most Intriguing Women In Television Some think "Wentworth" is an "Orange Is The New Black" knockoff. It's actually based on a long running Australian series from the 1970s and 80s. What propelled the show to the top of my list this year? "Wentworth" has always been highly addictive. We quickly become immersed in the lives of the prisoners and guards (Bea, Frankie, Ferguson, Vera, etc) and can't look away. The writing and acting continue to be top notch.

At the end of season 3, Joan kills an inmate (well, the woman did deserve it) and nearly burns down the prison. After a brief stay in a mental hospital, she is sent back to Wentworth (but this time as a prisoner instead of the warden). Apparently there's only one women's prison in all of Australia. Who knews? We watch as Joan ingratiates herself and manipulates all those around her. She is a spider spinning her web waiting for some hapless flies to wander by. 

Season 4 also provides a love interest for Bea. We've watched Bea over the years fight her way from new prisoner to top dog and then struggle to stay there. We've never seen her emotional side though. Bea and Allie (ship name #Ballie) gradually explore their feelings for one another. Can Bea trust anyone besides herself? Kudos for Danielle McCormick and Kate Jenkinson for bringing one of the most beautiful relationships between two woman ever on screen to fruition. Their scenes sizzle.  Of course we know what eventually happens to Romeo and Juliette (or in this case Juliette and Juliette). Ferguson is playing a long game and no one is safe. I cringe when my OTP is finally happy because we know what comes next. And in one of the most shocking events in recent TV history (yes, "Vikings" and "Bates Motel" went there.. but this is WAY worse) we see the final outcome. I watched the show some four months ago and I still havent recovered. Curse you "Wentworth" for making me care about these characters so much. Where can the show go now? I have no idea but I'm anxiously waiting for it to air in Australia so I can find out. PLEASE NetFlix make this show viewable as soon as humanly possible. I cant be the only one that may have a breakdown otherwise. See my reviews here: Wentworth Reviews 

Photo Credits:
http://collider.com/best-tv-shows-2016/
https://twitter.com/thewentworthpod/status/755389579805331458
http://www.syfy.com/12monkeys
http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/05/24/bates-motel-season-4-review
http://www.indiewire.com/2016/07/vikings-trailer-history-channel-season-4-michael-hirst-comic-con-2016-1201709026/
http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/01/the-fall-the-most-feminist-show-on-television/384751/
http://www.wymsee.com/howtogetawaywithmurder/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony_(TV_series)
http://www.gamesradar.com/why-we-didnt-actually-deserve-penny-dreadful/
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/house-of-cards-season-4-finale-puts-season-5-on-an-unexpected-trajectory-a6930081.html
http://www.afterellen.com/tv/482807-wynonna-earp-recap-1-02-welcome-purgatory

GMonsterTV

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

January 1, 2017

10:22 PM