It's time again to reflect on the past year in television. I'm happy to report that the era of "Peak TV" continues. In fact there are so many good horror/sci fi/fantasy shows out there, it's hard to find time for them all. It's a nice problem to have. And if you're interesting in previous lists, check out the winners in 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Observations:
- Cutting The Cord- The recent pattern of the best shows appearing on subscription sites continues. My 2017 list has five shows from NetFlix (up from 3 last year). The rest include: 2 from SyFy, 1 from Hulu, 1 from HBO, and 1 from A&E. NOTE: No shows from the Big 3 networks made the list. And only 4 shows from traditional cable channels appear. This shift will become even more prevalent in the future as other options become available. There's Amazon, Shudder (for horror fans), and CBS All Access (home to the new Star Trek series). Other players include: Acorn, Sling, Vudu and streaming on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play etc. Disney is also launching their own streaming service in 2019.
- International Offerings- As in years past, several international shows are included--2 from Canada,1 from Australia, 1 from Germany, and 1 from the UK.
- Honorable Mentions In 2017- Orphan Black (BBC America), Emerald City (NBC), The Man In The High Castle (Amazon), and American Horror Story: Cult (FX) barely missed the "top 10" are all still worth a watch.
- Once Great Shows- A few of my previous selections didnt make the list this time around. They include: "House Of Cards" (I'm hoping the last season is a killer), "How To Get Away With Murder" (how many people have they killed at this point), "Vikings" (still sad about Ragnar), "12 Monkeys" (suffered from a strange release schedule) and "The Walking Dead" (sorry, I'm just not that into you anymore).
So without further adieu, below are my 2017 favorites. Are there any you would add/subtract from the list? Please leave your thoughts/picks in the comments below and happy viewing.
10. Dark- NetFlix- NetFlix's first German original series was released just two weeks ago. The show is marketed as something "Stranger Things" fans will like. "Dark" is much more adult and much BETTER in my opinion. I can't expound on the plot without ruining the fun. Let's just say there are missing children, a small town full of secrets and major sci fi elements. You'll need a notepad to keep track of who is doing what to who. See my "Dark" reviews here And we definitely need a season 2 stat!
9. Bates Motel A&E- "Bates Motel" completed it's series run with a stellar season 5. I was worried after last year's cliffhanger as to if they could carry it off. "Bates Motel" stuck the landing and ended exactly as it should have (due in large part to the excellent portrayals of Freddie Highmore and Vera Fariga). The "Psycho" prequel elevates Norman Bates mythology to a whole 'nother level (which is no small feat). Freddie and Vera have since moved onto other projects (Freddie with the TV series "The Good Doctor" and Vera with a number of movie roles including "Conjuring 2" and the upcoming "The Commuter"). Regardless of what they do in the future, a little piece of my heart will always believe they are Norman and Norma. See my "Bates Motel" reviews here
8. Channel Zero: No-End House- SyFy- The second story in the "Channel Zero" anthology, "No-End House" is unlike anything we've seen on TV. The basic premise is several young people find a really cool "pop up" haunted house. But it's actually an entryway into a entirely different realm. "No-End House" is about loss and friendship and family. The special effects are novel and chilling. Who knew 3D printed heads could be so terrifying? See my "No-End House" reviews here
7. Black Mirror- NetFlix- "Black Mirror" originally aired on BBC America but has since moved to NetFlix. "Black Mirror" has always had a lot to say about technology and it's effects on society. It's consistently thought provoking and often frightening. One of the stories this year "San Junipero" is definitely a standout though. It won an Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie. See my "Black Mirror" reviews here "Black Mirror" season 5 returns on 12/29/17.
6. Mindhunter- NetFlix- "Mindhunter" tells the story of the fledgling years of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit. They begin to interview serial killers (they coined the phrase) in hopes of preventing/predicting crimes before they occur. I must confess that upon watching the first episode I was a bit bored. Luckily I pushed though and am SO glad I did. "Mindhunter" is a chilling look at some of the worst killers in US history. Cameron Britton as the "Co Ed Killer" Edmund Kemper is a truly frightening standout. And to hear that much of his dialogue is taken from actual Kemper interviews is beyond horrifying. See my "Mindhunter" reviews here I can't wait till season 2.
5. Wynonna Earp- SyFy- Who knew that a little Canadian show about Wyatt Earp's descendent killing revenants would be such a smash hit? It's because the show has so much heart. The writers, cast, and crew give it their all. Melanie Scrofano (Wynonna) barely finished filming season 2 right before giving birth. Who's a superhero? She is. Sister Waverly (Dominique Provost-Chalkley) and Nicole Haught's (Katherine Barrell) relationship has burned up social media. Their OTP is #WayHaught for those not in the know. I was initially worried that Nicole would be killed off (like so many LGBTQ characters before her). I now have faith in creator/writer/producer Emily Andras. She won't steer us wrong. Nicole not only survived two seasons but has become an integral part of TeamEarp. The cast also spends a LOT of time interacting with fans (known as #Earpers) which makes us love them even more. In fact, they may have one of the most enthusiast fan bases out there. See my "Wynonna Earp" reviews here Who's ready for season 3 now? Meeeee!
4 HandMaid's Tale- Hulu- Margaret Atwood's book was published in 1985 and has already seen several film adaptations. Hulu's production elevates the story with it's knockout performances by Elizabeth Moss (winner of this year's Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series), Ann Dowd (Emmy winner for Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series) and Alexis Bledel (Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series). If you dont think "Handmaid's Tale" is relevant today, you've obviously been living under a rock. Season 2 will expand past the source material so I've anxious to see what they have in store. Alexis Bledel will also return as a series regular. See my "Handmaid's Tale" reviews here Check out also "Alias Grace". It's another great Margaret Atwood creation currently on NetFlix. See my reviews of that here
3 Travelers- NetFlix- "Travelers" is another Canadian import that's become a surprise hit. I dont want to ruin it for ya. The "Travelers" novel premise is heavy on sci fi and time travel (which I'm a total sucker for). The talented cast is lead by Eric McCormack (of "Will and Grace" fame). See my "Travelers" reviews here Season 2 hits on 12/26/17.
2. Wentworth- NetFlix- "Wentworth" was number one on my list last year. It drops one spot in 2017 but is still one of the absolutely best shows on TV. Pamela Rabe (aka The Freak) is the best female villain EVER to grace the screen IMHO. I still dont understand why more people aren't watching this Australian import. With a major character death, fans worried that season 5 might not be as interesting. We were sooo wrong. Alliances change. Several characters attempt to move into positions of power. All the while, Joan manipulates prisoners and staff like they're pawns on a chessboard. See my "Wentworth" reviews here How long must we wait for season 6 to hit NetFlix in the US? Please hurry.
http://47wyke.com/top-tv-shows-2017/
http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/260188/netflixs-new-series-dark-gets-a-premiere-date-trailer-and-poster/
http://tvline.com/2017/01/03/bates-motel-season-5-premiere-date-final-episodes/
http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/19/westworld-showrunner-jonathan-nolan-teases-season-2-episode-titles-in-superb-style-6718804/
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https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/06/black-mirror-ironically-takes-a-technological-step.html
GMonsterTV
Previously The World According To GMonsterTV: Heavy On Sci Fi, Horror & Adventure; Light On Reality
December 18, 2017
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