Top 5 TV Shows From Each Year In This Decade
Everyone’s doing an end of the decade list, so I thought why not throw TDF Everything’s hat in the ring?
Below I present the top 5 tv shows of each year in the 2010s!
2010
TV Show/Rank:
#5- How to Make it in America (HBO)
Why Though:
Yes the same producers worked on this show and Entourage. However, it did feel more grounded as the heroes of this show were trying to start their own clothing line not trying to make sure Mandy Moore still wanted to date Vin and almost put the movie in danger but not really. If nothing else the show introduced me to Aloe Blacc and had KiD CuDi in his first acting role (as far as I know).
TV Show/Rank:
#4- Young Justice (Cartoon Network)
Why Though:
I don’t know why I like sidekicks, but I do, and I love when they break off and try to make it on their own… as a group! Even though I’m team Dick Grayson, I liked watching him handle the fact that Aqualad may be the real leader. They even had a run about Superman not wanting to be a father figure to Superboy. The show has some great nods to DC history and had some slick animation to boot. Even though the third season is being held hostage by the DC app, the first two seasons were must watch TV for me when this show first aired.
TV Show/Rank:
#3- Justified (FX)
Why Though:
After Deadwood, I was a full on Timothy Olyphant fan! When I found out there was basically a modern day Deadwood (including returning cast members) starting up I had to check it out. Once I started watching I realized the similarities were tenuous at best but the show was a great watch nonetheless.
TV Show/Rank:
#2- Luther (BBC)
Why Though:
A detective on the loose in the streets of London solving crimes and sometimes having to prove his own innocence when his co-workers inevitably suspect him of foul play works for two reasons: Idris Elba and Ruth Wilson. Their cat and mouse routine just works for me in addition to both of them nailing the tones for their respective characters. I truly believe if you replace either one of them the show becomes almost forgettable, word to Rose Leslie’s run on the show.
TV Show/Rank:
#1- Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Why Though:
Matry did some great work this decade in film and specifically on this show… you’ll note the absence of Vinyl on this list. Boardwalk Empire had some great historical nods but an amazing cast that was anchored by Steve Beuscemi as Knucky Thompson a classy bootlegger.
2011
TV Show/Rank:
#5- Bob’s Burgers (Fox)
Why Though:
I wasn’t sold at first. Sometimes I just have to sync up with the groove of any given show. This show won me over when the family got into Capoeira! Gillian and I have always joked about it and when this show dealt with it I felt seen. The comedy is pretty much right up my alley and I appreciate the kids for different reasons that all culminate in an infinitely re-watchable show.
TV Show/Rank:
#4- Happy Endings (ABC)
Why Though:
This was the first thing I saw Eliza Coupe in (even though I feel she was on Community before this show) and that was initially my in to this show. Jane felt like a one of a kind character. Plus It was the first show I saw where the fact that her husband was black wasn’t used to make some kind of statement. Plus once the show realized Elisha Cuthbert is legitimately funny, things really started firing on all cylinders! It should also be pointed out that the directors of Winter Solider, Civil War, Infinity War, and Endgame produced this show so it’s probably better than I’m making it out to be.
TV Show/Rank:
#3- Workaholics (Comedy Central)
Why Though:
The show is about three friends who live together and work together and it heavily showcased Jillian Bell so I’ll forever be grateful for the show. I also felt like because of the references that were made on the show I would have been a great addition to the writer’s room or they would have at least found some moments from Filmakers funny.
TV Show/Rank:
#2- Portlandia (IFC)
Why Though:
A Sketch show featuring Fred Armisen that introduced me to Carrie Brownstein? Dope I’m In. Plus the theme song was something special!
TV Show/Rank:
#1- Game of Thrones (HBO)
Why Though:
Just because the writers won’t you to second guess how truly smart the writing on this show was, doesn’t mean we didn’t have fun talking about this show with friends and family while also Podcasting about the last couple of season! The visuals and some of the characters really made for special TV.
2012
TV Show/Rank:
#5- Key and Peele (Comedy Central)
Why Though:
Yes another sketch show! But it’s a sketch show I still quote to this day. I’m actually in the process of rewatching a show I once wrote was probably more consistent than Chappelle’s Show. I’ll let you know how that goes, but this sketch show featuring the future Oscar winner, Jordan Peele, IS MY SHIIIT!
TV Show/Rank:
#4- The Legend of Korra (Nickelodeon)
Why Though:
I didn’t watch Avatar so I don’t have any cool deep dives to share with you on this show. I just loved the animation, the voice cast and the fight scenes. I’m sure I’d love the show that preceded it but I jumped on board when I did and there’s not changing that.
TV Show/Rank:
#3- House of Lies (Showtime)
Why Though:
In the words of Pauline Grant “give me a show with Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell any day!” And may I add, I’ll never be mad at the inclusion of a Ben Shwartz! I’m a sucker for a will they won’t they and I will watch Don Cheadle break the fourth wall like a grown up black Zack Morris all day!
TV Show/Rank:
#2- The Eric André Show (Adult Swim)
Why Though:
I can’t describe what exactly I find absolutely amazing about this show, just know that it’s a show that consistently makes me laugh and tear up. The concept is simple, Eric tricks celebrities into being interviewed by him then he and Hannibal Buress make those celebrities feel uncomfortable. Also the man in the street segments are forever quotable!
TV Show/Rank:
#1- Veep (HBO)
Why Though:
If you like watching people be insulted, this show is for you. Plus it introduced me to Sam Richardson so it’s ridiculously cool! Plus the Nordic president who always exposes Selina while claiming to be her friend is funny to me every time!
2013
TV Show/Rank:
#5- Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox/NBC)
Why Though:
From the same family tree that brought you The Office (American style), Parks & Recreation, and The Good Place, it’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine which has the added bonus of having some Lonely Island flavour and a diverse cast. A show about a police preceint that actually makes me root for the cops is pretty special plus I think Captian Holt is the best. Having said that, everyone has their moment to shine in this great show.
Did I Keep Watching:
TV Show/Rank:
#4- Orphan Black (BBC America)
Why Though:
A woman finds someone who looks exactly like her then is made aware of the fact that there are many clones of her. That woman and those clones are all played by the amazing Tatiana Maslany! She’s Canadian, the show is Canadian (despite the weird edits they try to use to obscure obvious Toronto landmarks and money) and it’s a crime that Tatiana didn’t win awards EVERY year she was on this show. You’ll forget it’s the same actor every five seconds, she’s that good. Don’t even get me started when Tatiana is playing a clone pretending to be another clone… sometimes as a third clone.
TV Show/Rank:
#3- Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous (MTV)
Why Though:
I love everything Bo Burnham and this show is no exception. It only got one season (why mess with perfection) but I’ve rewatched it many times and bought it on DVD (which is mislabeled). The show is about Zach thinking that if he becomes famous his problems at home will disappear. It’s got all the ingredients to reel me in and the execution is perfect!
TV Show/Rank:
#2- Rick and Morty (Adult Swim)
Why Though:
As a fan of Dan Harmon’s Community, and Justin Roiland’s voice acting Rick and Morty is a no-brainer for me. Even though I wouldn’t normally like a show about child abuse I feel like Rick and Morty knows exactly how to pull it off. Plus I truly find Rick’s belching hilarious. I wrote about my favourite episodes 2 seasons ago so you should read about that HERE to get a sense of what I like about the show.
TV Show/Rank:
#1- The Americans (FX)
Why Though:
Russian spies gradually fall in love with the American way they were sent to destroy… but are they also falling for each other? I know that’s not the true point of the show but that’s what kept me watching! I loved watching a married couple actually go through bouts of genuinely liking each other or hating each other while also playing a high stakes game of espionage while living next to the man who is tasked with finding them. It’s tense and touching all at once.
2014
TV Show/Rank:
#5- True Detective (HBO)
Why Though:
Despite an awkward second season. True Detective is best when dealing with the ravages of time and what that can do to a relationship. I know there’s always some fake out mystery that people think will end up in some crazy other worldly conspiracy being uncovered, but it’s always about relationships and how they stand the test of time which I’m down for.
TV Show/Rank:
#4- BoJack Horseman (Netflix)
Why Though:
I slept on this show at first. But, once I realized this show was about a sad person and wasn’t really about making me laugh, I was able to settle into it’s very depressing grove and enjoy the ride. The guest cast on this show is insane but it is anchored very well by Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, and Paul F. Tompkins!
TV Show/Rank:
#3- The Leftovers (HBO)
Why Though:
I love the concept for this show. One day, out of nowhere, a percentage of the world’s population vanishes. The rest of the show is people trying to make sense of that. It was harrowing, confusing, but always intriguing. Especially in the seasons when they wanted to focus on black character’s like Regina King’s family!
TV Show/Rank:
#2- Fargo (FX)
Why Though:
I did not want to like a TV version of a movie I loved, but Fargo did a great job of just telling stories in the same world instead of trying to retell the story of the movie. In addition to great cast memebers like the criminally slept on Bokeem Woodbine, the imagery and dialogue just works for me.
TV Show/Rank:
#1- Broad City (Comedy Central)
Why Though:
I’ve written about this show so much, it’s hard to find something new to say about it. It really comes down to characters who make you consistently laugh while also earning true moments of pathos. Ilana and Abbi’s friendship and antics meant so much to Pauline and I that I felt like they were part of our crew some how. Anyway, if you don’t believe me about this show being great, check out my list of favourite episodes from seasons 1-3.
2015
TV Show/Rank:
#5- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
Why Though:
I’m down for Tina Fey’s writing. I get that she can be problematic, but she got me at an impressionable age so… . I’m also a big Ellie Kemper fan so this was a great marriage of content and star. Kimmy was kidnapped and raised in a cult in a bunker. The show deals with how she adjusts to the world once she’s out of the bunker. The jokes come at a 30 Rock pace (obviously) and the cast is pretty impressive.
TV Show/Rank:
#4- Chewing Gum (E4)
Why Though:
You know by now that I love a good love story with my comedy and Michaela Coel delivers just that! A top notch Brit-Com about a virgin from a repressed background who is finally trying to experience love and sex. P.S. her sister is a true delight throughout the series.
TV Show/Rank:
#3- Jessica Jones (Netflix)
Why Though:
The best season of the Netflix Marvel era if you ask me! Jessica Jones’ first season pulled off the perfect mix of deep subject matter with a villain that highlighted the themes in all the right ways. Unfortunately, the show got caught up in trying not to have out and out villains, as a result my enthusiasm wore out but that doesn’t take anything away from the top notch first season!
TV Show/Rank:
#2- Fresh off the Boat (ABC)
Why Though:
A kid is ripped from the home he knows and is forced to be one of the only Asian kids in Orlando. Not sold? Here are 5 reasons why this show is so good and they are just as true today as they were back when I initially wrote the post. The fact that the show has three secret weapons, Constance Wu, Randall Park, and the cast of kids as a whole is truly amazing!
TV Show/Rank:
#1- Master of None (Netflix)
Why Though:
The show is about Aziz finding love. Luckily nothing plays out like his real life on this show. Believe it or not I was never really a big fan of Aziz. UNTIL his very thoughtful show Master of None that has a killer second season that haunts me to this day. Which is to say as someone who feels he could write a similar style show, I fear being compared to season two unfavourably. Anyway, the show seems to be done as does Aziz with being a truly thoughtful funny person so at least we have the two seasons of this show.
2016
TV Show/Rank:
#5- Fleabag (Amazon Prime)
Why Though:
Overall great show, but it’s the second season that really makes this show special for me. The depths of empathy I feel for Phoebe’s unnamed character and even some of the people in her life is pretty crazy. The show deals with a very broken person who attempts to piece herself back together while never letting one in on her pain. No one but us, the viewers, and she’s still kinda hiding it from us.
TV Show/Rank:
#4- Luke Cage (Netflix)
Why Though:
Yeah I get it. The mid season switch-aroo in season one was a terrible mis-step but not a deal breaker. The show dug deep and created some amazing characters… some more interesting than the eponymous character… but what was important was that the show was always about the fate of Harlem and the people who sought to take control of it. Listen to episode 34 and episode 70 of Spoiled Rotten for more of my thoughts on this amazing show.
TV Show/Rank:
#3- Insecure (HBO)
Why Though:
Bruh. When Lawrence was out of work in season one… I felt that. Insecure is all about the hijinks Issa Rae’s character gets into and how that affects the people in her life. I’m especially into the way it portrays modern romantic relationships. However, whenever Issa has a moment in the mirror, it’s magic!
TV Show/Rank:
#2- Atlanta (FX)
Why Though:
I’m not going to lie. I was feeling a bit worried for Donald Glover after he left Community and his music seemed sadder and his show was nowhere to be found. This show is just proof that good things come to those who wait. The show is about a down and out sometimes single father trying to hitch his wagon to his up and coming rapping cousin. The show doesn’t feature the same energy as Troy on Community but it does feature smart writing and jokes that kind of sneak up on you in the best way possible. Teddy Perkins is my favourite episode. Sue Me.
TV Show/Rank:
#1- The Good Place (NBC)
Why Though:
Without question this is like top 3 shows of the decade. A show that’s truly about what it means to be a decent person. But more importantly a show that has exactly the right kind of jokes for my sensibility, a love story, and an ability to completely change the “game” of any given season without me feeling betrayed or like I need to give up. It’s spinning a lot of plates and it looks great doing it!
2017
TV Show/Rank:
#5- The Orville (Fox)
Why Though:
Yeah there are multiple people looking for love on this show and it becomes all too relatable at times, but the most important thing this Seth MacFarlane property has going for it is how well it falls into the Star Trek: The Next Generation groove. I loved that show growing up and so Seth’s knock off, which is best when it’s not trying to be funny, but, dealing with the consequences of interfering in other people’s belief systems, really works for me!
TV Show/Rank:
#4- American Gods (Amazon Prime)
Why Though:
The whole first season of this show about gods that we’ve learned about in books fighting back against new things that are worshiped like “media” plays like one long pilot episode. You know what? I dig it. This show is all about world building and seeing what an adult version of a genie would look like. If nothing I’ve said yet sounds interesting, you may not enjoy this show.
TV Show/Rank:
#3- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime)
Why Though:
Marvellous Mrs. Maisel has a great setup. A newly single woman who only ever had dreams of being a house wife becomes a stand up comic. Not only is she great at it, she’s better than her soon to be ex-husband who was trying to be a stand up before her. Watching Mrs. Maisel hone her craft and break out of the world she was used to is quite the fun ride.
TV Show/Rank:
#2- GLOW (Netflix)
Why Though:
I’m a sucker for sports movies where the rag tag team pulls together under a surly coach. The best thing about GLOW is that it’s exactly that but over he course of a TV show. It also has some great moments dealing with despair, friendship, and stereotypes. There’s an episode where a black woman playing “Welfare Queen” has to face her university student son. Or Ellen Wong having a break down because she’s tired of playing Asian stereotypes and having someone she saw as a friend make insensitive jokes. Some might say the show has got everything.
TV Show/Rank:
#1- Ozark (Netflix)
Why Though:
I remember thinking this show was going to be stupid. Let me find out it’s one of Netflix’s best shows. I started watching it out of boredom and realized I needed to stop so Pauline could join in on the fun. Something I’ve learned about myself is that I love when characters are forced to deal with bad news. Jason Bateman’s Marty is constantly having the bridge burned behind him and watching him talk his way out of each system is exactly what I like to watch. Secrets come out, betrayals are made, and we get to watch how everyone handles it. The show doesn’t concern it self with truly “big reveals” which somehow makes it more engaging to watch since there’s just a bunch of little reveals throughout.
2018
TV Show/Rank:
#5- Kidding (Showtime)
Why Though:
I’m so glad Jim found a vessel for all of his sadness. I don’t want him to feel like he has to keep clowning around for people to watch him. This show about a Mr. Rogers-esque TV personality can be extremely sad. And yet I don’t feel like it’s unwatchable. I don’t actually want to talk about anything else about the show. Just start watching if you aren’t already. I am really happy my childhood hero found a way to evolve gracefully with this show.
TV Show/Rank:
#4- Forever (Amazon Prime)
Why Though:
At first I thought Forever was another show like The Good Place that loved to blow up what you thought it was episode by episode. I’m happy to report the show is still amazing even though that’s not actually the case. 3 episodes in, I feel like you’ll have a good handle on what’s going on. I don’t even want to talk about plot points or general ideas since it would ruin the first episode even. Just tune in and enjoy!
TV Show/Rank:
#3- Homecoming (Amazon Prime)
Why Though:
Homecoming is a top notch show. You know how I know? I rarely looked down at my phone while it was on. Part of that is because you have to pay attention to when things are happening based on the aspect ratio changes and flim/video footage. Julia Roberts plays an employee of a company that is trying to convince soldiers like Stephan James to re-enter service after they come home. The show goes pretty crazy from there and I’m here for it!
TV Show/Rank:
#2- Pose (FX)
Why Though:
In an effort to stop being ignorant about trans actors. I can’t just keep citing Laverne Cox. I sought out Pose and ate up the first season in a day. Set in New York during the 80s, Pose takes a look at the ball culture. I got wrapped in the different houses and even got a taste of the rag tag team pulling it off at the end via vogue-offs. The main takeaway from the show is that I want to see Mj Rodriguez, Indya Moore, and Billy Porter in EVERYTHING going forward.
TV Show/Rank:
#1- Killing Eve (BBC America)
Why Though:
I’m a fan of Phoebe Waller-Bridge even in Solo. So of course I had to check out the show she wrote (but does not star in) and it is definitely a top tier show for the decade. I love what Sandra Oh is doing in the show. She makes Eve so easy to root for, but Jodie Comer as Villanelle??? Chef’s kiss. She’s Heath in Dark Knight. Unpredictable and forever fun to watch moment by moment in any given scene.
2019
TV Show/Rank:
#5- The Boys (Amazon Prime)
Why Though:
Good news! I spoke highly of this show earlier this year. I’m happy to report, the show only got better and I’m looking forward to the next season. Watching superheroes be treated like celebrities who can be monetized made for very engaging and sometimes challenging television.
TV Show/Rank:
#4- Russian Doll (Netflix)
Why Though:
Ground hog day but with Natasha Lyonne. I don’t mean that as a dismissive statement. I mean people love Groundhog Day and Natasha Lyonne. So while the show isn’t a remake it uses a familiar trope to give Natasha a platform to kill it every episode and make you care about someone who keeps dying on the day of their birthday.
TV Show/Rank:
#3- Black Monday (Showtime)
Why Though:
Don Cheadle in his second show of the decade and he hasn’t lost a step! Coke, Cars, and cons on top of cons all with some of the best comedic talents working today. What’s not to like? You’ll notice this year’s entries don’t have much in them. That’s because there’s a full post about this year that went up yesterday. Get details there.
TV Show/Rank:
#2- Euphoria (HBO)
Why Though:
Zendaya is a star and this show proves she’s got the range to do whatever she wants when she’s ready. There is a great cast in this show but I was completely locked in with Zendaya and can’t wait to watch her navigate being a high schooler in the modern age next season.
TV Show/Rank:
#1- Watchmen (HBO)
Why Though:
At the time I’m writing this I have one episode left of this amazing show and It’s bumming me out that this may be the only season of this show. I can’t be mad at Damon recognizing that he’s only got one story to tell and sticking to it but I love the world he’s created with material we’ve all engaged with and will definitely settle for watching this season over and over if need be!
-YG