I watch a lot of pilots. I'll hear about a show people are digging, and I'll give it a try. More often than not, I bail after one episode because I'm not feeling it. Sometimes I'll give it three or four episodes before bailing, and if the show is as universally beloved as Game Of Thrones, I'll give it three seasons before cutting bait.
In 2019, there have been a handful of television shows I've thoroughly enjoyed, so I thought I'd write about them. If you try any of these shows and end up disliking it, please do not hold me responsible. Satisfaction is not guaranteed!
Fleabag
I think Phoebe Waller-Bridge is an incredible talent. What a writer! And yes, I was all in on Fleabag before it cleaned up at the Emmy Awards. I went back and watched Crashing which is also pretty damn great.
Years and Years
I started this series months ago and bailed halfway through the first episode. It wasn't that I didn't like it, but life interrupted things and I never cared to go back. Until last week, that is, and today I finished the final episode. Wow. Take a dash of Black Mirror, mix it with a little Handmaid's Tale, and presto!
The Deuce
I start everything from David Simon, but I do not finish everything he creates. The Deuce, however, quickly became my second favourite show from the mind of Simon. I just loved the characters, and how each season leapt forward in time.
Undone
My wife suggested this, and I bought into it because she told me it was Bob Odenkirk (a personal favourite) in an A Scanner Darkly stye animated series. Damn, it was good.
Chernobyl
Chernobyl was the best television I watched in 2019.
When They See Us
Already well familiar with the story, this series broke my heart anyway.
I realize I boldly pronounced Chernobyl was the best television I watched in 2019, but that's not actually true. The Toronto Raptors championship run was my favourite viewin' in 2019 and it wasn't even close.
