Best dramatic series of all time (1 Viewer)

[jdoggydogg]

In before someone mentions The Shield. I don't think that show is very good

Then you must not have watched seasons 5 and 7.

No. Are those the essential seasons?

I assume you've seen the first season or at least the beginning of it, and then gave up on the show. The pilot was obviously shocking that this just happened on a television show. The first season relied on that aspect. It was interesting because it was like nothing on TV ever, and the story was decent but not great. I then think that the novelty of a cop acting that way on a TV show wore off and seasons 2 and 3 were not very good at all. There were still moments or scenes that were gritty and like nothing else on TV. Season 4, with the addition of Glenn Close, was better but still nothing special. Then season 5 came along. Season 5 was AMAZING and right up there with The Wire season 4 as the bests seasons ever on television. Forrest Whitaker enters the fray, and the acting and tension between him and Michael Chiklis propels the show to a new level. There is a scene toward the end of the season more shocking and certainly more heart-wrenching than the end of the pilot. Season 6 just kind of carries the story along. Then season 7 has some amazing acting from Chiklis and Walton Goggins, and one of the best endings of a series ever. The show is worth watching just for the final three seasons. I've never sat on the edge of my seat with a pit in my stomach for entire episodes watching anything else as I did in these final seasons of The Shield.

Sweet. I am totally looking for something new to watch. You aren't the first person to pimp the show to me, but I have been negligent in giving this show a fairer shot.

 

[scoobygang]

I just saw Nicholson in Wolf the other day, and there are some similarities between the Men and Wolf. Both movies are corny and ridiculous. And yet, they contain iconic work by Nicholson. It's like, I know that Nicholson is chewing up scenery and hamming it up. But he's so brilliant, I don't care.

Yeah, I hate it. But Nicholson has annoyed me for some time. I get that I'm a bit indiosyncratic that way, but I think Nicholson, and to a lesser extent, Pacino have ruined their reputations by mostly slumming for the last 20 years. Pacino occassionally still does something interesting. I can't remember the last time I liked Jack.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Sometimes Sorkin's abuses 'gift' for writing smart dialogue, at least on his TV shows, to the point where it destroys any sense of realism. Real people do not speak this way. This was really apparent on Sports Night. I watched the first few episodes of The West Wing but couldn't stomach it.

 

[scoobygang]

Sometimes Sorkin's abuses 'gift' for writing smart dialogue, at least on his TV shows, to the point where it destroys any sense of realism. Real people do not speak this way. This was really apparent on Sports Night. I watched the first few episodes of The West Wing but couldn't stomach it.

Do you have that problem with Tarantino? I don't mind stylized dialogue. My favorite comedy screenwriter is Preston Sturges and I like Whedon. But you're obviously working without the same safety net when you do it. I cringed through the first 20 minutes of Juno, but eventually Diablo Cody's voice grew on me. I think Sorkin's biggest problem is a tendency to become very shrill. Studio 60 may have been the shrillest television show ever. Only Sorkin could make a show about writing comedy so painfully shrill and unfunny.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Sometimes Sorkin's abuses 'gift' for writing smart dialogue, at least on his TV shows, to the point where it destroys any sense of realism. Real people do not speak this way. This was really apparent on Sports Night. I watched the first few episodes of The West Wing but couldn't stomach it.

Do you have that problem with Tarantino? I don't mind stylized dialogue. My favorite comedy screenwriter is Preston Sturges and I like Whedon. But you're obviously working without the same safety net when you do it. I cringed through the first 20 minutes of Juno, but eventually Diablo Cody's voice grew on me. I think Sorkin's biggest problem is a tendency to become very shrill. Studio 60 may have been the shrillest television show ever. Only Sorkin could make a show about writing comedy so painfully shrill and unfunny.

Tarantino's style of writing dialogue in Res Dogs and Pulp was entertaining and fresh. But after that it was grating and distracting. I'm not a fan of his work after those two films.

 

[Kenny Powers]

I just saw Nicholson in Wolf the other day, and there are some similarities between the Men and Wolf. Both movies are corny and ridiculous. And yet, they contain iconic work by Nicholson. It's like, I know that Nicholson is chewing up scenery and hamming it up. But he's so brilliant, I don't care.

Yeah, I hate it. But Nicholson has annoyed me for some time. I get that I'm a bit indiosyncratic that way, but I think Nicholson, and to a lesser extent, Pacino have ruined their reputations by mostly slumming for the last 20 years. Pacino occassionally still does something interesting. I can't remember the last time I liked Jack.

I think Nicholson has actually been if not great, consistently good since A Few Good Men...Hoffa, The Crossing Guard, Blood & Wine, As Good As It Gets, The Pledge, About Schmidt, The Departed. There's more roles there that arent slick Jack schtick.Pacino on the other hand has been almost strictly Pacino schtick since Scent of a Woman. Donnie Brasco and the Kevorkian biopic are almost the only times he hasnt. That said, his "Pacino being Pacino" didnt seem out of place in films like Heat, Carlito's Way, and Devil's Advocate.I could watch either actor in pretty much anything though

 

[fasteddie_21]

Lots of series that I'd eventually like to start watching. Thanks for the lists, folks.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I just saw Nicholson in Wolf the other day, and there are some similarities between the Men and Wolf. Both movies are corny and ridiculous. And yet, they contain iconic work by Nicholson. It's like, I know that Nicholson is chewing up scenery and hamming it up. But he's so brilliant, I don't care.

Yeah, I hate it. But Nicholson has annoyed me for some time. I get that I'm a bit indiosyncratic that way, but I think Nicholson, and to a lesser extent, Pacino have ruined their reputations by mostly slumming for the last 20 years. Pacino occassionally still does something interesting. I can't remember the last time I liked Jack.

I thought Nicholson was awesome in The Pledge (2001).

 

[jdoggydogg]

Sometimes Sorkin's abuses 'gift' for writing smart dialogue, at least on his TV shows, to the point where it destroys any sense of realism. Real people do not speak this way. This was really apparent on Sports Night. I watched the first few episodes of The West Wing but couldn't stomach it.

Good point. Mamet does this, as well. Still, I really enjoy both writers.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Sometimes Sorkin's abuses 'gift' for writing smart dialogue, at least on his TV shows, to the point where it destroys any sense of realism. Real people do not speak this way. This was really apparent on Sports Night. I watched the first few episodes of The West Wing but couldn't stomach it.

Do you have that problem with Tarantino? I don't mind stylized dialogue. My favorite comedy screenwriter is Preston Sturges and I like Whedon. But you're obviously working without the same safety net when you do it. I cringed through the first 20 minutes of Juno, but eventually Diablo Cody's voice grew on me. I think Sorkin's biggest problem is a tendency to become very shrill. Studio 60 may have been the shrillest television show ever. Only Sorkin could make a show about writing comedy so painfully shrill and unfunny.

Tarantino's style of writing dialogue in Res Dogs and Pulp was entertaining and fresh. But after that it was grating and distracting. I'm not a fan of his work after those two films.

No likey the Jackie Brown? I think the dialogue in that movie is as good as anything Tarantino's ever written.

 

[Billy Bats]

 

[PatsFanCT]

I don't think Angels in America had mass approval. It was just well-received by Hollywood.

Kind of. Angels in America enjoyed almost unanimous critical praise, if I remember correctly.

That series was awful. The only reason it won any awards and "enjoyed almost unanimous critical praise" was because of it's subject matter and nobody wanted to come across insensitive to the AIDS epidemic.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Sometimes Sorkin's abuses 'gift' for writing smart dialogue, at least on his TV shows, to the point where it destroys any sense of realism. Real people do not speak this way. This was really apparent on Sports Night. I watched the first few episodes of The West Wing but couldn't stomach it.

Do you have that problem with Tarantino? I don't mind stylized dialogue. My favorite comedy screenwriter is Preston Sturges and I like Whedon. But you're obviously working without the same safety net when you do it. I cringed through the first 20 minutes of Juno, but eventually Diablo Cody's voice grew on me. I think Sorkin's biggest problem is a tendency to become very shrill. Studio 60 may have been the shrillest television show ever. Only Sorkin could make a show about writing comedy so painfully shrill and unfunny.

Tarantino's style of writing dialogue in Res Dogs and Pulp was entertaining and fresh. But after that it was grating and distracting. I'm not a fan of his work after those two films.

No likey the Jackie Brown? I think the dialogue in that movie is as good as anything Tarantino's ever written.

No.

 

[Daywalker]

Boardwalk Empire? Please calm down everyone. It's barely hanging on the playlist after all the hype and everyone watching it.

The Wire and the West Wing are the cream of the crop. By far.

 

[simey]

Little House on The Prairie prolly deserves some love in the top 20. I'd LOVE for HBO to do another pioneer type series that revolved around the day to day struggles of a family.

I loved the show The Big Valley. I was only 3 during it's last season, but I used to watch reruns of it growing up. I suppose it's considered more of a western series than a pioneer. I liked Big Valley better than Bonanza and Gunsmoke. I had a big crush on Heath Barkley (Lee Majors).

 

[drfeelgood]

I loved the show The Big Valley. I was only 3 during it's last season, but I used to watch reruns of it growing up. I suppose it's considered more of a western series than a pioneer. I liked Big Valley better than Bonanza and Gunsmoke. I had a big crush on Heath Barkley (Lee Majors).

Barbara Stanwyck was my grandfather's favorite actress.

 

[FigJam]

Couple more for the old farts...

- MASH

- Happy Days

 

[pollardsvision]

For me, it would be:

1. The Wire

2. The Shield

3. Friday Night Lights

4. Deadwood

5. LOST

6. 24

7. Six Feet Under

8. Mad Men

9. Big Love

10. Desperate Housewives

I'd probably put "Parenthood" in if it wasn't so new. Only about 16 episodes or so, but I really like it so far.

I only saw a few episodes of Oz, but I'd imagine that if I'd seen more of it, there'd be a spot in the top 10.

Hated Sopranos. Watched about 7-10 episodes and got bored every time.

Only seen a few episiodes of Dexter. I want to like, but never seem to like it as much as other people do

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Even though it's a bit corny, Doctor Who is obviously one of the all time greatest shows.

I think the new Who (2005) is really good. Both Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant have been good.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Couple more for the old farts...- MASH- Happy Days

 

[perry147]

For me, it would be:1. The Wire2. The Shield3. Friday Night Lights4. Deadwood5. LOST6. 247. Six Feet Under8. Mad Men9. Big Love10. Desperate Housewives I'd probably put "Parenthood" in if it wasn't so new. Only about 16 episodes or so, but I really like it so far.I only saw a few episodes of Oz, but I'd imagine that if I'd seen more of it, there'd be a spot in the top 10.Hated Sopranos. Watched about 7-10 episodes and got bored every time.Only seen a few episiodes of Dexter. I want to like, but never seem to like it as much as other people do

OZ was good until the prison riot - from that point on it was downhill.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Couple more for the old farts...- MASH- Happy Days

In his defense, while M*A*S*H was technically a "dramedy," it did produce a lot of groundbreaking dramatic material during its heyday.

 

[jeter23]

I have never seen an episode of Battlestar Gallactica and was about to start it on Netflix. I start watching Season 1, Ep 1 and get the "Previously on BG..." Looks like there was some kind of mini series prior to the actual season 1. Is this necessary to watch first, or can I jump into episode 1.

 

[dmac37]

St. Elsewhere

Friday Night Lights

The White Shadow

The Wonder Years- drama or comedy?

Thirtysomething

 

[jdoggydogg]

Thirtysomething

I know it's not cool to like this show, but it did a lot of things very well.

 

[bueno]

Young Punks.

When you get a drama that runs as long as Bonanza did, call me.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Young Punks.When you get a drama that runs as long as Bonanza did, call me.

Gunsmoke ran longer. What's your number?

 

[Fiddles]

How can u have the wire at 1 and have nypd blue and hill street but no homicide? Highly recommend wire fans to watch homicide from the beginning.

 

[jdoggydogg]

How can u have the wire at 1 and have nypd blue and hill street but no homicide? Highly recommend wire fans to watch homicide from the beginning.

Agreed. Homicide is awesome. I've revised my list.

 

[badmojo1006]

I have never seen an episode of Battlestar Gallactica and was about to start it on Netflix. I start watching Season 1, Ep 1 and get the "Previously on BG..." Looks like there was some kind of mini series prior to the actual season 1. Is this necessary to watch first, or can I jump into episode 1.

No, you should watch the mini-series. It will explain a lot

 

[PatsFanCT]

Thirtysomething :(

I know it's not cool to like this show, but it did a lot of things very well.

I was a big fan as well, but I actually preferred the show that preceded it on Tuesday nights. Moonlighting.

 

[Ilov80s]

I hate to be cliche, but The Wire > everything.

 

[jeter23]

I have never seen an episode of Battlestar Gallactica and was about to start it on Netflix. I start watching Season 1, Ep 1 and get the "Previously on BG..." Looks like there was some kind of mini series prior to the actual season 1. Is this necessary to watch first, or can I jump into episode 1.

No, you should watch the mini-series. It will explain a lot

Thanks Mojo

 

[chauncey]

Boardwalk isn't there yet.

Compare it to the first four episodes of Deadwood, which may have been the best consecutive four hours of television in 30 years. Absolutely blows Boardwalk out of the water.

The West Wing deserves an honorable.

Seriously? I'm 3 episodes in and have fallen asleep during each one. Really hope it picks up after all the praise it gets around here.

 

[Daywalker]

In before someone mentions The Shield. I don't think that show is very good

Then you must not have watched seasons 5 and 7.

No. Are those the essential seasons?

I assume you've seen the first season or at least the beginning of it, and then gave up on the show. The pilot was obviously shocking that this just happened on a television show. The first season relied on that aspect. It was interesting because it was like nothing on TV ever, and the story was decent but not great. I then think that the novelty of a cop acting that way on a TV show wore off and seasons 2 and 3 were not very good at all. There were still moments or scenes that were gritty and like nothing else on TV. Season 4, with the addition of Glenn Close, was better but still nothing special. Then season 5 came along. Season 5 was AMAZING and right up there with The Wire season 4 as the bests seasons ever on television. Forrest Whitaker enters the fray, and the acting and tension between him and Michael Chiklis propels the show to a new level. There is a scene toward the end of the season more shocking and certainly more heart-wrenching than the end of the pilot. Season 6 just kind of carries the story along. Then season 7 has some amazing acting from Chiklis and Walton Goggins, and one of the best endings of a series ever. The show is worth watching just for the final three seasons. I've never sat on the edge of my seat with a pit in my stomach for entire episodes watching anything else as I did in these final seasons of The Shield.

Sweet. I am totally looking for something new to watch. You aren't the first person to pimp the show to me, but I have been negligent in giving this show a fairer shot.

The Shield is either top 10 or borderline. A must watch.