10 out of 10 TV shows that everyone should watch

I adore film, but I think my love really lies in TV shows. There’s just something about delving into a world, knowing that you have numerous episodes ahead and plenty of time to explore characters and plot, rather than the quick burnout of a film.

When I fall for a TV show, I love knowing that there is more to come. I can sit back, get comfy, binge watch if I have the time (Hah, what’s that?), and then go through an inevitable mourning phase after the finale.

When a TV show comes to an end and leaves you crying out for more, you know it’s good.

The following list comprises of every TV show that are personal 10 out of 10 shows for me. The ones I can revisit over and over and still enjoy just as much as the first time round.

My So Called Life

My So Called Life follows Claire Danes as 15 year old Angela, going through the trials and tribulations of teenage life.

It’s the ultimate teen show for me. I felt like I lived this life. There’s a reason it is such an iconic show and if you haven’t seen it before you just HAVE to.

Unfortunately it is difficult to track down on any streaming service, but you can buy the box set or find crap quality streams on Youtube.

Selfie

I was one of many proclaiming it an injustice that this show was cancelled at the point that it was. The pilot episode is tricky to warm to, but it gets really funny, and the characters are very loveable.

It’s a modern take on My Fair Lady, with Eliza calling upon Henry to improve her standing both on social media and in the real world. This is an easy watch and the episodes are short – If you liked Kimmy Schmidt or New Girl, you’ll probably get on with Selfie.

Warning: From the promo photos to the gimmicky premise, everything about this show looks… a bit crap. But it’s actually quite good. Trust Me.

Stranger Things

This is a bit of an obvious one to pick seeing as you can’t avoid the hype about this right now, but it’s so, so good. You need to watch it.

From the acting, the storyline, the 80s vibe, there is so much to love about Stranger Things. I LOVE all things 80s, and ET is my all-time favourite film, so it was a no-brainer that I was going to love a series that is heavily influenced by both of these things.

WHEN is someone going to get me a Raleigh Chopper bike? I’ve only been asking for 20 years.

Friday Night Lights

Oh, Friday Night Lights, which in my eyes should really be called the Tami Taylor Show, because she is by far the best thing in it. I was spurred on to watch Nashville purely off the back of Connie Britton’s acting in Friday Night Lights. She is one great lady.

This is a story about teenagers. And family. And football.

But it’s also a story about Tami Taylor being the most kickass lady ever, y’all (Did I mention her already?)

Warning: Season 2 is a bit WTF, but keep going. Also, Crucifictorious.

Parenthood

Parenthood follows the Braverman family – four grown up sons and daughters with their own young families, headed up by grandparents Zeek and Camille as the patriarch and matriarch of the large, extended family.

If you are after a lengthy heartwarming series to delve into, this is a great one. It’s about families, life, and ordinary struggles.

I picked up Parenthood of the back of Friday Night Lights, both shows sharing creators. The subject matter is different, but the themes of joy and heartbreak are similar.

With 6 series you will be spoilt for character development and story lines. Every scene with Max is outstanding, and Kristina is my favourite Braverman, for the record. Parenthood also wins my award for best soundtrack ever in a TV series.

Warning: It can occasionally get a teensy bit TOO cheesy for a hardened cynic like me, but other moments will hit you right in the feels.

Pride and Prejudice (BBC mini series)

I love a period drama and Pride and Prejudice has to be the top of the top for me in terms of costume drama adaptations for television. The BBC mini series takes place over 6 episodes, starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth both being perfect as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy.

I watched it when it first aired on the BBC in 1995, so it has that deeply nostalgic air for me. I love the pacing, the moments, the highs and the lows – and the pay off from this 5.5 hour ride never disappoints.

Summer Heights High

Released almost ten years ago now, this is very old news, but I had to put it in here, as it remains hands down the funniest comedy I’ve ever ever watched.

Summer Heights High is an Australian “mockumentary” comedy about high school life. I first watched this in the days before the BBC adopted it, and immediately implored all my friends to watch it. It’s definitely one of those YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS shows.

It brings a new, laughable light to the familiarity of those high school days, and every character (all played by Chris Lilley) is perfect. I’ve watched every thing Chris Lilley has done before and after, but nothing quite compares to Summer Heights High.

Warning: The songs will stay with you forever.

Gilmore Girls

My ultimate feel-good series. I’m never NOT watching Gilmore Girls –  I watch the whole 7 seasons and the revuival episodes and then go back to the beginning. Starting again from the beginning always feels akin to diving into a warm blanket. Gilmore Girls is my comfort watch. It’s about mother daughter relationships and if you are a mother or a daughter and haven’t seen it yet, I implore you to watch it.

I first watched Gilmore Girls in 2001 – I switched it on because there was a character with my favourite name (Rory) and she was the same age as me, going through the same life stages as I did. And then I didn’t stop watching.

Warning: Yes, you WILL find yourself declaring yourself part of a ‘team’ when it comes to Rory’s love choices. (Jess, OBVIOUSLY.)

Superstore

Superstore is a comedy about the day to day ins and outs of working in a ‘big box’ store. As with a lot of 30 minute comedies, the first season is slow to get into, but soon enough all the characters feel like friends and you are INVESTED in the long game love story.

Throughout it’s run, Superstore tackled a lot of really important things in a good way. The maternity pay / leave and covid storylines were particularly stand out for me.

I find myself coming back again and again to favourite episodes of Superstore when I fancy a comfort watch.

Anne with an E

This is a Canadian television series loosely adapted from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s 1908 classic work of children’s literature, Anne of Green Gables, and it HEARTS MY HEART that it was cancelled at the point that it was.

If you know nothing about Anne of Green Gables,  it is a coming-of-age story about a young orphan who is seeking love, acceptance and her place in the world. Anne with an E is a slightly darker, yet still quintessentially tender, retelling of the classic story, and I love love love Anne and Gilbert in this version.

My Crazy Ex Girlfriend

If you like musicals and female led comedies, there couldn’t be a more perfect crossover show for you.

Rachel Bloom stars as Rebecca Bunch, who chucks in her job and career prospects on a spur of the moment notion to move across the country to her ex boyfriend’s small town in the hopes of resurrecting their romance. This musical comedy continually subverts expectations and stereotypes. It’s a strongly feminist show, and had a lot of important things to say about mental health during it’s 4 season run.

I’ve written about My Crazy Ex Girlfriend in more detail here. 

What’s your favourite TV show? What are you watching at the moment? If you’ve watched any of the shows I’ve mentioned, do you agree with my choices?