I like watching TV Series... a lot. It relaxes me and it even makes me work harder and better. Yes, I can work while watching TV; as a kid I did my homework with Cartoon Network turned on. This habit didn't go away after all these years and I got to enjoy quite a few TV series. Here is a list I made for you to watch next. Some are new, some are too mainstream, but overall I recommend you give them a try.
To make it easier I grouped them into several categories and added their main cover. Also I don't reveal that much from the show's synopsis. This is a No Spoiler zone. For more details check the title link.
Here we go!
The classics
Rome
If you want to see a detailed reproduction of Ancient Rome packed up with strong characters and an intriguing story, I truly recommend this show. Too bad they forced the ending due to large budget costs.
The Wire
The finest detective story ever. The first seasons might be a bit slow paced, but afterwards it really makes up for the teasing.
The Sopranos
Or as I like to call it "The True Godfather of Television". You simply have to watch it even if you're not a mafia drama fan. R.I.P. James Galdofini.
Oz
If you ever want to know how it's like to survive a maximum security prison, I recommend you watch this show. The best part is that the story switches arcs between the protagonist and the other supporting characters making them part of the center stage.
Carnivàle
This show follows a different take on the battle between Good and Evil. Again just like Rome, the end was forced due to high budget costs.
Freaks & Geeks
This is a show for both teens and adults following the interaction between two opposite groups who have much more in common than you first think. Also it's the career starter for actors like Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jason Segel etc.
The Tudors
You think you know a story, but you only know how it ends. To get to the heart of the story, you have to go back to the beginning.
This series follows the reign and marriages of King Henry VIII. It's just plain awesome to see a detailed portrayal of a young king who makes mistakes, risks the kingdom for love and sacrifices friendships until the very end.
Nip/Tuck
I just love this show. it's gritty, it's dramatic, it's scary, it's gross, it's funny, it's sexy, it's the tale of two plastic surgeons and their crazy, f#cked up adventures.
Must See
You should definitely check these:
Peaky Blinders
One of the most promising shows. It centers around a gangster family trying to move up in ranks. It stars Cillian Murphy and from season 2, Tom Hardy will join the cast. Yes... Tom Hardy.
Game of thrones
Hodor! Hodor hodor hodor, hodor...hodor. Hodor hodor Hodor, hodor: hodor, hodor, hodor. Hodor hodor hodor Hodor Hodor.
Hannibal
I'm a Thomas Harris fan and I enjoyed all the books/movies and when I heard they will make a series... I was hyped. Mads Mikkelsen is killing it as Dr. Hannibal Lecter. And to top it off the murders and the visuals are just mind blowing. Can't wait for season 3.
Masters of sex
This drama follows the early journeys of a doctor doing research studies on the female orgasm. You might think it is taking advantage of its theme, but the execution and production are spot on. It reminds me of Mad Men.
True detective
I started the show because of the promising plot centered around the two lead characters played by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. And Oh, My God! What a ride!
Mad men
I've begun to watch this show because of my love for design and then I ended up watching it for the love of the story. This last season is nailing all expectations.
Hell on Wheels
This is the show I currently watch and wait each episode with so much enthusiasm and curiosity. You don't have to be into western movies to like this series. Just watch the intro:
Breaking Bad
Say my name! This show deserves all the Emmys it got. There is no denial that it is one of the greatest shows of its time.
Seinfeld
A timeless masterpiece of a comedy. What I love the most about this show is how it relates to everyday situations you can encounter. Jerry and the gang are nuts, but so are we.
House of cards
How can you refuse Kevin Spacey portraying a well educated and fearsome/ruthless politician. How? How?
Hellsing/Hellsing Ultimate
I'm not a huge fan of Anime shows, but I couldn't say No! to an animated show with Dracula as the front man. What's interesting is that his name is spelled backwards: Alucard. It's up to you to find up why.
Death note
Again with the Anime, but the premise is even more f#cked up. Imagine the possibility to write in a notebook the names of those you want to die and they actually die.
Six feet under
A dysfunctional family runs a funeral home. You can depict from this sentence the dark comical look the series promises and it works. Also the cast is killer.
Vikings
I appreciate a high quality production value when I see it and Vikings delivers an intriguing story that emerges the viewer into believable territory. Also the main theme song is just mesmerizing.
Luther
First time I laid my eyes on Edris Alba was on Luther and then on The Wire. I like this show because there is always something different about a British detective story. You can't find Hollywood in it at all.
The Following
It stars Kevin Bacon as a detective trying to catch a cult leader and his serial killer followers. The story keeps diverting and changing it makes you come back every time an episode ends.
Guilty pleasure
The ones that enjoy watching without being judged.
That '70s show
A sitcom about a group of teenagers getting high and into all kinds of troubles/adventures. Too bad the last two seasons were a bit disappointing.
Everybody hates Chris
If you like Chris Rock then you'll love this one. It's based on his life and each episode is narrated by him. I laughed a lot and I bet you will too.
Archer
This cartoon is not for children. Archer compels everything a spy agent isn't: a booze/drug loving womanizer. Don't worry, his friends are the same.
House of lies
Take a team of professional corporate consultants and put them in front of diverse and wacky clients. See Don Cheadle far away from his Iron Patriot suit nailing that deal.
Dexter
The premise from the start sounds promising. Imagine a serial killer killing other serial killers. Michael C. Hall does an awesome job despite the controversial ending.
Spartacus
Sex, violence, a lot of blood and some history. Although this show is action packed, you end up caring for the characters. R.I.P. Andy Whitfield.
Suits
Imagine if you could remember everything you read and cheat yourself into becoming an inspiring lawyer. Well Suits exceeded my expectations and can't wait for the next season. P.S.: Louis Litt is my favorite character because the show just got litt up.
Arrow
Arrow represents to television what Nolan's Batman did to cinema. It's a new, bold and gritty take on comic book adaptations to the small screen. And it succeeds.
Banshee
Watching Banshee is a real guilty pleasure. It's an action adventure joyride and the main character does a real great job kicking ass. Overall he is your ordinary convict disguised in sheriff anti-hero.
American Horror Story
This anthology explores each and every horror angle: witches, demons, monsters, maniacs, clowns etc. I recommend you watch at least one season. Go with the first one.
Community
Six seasons and a movie. The true essence of this show lies on its constant nagging and references towards pop culture. Also I want the next Batman to be Abed.
How I met your mother
Despite its controversial ending, this show manages to establish itself in TV history. The first seasons are the best and sometimes it's worth watching only for Barney's shenanigans.
The Big Bang Theory
A series where geeky jokes are for everybody. Jim Parsons does a great job portraying Sheldon but each character contributes to the overall success. You cannot have one without each other.
South Park
If you like nasty jokes this is the show for you. You will feel bad after laughing to their jokes but there's nothing wrong with going the extra mile from time to time.
American Dad!
If you want another set of laughs tune in to this show. It has one sick Alien and a German flirting gold fish. How do they come up with these ideas?
The Simpsons
D'oh! This timeless classic still resists after all these years. I enjoyed each episode and I'm waiting for the crossover with Family Guy.
Family Guy
A talking dog, a baby out to conquer the world and many more surprises await for you to discover. Bird is the word.
Modern Family
It truly is a modern family: a gay couple and their adopted daughter, a family of five, the father-in-law married to a much younger woman (and her son). So imagine the chemistry and comic situations they go through. It also stars Al Bundy.
Sherlock
Too be honest this is when I first found out about Benedict Cumberbatch and his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is worth watching for anyone looking for a mystery series.
Scrubs
Eagle! The perfect show for a quick laugh. It brings up smiles even when you're feeling down. All this thanks to the Dr. Cox - J.D. - Janitor relationship.
Parenthood
I discovered this series while staying at Eddie's during the MVP Academy program. The show depicts the real life challenges of a real life looking family. It's fun to watch.
Friends
Chandler is the best. Case closed.
The middle
This sitcom is just plain funny. It stars "the janitor" from Scrubs and follows his family's story across their modest living.
CSI Las Vegas
My favorite crime series. I watched each episode I came across while living in Botosani. I even remember the schedule: Friday, at 11 PM, on TVR1.
House M.D.
It's Lupus! Like most viewers I loved this show because of House's sarcasm and Don't give a f#ck attitude - also good to take notes and learn a thing or two :D
Arrested Development
One of the most dysfunctional families in TV. Their messed up relationships and their self centered personalities makes you giggle with each episode.
Entourage
This show is worth watching because of two awesome characters: Drama and of course... the one and only Ari Gold.
The OC
The new "Sunset Beach" as I like to call it. I enjoyed this show because you can connect with at least one character and of course it has Olivia Wilde in it.
Greek
It's the American Pie of television, but with a lot more common sense. It has all: fraternities, jerks, cheerleaders, geeks, teen drama, romance and comedy, the whole package.
Too good too soon
These are the shows that I enjoyed and got canceled too soon.
Dracula
Take the main lead from The Tudors and make him Dracula. The show it's not that WOW, but it got me interested and stuck to the screen. I want a season two.
Almost Human
I liked this show because of its cliche buddy cop/human-android relationship. It was a fun ride. Too bad it got canceled and to top it off - Fox rearranged the episodes detaching themselves from the main plot. What was it again?
Heroes
This show was awesome. Too bad it had a forced ending and the story followed too many arcs to catch up with the main plot.
BONUS: To look for
These are the TV series I currently enjoy or I'm looking forward to give them a try myself.
Halt & catch fire
AMC brings up a new drama highlighting the early computer wars. A not so compatible team tries to launch an IMB competitive product and during the process hell breaks loose.
Fargo
The series is based on the 1996 film with the same name and it stars Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman amongst others. I will surely enjoy this dark crime drama/comedy.
Attack on Titan
Recommended by Ciprian, this Anime caught my attention and it's definitely on my list. And of course I always like to try out new shows. Short story short: people live in cities surrounded by walls to defend themselves from giant humanoid creatures.
Boardwalk empire
I got to see glimpses of this show and I'm very curious to see if it ranks up higher than Peaky Blinders. It's set during the Prohibition area so expect violence, mafia and the fight for booze territory.
Black mirror
This anthology show is worth watching. It catches the attention by highlighting modern f#cked up stories set in fictional internet powered realities from the not so distant future.
Penny Dreadful
This show follows one father's quest to save his daughter kidnapped by a demon. Nothing special here except the fact that on his journey he encounters characters such as Victor Frankenstein, Dorian Gray etc. It's a perfect blend between story, strong acting and production value.
Brooklyn Nine Nine
I laughed and laughed. I recommend this comedy. It has Terry Crews in it and it follows the adventures and the constant nagging on who's the best of their precinct. Say hello to the police!
Bates motel
Everybody knows about Hitchcock's Psycho. But do you know the story that led to the classic? Well, let's watch the series and find out.
Black sails
A pirate prequel story set 20 years before "Treasure Island". If you like pirates, what more do you want? This series is made by Starz, those who brought you Spartacus. So I guess I'll enjoy it.
Wilfred
Is he real? or an imaginary best/necessary evil friend? Elijah Wood joins Jason Gann and both embark on a self-discovery adventure.
Conclusion
I might have forgotten some or others didn't make the list because I haven't seen them yet. This article will we updated as time flies and I finish new series... so stay tuned. Hope this article helped you find the next show you'll enjoy.