When I started this blog, I had eight categories of shows to help myself keep track of all the shows I was watching or wanted to watch. About a month ago, I noticed that the categories were loosely connected and adding newer shows to the list was difficult. So I revamped the categories and ended up adding five more. Well, only three of the old categories really look anything close to their former selves so it's more like 10 new categories.
Anyway, this is one of the new categories. I'm pretty sure I added that weren't on my original list when I thought of classic dramas. This is self-explanatory, although I'll explain it anyway. These are dramas that in some way or another, changed television. They have been off the air for quite a while and most of them were made before the year 2000. I have seen basically none of these shows except about 10 episodes of one of the shows. So what follows are the shows that I felt qualified for classic dramas.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: (1955-1962)
I know this show is an anthology series. I know this show was the brainchild of the great Alfred Hitchcock. I know this series has an IMDB rating of 8.8. That's all I know. But it's enough to land on this list. There's 268 episodes, but apparently they are only 25 minutes long and suddenly that feat seems immensely more manageable. I also know IMDB ratings are inconsistent at best and this could just be rating so highly due to the name. (Dexter having a 9.0 honestly means I should never, ever use this as a credible source and yet it's right about 80 percent of the time.)
ETA for watching: TBA - TBA will be listed for shows that seem so far away, it's silly to even guess when I will be watching. I think this show is on Netflix so it has that going for it over other shows.
Hill Street Blues (1981-1987)
I've never seen this show so it's hard to say how exactly I know this, but I think this was one of the forerunners of the greatest shows of all-time. This is one of those shows that lays the groundwork for what other shows were able to do. Beyond that, I couldn't tell you if it stands the test of time. Also, a big problem I will run into for this specific category is that unfortunately networks dominated and networks mandated that shows run for over 20 episodes a season. That is insane. Do you know how hard it is to make 144 episodes that are an hourlong each? Naturally, I'm going to run into some clunkers. I really don't think it's a coincidence that shows that are considered the greatest of all-time run for 13 episodes a season.
ETA for watching: TBA - Tough to say since I don't know of any free, online way of watching this so I'm going to probably have to buy this to watch it, and seeing as I am pretty devoid of money at the moment, it's going to be a while.
Homicide: Life on the Street (1993-1999)
Here's another show that was a forerunner to fantastic television. And it may even be fantastic itself. The cool thing about this show is that Andre Braugher is in it, and I happen to know for a fact that Andre Braugher is awesome. This is one of the shows I'm more confident I will like purely due to that. This show is based off a book by David Simon, who created The Wire. Simon doesn't appear to have been much of an influence beyond the book, but that's a pretty good sign this show is worth watching.
ETA: TBA - This would be very high on my list if I could watch any of these shows at will. Alas, it also isn't free anywhere to my knowledge.
St. Elsewhere (1982-1988)
Obviously this claim is from memory, but I think St. Elsewhere is a show that was more ambitious than most, at least in certain episodes. That is they took some risks in some episodes making plain weird television. That's not the only reason this show made this list. This has one of the more strange, yet awesome casts. Ed Begley Jr. is in this and he's pretty good from what I've seen. Apparently Denzel Washington is in all 137 episodes of this and... wait DENZEL WASHINGTON IS IN THIS SHOW! (This is like when I found out Morgan Freeman was in the Electric Company - if you didn't know that - seriously look it up) Also, Howie Mandel is in this show and... wait Howie Mandel used to be in good things maybe? I have so many questions that I have to watch this show.
ETA - TBA - I swear not all of these will be TBA, but again this show is not available for free online. (Or at least not on any of the things I'm paying for already) Although I am going to be getting Amazon Prime at a discount because I am a student so hopefully some of these shows are on there.
Six Feet Under (2001-2005)
This is probably the show that I have the most doubt as to whether it's good. I've seen varying opinions on this and not all of them are positive. Thanks to my excessive reading of Breaking Bad finale analysis, I'm pretty sure the final episode was perfect. (I did avoid spoilers somehow though) However, this show is newer so that means it only has 63 episodes which is fantastic. And its cast is pretty great with Michael C. Hall, Peter Krause, and Frances Conroy. So I'm kind of worried, but not all that worried. I'm only really worried that it looks grossly out of place in this category more than my enjoyment of it.
ETA - TBA - Same excuse as the previous shows. Also, this would be near the bottom if I could watch these shows whenever I wanted.
Twilight Zone (1959-1964)
What list such as this is complete without The Twilight Zone, otherwise known as the show that has inspired every creator ever. Or so it seems at least. I am going into The Twilight Zone completely blind. I'm not so much worried about its quality, I'm worried about the acting. Star Trek has given me a good idea of what to expect from 1960s - or a bad idea I guess - and if Twilight Zone is similar, it'll be a struggle.
ETA - Late 2014 - This is on Netflix and I am most likely starting this when I finish Star Trek - I've made an unofficial rule of only watching one pre-1970 show at a time for my own sake.
Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
The only thing I'm expecting about this show is for it to do unexpected things. I'm not expecting it to be good or bad, I'm expecting it to be interesting and different. David Lynch being involved is definitely interesting, although I honestly am not much of a Lynch fan so it's not like this is a huge positive. (I've seen one Lynch movie, Mullohand Drive, which I disliked so to be clear, I'm not anything on Lynch)
ETA - Late 2014/Early 2015 - Expect this sooner rather than later.
The West Wing (1999-2006)
This is the only show on this list that I have seen. And umm, well I kind of can't gain any momentum to watch a bunch of episodes. I've watched like 10-11 episodes over a period of a year. It's a show that is reasonably good enough, but doesn't really do anything for me. It's not even that I don't like it, it's just really difficult for me to actively choose to watch it. I'm just never in the mood. It's kind of like that show on television that you watch when it's conveniently on, but you aren't saying "Oh I want to watch The West Wing." At least, it's that show for me. Not being a huge fan of Aaron Sorkin speed-talk dialogue doesn't really help matters.
ETA - Well, I'm not going to be writing about this show because I have nothing to say about it. I feel like I'm being unfair to this show, but it just does nothing for me whatsoever. Anyway, I'll continue fighting through the first season at least and hopefully it inspires something in me. I'm not expecting it to.
The X-Files (1993-2002)
Despite the fact that I basically know nothing about this show, I'm extremely confident that I will really love it. Besides the Shows that Changed Television, there isn't another show that I'm going into with as little worry as The X-Files. Even then, I usually have an actor or two who I really like when I look forward to watching a series. I saw Gillian Anderson in Hannibal and she's in far too little of that for her to make a huge impression on me. But besides that, I've seen neither actor in anything (anything memorable at least) so it's very strange for me. (For instance, Oz has J.K. Simmons and Dean Winters as two actors who I love)
ETA - 2014 - In fact, the next available date I have to review a season will probably be The X-Files. The spring show
That is the extent of the classic dramas that I have chosen to watch. Feel free to suggest shows that belong on this list, but remember two things: 1. It could be on another list. First check Shows that Changed Television before recommending say The Wire to me. 2. It doesn't qualify as a classic drama because it still airs so don't recommend a show such as Game of Thrones. 3. I don't know if you know how many shows I want to watch, but at this point, it's unlikely a show will be added unless it's newer. I'm pretty satisfied with this list.
Showing posts with label Six Feet Under. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Six Feet Under. Show all posts
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Supernatural Genre
Before reading this, I suggest you read the introduction to this site where I say what I'm doing.
Previous Sections
The Shows That Changed Television
Quirky Comedy
Unconventional Drama
Classic Comedy
British TV Shows
This section of TV shows is relatively easy to understand. It's a television show where there is a force beyond scientific understanding at play. Simply put, these are shows with ghosts, aliens, and all kinds of other manifestations of that nature.
I mentioned that British TV Shows was a section I would finish pretty fast since barely any British TV shows last all that long. Well, this is the direct opposite. Most of these shows are long-running and the first TV show is hard to watch, because it is a show that has aged terribly.
I'm going to start in chronological order, starting with the TV show I am in the middle of watching.
Star Trek (1966-1969)
Well, I don't really know where to start. I'm watching this the same way a movie buff would need to watch The Birth of a Nation. Yes, it's not really good in modern terms. Yes, it's definitely not politically correct in modern terms either. But it changed television into what it is today.
Part of the problem is that many shows do what Star Trek did first. So the originality aspect of Star Trek that made it so great is simply another cliched show from my perspective. So let me run down the many problems that I've run into while watching this show:
Perhaps the worst effect any TV show can have on its viewer: boredom. I constantly check to see if the episode is almost over. It's a chore to watch most of these episodes. I do it, because I want to appreciate television history, dammit. But seriously, it seems like a lot of the episodes have a whole lot of what I call "filler" - pointless bullshit that doesn't advance the plot.
The acting is incredibly over the top from William Shatner and whoever the villian is that week. Leonard Nimoy and DeForrest Kelley are actually great actors that only highlight how bad Shatner is at acting. This is a problem that I can't blame on the time period, quite frankly. Good actors existed in 1966 right?
Things I can blame on the time period: the sometimes blatant sexism evident in some episodes. It's pretty bad as all the women just fall for Captain Kirk for pretty much no reason. When I say all the women, I mean ALL the women. Is William Shatner really that attractive? I have no idea. When stuff like that happens to men like Shatner and Dennis Leary in Rescue Me, I'm always so confused, because man do I not see it.
The special-effects are out-dated sure, but that has never bothered me before. I don't know the writing just seems way out-of-date. I'm trying, but I am struggling. I'll have a post up about Star Trek whenever I finish.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
My interest in Star Trek was piqued because of the cult fandom it produced. The reason I ended up choosing to watch it was because of this series. I haven't seen an episode, but by all accounts, this one is actually good. Like good in 2012 not good in 1966 only.
Really I want to watch this for two reasons: Patrick Stewart and LeVar Burton. Stewart, because of X-Men really, and he just seems like a fantastic actor. Already he's got a point over the older show because the leading man can actually act. Burton, because, well any Community fans out there? (That's the only reason by the way - He appears on episode of Community as LeVar Burton)
Also, Wil Wheaton hasn't turned out half bad. Not all child stars become crazy lunatics.
X-Files (1993-2002)
I have never seen an episode of X-Files. However, this is one of those shows I go into pretty much knowing its awesome. There's a special value to finding a show when it starts and then watching it be one of the best on television (Here's hoping The Americans is that!). But it's also nice being able to start at the beginning knowing the show is headed to a wonderful place.
And that's where X-Files is. I haven't seen Californication, so I'm not familiar with David Duchovny's acting credentials, but for some reason he annoys me. It's the representation of what I imagine his character is like in Californication and that imaginative character annoys me, so in turn he annoys me. Sense, this makes none. I know.
Six Feet Under (2001-2005)
I want to watch this really for one reason: Michael C. Hall. Namely, I've heard he plays a vastly different character than he does on Dexter. I mean that makes sense since Dexter is one of the most original characters created. But if I thought I appreciated his acting on Dexter, I think I'm going to be blown away on this show.
I have no idea if he stars or is a supporting player, but I don't really care. Also, I'm under the impression that it's actually a good TV show, which is important.
Supernatural (2005- )
Here's a show that I've wanted to watch since it first aired. I never got around to watching a single episode somehow. This blog has given me the motivation necessary to watch this show.... in like a year. Plus, some twitter friends of mine are die-hard watchers of this show who've recommended it to me.
The Guild (2007- )
Well, this is awkward. I have basically no idea what this show is about. I just found out it was a comedy and it also is apparently a web series. I just assumed it was on television since it's on Netflix. Anyway, I'm a fan of Felicia Day so I'll give this series a shot.
An important thing to note by the way is that my sections are meant to be general so if a TV show doesn't appear to belong in a section, I don't really care. I'm just trying to organize my TV shows into a coherent way for me to easily view all of them at one time or another.
Anyway, I'm forcing myself through Star Trek, which as I said, has aged pretty awful. The most excited I am for any of these series has to be Six Feet Under, which I've wanted to watch for a while. Next in line would have to be X-Files, a highly regarded show.
Update on Current Shows: (Episode listed is first episode I haven't seen yet)
American Horror Story - Season 1, Episode 3 - Very shitty so far, heard season 2 is good, might stick with it
Freaks and Geeks - Season 1, Episode 11 - I'm dragging this show out as long as possible. Excellent.
The Simpsons - Season 1, Episode 8 - Haven't seen this show in a while. Might attempt an episode tonight.
Sons of Anarchy - Season 2, Episode 4 - Still a very good show. Surprised they've maintained the quality of the first season.
The Sopranos - Season 2, Episode 11 - I will finish season 2 at some point in my life...
Next post: Probably episode reaction to the second episode of season 1 of The Sopranos, though I may think of something for tomorrow.
The Shows That Changed Television
Quirky Comedy
Unconventional Drama
Classic Comedy
British TV Shows
This section of TV shows is relatively easy to understand. It's a television show where there is a force beyond scientific understanding at play. Simply put, these are shows with ghosts, aliens, and all kinds of other manifestations of that nature.
I mentioned that British TV Shows was a section I would finish pretty fast since barely any British TV shows last all that long. Well, this is the direct opposite. Most of these shows are long-running and the first TV show is hard to watch, because it is a show that has aged terribly.
I'm going to start in chronological order, starting with the TV show I am in the middle of watching.
Star Trek (1966-1969)
Well, I don't really know where to start. I'm watching this the same way a movie buff would need to watch The Birth of a Nation. Yes, it's not really good in modern terms. Yes, it's definitely not politically correct in modern terms either. But it changed television into what it is today.
Part of the problem is that many shows do what Star Trek did first. So the originality aspect of Star Trek that made it so great is simply another cliched show from my perspective. So let me run down the many problems that I've run into while watching this show:
Perhaps the worst effect any TV show can have on its viewer: boredom. I constantly check to see if the episode is almost over. It's a chore to watch most of these episodes. I do it, because I want to appreciate television history, dammit. But seriously, it seems like a lot of the episodes have a whole lot of what I call "filler" - pointless bullshit that doesn't advance the plot.
The acting is incredibly over the top from William Shatner and whoever the villian is that week. Leonard Nimoy and DeForrest Kelley are actually great actors that only highlight how bad Shatner is at acting. This is a problem that I can't blame on the time period, quite frankly. Good actors existed in 1966 right?
Things I can blame on the time period: the sometimes blatant sexism evident in some episodes. It's pretty bad as all the women just fall for Captain Kirk for pretty much no reason. When I say all the women, I mean ALL the women. Is William Shatner really that attractive? I have no idea. When stuff like that happens to men like Shatner and Dennis Leary in Rescue Me, I'm always so confused, because man do I not see it.
The special-effects are out-dated sure, but that has never bothered me before. I don't know the writing just seems way out-of-date. I'm trying, but I am struggling. I'll have a post up about Star Trek whenever I finish.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
My interest in Star Trek was piqued because of the cult fandom it produced. The reason I ended up choosing to watch it was because of this series. I haven't seen an episode, but by all accounts, this one is actually good. Like good in 2012 not good in 1966 only.
Really I want to watch this for two reasons: Patrick Stewart and LeVar Burton. Stewart, because of X-Men really, and he just seems like a fantastic actor. Already he's got a point over the older show because the leading man can actually act. Burton, because, well any Community fans out there? (That's the only reason by the way - He appears on episode of Community as LeVar Burton)
Also, Wil Wheaton hasn't turned out half bad. Not all child stars become crazy lunatics.
X-Files (1993-2002)
I have never seen an episode of X-Files. However, this is one of those shows I go into pretty much knowing its awesome. There's a special value to finding a show when it starts and then watching it be one of the best on television (Here's hoping The Americans is that!). But it's also nice being able to start at the beginning knowing the show is headed to a wonderful place.
And that's where X-Files is. I haven't seen Californication, so I'm not familiar with David Duchovny's acting credentials, but for some reason he annoys me. It's the representation of what I imagine his character is like in Californication and that imaginative character annoys me, so in turn he annoys me. Sense, this makes none. I know.
Six Feet Under (2001-2005)
I want to watch this really for one reason: Michael C. Hall. Namely, I've heard he plays a vastly different character than he does on Dexter. I mean that makes sense since Dexter is one of the most original characters created. But if I thought I appreciated his acting on Dexter, I think I'm going to be blown away on this show.
I have no idea if he stars or is a supporting player, but I don't really care. Also, I'm under the impression that it's actually a good TV show, which is important.
Supernatural (2005- )
Here's a show that I've wanted to watch since it first aired. I never got around to watching a single episode somehow. This blog has given me the motivation necessary to watch this show.... in like a year. Plus, some twitter friends of mine are die-hard watchers of this show who've recommended it to me.
The Guild (2007- )
Well, this is awkward. I have basically no idea what this show is about. I just found out it was a comedy and it also is apparently a web series. I just assumed it was on television since it's on Netflix. Anyway, I'm a fan of Felicia Day so I'll give this series a shot.
An important thing to note by the way is that my sections are meant to be general so if a TV show doesn't appear to belong in a section, I don't really care. I'm just trying to organize my TV shows into a coherent way for me to easily view all of them at one time or another.
Anyway, I'm forcing myself through Star Trek, which as I said, has aged pretty awful. The most excited I am for any of these series has to be Six Feet Under, which I've wanted to watch for a while. Next in line would have to be X-Files, a highly regarded show.
Update on Current Shows: (Episode listed is first episode I haven't seen yet)
American Horror Story - Season 1, Episode 3 - Very shitty so far, heard season 2 is good, might stick with it
Freaks and Geeks - Season 1, Episode 11 - I'm dragging this show out as long as possible. Excellent.
The Simpsons - Season 1, Episode 8 - Haven't seen this show in a while. Might attempt an episode tonight.
Sons of Anarchy - Season 2, Episode 4 - Still a very good show. Surprised they've maintained the quality of the first season.
The Sopranos - Season 2, Episode 11 - I will finish season 2 at some point in my life...
Next post: Probably episode reaction to the second episode of season 1 of The Sopranos, though I may think of something for tomorrow.
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