You recently told us which critically acclaimed TV shows just don't do it for you. Today, we're asking a similar but very different question: What TV shows deserve MORE love from TV critics? You know, not just high ratings or a million .gif-cluttered fan Tumblrs, but positive reviews from the so-called experts.
I admit this is an awkward discussion question for me to pose because there's a slight chance I could be considered a critic myself. Hold on, let me check my job description, BRB. Whoops! Yeah, I review things. The trouble is, I often like and latch onto things that don't seem to get much attention or love from my classier, more discerning colleagues. My natural instinct is to just chalk it up as me having terrible taste (because in many ways I definitely do). But then I watch these shows and I realize, "Hey wait a minute. This is objectively GOOD. Why aren't more mainstream TV critics admitting it?" So what follows are my top six shows that I think all critics should pay more attention to. And then below, please chime in and tell me what YOUR picks would be!
While we should never give in to the notion that reboots are an acceptable norm, it's clear that any idea, no matter how questionable, can result in something decent when placed in the right hands. Last summer MTV took a property beloved only by a specific demographic of irony-loving thirtysomethings and turned it into a compelling, frightening, and visually poetic teen dramedy that is far better than it has any right to be. While the various werewolf beefcakery and dewy-eyed romances are handled in surprisingly non-annoying ways, the show's real strength is its marriage of music to visuals, as well as its truly great supporting players Colton Haynes and especially Dylan O'Brien, whose Stiles may be one of the best characters on TV. I don't mean to tell you how to live your life, but this show is definitely one to marathon-view (preferably in the middle of the night) before it returns next June.
It's incredibly hard to pull off bro humor without immediately alienating 80 percent of the population. So few TV shows or movies have gotten it right; for every National Lampoon's Animal House there are a thousand National Lampoon's Dorm Dazes. Frankly, so many of these exercises fail because they come across as slightly hateful toward women or anyone who's not a privileged, heterosexual Caucasian prankster. But Spike's Blue Mountain State pushes its bongs 'n T 'n A humor into the realm of the clever and joyful. Its women are generally smarter than its men and it takes place in a world where testosterone-ridden Alpha male types do the most self-consciously gay things and there's absolutely no stigma about it. Add to that a dizzying joke-per-minute ratio and some of the most relentlessly, knowingly clever jokes and it's amazing this thing isn't getting more attention. Sure, it's incredibly raunchy and base, but that doesn't mean it's not good.
Much as Spike's Blue Mountain State consistently subverts the bro-comedy genre, MTV has figured out how to upend the female observational comedy with Awkward., the second of its two scripted surprise hits on this list. Awkward. tells the tale of Jenna, a gorgeous-without-knowing-it girl with a vibrant inner life (and not-so-vibrant high school existence) who frequently finds herself at the center of humiliating school-wide gossip. But rather than serving as an exercise in unbearable embarrassment, Season 1 developed Jenna into a highly relatable, intelligent character, and even rewarded her with TWO handsome romantic options. It's Teen Wish Fulfillment 101, but mainly because we should ALL wish our teen lives were this colorful and alive.
Work of Art: The Next Great Artist
Bravo's Work of Art: The Next Great Artist is a concept that presumably puts off many critics, and for a variety of reasons. For one thing, its format is essentially a carbon copy of Project Runway's. For another, the idea that fine art can be a way for artists to compete with each other is borderline detrimental to the value of fine art. But regardless of whether you think art is an appropriate subject for a competition reality show, I think it's inherently respectful and even admirable that Work of Art brings the work of unknown artists into our living rooms each week. Whether they receive good critiques or bad critiques, we are being entertained by art criticism, which is an undeniably great thing. But my favorite aspect of Work of Art is how inspiring it is for people who create; so many mediums are represented here and each episode presents a number of mini-tutorials on how these artists achieve their pieces. This show has both educational and cultural worth, and for a Bravo reality show that's pretty awesome.
I don't know how old these kids are. Sixteen? Seventeen? And it's not like the world needed yet another lazy office worker sitcom. But Comedy Central's Workaholics ended up being something a lot better than its logline suggested. Yes, these three dudes drink and get high on the job, and constantly get themselves into and out of terrible situations. But there's some deceptively smart writing going on here, from its dense conversational humor to its bigger-picture takedowns of stuff like the Gathering of the Juggalos. Plus, now that we're in Season 2 on a network that rarely renews its shows, with a third season already confirmed, it's clear Workaholics is doing something right. Critics, don't let these babyfaces fool you, these guys are hardworking pros.
All right, this is a stretch. The Vampire Diaries HAS recently started getting praised by more and more critics. But not enough, in my opinion! And I'm not just saying this because I devote half of my working week to this show... The Vampire Diaries is pulling off some storytelling feats that are right up there with some of HBO's most prestigious dramas. Obviously critics seem averse to the teen stuff, but there's a point to setting this story in a teen world: Everything is more intense when you're in high school. Seasons 1 and 2 were known for their breakneck narrative speed, but Season 3 has truly elevated this show beyond the typical CW framework and transformed it into something more sublime. Seriously, Peabody Award people, what are you waiting for?
Now it's your turn to weigh in with your own choices, or to defend or support my selections above: What non-critically acclaimed TV shows do YOU think deserve more love from critics?
Sons Of Anarchy!!! Great writing and acting. It's been ignored for way to long. It's edgy and different. That's why critics are afraid to like it. For a show that critics hate/ignore so much it has alot of fans. Many of my friends got addicted because of me.
"A Gifted Man"! This is an excellent show (and I can't stand Patrick Wilson)! It just needs more of his "dead" wife (Jennifer Ehle), who they seem to be moving farther and farther from, each week? Oh, and ... a lot more Julie Benz and Pablo Schreiber wouldn't hurt a thing!
Being on MTV is hurting Awkward. The so called Music Television has lost its reputation by airing meaningless but very popular shows. Awkward is directed toward younger audience, just like Teen Wolf, and let's be honest we can't find a lot of TV critic in this demo. I like Awkward, it's really interesting and funny show. Haven't watch too much Teen Wolf, but I think there are a lot of vampire (supernatural) shows. Twilight has ruined everything for the critics, but The Vampire Diaries is awesome. Writing has been sensational just like the cast. It's the best "vampire thing on TV" right now.
Psych, BMS, and every fx comedy
I totally agree with Awkward and teen wolf!! People think they are going to be horrible because they are on MTV but they are both great shows!! The cast in both shows are amazing especially dylan o'brian aka stiles!!! I can not wait for the return of both this summer!!
DEATH VALLEY - one of the funniest, best shows about the supernatural. Zombies, vamps, werewolves all mixed together with tons of humor AND a cop show! Done mockumentary style. Seriously good.
How I Met Your Mother
LOL HIMYM has very high ratings, one tons of rewards, not to mention Neil Patrick Harris won best male comedy actor this year. its like the best show on television but to say it doesnt get acclaim is funny to me
Memphis Beat
Dexter has been getting snubbed for years, even though the viewership dwarfs all others. And by critics, I mean awards people. Not the people that write critique's. Nobody has cared about their opinions since the internet was invented.
Fringe, Supernatural and the Vampire Diaries. I love these shows for many reasons and especially the first two should get much more attention cause they deserve it
Oh and Private Practice ofcourse! Has some real realistic well performed SL's!
Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives were greatly admired in the first seasons but now? The shows are still AWESOME but it seems like the attention is gone. One Tree Hill deserves more credit aswell. Medium was GREAT, GREAT but lacked attention aswell. Bones has the same to be honest.
I have not seen any of the shows you listed, but honestly they all sound terrible
No, Workaholics is literally the funniest and most entertaining show on TV, and I consider myself to have a pretty good taste in comedy. You should watch it.
I'm not a big fan of TV-shows, but I love TVD and that says a lot. It might not be they best TV-show ever, but it's really good.
i didn't know work of art wasn't critically acclaimed. when the trailer for the show first started airing i thought that there was no way they could rush fine artistry and wondered if any real artists would even want to join the show. the real works of art only came in at the end of the show with the finale collections. i hardly remember any of the pieces, except for the one where someone drew tiny people having sex in a mickey mouse form then jizzed on it.
PRIME SUSPECT. In an age when every cop shop on TV feels the same - SVU and CSI and NCIS, etc., it's really nice to have a show that goes a bit more into the main character's personal life. We're seeing this character grow and get more respect from her colleagues. Each episode ends with a personal triumph, and leaves you smiling, unlike the aforementioned shows which leave you wanting to take a shower in your clothes!
The supporting cast is also very strong. The action sequences are very exciting. What's not to like?!
If anyone likes Southland or The Shield, they REALLY should be watching this show.
And seriously the League. Very funny and underrated.
Its amazing how many of these shows I watch. BMS is SUPREMELY underrated from a comedy sports standpoint to hell, a comedy point..
And yes Vampire Diaries storytelling is incredible. When you think one thing happens 5 other things do. I should get more credit and respect.
And I like Work of Art. I've heard good things about Teen Wolf
Vampire diaries! A lot of people just pass it off as being a ridiculous twilight-copy. It's NOTHING like twilight, it's a thousand times better and also not at all ridiculous (except for the fact that Elena choses Stefan over Damon, that's pretty ridiculous). TPTB were having a damn good day when they created this show.
TVD is the best ever.. you are so right Price! I feel like this 3rd season is already so much better than the last season of True Blood!
TVD absolutely. Season 3 is ridiculorsly amazing.
The Vampire Diaries for sure. And so true about nearly rivaling the work of HBO
(TVD > True Blood, which is getting ridiculous, for example)
You know what? Out of respect for this well-written article, I'm gonna check the rest of these out and see for myself. I've never even heard of em
In Plain Sight. Not mentioned by you or even 1 fan here. Truly a great procedural that has been absolutely shunned by any award catergory or critics in general. Yet it has been a staple for USA seen season one. Put this one on the same list as Terriers!!
You know that when you bring in TVD, I'm going to say TVD ;)
Dylan O'Brien is indeed doing a terrific job at portraying the Stiles character. I agree that Styles is one of the best characters on TV at the moment.
Spot on with BMS, very underrated and i'll definately be checking some of the rest of the list out.
But for my pick, The League. Not really sure how much attention it gets but surely it can't be enough. Very funny
Workaholics, Burn notice and Bored to Death!!
Teen Wolf for SURE. The first couple episodes were sorta corny but it quickly changed into an entertaining drama with good laughs, drama and suspense. I am disappointed that Season 1 didn't last longer, but it's good to know that they will be renewing for more seasons. This show airing in the Summers is great too, because most shows end around there. Favourite character so far is Dylan, he truly is a great actor and character, maybe second best TV actor after John Noble.
The Vampire Diaries is also one of my top favourite TV shows for the same reasons as above, but waaay more suspenseful; I cannot the believe the twists and unpredictable crap that goes on in that show. Easily Blu-Ray worthy.
teen wolf is amazing
teen wolf and awkward were amazing!
Although, I am older than the desired demographic, I have seen Teen Wolf, Awkward and Vampire Diaries. All of these shows deserve more acclaim and viewers. They show more action, better story-telling and more interesting characters than some of these shows that are constantly being promoted. I just wish they had more episodes. I really enjoy Teen Wolf & Awkward.
Ultimate Fighter, Falling Skies, Terra Nova, Bored to Death, Californication, Hung, The Middle, Hells Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, Camelot, Southland, Top Shot, Wilfred
Ah..Californication! Forgot about that..
Love Vampire Diaries!
Teen Wolf deserves more. It's full of scary scenes and likeable characters. Very well done show. Stiles is such a great character.
I LOVE Vampire Diaries. "Homecoming" tonight was seriously the best episode of television I've ever seen. Critics need to hop onboard because, like Price said, it's telling some pretty awesome stories that are more inventive and being executed far better than other shows getting such high praise...
Just saying.
I love Vampire Diaries and I love Blue Mountain State.
im totally with you in the vampire diaries but the problem of the show is not the story and i must admit it that the story is way better than True Blood sometimes "hardly i can remember a filler episode in this season" but the difference is the acting.
the cast crew of the vampire diaries full of teenagers "even if they are not really teenager , they are teenagers in acting:P" but the cast crew of True Blood is way better and that is the only disadvantage i see but that doesn't make any sense of that True Blood is getting an emmy nominee's every year , while treating TVD just like a teenage sci-fi , cause the story of it, is way better than true blood!!
yes. i think True Blood sucks balls when it comes to the writing/story, but their cast, is more compelling somehow.
NCIS: Los Angeles if you ask me.
I've heard it both ways. PSYCH!
One word. Psych!!
I love Psych. Actually, who cares if critics wish to overlook it because it's silly? The audience enjoys it, and that's all that matters.
Ah, yes, Psych.
When I was thinking of shows that I felt critics may not like, I felt like I had missed one. Psych's the one I missed. It seems like a show a lot of critics wouldn't like, simply because the "quality" of the show seems to be secondary to pop-culture references and all-around silliness. But it's still a very fun show.
supernatural, Fringe, nikita, awkward, drop dead diva? they all deserve so much attention they are incredible shows with amazing actors and actresses in it
Fringe is brilliant! :D
Fringe might not get good ratings, but a lot of critics like it.
Let's hope it's good enough for it to keep on going! My favourite TV show to date.