My Top Ten TV Series For 2018
Part 1: 10 through 6
This has been another dark year for the entertainment industry. Not as bad as last year when it comes to scandals, though we did have more than our share, but there have been a lot of deaths, a lot of departures, and a lot of chaos. A lot of great series left the air, and it’s hard to tell where their replacements shall come from. And a lot more of last year’s great series spent 2018 on hiatus.
It doesn’t change the fact that, if you knew where to find it, there was still magnificent television to be found everywhere. From networks to cable, from streaming to platforms, even as great series depart, there are still fine shows everywhere more than willing to fill the gap. When the book comes to be written on the 2010s, there’s going to be a lot of contention for great TV series of all time among these shows.
So let us begin:
10. GLOW (Netflix)
This is one of the rarest of things for Netflix — a dramedy from Jenji Kohan that I absolutely worship, and I think was underrepresented by the Emmys this year. The fictionalized story of how the women’s wrestling league that for a brief moment was a spark on syndicated television is one of the funniest series on TV today. Not only does it work as a period piece, it also demonstrates just how far we haven’t come as a society. One will never forget the memorable scene where Ruth escapes harassment by a network executive, and when she confides in her friend, gets a harsh lesson in how the industry ‘works’. It’s also remarkable that in a case filled with brilliant actresses, Marc Maron remains the series greatest asset. I can’t wait to see what happens in Season 3.
9. Billions (Showtime)
With the possible exception of FX, Showtime is by far the most daring source of original programming in any platform today. And by far it’s most astounding project is this series about the rivalry between hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) and District Attorney Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti). Their struggle for dominance nearly ended in Mutually Assured Destruction, and the season that followed ended in a climax that may have put the two leads in a position we never even considered — allies. The series has one of the best casts working today, and it’s perhaps most astonishing that Asia Kate Dillon, the first non-binary gender actor on TV anywhere is so good as Taylor that the writers have created someone who can not only hold their own against these powerhouse, but is one of the most vividly drawn characters I’ve seen anywhere. The fact that we are now approaching rocky financial times should make for more exciting drama in Season 4.
8. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (CW)
I may have to wait until this series and Jane the Virgin come to a conclusion next year before I deliver a verdict on which of these series belongs on the list of greatest series of the decade. What I do know is that this series remains by far the most original and most enjoyable of any series I’ve seen in a very long time. As Rebecca Bunche finally manages to evolve in a way that characters on television (especially on the networks) usually don’t, we see character growth that is usually reserved for the anti-heroes that populate so many TV series. What’s more, almost every other character on the series is demonstrating remarkable emotional change. And oh yes, the series is a musical, and still produces some of the most wonderful and satirical numbers you’ll ever hear anywhere. I don’t know if Rebecca will ever find true love, but she has found inner peace, and that’s even more remarkable. As a side note, could we get Rachel Bloom to host every award show from now until the end of time?
7. The Good Place (NBC)
I didn’t think it was possible, but the most original comedy on network television got even better this year. With the characters back on Earth trying to better themselves, Michael and Janet trying desperately to make the world a better place, and with it becoming more and more obvious that the system of determining what makes a person ‘good’ is horribly broken, the series continues to become more and more imaginative. The mid-season finale episode ‘Janets’ in which the four human found themselves all being played by D’Arcy Carden is one of the most visually stunning works of TV I’ve seen anywhere in years. I don’t know of any other series that can make philosophy accessible and entertaining. And in the best news of all, both the Golden Globes and the Broadcast Critics are starting to give the series the recognition it deserves. Could Emmys for Ted Danson and Kirsten Bell be far behind? That would be the best forking news I’ve had in awhile.
6. Better Call Saul (AMC)
We’ve now passed the point on this series where this is more the best origin series for anything on TV. It is becoming increasingly clear that this series is coming close to reaching the levels that Breaking Bad did. It’s sad to see Jimmy (Bob Odenkirk) finally letting go of his moral compass and becoming more and more the slippery attorney that will be doomed to a life of hiding in Omaha. And it’s equally sad to see Kim (Rhea Seehorn, in a performance that deserves a nomination from the Emmys) the one person who truly believed in him finally beginning to break away from the man she loves, even though he’s not worthy of her. And it’s always fascinating to watch the origin story of so many of the characters — we see the scope of Gus Fring’s revenge on Hector Salamanca begin, as well his plans for the future. And watching as Mike finally converts to the side he will occupy was nearly as big a blow as Jimmy’s lie to the board. Try not to take so long getting to Season 4, Vince.