TV Series: Currently Watching (and there are FAR too many) ...
by redwriteandblue | created - 27 Sep 2015 | updated - 27 Sep 2015 | PublicTV series I currently try to keep up with, are caught up with, am TRYING to catch up with, or watch regularly. Way, WAY too many, no matter how you slice it! And sadly, I am sure I will be adding to it ...
- Instant Watch Options
- Genres
- Movies or TV
- IMDb Rating
- In Theaters
- Release Year
- Keywords
1. Fresh Off the Boat (2015–2020)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy
A Taiwanese family makes their way in America during the 1990s.
Stars: Randall Park, Constance Wu, Hudson Yang, Forrest Wheeler
Votes: 28,570
Just love the Huangs; one of my favorite comedies ever, and Constance Wu at least deserves an Emmy nom, at least.
2. The Middle (2009–2018)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Family
The daily mishaps of a married woman and her semi-dysfunctional family and their attempts to survive life in general in the town of Orson, Indiana.
Stars: Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, Charlie McDermott, Eden Sher
Votes: 53,751
The one TV series that is consistently, most rudely screwed out of Emmy nominations. For Eden Sher, especially.
3. American Horror Story (2011– )
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
An anthology series centering on different characters and locations, showcasing different aspects of horror.
Stars: Lady Gaga, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Sarah Paulson
Votes: 343,968
Even as the writing fails nearly every season in the end (except "Ghost House"), I keep going back in the hopes Murphy and Falchuk will start paying as much attention to the SECOND half of the season as they do the first. Fingers crossed this season is quite "Ga Ga" - in every way.
4. Elementary (2012–2019)
TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
A crime-solving duo that cracks the NYPD's most impossible cases. Following his fall from grace in London, eccentric Sherlock escapes to New York where his father forces him to live with his worst nightmare - a sober companion, Dr. Watson.
Stars: Jonny Lee Miller, Lucy Liu, Aidan Quinn, Jon Michael Hill
Votes: 119,072
With all due respect to Cumberbatch, I like Miller's interp of Holmes just as much; totally room for both in the canon! After the shock of last season's finale - one of the most sincerely depressing things I've ever watched on television - not sure how I feel about joining this season, but beyond the mysteries it's always been Holmes, Watson, and especially their relationship that's made this series so special.
5. Penny Dreadful (2014–2016)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Explorer Sir Malcolm Murray, American gunslinger Ethan Chandler, scientist Victor Frankenstein and medium Vanessa Ives unite to combat supernatural threats in Victorian London.
Stars: Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton, Eva Green, Reeve Carney
Votes: 131,106
The most beautifully insane series on televsion, bar none. Still catching up on season two, but with each episode I become more devoted.
6. The Goldbergs (2013–2023)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy
This ABC show takes place in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania in the 1980s and follows the lives of a family named The Goldbergs.
Stars: Wendi McLendon-Covey, Sean Giambrone, Troy Gentile, Hayley Orrantia
Votes: 40,958
Fresh, wonderful, and with episode endings that often bring a tear to the eye. And as with Constance Wu in "Fresh Off the Boat", Mama Goldberg needs an Emmy nom! Actually, she deserves to win it, for sure, too!
7. Gotham (2014–2019)
TV-14 | 42 min | Action, Crime, Drama
The story behind Detective James Gordon's rise to prominence in Gotham City in the years before Batman's arrival.
Stars: Ben McKenzie, Jada Pinkett Smith, Donal Logue, Camren Bicondova
Votes: 240,786
Such an odd, eclectic series that has its hit and misses with me - but keeps me coming back because it is never dull and has a terrific cast, PERIOD.
8. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (2015)
60 min | Fantasy, War
In an alternate history, during the time of real life Napoleonic Wars, two men of destiny, the gifted recluse Mr. Norrell and daring spellcasting novice Jonathan Strange, use magic to help England.
Stars: Bertie Carvel, Eddie Marsan, Marc Warren, Charlotte Riley
Votes: 13,774
I know it's only a mini-series, but am only a few episodes in and there is just something so quirky and fascinating about it, especially because of the two leads. Watching each episode is like savoring a glass of high-end wine for me.
9. The Originals (2013–2018)
TV-14 | 45 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
A family of power-hungry thousand-year-old vampires look to take back the city that they built and dominate all those who have done them wrong.
Stars: Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies, Claire Holt, Phoebe Tonkin
Votes: 147,915
Got bored with "The Vampire Diaries" in season one, but had the exact opposite reaction here. The plotlines has gone seriously bonkers over time, and am still catching up on season two with season three starting tomorrow, but this is one series where just so, SO much happens, I feel I almost have to take time with each episode. And please, people, BRING CLAIRE HOLT BACK!
10. The Returned (2012–2015)
TV-MA | 418 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
In a small French mountain town where everyone knows each other, the dead begin to inexplicably return as if their death never happened. Forcing the townsfolk to confront their difficult past as they seek to understand this phenomenon.
Stars: Anne Consigny, Clotilde Hesme, Frédéric Pierrot, Céline Sallette
Votes: 21,323
So, SO glad season two is finally coming! It's been so long, I may have to watch series one again - maybe the last couple episodes, at least - first, just to remind me of the details. Atmospheric, slow-moving but never dull, and I love the sense of creepiness and dread the show just builds like some sick Jenga. The American versions, whether A&E or ABC, forget it; THIS is the real deal!
11. Nashville (2012–2018)
TV-PG | 43 min | Drama, Music, Romance
Follows the lives and tragedies of rising and fading country music stars in Nashville, Tennessee.
Stars: Hayden Panettiere, Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson
Votes: 27,472
The show that, for the first time in my life, turned me onto country music. Connie and Hayden are amazing, and backed by a stellar supporting class in this country music nighttime soap opera. Hoping they will stop making Gunnar and Deacon such pussies in season four, but the writing and actors remain great and the series just watchable as hell every week.
12. How to Get Away with Murder (2014–2020)
TV-14 | 43 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
A group of ambitious law students and their brilliant criminal defense professor become involved in a twisted murder plot that promises to change the course of their lives.
Stars: Viola Davis, Billy Brown, Jack Falahee, Aja Naomi King
Votes: 166,748
One of the things that made season one SO brilliant was the intricacies of Annalise's courtroom cases and how she defended her clients; I sure hope they don't toss much of that aside for season two (the premiere was really good) in order to focus on the characters' personal problems and the whole Same/Rebecca drama. Wonderfully well-written and cast, with evil little teasers, baby cliffhangers every week to make sure you come back. Great series, and Viola is incredible.
13. Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012–2015)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, History
A female sleuth sashays through the back lanes and jazz clubs of Melbourne in the late 1920s, fighting injustice with her pearl-handled pistol and her dagger-sharp wit.
Stars: Essie Davis, Nathan Page, Hugo Johnstone-Burt, Ashleigh Cummings
Votes: 17,727
Stupid me, took me forever to realize this was the same woman in 'The Babadook' - but while still only in season one of this series I am SMITTEN with Phryne Fisher and love the nostalgia and look and historical content of the series. The mysteries are solid, too (if they weren't, I wouldn't be watching), and thanks to the supporting cast I can't think of another series where I like the supporting characters more, even equally to Phryne. Beautifully done.
14. Mike & Molly (2010–2016)
TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy, Romance
A couple meets at an Overeaters' Anonymous meeting.
Stars: Billy Gardell, Melissa McCarthy, Reno Wilson, Katy Mixon Greer
Votes: 28,037
I stick with this series for the love of the characters, and last season it seemed a bit more on-track ... but have still never forgiven the writers for just erasing the entire Molly-is-pregnant storyline as if it never happened. Also that one beautiful, poignant episode where we learned more of Peggy's childhood ... which was nearly ruined when they followed it up with a sister of Peggy's that was never prevoiusly mentioned, and spoiled the entire context of Peggy's prior speech about growing up and her parents. McCarthy is a jewel, as always, I hope they give her family some more air-time this season than they did last year - though please, PLEASE don't bring Carl and Victoria together! That's way, way too easy/lazy!
15. 2 Broke Girls (2011–2017)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy
Two young women waitressing at a greasy spoon diner strike up an unlikely friendship in the hopes of launching a successful business - if only they can raise the cash.
Stars: Kat Dennings, Beth Behrs, Garrett Morris, Jonathan Kite
Votes: 104,913
Though I will be watching the new season, this series has gone completely off the rails, is more about set-up and joke and one-liners than anything else, and has totally gotten away from the premise and the girls' working on their own business (though they've teased it will be back to that this season). The ENTIRE story arc with Nash was ridiculous and completely unbelievable and led nowhere - in most episodes it looked like Kat didn't even want to be in the same room with Austin Falk - and when they jet off to Paris in the season finale, with no money and no fear of losing their jobs (or the respect of wondering who would help out at the diner, with them gone), I promised I'd never watch the series again. But I used to love it, going to give it a chance this season, and hope they can get this disaster (even the wedding; SO annoying) back together this year.
16. Vicious (2013–2016)
TV-MA | 23 min | Comedy
Freddie Thornhill (Sir Ian McKellen) and Stuart Bixby (Sir Derek Jacobi) are an old gay couple who have been together for nearly fifty years. Their lives now revolve around entertaining their frequent guests and hurling insults at each other at every opportunity.
Stars: Derek Jacobi, Ian McKellen, Frances de la Tour, Iwan Rheon
Votes: 9,682
Season One: Hilarious, loved it. Season Two: Unfunny, hated it, awful writing. Haven't checked on if there's any word of a season three yet, but if so will give it a try because of its two stars.
17. The Muppets. (2015–2016)
TV-PG | 21 min | Comedy, Family
Jim Henson's lovable Muppets return to the small screen in this mockumentary-style series that follows their personal and professional lives.
Stars: Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Bill Barretta, Peter Linz
Votes: 7,281
Have only seen the pilot and the 10+-minute presentation done for ABC (which was just as good), and really love this; the Muppets have been brought into the adult world of 2015, and it's pretty terrific. Especially, of course, Piggy.
18. Sleepy Hollow (2013–2017)
TV-14 | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Ichabod Crane is resurrected and pulled two and a half centuries through time to unravel a mystery that dates all the way back to the founding fathers.
Stars: Tom Mison, Lyndie Greenwood, Nicole Beharie, Orlando Jones
Votes: 64,226
With all the long-term bad guys dispatched, am hoping season two of this series builds things up and matures both the series and the friendship between Abbie and Ichabod (please, writers, do NOT put them together romantically! SO cornball, learn from "Elementary" instead!). A couple of season one episodes, toward the end, felt a bit like the series was going to a "demon of the week" format; hopefully not, hopefully so much more.
19. Once Upon a Time (2011–2018)
TV-PG | 60 min | Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
A young woman with a troubled past is drawn to a small town in Maine where fairy tales are to be believed.
Stars: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Lana Parrilla, Robert Carlyle
Votes: 237,102
When the 'Frozen' characters of Elsa and Anna wound up in season four, even though they were supposedly telling the story of Hans Christian Anderson's 'The Snow Queen', the intro of Cruella De Vil, Ursula, and Maleficent especially made the series feel like it was turning into one long ad for Disney movies. I gave up the series for months, then when spotting the upcoming "Dark Swan" storyline picked it up again - and it's back at the top of my very favorites list. I stand corrected, Ms. Swan; now that you're evil, please don't hurt me.
20. The Mysteries of Laura (2014–2016)
TV-PG | 42 min | Comedy, Crime, Mystery
A New York City homicide detective cracks case after case while raising wild twin boys and locking horns with her less-than-helpful Police Detective ex-husband.
Stars: Debra Messing, Laz Alonso, Josh Lucas, Janina Gavankar
Votes: 10,059
The writing for the season two premiere was top-notch, so am hoping the rest of the season is as good as season one, if not better. Just love this show, the characters and Debra Messing's take on Laura; the lightheartedness of the series and characters even as the murders/crimes are taken 100% seriously. Love, LOVE the writing here, too; the mysteries are well-constructed and solved beautifully. One of my favorites, almost did a cartwheel when it was renewed - but please, again, KEEP Laura with Food Truck Tony!!!
21. Family Guy (1999– )
TV-MA | 22 min | Animation, Comedy
In a wacky Rhode Island town, a dysfunctional family strives to cope with everyday life as they are thrown from one crazy scenario to another.
Stars: Alex Borstein, Seth MacFarlane, Seth Green, Mila Kunis
Votes: 364,399
No matter what, no matter how bad it gets, I tune into this series every week hoping it will be funny; it's averaging, sadly, about one episode every SEASON where I actually can work up anything beyond a single chuckle, if that. But am still hoping it will, somehow, actually get funny again ...
22. Scream Queens (2015–2016)
TV-14 | 45 min | Comedy, Horror, Mystery
A semi-anthology series that centers on characters being terrorized by a serial killer in different locations, including a university and a hospital.
Stars: Emma Roberts, Lea Michele, Abigail Breslin, Keke Palmer
Votes: 46,488
Only seen two episodes so far, and while shocked at the blatant racism of Emma Roberts's character (we get it, guys, it's going a bit far) the series itself is (so far) managing to balance comedy and horror fairly decently. Jamie Lee Curtis anchors it all, not sure I'd stick with it without her but she's the best thing about it, and while sometime silly and mindless there is something here I hope the producers/writers can build on.
23. Another Period (2013–2018)
TV-14 | 21 min | Comedy, History
A mockumentary-style period piece comedy that follows members of the wealthy Bellacourt family and their servants in early 20th-century Newport, Rhode Island.
Stars: Natasha Leggero, Riki Lindhome, Armen Weitzman, Michael Ian Black
Votes: 5,449
Really hope there is a season two, because this series is just nuts. Some of the jokes miss and it's crass as hell sometimes, but it's also subversively funny, and I love it's take on the vanity and insanity of the idle rich. Life "Downton Abbey" if it were set in the USA and written by people on crack.
24. Empire (2015–2020)
TV-14 | 42 min | Drama, Music
A hip-hop mogul must choose a successor among his three sons who are battling for control over his multi-million dollar company, while his ex-wife schemes to reclaim what is hers.
Stars: Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Y. Gray
Votes: 41,063
Can't remember when a television series sucked me in so fast, and so fully - but this one did. A nighttime soap of the highest order, with the soulless Lucious Lyon as the head of a family, each member of whom will crawl, scratch, and kill its way to the top - even if they have to do it to each other. Bonuses included awesome music and the relationship between Lucious and Cookie; no doubt, even amidst the madness their is love there. One of TV's best, the season two premiere starting off an already-insane second season. It's so good, I almost feel sorry for anyone NOT watching it.
25. Archer (2009–2023)
TV-MA | 22 min | Animation, Action, Comedy
Covert black ops and espionage take a back seat to zany personalities and relationships between secret agents and drones.
Stars: H. Jon Benjamin, Judy Greer, Amber Nash, Chris Parnell
Votes: 165,979
I could watch this series all day just for the visuals alone; real animated eye candy. And though the last couple of episodes of last season were a bit of a letdown, this is one funny-as-hell series, often funny in ways you won't wholly be comfortable laughing at. Great spy spoof, and the next season can't come too soon.
26. Sirens (2014–2015)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
A comedy that follows three Chicago EMTs who despite their narcissistic and self-destructive personalities are uniquely qualified to save lives.
Stars: Michael Mosley, Kevin Daniels, Kevin Bigley, Jessica McNamee
Votes: 6,693
A sitcom about three paramedics in Chicago, 'Sirens' benefits from its trio of leads (though the smartest thing the makers of the series ever did was make Josh Segarra a regular; as Billy, he's comic gold and fast becoming THE best reason to tune in), and its quirky humor and characters. Looking forward to season three, just ... WHEN?!? January, I am assuming??
27. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy, Crime
Comedy series following the exploits of Det. Jake Peralta and his diverse, lovable colleagues as they police the NYPD's 99th Precinct.
Stars: Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero
Votes: 363,577
Though it hit a big sophomore slump with me - not nearly as funny in season two, and in fact Samberg's character of Jake Peralta just got on my nerves more often than not, but still a good series and interested in what they will do about Holt, a new captain, etc. for season three.
28. Bob's Burgers (2011– )
TV-14 | 22 min | Animation, Comedy
Bob Belcher runs a struggling burger shop with his wife and three children.
Stars: H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts
Votes: 92,345
How I love this series - as does most anyone who watches it, straight from the heart. The family, the setting, the humor, for some reason the Belchers just speak to you, and this may just be the best animated series on TV in years. Always, ALWAYS anxious for a new episode, and like millions of others just adore Tina and her weirdness, especially.
29. Grace and Frankie (2015–2022)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
Finding out that their husbands are not just work partners, but have also been romantically involved for the last twenty years, two women with an already strained relationship try to cope with the circumstances together.
Stars: Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Sam Waterston, Martin Sheen
Votes: 57,074
As 'Nine to Five' remains one of my all-time favorite films, it was a no-brainer to tune into this sitcom - and, at last, after a few episodes it's starting to really grow on me. Fonda and Tomlin are wonderful, of course, sometimes I feel the humor is a bit left-of-center or something but I keep going back ...
30. Moonbeam City (2015)
TV-14 | 22 min | Animation, Action, Comedy
The show follows the exploits of Dazzle Novak, an idiotic detective who commits more crimes than the criminals he tries to lock up.
Stars: Elizabeth Banks, Kate Mara, Rob Lowe, Will Forte
Votes: 2,358
Was thinking this might just be an "Archer" rip-off, but this 1980's-set cop comedy has its own merits - and adult-inspired humor. Only two episodes in, didn't like the second as much as the pilot but still enjoyed myself enough to keep going. Love how the characters all look like an old Duran Duran album cover!
31. Bates Motel (2013–2017)
TV-MA | 45 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
A contemporary prequel to Psycho, giving a portrayal of how Norman Bates' psyche unravels through his teenage years, and how deeply intricate his relationship with his mother, Norma, truly is.
Stars: Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore, Max Thieriot, Nicola Peltz Beckham
Votes: 117,011
If you've seen "Psycho" you knew Norman Bates's childhood had to be completely off the rails, but "Bates Motel" takes 'Mommie Dearest' to an all-new level. Really painted with much richer texture than expected, Vera Farmiga as Norma and Freddie Highmore (so good, he'll probably be forever typecast, as Perkins was) making it true "must-see TV".
32. Rosewood (2015–2017)
TV-14 | 42 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Miami pathologist Dr. Beaumont Rosewood, Jr. finds secrets in people's bodies using his state-of-the-art laboratory equipment.
Stars: Morris Chestnut, Jaina Lee Ortiz, Gabrielle Dennis, Anna Konkle
Votes: 8,992
Much as I like Morris Chestnut, wasn't sure about this one. When his character's huge ego started getting on my nerves right off, I was sure I was right. Then the mystery and character backstories kicked in - and darn it, ended up really enjoying the pilot. Dang you, Morris!
33. Mrs. Brown's Boys (2011– )
TV-MA | 25 min | Comedy
A comedy centered on a loud-mouthed Irish matriarch whose favorite pastime is meddling in the lives of her six children.
Stars: Brendan O'Carroll, Jennifer Gibney, Eilish O'Carroll, Paddy Houlihan
Votes: 9,602
Though recent holiday specials haven't been as well-written or funny, they still contain more laughs than a lot of sitcoms I see ... and with 2015 holiday specials coming up, I ALWAYS look forward for another ride with Agnes and her family! Crass, blue humor and language, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
34. Longmire (2012–2017)
TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Walt Longmire is the dedicated and unflappable sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming. Widowed only a year, he is a man in psychic repair but buries his pain behind his brave face, unassuming grin and dry wit.
Stars: Robert Taylor, Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Cassidy Freeman
Votes: 40,032
Woefully behind, but still love the series and it remains one of the best things on TV today.
Tell Your Friends