My Favorite Dramatic TV Shows (Modern Friendly)
A catchall list for most things dramatic, great performances, great scripts. I will try to limit Sci-fi, Superhero and Horror TV Series since the core of my interest & lists have to do with these genres.
Ongoing, active series listed first.
Ongoing, active series listed first.
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- CreatorDebora CahnStarsKeri RussellRufus SewellDavid GyasiIn the midst of an international crisis, Kate Wyler, a career diplomat, lands in a high-profile job for which she is not suited, with tectonic implications for her marriage and her political future.1 season / 8 episodes: Ongoing Series
Season 2: renewed on May/2023
This is the second Keri Russell series to make this list. She's picked another winner.
Although I felt the story was stretched out a bit, the performances, the character growth/depth, the actual story-telling drama more than made up for any minor complaints I may have had.
If the second season is as good as the first... The Diplomat definitely deserves to be on this list. - CreatorJosh AppelbaumBryan OhDavid WeilStarsRichard MaddenPriyanka Chopra JonasStanley TucciGlobal spy agency Citadel has fallen, and its agents' memories were wiped clean. Now the powerful syndicate, Manticore, is rising in the void. Can the Citadel agents recollect their past and summon the strength to fight back?1 season / 6 episodes: Ongoing Series
This series is outside of my area of interest (spy, action). I started watching episode 1 and was surprised at how good it was. I kept watching.
There was outstanding acting along with good mystery / drama.
Occasionally there are convoluted (sometimes contrived) action scenes that cross into the ridiculous. They are so over-engineered that the scenes become laughable.
I dislike this aspect of the series very much. It doesn't need it. Pick an audience! Children or normal adult people.
Overall, season 1 was great. I'm not sure this series will continue to pull me in but I am definitely looking forward to a season 2. After season 2, I'll decide if it truly deserves to be on this list. - CreatorVince GilliganStarsBryan CranstonAaron PaulAnna GunnA chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine with a former student in order to secure his family's future.
- CreatorDavid BenioffD.B. WeissStarsEmilia ClarkePeter DinklageKit HaringtonNine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for millennia.8 seasons / 73 episodes: Series Complete
- CreatorDavid SimonStarsDominic WestLance ReddickSonja SohnThe Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.5 seasons / 60 episodes: Series Complete
- CreatorFrank DarabontStarsAndrew LincolnNorman ReedusMelissa McBrideSheriff Deputy Rick Grimes wakes up from a coma to learn the world is in ruins and must lead a group of survivors to stay alive.11 seasons / 177 episodes: Series Complete
I'm including TWD on this list because the drama (especially in... hmm, let's say the first half to two-thirds of this long running series) was truly exceptional. Exceptional!
It's what drove this series well past its core concept (apocalypse, zombies). - CreatorDavid ChaseStarsJames GandolfiniLorraine BraccoEdie FalcoNew Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano deals with personal and professional issues in his home and business life that affect his mental state, leading him to seek professional psychiatric counseling.6 seasons / 86 episodes: Series Complete
- CreatorMichelle KingRobert KingStarsJulianna MarguliesChris NothJosh CharlesAlicia Florrick has been a good wife to her husband, a former state's attorney. After a very humiliating sex and corruption scandal, he is behind bars. She must now provide for her family and returns to work as a litigator in a law firm.7 seasons / 156 episodes: Series Complete
- CreatorJoseph WeisbergStarsKeri RussellMatthew RhysKeidrich SellatiAt the height of the Cold War, two Russian agents pose as the average American couple, complete with family.6 seasons / 75 episodes: Series Complete
- CreatorCraig MazinStarsJessie BuckleyJared HarrisStellan SkarsgårdIn April 1986, the city of Chernobyl in the Soviet Union suffers one of the worst nuclear disasters in the history of mankind. Consequently, many heroes put their lives on the line in the following days, weeks and months.1 season / 5 episodes: miniseries Complete
- CreatorJames Manos Jr.StarsMichael C. HallJennifer CarpenterDavid ZayasHe's smart. He's lovable. He's Dexter Morgan, America's favorite serial killer, who spends his days solving crimes and nights committing them.8 seasons / 96 episodes: Series Complete
Related Series: passionately disliked Dexter: New Blood (sequel occurring 10 years later). If you're a Dexter fan, be warned : My Spoiler-Rich Review. - CreatorSam EsmailStarsRami MalekChristian SlaterCarly ChaikinElliot, a brilliant but unstable cyber-security engineer and vigilante hacker, becomes a key figure in a complex game of global chaos when he and his shadowy allies try to take down the corrupt corporation his company is paid to protect.4 seasons / 45 episodes: Series Complete
Very real-world techy, anti-establishment in a powerful drama that often looks into the darker side of both individuals and society.
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personal side note: nice to see Linux featured here.
<soapbox>
Linux is the easy to use, completely free, privacy respecting alternative to the spyware Desktop Operating System you are likely using.
This aspect alone has drawn many millions of users from all corners of the globe while essentially running the servers that run the internet.
To keep things simple: Start your search with Linux Mint. There's a lot of help to get it installed on virtually any laptop.
</soapbox> - DirectorJames WatkinsStarsAlex LawtherJerome FlynnSusannah DoyleWhen withdrawn Kenny stumbles headlong into an online trap, he is quickly forced into an uneasy alliance with shifty Hector, both at the mercy of persons unknown.Single episode: Anthology Series: Black Mirror
You don't need to see the entire Black Mirror TV series to enjoy this episode, since every episode is completely standalone and none are related to each other.
I don't plan to include too many single episodes on this list. But this episode deserves to be singled out as one of the best dramatic (and unnerving) episodes I've ever seen on TV.
One of the few episodes in this series with no sci-fi. It's a modern day drama that will draw you in (elements of Chosen, 2013), pull you in emotionally and highlighted by the superb performance of Alex Lawther (as Kenny). - CreatorBen KetaiRyan LewisStarsCaitlin CarmichaelChad Michael MurrayNicky WhelanIan Mitchell discovers a mysterious box on his doorstep containing a gun and a photo of a stranger he must kill in the next three days. If he doesn't kill him, he'll be endangering the safety of himself and his family.3 seasons / 18 episodes: Series Complete
This is a pulse-pounding, dramatic, edge of your seat hidden gem originally from Crackle. What would you do in a similar situation? What could you do? - CreatorDennis KellyStarsAdeel AkhtarPaul HigginsNeil MaskellAfter a group of people, who meet online, discover a bizarre graphic novel which seems to hold mysterious answers, they find themselves being tracked down by a merciless organization known merely as 'The Network'.2 seasons / 12 episodes: Series Complete
It's been quite a few years since I saw this. It's on my watchlist to see again. One word I use to describe this series is "brave".
It established itself early on as a series that was willing to break unthinkable norms to set a tone and tell its story. - CreatorBeau WillimonStarsKevin SpaceyMichel GillRobin WrightA Congressman works with his equally conniving wife to exact revenge on the people who betrayed him.6 seasons / 73 episodes: Series Complete
I watched the first three seasons of this series. I felt the first two seasons were great TV. I seem to recall that my interest started to wane with season 3 but enough time has passed that I can't remember specifically why.
I have to admit that I put 'House of Cards' on the back burner to concentrate on some other shows. After a time, well-publicized issues with the lead actor forced me to shelve it further. To date, I never got around to the final 3 seasons. - CreatorVince GilliganPeter GouldStarsBob OdenkirkRhea SeehornJonathan BanksThe trials and tribulations of criminal lawyer Jimmy McGill in the years leading up to his fateful run-in with Walter White and Jesse Pinkman.6 seasons / 63 episodes: Series Complete
- CreatorGlenn KesslerTodd A. KesslerDaniel ZelmanStarsGlenn CloseRose ByrneTate DonovanA law school graduate becomes the protégée of a successful high-stakes litigator.5 seasons / 59 episodes: Series Complete
First three seasons belong on this list. The last two seasons (picked up by another network) do not and can be (yes... they should be) skipped. - CreatorMichael HirstStarsKatheryn WinnickGustaf SkarsgårdAlexander LudwigVikings transports us to the brutal and mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore--and raid--the distant shores across the ocean.6 seasons / 89 episodes: Series Complete
The Ragnar Lothbrok years is what makes this series a Favorite Drama.
The seasons after Ragnar, are watchable with some good story arcs but, on their own... meh-ish. - CreatorFarhad SafiniaStarsKelsey GrammerConnie NielsenHannah WareMayor Tom Kane, diagnosed with a dementia disorder, struggles to keep his grip on power in Chicago.2 seasons / 18 episodes: Series Complete
- CreatorBill DubuqueMark WilliamsStarsJason BatemanLaura LinneySofia HublitzA financial advisor drags his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks, where he must launder money to appease a drug boss.4 seasons / 44 episodes: Series Complete
There are enough elements in this series where one says... "this would have happened differently in some semblance of real life".
As a series representing real-life drama under unusual circumstances (like 'Breaking Bad'), these elements diminish the series slightly. - CreatorBryan CranstonDavid ShoreStarsGiovanni RibisiMarin IrelandShane McRaeA con man on the run from a vicious gangster takes cover by assuming the identity of his prison cellmate Pete, and reuniting with Pete's estranged family, which threatens to drag him into a world just as dangerous as the one he's escaping.3 seasons / 30 episodes: Series Complete
This series ended at a good time. It was beginning to feel formulaic with the final season feeling redundant in its storytelling. I'm happy they didn't drag it on. I feel comfortable recommending all three seasons. - CreatorPaul T. ScheuringStarsDominic PurcellWentworth MillerAmaury NolascoA structural engineer installs himself in a prison he helped design, in order to save his falsely accused brother from a death sentence by breaking themselves out from the inside.5 seasons / 90 episodes: Series Complete
This show is listed here as a favorite on the strength of the first three seasons.
I'd walk away from the series after season 3 with only good memories.
The last two seasons are pretty bad, plot-wise (especially that very odd 5th season). I feel they diminish the series, the characters and to an extent... the fans. I also feel they can be skipped completely. - StarsRichard ArmitageHannah John-KamenSiobhan FinneranThe secrets and lies of suburban families are made public by the appearance of a stranger.1 season / 8 episodes: miniseries complete
Engrossing emotional drama led by the performance of Richard Armitage. - CreatorMichael PetroniStarsMichelle MonaghanMehdi DehbiJohn OrtizWhen a C.I.A. officer investigates a man and his followers who attract international attention through acts of public disruption, she embarks on a global high-stakes mission to uncover whether he is a divine entity or a con artist.1 season / 13 episodes: Series Complete
A shocking cancellation. Yet it makes this list as a favorite for its dramatic and well-done world-spanning storyline, the exceptional mystery (which demanded an explanation and kept us glued) and the great performances.
Maybe it's for the best it ended when it did. The reveal might've been divisive among the fanbase. Still... I really wanted this to conclude in some form. - CreatorAaron ZelmanStarsOmar EppsFrances FisherMatt CravenThe lives of the people of Arcadia, Missouri are forever changed when their deceased loved ones return.2 seasons / 21 episodes: Series Complete
Well scripted mystery drama with great performances earn 'Resurrection' a spot on this list. 10/10 would watch again.
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related: For those interested in this premise, there are three others, listed below, that deal with the same theme. 'Resurrection' was the best of the lot.
They Came Back (2004)
The Returned (2012)
The Returned (2015) - CreatorAaron TracyStarsJesse BradfordSummer GlauBruce DavisonA jury is sequestered in a hotel while deliberating a court case with massive implications.1 season / 12 episodes: Series Complete
It's been 8 years, as I write this (20sep2022), since I've seen this series. I recall streaming this on Crackle. My recollection of this series today is foggy but I do recall really enjoying it.
I was very surprised to see so many written negative reviews. Also the low rating of 6.7 (20sep2022 by 822) has me questioning if this series was as good as I recall.
I'll keep this listed for the time being until such time as I get to rewatch it. - CreatorJason KatimsStarsRick GlassmanSue Ann PienAlbert RuteckiThree autistic roommates find a way to live together and strive for similar things in life.1 season / 8 episodes: Series Complete
It took a few episodes before I was able to connect with all the characters because this series is as much a journey as it is a look into the character's lives. The character development, the character depth and the struggles to fit into "normal" made this series feel like an experience I too was a part of.
There are touches of comedy and it's also tagged as a comedy/drama but overall... the series is clearly a serious drama.
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update, 24oct2022: It was announced Oct/2022 that the series was cancelled after one season. Such a shame. This was a great premise, executed in such a great way by a wonderful cast. - CreatorAnn BidermanStarsLiev SchreiberEddie MarsanDash MihokRay Donovan, a professional "fixer" for the rich and famous in Los Angeles, can make anyone's problems disappear except those created by his own family.7 seasons / 82 episodes + 1 Film: Series Complete
Ray Donovan: The Movie (2022) serves as the series finale (have not seen yet thru present). - StarsAlexander DreymonEliza ButterworthArnas FedaraviciusAs Alfred the Great defends his kingdom from Norse invaders, Uhtred--born a Saxon but raised by Vikings--seeks to claim his ancestral birthright.5 seasons / 46 episodes: Series Complete
The film (a sequel) - Seven Kings Must Die - follows the 5th and final season. - CreatorJesse ArmstrongStarsNicholas BraunBrian CoxKieran CulkinThe Roy family is known for controlling the biggest media and entertainment company in the world. However, their world changes when their father steps down from the company.4 seasons / 39 episodes: Series Complete
24jun2023: watched the entire series. I both loved it and not-loved it. I never hated it or found it annoying or boring. It's hard for me to rate this.
I liked the plot, the family dynamics and even the dramatic aspect of the series. It was also clear that the main family was never meant to be likable - although you did feel sorry for some of them from time to time.
Throughout the series, I kept being reminded of the Twilight Zone episode... The Masks (1964). It speaks volumes about the kinds of personalities we were watching during this series and why it was so hard to connect with the characters.
I'm going to let this swirl in my brain for a while before I decide whether this TV series belongs on this list or not.