"Fargo"
Belvin Olasov
The one-two punch of “Fargo” and “True Detective” made mini-series the hot item in television, and while “True Detective” shines with prestige, “Fargo” is a stranger, shaggier and funnier creation. It finally brings the Coen brothers’ tragicomic sensibilities to television, capturing the charm of the movie “Fargo” while giving its meandering morality play more room to build. Its cast is top notch, even when saddled with absurd Minnesotan accents. The big name stars, Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman, play the antagonists of the piece with off-kilter charm. Thornton’s Lorne Malvo makes for an excellent bizarro Devil, and Freeman’s Lester Nygaard is the pathetic answer to TV’s recent antihero glut. Their performances are the showiest, but protagonists Molly Solverson (Allison Tolman) and Gus Grimly (Colin Hanks) are more than their match. The stellar cast is only helped by the direction, which is dryly, cruelly funny. For farcical, Midwestern battles between good and evil, it doesn’t get much better than this.
"Louie"
Erika Ryan
Stand-up comedian Louis C.K.’s series “Louie” struck gold as soon as it aired on FX in 2010, but season four brought the show to a new level. While “Louie” has always been a dark comedy, the most recent season had fans laughing, then crying, then laughing some more. Louis C.K.’s humor tends to revolve around harsh realities and personal experiences, and while some of his jokes are incorporated into what’s on screen, he creates a story that captures viewers like a sad, indie movie might. Throughout season four, “Louie” included numerous “parts” to each episode, stretching some storylines to up to a few weeks. The series moved to the concept of creating a more structured story line that flows like a book, making it better than it’s ever been before. From his experiences with drugs, to his sex life, to a relationship with a Hungarian woman who couldn’t speak a word of English, “Louie” tackles interesting life hurdles that keep the audience emotionally invested and entertained.
"True Detective"
Artie Braswell
Rural Louisiana is the perfect spooky backdrop for HBO to unleash season one of this crime thriller, "True Detective." Texas actors Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson’s performances shake and unsettle conventional detective plots. Epic writing makes this show much bigger than another murder mystery. The themes are profound and the characters are well developed. McConaughey’s portrayal of detective and life-burnout Rust Cohle enlivens the darker side of humanity. His partner, Marty Hart (Harrelson) seems the quiet, hardworking family man, but his own struggles with alcoholism and infidelity ruin any chances at what he considers a normal life. Marty’s stern, simple character is constantly fly-swatting Cohle’s dark questions. Mysticism emerges in the Bayou as their detective trails evolve into full-blown, Southern Gothic scenarios. This is one of McConaughey’s most complex performances in the actor’s ever-soaring career.
"Broad City"
Kasey Meredith
Truly an underrated show, "Broad City" premiered in 2014 and is returning with its second season this January. Produced by comedienne extraordinaire Amy Poehler, the show follows the shenanigans of two best friends Ilana and Abbi while they galavant around Brooklyn. Ridiculous yet relatable, the show’s scope of humor is never shy. Plus, most of the episodes feature '90s hip-hop songs as the soundtrack, so what’s not to love? The cast consists of breakthrough comedy duo Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobsen, as well as Hannibal Buress, among others. Buress, who is known for his work on "The Eric Andre Show" and his stand up work, adds another level to this outrageous comedy series. Unlike other series that are set in New York City such as "Friends" and "Gossip Girl," "Broad City" doesn’t glamorize the city. It shows the ins and outs of Brooklyn, giving the viewer another perspective. "Broad City" isn’t very theatrical, it reads more of a sitcom-sketch comedy mashup.
"Silicon Valley"
Emily Olyarchuk
A mix between "Workaholics" and "The IT Crowd," "Silicon Valley" is a new HBO sitcom that premiered in 2014. The series follows a young programmer and his friends, as they try to launch their startup in the competitive tech world. The show criticizes the pretentious community in "Silicon Valley," while creating a relatable and humorous set of characters. The show is centered on Richard Hendricks, played by Canadian actor Thomas Middleditch, who is working in the tech incubator of Erlich Bachman, played by actor and comedian T.J. Miller, when he makes his technological breakthrough. The performances of Middleditch and Miller bring the script to a new level authenticity and hilarity on screen. Filled with laughs and serious concern for the characters’ success, this series will keep you entertained for probably a day because there only eight episodes in the first season and as soon as you start you will wish there were more. However, do not worry because HBO has renewed the series for a second season, which will air April 12, 2015.
"House of Cards"
Kylie Tokar
The Underwoods tackle another year of coldblooded politics, as they rise through the ranks of democracy, showcasing the behind-the-scenes of American politics. Netflix exclusive series have yet to disappoint their audience, and this season of "House of Cards" is no exception — binge-watching episodes of this gripping drama becomes all too easy. The main character is not only a power-hungry politician whose lust for triumph is never satisfied, but he occasionally speaks directly to the audience, causing an unavoidable attachment between character and viewer. During this season in particular, the viewer finds themselves inexplicably drawn to a character that seems downright evil, and they root for his success even when others’ careers and lives are on the line. Tensions rise and relationships are tested throughout the season, and the finale comes suddenly and all too soon. Audiences are at the mercy of Netflix once again as we wait anxiously for the saga to continue.
"American Horror Story: Freak Show"
Morgan Smith
The fourth season of "American Horror Story: Freak Show" aired in early October, and with three previous thriving seasons of sick characters and twisted plots full of hauntings, murders and sex, the 2014 season was very much anticipated. This season embraces a cast of “freaks,” or people with unique mental and physical disabilities such as a two-headed lady or “Lobster Boy,” working in a traveling freak show that has settled in a small Florida town in the 1950s. Viewers watch with their eyes peeled as clowns kill, people die and the stories of each freak are slowly revealed. As the season goes on, more and more “normal people” reveal their inner freak and show us that freaks are not defined by their physical deformities but by their deep and darkest desires within. As usual, the plot has been twisted more than once. We look forward to seeing how it all unravels in its last two episodes of the season this January.