2013 has come and gone. So many shows, so little time. Behold, this is the list of the top 10 TV shows that I watched within 2013. Unlike most Top 10 compilations, this list is only comprised of the shows that I have actually viewed personally myself. I’m not stating that these are the best 10 shows in existence; rather, I’m saying that these are the best 10 shows that I was aware of during the course of the year. I mean, hell, there’s only so much high-quality television programming that a person can take in. In other words, if your favorite show didn’t make the cut, don’t hate mail me — just drop me a line in the comments, and I’ll do my best to check it out in 2014.
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So without further ado:
10. Scandal
ABC’s “Scandal” is a unique spin on the traditional DC political thriller, which introduces Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope. Olivia is a problem solver in a city that is known for having its fair share of problems to fix. A small investment of time is required before the greater story lines in the series are unearthed, but I can assure you that your patience will be rewarded. Just remember to be careful whom you trust in Washington.
9. American Horror Story
After a friend at work insisted that I check it out, I dived into the first season of FX’s “American Horror Story” on Netflix. I emerged from my Netflix binge pleasantly surprised to realize that this show is just my preferred flavor of bat-shit crazy. Season one chronicles the macabre tale of a family that ends up getting more than they bargained for after relocating to a new home with an interestingly colorful history.
This one is definitely not for the squeamish. The first season of “American Horror Story” seems like the kind of program that would make the writers of “The Twilight Zone” proud.
8. Game Of Thrones
Down from sixth place in last year’s best TV shows list, HBO’s Game of Thrones is show that is only for those who can watch a television show without generating any fondness or attachment for the characters depicted onscreen. Honestly, the rate at which I have lost beloved characters to merciless slaughter on this show has left me a broken shadow of my former self. I don’t know what lies in store for this upcoming season, but I’m putting the smart money on someone that I really enjoy watching onscreen dying in the worst way imaginable.
7. Justified
Down from second place in last year’s list, the most recent season of “Justified” broke away from the traditional model of having one big bad villain, and instead gave us a classic “whodunit” tale of mystery. While I applaud the writers’ desire to change things up (unlike other shows that cling to a stale formula), the villains in “Justified” have been so good over the years that the fourth season seemed lacking without a primary villain to root against. Here’s hoping that season five will be more of a return to form.
6. Homeland
“Homeland” dropped from fourth place on last year’s list, and I don’t know how to discuss its third season without being spoilerific. Let’s just say that no one is safe this season as Carrie, Brody, and Saul are forced to face the aftermath of the attack on the CIA from the end of season two. Ultimately, season three is another good entry in this global espionage drama, although I felt that too much screen time was given to characters that are less integral to the overall story, namely Brody’s daughter Dana.