The 20 best TV shows of 2011
My second Annual List
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- CreatorLouis C.K.StarsLouis C.K.Hadley DelanyUrsula ParkerThe life of Louie C.K., a divorced comedian living in New York with two kids.The show last year was No.12 on my list, but it improved so much. Brutally honest, unconventionally hilarious, and startlingly dramatic. The most realistic show on TV follows the comical misfortunes on comedian Louis CK. It goes into situations not dreamed of my other comedians, whether it's a friend on the edge of suicide, defending a not noble event, beginning with M (I'd say the word, but my family reads these list), or bringing a Duck to Afghanistan, Louie is always funny, all the time. Best Episodes: "Come on, God" "Eddie" "Duckling"
- CreatorGraham YostStarsTimothy OlyphantNick SearcyJoelle CarterEnforcing his own brand of justice, U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, a strong-willed, quiet law-man haunted by his past, returns to his native town to see that justice is served to those in need.The Show is so Action packed, dramatic themed, and shockingly moral. Its plots are creative and clever, and supremely acted, by leads Timothy Olyphant, Walton Goggins, Margot Martindale, and guest actor Jeremy Davies. The second season is better than the first, having US Marshall Raylan Givens hunting down drug dealer Mags Bennett in Harlan, Kentucky. It's clever and exciting, and improved greatly since season 1. Best Episodes: "The Moonshine Wars" "Cottonmouth" "Bloody Harlan"
- 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.Last years exciting season was somewhat unlikable, but none the less 2010's best show. It can no longer claim the title. I felt this season was a repeat of last years, but it was still original, clever, witty, and twisting. Still one of the best, it's just not the best, but still close. Best Episodes: "Boxcutter" "Hermandos" "Face Off"
- CreatorGreg DanielsMichael SchurStarsAmy PoehlerJim O'HeirNick OffermanThe absurd antics of an Indiana town's public officials as they pursue sundry projects to make their city a better place.Season 3 was one of TV's best season. If there was a list of the best seasons of television, It'd be on it. Why is not the best. The 4th season, still spectacular, brings it down, as it's nowhere comparable to 3. It's 3rd season was witty, smart, clever, with TV's greatest characters, and the greatest plots to be with them. The spontanity is always there, every episode, and finds great ways to get in there. The show also has you rooting for the characters, no matter how unrealistic they are. It's amazing. Episodes: "Harvest Festival" "Lil' Sebastion" "Ron and Tammys"
- 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.I really like the amazingly directed, amazingly enviromented, amazingly writing, and amazingly acted, especially Peter Dinklege, the midget actor often used in comedic roles making fun of his height, proves he is actually an amazing actor, who won an Emmy for the performance. It's books it was based on were some of the greatest books of all time, which made GOT easy to turn into a crappy remake, but it wasn't, maybe 'cause the author helped write for the show. Who knows, it's a great show either way. Best Episodes: "Winter is Coming" "You Win or You Die" "Baelor"
- CreatorAlex GansaHoward GordonStarsClaire DanesMandy PatinkinDamian LewisA bipolar CIA operative becomes convinced a prisoner of war has been turned by al-Qaeda and is planning to carry out a terrorist attack on American soil.Probated CIA agent Carrie Mathison investigates Marine Sgt.Nicholas Brody, as she believes him to, while being a POW, to be turned by Al-Queda. The cunning, powerful, dynamic series is one of 2011's best, and is insanely enjoyable. Best Episodes: "Pilot" "The Weekend" "The Vest"
- CreatorLarry DavidStarsLarry DavidCheryl HinesJeff GarlinLarry David stars as an over-the-top version of himself in this comedy series that shows how seemingly trivial details of day-to-day life can precipitate a catastrophic chain of events.It's eight season, starting in 1999, is still one of TV's funniest shows. Although season 7 will always be its best, 8 comes close. It's clever, creative, and enjoyable to see Larry David acting like a total idiot in New York, living in a post-Seinfeld world, with great guest stars, funny supporting characters, and classic episodes, it doesn't disapoint. Best Episodes: "The Palestian Chicken" "The Bi-Sexual" "Larry vs. Michael J. Fox"
- CreatorJulian FellowesStarsHugh BonnevillePhyllis LoganElizabeth McGovernA chronicle of the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early twentieth century.The Upstairs-Downstairs like period drama was clever, and creative. It had imaginative characters that felt realistic to the time and setting. The British import is exciting, and cool, and should be watched more, even though it's on PBS. Best Episodes: "Episode 5" "Episode 6" "Episode 7"
- CreatorSteven LevitanChristopher LloydStarsEd O'NeillSofía VergaraJulie BowenThree different, but related, families face trials and tribulations in their own uniquely comedic ways.It's funniness will never cease, a 90's like sitcom for the modern age, modern family is a brilliant combination of mockumentary format, and wittiness. It's clever, witty, surprising, interesting, and plain fun to watch, as winner of the primetime emmy for outstanding comedy 2 years in a row, this show is a crazed filled thrill ride of laughs. Best Episodes: "Caught in the Act" "The Musical Man" "Treehouse"
- CreatorTerence WinterStarsSteve BuscemiKelly MacdonaldMichael ShannonAn Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law by conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era.Built as period drama by a former "Sopranos" writer, it seemed like it was made just to compete with "Mad Men", but this had a mind of its own. Cleverly drawn characters, plots, and twists, the show has become much more since its first season, with this being the better than it. Best Episodes: "Grimcrack and Bunkum" "Georgia Peaches" "To the Lost"
- CreatorMadeleine SmithbergLizz WinsteadStarsJon StewartTrevor NoahStephen ColbertA comedy news show featuring humorous takes on top stories.I'm going to include in The Colbert Report in this vote, as, they are too similar not too. Both are witty, cheap, and clever comedy shows, dealing with politics in a Fox News like satire. I remember watching this show, and instantly wanting it to come back, so I could be amused, and what does appear? "The Colbert Report". Between the two, I don't see a difference. Best Episode: The One that had Billy Chrystal was pretty awesome, I can't remember why, but it really was.
- StarsJimmy FallonThe RootsSteve HigginsComedian Jimmy Fallon hosts a late-night talk show.He's improved so much since just being on SNL, he's Emmy nominated, secured with ratings, and critically acclaimed. From thank-you notes, to improve, to the monologues, Jimmy Fallon is a young, full of positive energy, and with an array of clever writers, Steve Higgens (his sidekick/announcer), The Legendary Roots Crew as his house band (Which is pretty Awesome), getting celebrities to do the ridiculous, and mostly himself, this show is reinventing Late Night. Best Episode: The Eddie Murphy one where Childish Gambino performed was really great (Also, as I write this, I have recently seen Jimmy Fallon's Hosting SNL episode, which was wonderful)
- CreatorDan HarmonStarsJoel McHaleDanny PudiDonald GloverA suspended lawyer is forced to enroll in a community college with an eccentric staff and student body.The Weird and funny of the Episodes of Community are amazing. A blend of creative ideas, retro plots, and clever twists, Community is underrated, in terms of viewers, and Awards. It really is awesome to watch. Best Episodes: "Advanced Dungeon and Dragons" "Critical Film Studies" "Remidial Chaos Theory"
- CreatorEric Ellis OvermyerDavid SimonStarsKhandi AlexanderRob BrownKim DickensLife after Hurricane Katrina as the residents of New Orleans try to rebuild their lives, their homes, and their unique culture in the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters in the USA.The Realistic yet amazing characters in the Brilliant show made from master writer David Simon, who shows a reality of life of those effected by Hurricane Katrina, in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans. I really was excited by this television show, and I felt that each episode is a gift. Best Episodes: "Slip Away" "What is New Orleans" "Do Watcha Wanna"
- CreatorKurt SutterStarsCharlie HunnamKatey SagalMark Boone JuniorA biker struggles to balance being a father and being involved in an outlaw motorcycle club.The genius of a show about a villainous motorcycle gang lies everywhere. The 4th season is incredibly wild, incredibly acted, incredibly directed, and incredibly plotted. It's becoming more of a modern day Hamlet, and with its clever idea still rolling strong, this is a dream. Best Episodes: "Family Recipe" "Hands" "To Be, Parts I and II"
- CreatorCarter BaysCraig ThomasStarsJosh RadnorJason SegelCobie SmuldersA father recounts to his children - through a series of flashbacks - the journey he and his four best friends took leading up to him meeting their mother.This was incredible year for the cast of HIMYM, it turned from a plain funny carefree comedy, and at the end of its metamorphosis, it was a bitter-sweet dramedy, large on the comedy, while still having a dramatic twist and undertone to everything. Great acting, from everyone, although Neil Patrick Harris is the best. Even through the dark the show is still surprisingly hilarious. Best Episodes: "Legenddaddy" "Tick, Tick, Tick" "Symphony of Illumination"
- CreatorVeena SudStarsMireille EnosJoel KinnamanBilly CampbellA police investigation, the saga of a grieving family, and a Seattle mayoral campaign all interlock after the body of 17-year-old Rosie Larsen is found in the trunk of a submerged car.The show was chilling, surreal, and a real great investigative show. The hunting of Rosie Larson's killer, was a brilliant showing of the Danish remake. The dramatic turns the character took to find the murderer was utterly well written and directed. And although the reason people wached never would be answered, it it still one of 2011's bests. Best Episodes: "What You Have Left" "I'll Let You Know When I Get There" "Beau Soleil"
- CreatorSydney NewmanStarsJodie WhittakerPeter CapaldiPearl MackieThe further adventures in time and space of the alien adventurer known as the Doctor and his companions from planet Earth.Doctor Who had incredible year investigating The Silence, River Song's origins, and the mysterious death of The Doctor. With Sharp writing, enjoyable plot lines, and witty and clever science fiction brilliance, this show is a whirlwind of time traveling fun, but also incredibly serious. "The Impossible Astronaut/Day of the Moon" "The Doctor's Wife" "Closing Time"
- CreatorLaura DernMike WhiteStarsLaura DernDiane LaddSarah BurnsA self-destructive woman who has a spiritual awakening becomes determined to live an enlightened life, creating havoc at home and work.HBO's freshmen comedy series is cleverly written, and witty throughout. Although pretty much never watched, and Women aimed, this show is still good for men, and is a great show. I hope its Golden Globe nominations score it season 2, and that it get's watched more. Because really, it's a great show. Best Episodes: "Lonely Ghosts" "Consider Helen" "Let it Burn"
- 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.It's twist, fun to watch, and a great court room, legal, and personal drama, well acted, written, and made. Best Episodes: "Real Deal" "Closing Arguments" "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot"