# Help me get addicted to a new series **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 6, 2011, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081 "2011-07-06T19:51:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/41 "2011-07-07T18:49:15Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > _My Name is Earl_ ran four years and is very, very funny. Except for the season in jail. šŸ˜ƒ Iā€™ll repeat _The Wire_ and _Mad Men_ and add the Canadian series _Murdoch Mysteries_ (available on Netflix. ) Hour long crime drama set in 1895 Toronto, featuring handsome but geekish detective who does early forensics and beautiful but geekish coroner. Only 3 seasons out now, but there are also movies which I think are more true to the books than the hour long series. Great characters, good mysteries, and often funny. Canā€™t speak to the movies yet - the first is next on my Netflix queue. We also liked _A Touch of Frost_ a British series which has about 12 or 15 very short seasons. Interesting because the TV series is far, far, better than the books. It ran on Mystery, but there are a lot more shows than they showed. ---
**Author:** ![Merijeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@Merijeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merijeek)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/42 "2011-07-07T19:01:26Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > Except for the season in jail. šŸ˜ƒ Not true. Even the season in jail was very funny. The Peeper Reaper, man! Even Craig T Nelson was funny in that season, and I hate that guy. -Joe ---
**Author:** ![Foxy40](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a9a28c/32.png) [@Foxy40](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foxy40)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/43 "2011-07-07T19:08:33Z")
> [@Snooooopy](#): > > When you say four seasons, do you mean four big, brawny American network seasons, four lean and mean American cable seasons or four British seasons that zip by before you know it? Iā€™d hate for you to be irked if I mention the original _Coupling_, only for you to find that its four seasons total just a bit more than one American network season. I have a kidney condition that keeps me immobile for hours or days at a time on occasion. What I do is watch old series episodes one after the other to keep myself from going stir crazy. Iā€™ve been know to knock out an entire 13 episode season of a show in one day. I bought the BBC version of Shameless and it was disappointingly short. Apparently only season one is available in US format at this time as well. Longer series tend to make the time go faster if I am stuck on the couch for a week. ---
**Author:** ![Musky\_Moon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90db22/32.png) [@Musky\_Moon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musky_Moon)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/44 "2011-07-07T20:06:44Z")
Also try Kingdom. Stephen Fry as a market town country lawyer. Three seasons I think, but worth it just to watch Fry for a few days. ---
**Author:** ![Snooooopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@Snooooopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snooooopy)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/45 "2011-07-07T20:39:17Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > Except for the season in jail. šŸ˜ƒ I liked the jail episodes, and I admired the way that a show which had every reason to invent a ridiculous excuse for him to escape being sentenced and go back to business as usual instead decided to try something a little different. ---
**Author:** ![cuberdon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/45deac/32.png) [@cuberdon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cuberdon)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/46 "2011-07-07T21:28:03Z")
Intelligence is very good, but it only ran for two seasons (2006-2007). ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/47 "2011-07-07T21:30:44Z")
> [@NAF1138](#): > > Breaking Bad and Mad Men are also great standard recommendations and donā€™t seem to be on your list. > [@River\_Hippie](#): > > Breaking Bad > [@Sitnam](#): > > Breaking Bad is incredible. > [@woodstockbirdybird](#): > > I would have mentioned **Breaking Bad** as well, > [@interface2x](#): > > If she can hurry with the first three seasons, Season 4 does start in less than two weeks. Or if she canā€™t, she can DVR Season 4 until she catches up. I also highly recommend it. > [@GameHat](#): > > I suppose technically Breaking Bad has only three seasons so far. But the next season starts in two weeks. > > Both are absolutely fantastic. My highest recommendation for both. > [@firstname](#): > > Iā€™ll also seconds suggestions of Breaking bad, Dexter and Deadwood. > [@Foxy40](#): > > People have suggested Breaking Bad a few times and I have never even heard it so off to Amazon to get the low down. Thanks all. šŸ™‚ GO. Now. Drop Everything. Prepare yourself for **The Best Television Show In the History of the World.** (Okay, thereā€™s maybe room for disagreement about this, but really, not very much. Itā€™s certainly a SERIOUS contender for the title!) > [@voltaire](#): > > For me,_Breaking Bad, Deadwood, and The Wire_ are the best of the best. I would have a hard time choosing which of those I like more than the others. But **_Breaking Bad_ is just the very definition of must-see-TV. The writing and acting in those three are nothing short of spectacular.** 'zackly. Having said that, may I also lend my voice in support of **Dexter** , which I adore, and **Deadwood** , which was fucking brilliant, and **Mad Men** , which I warn you may have a bit of a time warming up to initially, but it will suck you in pretty hard if you give it a chanceā€¦be patient. Meanwhileā€¦BREAKING BAD! ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/48 "2011-07-07T21:31:23Z")
Definitely give _Burn Notice_ a look. Itā€™s up to season 5 at least now. Newer seasons are not quite as spectacularly awesome as early seasons, but itā€™s a very fun show with good action, (mostly) good acting, and (mostly) good writing. If you want a comedic touch, _Psych_ is my favorite comedy on TV. You will particularly enjoy it if you have fond nostalgia for the 80s (though it is set in the present). Funnier by far than anything on network TV, IMO. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/49 "2011-07-07T21:51:48Z")
I really liked _Itā€™s Always Sunny In Philadelphia_, a comedy series. I watched the first four seasons nearly back to back and have now seen all episodes available on DVD. Maybe itā€™s one of those ā€œlove it or hate itā€ type shows but if you liked Seinfeld, Curb your Enthusiasm or other comedies about often unlikable characters you may enjoy it. ---
**Author:** ![Washoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ecae2f/32.png) [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/50 "2011-07-07T22:11:30Z")
> [@interface2x](#): > > If she can hurry with the first three seasons, Season 4 does start in less than two weeks. Or if she canā€™t, she can DVR Season 4 until she catches up. I also highly recommend it. Rightā€”nowā€™s the perfect time to start. Watch the first three seasons at a leisurely pace (as if thatā€™s even possible), and by the time youā€™re finished the fourth season will be a few episodes in. That way youā€™ll get to watch the first few episodes of the new season back-to-back, and youā€™ll be spared the torture the rest of are going to experience waiting for each new episode to air. I envy anybody who hasnā€™t seen Breaking Bad. I spent all day on the fourth rewatching seasons one and two, skimming through each episode in about 15 minutes to refresh myself on the high points. Now Iā€™m watching each episode of season three in its entirety, one episode each night until the season premiere. You must see Breaking Bad. You have toā€”this is not optional. I repeatā€”this is _not optional_. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/51 "2011-07-07T22:34:12Z")
**Dexter**. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 dollars. ---
**Author:** ![Jennmonkye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/278dde/32.png) [@Jennmonkye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennmonkye)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/52 "2011-07-07T22:38:07Z")
Iā€™ve seen tons of things I would have already suggested posted so far, but I would add MEDIUM as wellā€¦series just ended so you should be able to watch from beginning to end. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/53 "2011-07-07T22:47:42Z")
> [@Washoe](#): > > Rightā€”nowā€™s the perfect time to start. Watch the first three seasons at a leisurely pace (as if thatā€™s even possible), and by the time youā€™re finished the fourth season will be a few episodes in. That way youā€™ll get to watch the first few episodes of the new season back-to-back, and youā€™ll be spared the torture the rest of are going to experience waiting for each new episode to air. I envy anybody who hasnā€™t seen Breaking Bad. > > You must see Breaking Bad. You have toā€”this is not optional. I repeatā€”this is _not optional_. Ditto. In case I didnā€™t already make it clear. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/54 "2011-07-07T22:52:29Z")
> [@River\_Hippie](#): > > I really liked _Itā€™s Always Sunny In Philadelphia_, a comedy series. I watched the first four seasons nearly back to back and have now seen all episodes available on DVD. > > Maybe itā€™s one of those ā€œlove it or hate itā€ type shows but if you liked Seinfeld, Curb your Enthusiasm or other comedies about often unlikable characters you may enjoy it. Damn, I always forget this one, because I usually focus on dramas. Seconded. And I agree **Breaking Bad** is the best show on TV right now. But **The Wire** was the best show on TV ever. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2011, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/55 "2011-07-08T01:21:44Z")
What ,no love for True Blood? ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2011, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/56 "2011-07-08T01:32:22Z")
When this topic comes up, Iā€™m always compelled in my OCD way to bleat ā€œNorthern Exposure! Northern Exposure!ā€ā€¦ I can recommend Upstairs, Downstairs. And Carnivale is only two seasons, but they are an unforgettable two seasons. And when it gets really hot in August most years, I like to make a gin and tonic, sit under a ceiling fan and watch Jewel In The Crown. ---
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2011, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/57 "2011-07-08T01:47:33Z")
What? No love for Supernatural? It mixes horror, comedy, religion, family drama, and is positively addicting. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2011, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/58 "2011-07-08T03:12:30Z")
Iā€™m seeing a lot of love in this thread for _Breaking Bad_, but I donā€™t think Iā€™ve ever heard of it. So, is it any good ya think? May check that out. ---
**Author:** ![GameHat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ed655f/32.png) [@GameHat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GameHat)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2011, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/59 "2011-07-08T03:21:24Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > Iā€™m seeing a lot of love in this thread for _Breaking Bad_, but I donā€™t think Iā€™ve ever heard of it. > > So, is it any good ya think? May check that out. I think you may be gently trolling. šŸ˜ƒ If not - seriously, watch Breaking Bad. Do it proper - start with season one and watch it in the proper order. Itā€™s so good. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2011, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/60 "2011-07-08T03:25:27Z")
I seriously have not heard of it though. Well, actually, now that I think of it, I may have heard the title in passing in some news story or other, but donā€™t know anything about it. Weā€™ll put it on the list along with _Dexter_. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081.md?page=4)