3 or 5 TV Series you should watch

[Rokketboy]

Ok continuing on with the 3 podcasts you should be listening to theme. Tell us what tv series we should be watching or should go back and watch. Doesn't have to be a current series, any series you think everyone should see. Im putting down 5 :)

1. Battlestar Galactica - one of the best sci-fi series ever produced. I was really hesitant when I heard it was completely different to the original(Starbuck a girl. WTH!), But this turned out to be an excellent series.

2.Chuck - Not aired in Australia currently. A really funny mix of James Bond/romantic comedy. Except the main character is nothing like James Bond - he is actually a computer salesman at the local department store who mistakenly becomes the CIAs most valuable asset.
Utterly charming and just plain fun.
BTW the main female character is played by an Australian actress - and omg - smokin.:)

3.Legend of the Seeker - Not screened in Australia currently, but will be later this year.
For those that remember and like the Xena and Hercules series from the 90s, you will love this too. Made by the same people as well. Based on the Sword of Truth series of books by Terry Goodkind. It definitely doesnt follow the books that closely, which is a shame but it's understandable.
Has the same charm as Xena did.

4. True Blood - Not screened in Australia currently.Im sure it will be soon though.
Based on the series of books the Southern Vampire Mysteries. Based in a alternate reality where Vampires are part of human society. Most don't trust them or like them but they are tolerated.
Follows the main character, Sookie, who falls in love with a vampire. She can also hear peoples thoughts - except vampires. It quickly turns into a murder mystery and is totally enthralling from start to finish. AWESOME!

5. Deadwood - came out about 4 years ago.
A western centered around a small boomtown, Deadwood. The interesting thing is most of the characters are actual historical characters from the American west. Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock, George Hearst etc all have a part to play in the political machinations of Deadwood.
One thing with this series - if you are easily offended by swearing, do not watch this. It can be a little excessive at times but it is brilliantly written and beatifully made. Excellent series - 3 seasons in all. Made by HBO, who also made Carnivale (another quirky, brilliant series)

I have included a few series that are not screened here in Australia, but if you have access to the web then you can download them easily. I use a program called EMule and this website: http://tvunderground.org.ru/index.php




A mention goes out to few others as well.
Fringe - X-files like
Babylon 5 - great sci fi series. from 10 years ago or so.

[TrevorW]

Deadwood is great I brought the series on DVD

watch the body count and it's true pigs eat anything

Well worth watching

[BerrieK]

Yeah Frank my husband bought deadwood on DVD...pretty good but the language could really offend a lot of people. As could the whole brothel atmosphere and theme. Or the gambling. Or the killing. Or the drinking. Yep the pigs eat everything.

[Octane]

Not in any particular order:

Arrested Development
Green Wing
The IT Crowd
The League of Gentlemen
Trailer Park Boys

[mark3d]

science related, the big bang theory is hilarious :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOan_0acqE8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PvwtS0htyk


.

[MrB]

Yep, Deadwood (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadwood_%28TV_series%29) is brilliant.
Shame it got axed after season 3... just kinda leaves you hanging.
HBO was considering doing a 2hour movie-like episode to wrap it all up, but couldnt get all the actors back together from other projects... and the town(set) had been pulled apart.... so thats it :(

The Wire (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wire_%28TV_series%29) is another fav of mine.... also by HBO. Has Massive critical acclaim... is said to be Barack Obama's fav TV show.
Think of a modern Deadwood, set in Baltimore... drugs, cops, politicians, gangs etc etc. Great.

EDIT:
From wikipedia, Deadwood:
The word "f***" was said 43 times in the first hour of the show[8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadwood_%28TV_series%29#cite_note-7). It has also been reported that the series had a total count of 2980 "****" and a cumulative average of 1.56 utterances of "****" per minute of footage.

[beefking]

definitely agree on Deadwood, the show elevates cursing to the level of poetry. also it's well acted, directed, written and produced, but the cursing... wow.

I love the show The Wire - it's a crime show set in Baltimore, but it's like nothing I've ever seen. Each season follows one storyline and shows the cops, the crooks, the victims, etc and how they operate and how they intersect with politics, or the school system or the media (depending on the season). It's amazing television, and it is well worth watching.

frankly, my vote for best TV show ever.

[Zaps]

'The X-Files', just for laughs and for Scully.

'The Sopranos', just because.

'The Daily Show', because where else will you get real news?

'Cosmos', because it's *still* worth your time.

Can't think of any thing else on TV which doesn't actively kill braincells.

[Octane]

Simon and Nathan,

I completely agree with The Wire.

I can't believe I didn't put that in my list.

It is the most realistic show I've ever seen. I bought the boxed set which just came out in the US. It is essential viewing.

Question: are you good po-leece? ;)

Regards,
Humayun

[MrB]

Haha, I didn't have the guts to say it, but agree. It is brilliant.
For me, season 4(School system) is the best, season 2(Port) the softest.
Season 1 got off to a slow start but did a brilliant job of introducing the characters and easing you into the plot.
Genius.
Waiting for season 5 to hit DVD.

Humayun, I scored S1-4 for $15ea at Kmart. $60!

[koputai]

Ripping Yarns
The League of Gentlemen
Father Ted
Supernova
The Bush Tucker Man

Cheers,
Jason.

[Octane]

That's the bargain of the century.

I think I paid close to $200 for the box from the US. It was worth every cent, as I don't typically watch television (don't even own one).

Regards,
Humayun

[DJDD]

This cannot be definitive but were the first five off the top of my head.

The Wire <-- re-reading the thread shows that this is consistently recommended
Battlestar Galactica (new series)
Firefly
Babylon 5
Doctor Who

[Lyinxz]

1. Lost
2. Lost
3. Lost

:D

[jjjnettie]

Ripping Yarns and Father Ted :rofl:
Saves me adding them to my list.

Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy
The Young Ones
Black Adder
Married with Children
Monkey

[Octane]

Also, if you enjoy The Wire, you need Oz, too.

Similar cast, quality HBO.

Regards,
Humayun

[MrB]

I just went thru a pile of junk mail, noticed that BigW has all 3 seasons of
Deadwood for $22.78 ea, bargain.

[stephenb]

1. Time Team
2. Mythbusters
3. Gardening Australia

Additional Note:

Choosing three is tough so so add to the above list:

4. Futurama / Family Guy / The Simpsons (nothing past Season 11)
5. No Heroics (Currently on ABC 2)
6. The X-Files / The Lone Gunmen (for a bit of escapism)

[gmbfilter]

Wire in the Blood

Firefly

Rebus

[DJDD]

how could I forget these!?!
just rewatched season 3 and 4 of black adder. the best two series of black adder IMHO.

[Gallifreyboy]

Apart from Dr Who and Blakes 7

Twin Peaks
Life on Mars
Ashes to Ashes

[merlin8r]

1. Space Above and Beyond (anyone remember that?)

2. The West Wing

3. Hornblower

4. Battlestar Galactica

[Octane]

Eek, I forgot Red Dwarf.

[jjjnettie]

Yah! Red Dwarf.

[DJDD]

aaarrggghhh!!! me, too!!!

i must watch too much TV...

Rokketboy, stop introducing these threads! :lol:

[jjjnettie]

:scared3:
The Beverly Hillbillies
What a classic!
I wanna be Granny when I get old.;)

[rogerg]

In no particular order...

Battlestar Galactica
Catalyst (although I often just Vodcast it)
Time Team
Food Safari
Cook & The Chef
Doctor Who


Oops .. that's 6. :whistle:

[Rokketboy]

:whistle: Sorry about that. I find it a good way to get to know everyone in a pretty relaxed and fun atmosphere. :D
I also get to know who simply has no taste (I won't mention any names *cough lyinxz im looking at you *cough) and those that have similar tastes to myself:thumbsup:

[DJDD]

yummm...food safari...

[Jen]

Lost :thumbsup:
Underbelly :thumbsup:
Prison Break :thumbsup:
House :thumbsup:
Heroes :thumbsup:
Friends :lol:
Will & Grace :lol:

oh you said just 5 oops ;);)

[Rokketboy]

No probs, you get to give extras cause you post in purple :lol:

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol: cool :thumbsup:

[MrB]

OK I only listed two earlier, so here goes again:
The Wire
Deadwood
Scrubs
Simpsons
Star Trek
+ plenty plenty more.....

From my youth:
Monkey
The Goodies
Danger Mouse
Count Duckula
Astroboy
+ plenty more....

....and just about everything everyone else has said.

[xnomad]

Current shows:
Mythbusters
Air Crash Investigations
Flight of the Conchords
Futurama
South Park
Bondi Rescue :whistle:

Past shows:
Cosmos
Secret Life of Machines
Red Dwarf
Black Adder
So many more.....

[goober]

NP127
NP101
TV102

Seriously.... Rome, Deadwood ... and The Professionals for nostalgia. I miss my old Ford Escort.

[beefking]

oh yeah, Rome... that is a great show.

in this day and age, is there a better TV station than HBO?

[Rokketboy]

Nup.

[Baddad]

Hey Jared & All, :)

I am one with jjj, Beverley Hillbillies. :thumbsup: As well as:
Discovery Science (on Foxtell);
House;
NCIS; I love the way Abby gets all excited when she solves a forensic mystery, and the dry humour and exuberant confidence of Duckie.
and ( Am I allowed to mention). :scared3:
AFL and
Cricket and
Swimming and
Athletics. :D :D :D

Posting in purple 'cause there's more than 5. :lol:

Is anyone going to speak to me again? :D
I promise not to mention sport again on this thread.:D I'll be a good geek.

Cheers Marty

[troypiggo]

These are the only 3 DVD collections I have:

Battlestar Galactica
True Blood (don't have DVD collection of this, but have it recorded on Foxtel IQ)
Dexter

[andrew2008]

Will throw in a second vote for Green Wing.

Scrubs
Seinfeld
Six Feet Under

[merlin8r]

Just remembered my 5th:

Band of Brothers

[Rokketboy]

Yup great short series.

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol:
No sports allowed Marty :poke::poke:
:D

[Rokketboy]

Hey! Don't listen to Jen. (whats the opposite of purple btw... i think we need an anti-Jen :evil:)
Im a sports nut too!
Love the English Premiere League Football, love the cricket (even tests), love Rugby league and I wouldn't miss the Olympics for anything ( I spent a total of 5 days in Sydney during the 2000 Olympics watching the hockey,basketball,water polo etc.)
Just because Im a geek doesn't mean I don't like sports. I only stopped playing Cricket,Indoor cricket and Indoor soccer when I snapped my cruciate ligament in my knee :( I'd rather watch now than play, but still get the urge when I watch my eldest play football (soccer)

[Baddad]

You got that right. Geeks do play sport. Or used to. I represented my state as a junior in a sport, (not sub junior).
I also got called geeky nicknames 'co's I had a strong science interest.

Now I just get called.

So sports are allowed Jen. :P :P :P :lol:
Back to you Rokketboy,:)

To have experienced such talent in Sydney 2000 would have been only second to witnessing a super nova through the big Hawaii Scope.

I will oneday see the Olympics I hope. Be careful of what you say about Jen, she's likely to turn that bung knee green. Look after it Jared.

AFL is on tonight, sky's a little hazy.
Cheers Marty

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol:
well i like tennis thats about it :lol::lol:
:D

[Baddad]

Aaahh! You have been holding back. :poke: Another Sports and Astro Geek. Not willing to admit it. Bad Green Girl. ( Where's that emoticon with the whip?)

I can now add some more to my list.

Bugs Bunny Show,
Hogan's Heroes,
Animal Documentries and I' ll reinforce
xnomad with Mythbusters

Cheers Marty

[spikeface]

The Sopranos
The West Wing
Seinfeld
The X-Files
The Micallef P(r)ogram(me)

when i started six feet under i thought it was amazing and i got all excited etc... by the time i finished it i was a little disappointed with it... it's pretty much just sex and arguments... which in moderation is fine... but...

[Liz]

At the moment -

BSG ... of course
True Blood
Dexter

a bit of light relief
Desperate Housewives - yeah, a bit girly for most of you, but fun.

Just bough Firefly ... ta Jarad

[Glenhuon]

Don't watch TV, have'nt for about 10 years. Especially commercial TV, ads give me the s***s. Advertising should be a hanging offence :)
Usually get the DVD's and watch them at my liesure.

Bill

If John Logie Baird could have seen what TV would become, he would have been a plumber.

[Rokketboy]

I'm the same, I don't watch TV much at all. Sport is about it.
All the TV series I mentioned I downloaded or got on DVD.

[MrB]

Great News for those of you who would like to see one of the best TV shows of all time(my opinion ;)) but don't want to buy the DVD's.

Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wire):
Not quite true, broadcast starts 01 September! >> The Wire - ABC2 TV Guide (http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/abc2/200909/programs/ZX0273A001D1092009T213000.htm)

This is a criticaly acclaimed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wire#Critical_response), must see programme.
Push through the first couple of episodes as they just set the scene and introduce the characters so kinda plod along a little.
Season 2 is a little weak but still worth watching(character backstories)
Season 4 is absolutely brilliant.
Season 5... dunno, not released on DVD yet :( (region 4 anyway)

If your Tuesday nights are a little boring, pencil this in!

[freespace]

The Big Bang Theory - sitcom about geeks, nerds, and normal people
Kings - possibly the best drama, ever. Died before it could really shine. Perhaps for the better - died before it could suck :P
Flashpoint - show about cops and ppl. Makes me cry with great success. Damn good, still alive.

[Matt Wastell]

Hi Jared

Deadwood is fantastic - when they wrote the series they actually wanted to use 'period' swearing - it did not have the impact due to what is currently available (I know many four letter words are ancient) but cursing God and the like lacked impact - #@*^ sucker filled in the blanks!

[koputai]

Currently watching 'The Martian Chronicles', three part series made in 1979. Not overly realistic production values, but quite interesting so far.

Oh, and the last three DVD's I bought:

The Man from Hong Kong
God's Comedy
Across the Lake

Cheers,
Jason.

[rmcconachy]

Your signature is rather apt given that you've brought this thread back to life Jason! My list:

The West Wing (favorite)
NYPD Blue (the first 5-6 seasons are the best)
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett as Holmes) and follow-up series
Battlestar Galactica (reimaged) was pretty good but I didn't like the ending
Life on Mars / Ashes to Ashes (I haven't watched the third season of the latter yet)

[Jules76]

This is what I'm watching at the moment. Not available down here as yet, so you'll have to download them from a site like mentioned by Rokketboy.

Boardwalk Empire
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0979432/

Gangster series set in the 1920's during prohibition. Martin Scorsese directed the Pilot episode and is the Executive Producer for the entire series. Full on violence (doesn't hold back), a bit of full on nudity and some great acting by Steve Buscemi (I like to think of him as "bug eyes" lol :eyepop:). Great period drama which has already been renewed for a second season. :thumbsup:

The Walking Dead
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1520211/

Never really been into Zombie movies, but I'm enjoying this one so far (it's only up to the third episode). Apparently based on the comic book series of the same name. Has been renewed for a second season as well. :thumbsup:

Caprica
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0799862/

Spin off series set 50 years before Battlestar Galatica. Unfortunately, it only lasted 17 episodes as it got the axe. Shame as it had promise, but like most Space Sci-Fi series these days, they just don't last. :(

[barx1963]

Letsee
1 Seinfield
2 Sopranos
3 Madmen
4 Spooks
5 Band of Brothers

And others would include Fawlty Towers, Ripping Yarns and I have recently caught some reruns of the Goodies, found there were jokes I just didn't get 35 years ago when I was young and innocent!

Nothing too unusual, just what I like!

[Xina]

1. The Big Bang
2. Fringe
3. Stargate Universe
4. Chuck
5. The Event

[Waxing_Gibbous]

My desert island DVDs:
Deadwood (again!)
Dexter
Firefly
The Green Wing S1 (You really have to watch this. Its hilarious)
The Shield

[Octane]

Agreed, Green Wing is surreal. Mark Heap is a champion.

H

[Kevin Trendy]

Don't watch too much TV, But here are the ones i enjoy.


Dexter - One of the best TV series i have seen. Great plot with lots of twists. John Lithgow was really good in the last season.

Fringe - Im only into the 1st season at the moment but find it quiet interesting

The Universe - Very interesting. Lots of eps to choose from

How I Met Your Mother - Started watching this late last year, i initally thought it would be garbage but im glad i sat down and watched it. Very funny and you can pretty much watch any episode without having to know the background of the show.

Entourage - Seen all eps so far. Ari is by far the funniest. Everyone i know enjoys this series and the eps are quiet short at 22mins.

top gear is the show i least enjoy (waits for the hate) :P
and now there is a Aussie version :mad2: