Collection of beloved TV Series
Here is a collection of some of my cherished TV series, shows that I've watched over several seasons and have fallen in love with their characters and storylines.
Fleabag
"Fleabag" is an exceptional show that seamlessly combines humour with captivating storytelling. Despite addressing a grieving friend's underlying sadness, it engages the audience by breaking the fourth wall and making the main character an accomplice to the story. This series takes you on a woman's healing journey, and I often find myself thinking about it. The unnamed main character's wit and brightness even in emotional situations make "Fleabag" one of my most beloved shows.
"Sometimes, you just have to find the humour in the darkness of life." - Fleabag
Alice in Borderland
"Alice in Borderland" is an adaptation of a manga series with a gripping premise. It follows three friends who suddenly find themselves seemingly alone in the city of Tokyo. As they enter various game locations, they discover that they must play games created by unknown "game masters" to survive. These games vary in difficulty and test specific abilities, from mind games and riddles to teamwork challenges and emotional trials. The audience is kept on the edge of their seats while delving into the characters' backstories.
"What we do to survive is what defines who we are." - Chōta
The Handmaid's Tale
"The Handmaid's Tale" is based on Margaret Atwood's novel and is a series that has kept me enthralled throughout. The storytelling is exquisite, and the acting is gripping. It portrays a dystopian society where child-bearing women are forced to produce children for the barren Wives. This series tackles the crucial issue of control over women's bodies and vividly depicts a woman's power to resist the system, with Elisabeth Moss delivering an outstanding performance.
"Nolite te bastardes carborundorum." (Latin for "Don't let the bastards grind you down.") - Offred
Merlin
"Merlin" holds a special place in my heart as a timeless favourite. It follows a young Merlin's journey to Camelot, where he learns not only how to use his magic but also how to hide it in a kingdom that punishes wizards and witches with the death sentence. Things get even more complicated when he becomes Prince Arthur's servant. This lighthearted series is an adventure filled with friendship, romance, and the quest for self-discovery.
"In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young man. His name... Merlin." - The Dragon
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
"Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" was my first K-Drama experience and raised my expectations significantly. The scale and attention to detail in South Korean dramas are unparalleled. This romance and fantasy drama tells the story of a revered military general wrongly accused of treason, cursed to be an immortal being. He awaits his “bride”, who can lift the curse.
"The weight of immortality is a heavy burden, but it's the choices we make that define us." - Kim Shin
Black Mirror - White bear
I highly recommend the entire "Black Mirror" series, as it delves into various thought-provoking themes related to technology and society. One episode worth highlighting reflects contemporary society's aspects, such as media coverage of murders, technology's impact on empathy, desensitization, violence as entertainment and justice.
"Technology reveals our true nature, and it's a mirror we can't look away from." - Lacie Pound
Avatar: The Last Airbender
"Avatar: The Last Airbender" is a series that transcends time, offering creativity and addressing relevant themes like friendship, growing up, and finding one's purpose. It's a feel-good series suitable for all age groups and allows us to share cherished childhood memories with the next generation. Rewatching it provides a new perspective on how we perceive our once loved shows now that we’ve grown.
"Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the only antidote to shame." - Iroh
Modern Family
"Modern Family" is my favourite feel-good series, and I could watch it endlessly. It revolves around three diverse families interrelated through business owner Jay Pritchett and his two children. The series cleverly addresses current issues through a variety of characters and family dynamics, infusing humour and heartfelt storytelling into every episode.
"Family is a beautiful mess, and it's the quirks that make us who we are." - Phil Dunphy
TV series require a compelling storyline and a diverse cast of characters who can evolve over several seasons. In contrast, a movie faces the challenge of introducing characters and a plot and captivating us within a short time. A TV series, on the other hand, has to keep us hooked over several seasons, which is a challenge all of its own. The TV series I have just presented have excelled in this regard.