Saturday, September 13, 2025

Emmy Time

The Emmy Awards air Sunday night at 8pm on CBS and Paramount+. Good luck, Nate. 

The Emmys traditionally celebrate television excellence with one of the most boring shows to watch. Putting it up against the #1 show (Sunday Night Football) illustrates what the industry thinks of The Emmys. 

The key to watching (dare I say enjoying) this program is analyzing how it really works. There are those who SHOULD win, and those who WILL win. Rarely are these two the same. 

Keep in mind that the following shows have won as many Emmys as I have: Better Call Saul. The Wire. Oz. Parks and Recreation. BoJack Horseman. Chappelle's Show. Good Times. The Bob Newhart Show. Yup - zero. 

So if you choose to watch this year's telecast, don't be upset when your favorite show fails to leave with the big statuette that Saturday Night Live somehow keeps bringing home.

That doesn't stop the gambler in me from trying to figure out who the winners will be. So here goes...

BEST DRAMA SERIES
Deserves to win: Andor
Will win: The Pitt

Severance is a close second, but The Pitt has the appeal and the goods to take home the Emmy this year. Don't sleep on Andor - you don't have to be a Star Wars geek to appreciate how good of a show it is. 

BEST COMEDY SERIES
Deserves to win: Shrinking
Will win: The Studio

The Bear isn't a comedy and will be punished by voters. Shrinking came into its own this season and the Academy has a love affair with Hacks (congrats to Julianne Nicholson for her well deserved Guest Actress Emmy). But here's an industry self-congratulatory caveat - a win for The Studio proves voters are in on the joke - or at least they think that they are. Irresistible. 

BEST LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES
Deserves to win: Adolescence
Will win: Adolescence

Apologies to The Penguin, but the first episode of Adolescence was a highlight of the year that shouldn't be missed. Powerful storytelling in 4 eps with one steady camera shot. 

BEST TALK SERIES
Deserves to win: The Daily Show
Will win: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

TDS may pull off the victory, but Jon Stewart will probably throw to Colbert anyway. This is one acceptance speech worth paying attention to. 

BEST SCRIPTED VARIETY SERIES
Deserves to win: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Will win: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Even going head to head with Saturday Night Live cannot stop John Oliver at the Emmys. Yet another acceptance speech I look forward to hearing.

BEST ACTOR: DRAMA
Deserves to win: Adam Scott, Severance
Will win: Noah Wyle, The Pitt

I hope I'm wrong here. Adam Scott gave a fantastic performance this season, and a win would provide even more The Studio irony. But I don't think Hollywood can resist Dr. Carter, sorry, Dr. Robby who was excellent as well. All five nominees are top notch.

BEST ACTRESS: DRAMA
Deserves to win: Brett Lower, Severance
Will win: Kathy Bates, Matlock

Echoing my previous Severance sentiment, Brett Lower was must-see TV this season. The Academy won't be able to resist Kathy Bates doing her thing yet again.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: DRAMA
Deserves to win: Sam Rockwell, The White Lotus
Will win: Tramell Trillman, Severance

In this battle of only White Lotus and Severance actors (which is B.S.), Sam Rockwell stole the season showing up in Thailand. Tramell will bring one home for Lumon.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: DRAMA
Deserves to win: Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt
Will win: Parker Posey, The White Lotus

Four actresses from White Lotus? Really? Patricia Arquette could surprise here, but Parker Posey's drawl will carry the night. Katherine LaNasa had the hardest role to play in this bunch and is the heart and soul of The Pitt. 

BEST ACTOR: COMEDY
Deserves to win: Jeremy Allen White, The Bear
Will win: Jeremy Allen White, The Bear

The Bear is not a comedy, and I'm worried about my picks because the Academy might globally punish the show. Jeremy Allen White is Best Actor regardless of category. 

BEST ACTRESS: COMEDY
Deserves to win: Jean Smart, Hacks
Will win: Ayo Edebiri, The Bear

The Bear still isn't a comedy. Ayo is excellent, but Jean Smart deserves a lifetime achievement for what she does on Hacks. 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: COMEDY
Deserves to win: Jeff Hiller, Somebody Somewhere/Ike Barinholtz, The Studio
Will win: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear

The Bear is...well, you know. I've got Harrison Ford finishing fourth which is saying something. Jeff Hiller deserves more than a nomination. If Ike wins, it will be the most surreal acceptance speech ever made. Thank you, Sal Saperstein!

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: COMEDY
Deserves to win: Kathryn Hahn, The Studio
Will win: Hannah Einbinder, Hacks

A Hannah win will be a make-good Emmy for Jean Smart's loss. Kathryn Hahn will remind studio marketing execs way too much of themselves to vote for her. 

BEST ACTOR: LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES
Deserves to win: Colin Farrell, The Penguin
Will win: Colin Farrell, The Penguin

Stephen Graham is excellent in Adolescence and Cooper Koch makes one hell of a Menendez, but this will be Colin's year. 

BEST ACTRESS: LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES
Deserves to win: Cristin Miloti, The Penguin
Will win: Michelle Williams, Dying For Sex

Cate Blanchett gets beat by another award-winning actress. Cristin Miloti gets robbed as she and her character deserve a better fate. 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES
Deserves to win: Javier Bardem, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story 
Will win: Owen Cooper, Adolescence

A first-time appearance by a kid in a supporting actor category? Easy win, even over the great Javier.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES
Deserves to win: Jenny Slate, Dying For Sex
Will win: Chloe Sevigny, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story 

Do you really think both Javier or Chloe aren't going home with a statuette? Jenny remains underrated, but her hands will be undeservedly empty tonight. 

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I'll be watching the Falcons and the Vikings. Let me know how this goes. 

Saturday, May 3, 2025

2025 TV - So Far, So Eh....

The weather is warming up, and so are the quality TV options. Yes, there's still a ton of crap to sift through, but if you look carefully, there are some gems worth your time.

Here are a few to get you started if you haven't already seen them:

The Pitt (MAX)

My favorite series of the year to date. No, it's not ER. It's set in an ER, and a lot of those involved worked on ER, but it's not ER. It's better than ER. Great storytelling, acting, and directing. Bonus points for it taking place in Pittsburgh and yinz references. Points off for no one having a 'Burgh accent. Go in cold and just binge the heck out of it. You'll be glad. 

Adolescence (NETFLIX)

The first episode is excellent. The next three are very good. A powerful story from across the pond with plenty of drama and oners. The one consistent camera shot technique works very well as the scenery keeps changing. The oner in the police station - not so much. Oners can feel gimmicky if not deployed correctly, but Adolescence mostly succeeds at using the camera well. Compelling stuff with Stephen Graham leading the way. 

Your Friends and Neighbors (APPLE TV+)

How about that Jon Hamm? Coming off an excellent turn in Landman (another must-see), he nails it as a Westchester master of the universe who loses everything and resorts to robbing his neighbors for cash. The story is so much more than that thanks to creator Jonathan Tropper (Banshee, Warrior) who is a master at mixing in the sex, violence and humor. Hamm leads a fine acting crew. This was shot in my brother's neighborhood and held my attention in spite of my constant driveway spotting. Looking forward to season two.

Reacher (PRIME VIDEO)

Speaking of Banshee, Reacher is a show that knows exactly what it is and how to deliver a compelling story. Is it winning Emmys? Not a chance. But Alan Ritchson is the best version of the Lee Child antihero that ever hit the screen. Nice to see Anthony Michael Hall as the bad guy who realizes how he has neglected his son. There's plenty of flight scenes, dark humor and bad Boston accents to go around. But as the bodies fall, the humor continues as the story moves forward. You know where everything is going to end up, and that's okay. 

Paradise (HULU)

This Sterling K. Brown led adventure feels like Reacher with a bigger budget. James Marsden has become the must-have TV supporting actor. Julianne Nicholson delivers as the go-to baddie she has been since Boardwalk Empire. The plot twists are plentiful in this Truman-like world and the entertaining storyline delivers in its first season. 

The Last Of Us (HBO)

The second episode is catching a lot of flak for, well, I don't want to spoil it. Let's just say someone gets the ol' Ned Stark. I loved it. Bold choices bode well for epic storytelling. This comes right outta the video game which I know nothing about (the last video game I played was NHL '94). We are only a few episodes in and I'm all for having two vengeful young ladies leading the way with that mushroom fungus lurking. 

Severance (APPLE TV+)

I'm late on this review, but the second season absolutely delivered. We are in LOST territory in keeping the main mystery alive while solving lesser mysteries without creating mysteries for the sake of having mystery. Got that? Adam Scott and Britt Lower should win Emmys. Patricia Arquette is fantastically creepy. Although the locations change in season two, the mood never changes. Bonus points for the return of Brienne of Tarth (my second GoT reference) and a goat explanation. Let's not wait as long for season 3.

The Studio (APPLE TV+)

The more inside Hollywood you are, the more you appreciate what Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg created. This 10 episode series is two episodes too long, but anyone I know in the industry confirms there's a lot of non-fiction in this comedic romp. No surprise, the laughs are there. Ike Barinholtz and Kathryn Hahn stand out in this wonderful acting ensemble. The cameos are ridiculous, with Ron Howard leading the way as an obnoxious director. The Oner is a meta look at a one-take shot (see Adolescence),  but in other eps the camera moves get in the way of the storytelling. The Golden Globes episode is the best of the bunch - don't mess with Zoe Kravitz. Her breakdown of an awards show acceptance speech is as real as it gets. 

Hacks (MAX)

At the end of each season, I'm skeptical as to how this show could possibly continue without getting formulaic and boring. Then I remember Jean Smart is the star. Give Jean another Emmy as she kills as Deborah Vance who finally gets her shot as a late-night TV talk show host. The Deborah/Eva relationship goes down its predictable path, and Jimmy and Kayla do their thing navigating the agency world. Julianne Nicholson delivers one of her best performances (what a dance) and Jimmy Kimmel shines in his cameo in the parking lot. Hacks delivers the laughs and tears as it reinvents itself one more time. 

The White Lotus (HBO)

Mike White is a genius. I love the television (and movies) he has created during his illustrious career. I envy the world he has imagined at Four Seasons hotels all over the planet. I respect the pace he sets in his storytelling knowing the big payoff will eventually come. And I really wanted to like the third season of this dark comedy. But I didn't. Carrie Coon and Walton Goggins stood out above all the other actors. Nice to see Sam Rockwell. The was nothing inherently "wrong" with the show, but nothing great about it either. Beautiful locations for sure, but did you really care what happened to any of these characters while waiting for something to kick in? I waited, and ultimately, I didn't. 

Black Mirror (NETFLIX)

What happened to one of my favorite UK imports? The early seasons of Charlie Brooker's creation are top notch TV. Now, I'm honestly not sure what this series has become. We all know the threat technology imposes as it gets further integrated into our lives. The episodes this time around, well, just aren't that compelling. It opens with a great back-from-the-dead premise and fine performances from Rashida Jones and Chris O'Dowd - but you see exactly where the story is headed. Paul Giamatti is excellent, as always, mourning a former flame in Eulogy, the best ep of the bunch. I'll watch Cristin Milioti in anything, but the return to the USS Callister feels like a bad, bloated Star Trek episode. Don't even bother with the other eps. If only this series could go back in time...

Now I'm off to Andor. Let me know about any good stuff that I've missed.


Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Best TV Series Of 2024

Sometimes, less is more.

There were hundreds of TV series to watch in 2024, but it was a struggle to come up with 10 to include on my annual "Best Of" list. 

Never mistake quantity for quality. 

The following shows provide some hope. But it's getting tougher to find great TV to recommend these days. 

My Top 10 TV Series

10. Nobody Wants This (Netflix)

Kristen Bell and Adam Brody lead a cast that charms the heck out of you in this L.A. based dating rom com. 

9. Abbott Elementary (ABC)

Quinta keeps the network comedy alive with sharp dialogue and a solid ensemble. 

8. Shrinking (AppleTV+)

Therapy can be fun! Harrison Ford has a sense of humor! Ted McGinley proves me wrong! Bill Lawrence keeps making great TV (honorable mention to Bad Monkey). 

7. The Bear (FX/Hulu)

Was it the best season? No. Was it better than 99% of the shows that aired this year? You betcha.  

6. Hacks (MAX)

I thought this premise had one season in it - boy was I wrong. Permanently engrave "Jean Smart" on the Best Actress Emmy. 

5. Slow Horses (AppleTV+)

The best of the glut of spy shows that popped up this year. Gary Oldman is masterful in this drama with a sense of humor and bite that all the others lack. 

4. The Penguin (HBO)

No Batman required - this dark mob tale with great makeup had a stellar first season. 

3. Baby Reindeer (Netflix)

Stalker trauma done right.  

2. Shogun (FX/Hulu)

This 17th century Japanese tale is a true work of art. 

1. Somebody Somewhere (HBO)

The third and final season of Bridget Everett's poignant comedy is everything TV should be. 

Happy new year!

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Best TV Series of 2024 (so far)

Hi there. It's the midpoint of 2024, and honestly, I'm still searching for some quality TV. 

Once again I'm at odds with critics who proclaim we're in the midst of a television programming renaissance. I just don't see it. 

What I have seen is way too many three-worded series based on notable books (Under The Bridge3 Body Problem), sensationalized recreations of news events (Perfect Wife, Quiet On Set), unnecessary reboots (Presumed Innocent) and sports documentaries (The Dynasty). These initially hold your attention but quickly trail off to the land of forgettability. 

My search continues. In the meantime, here's what I found worth watching during the first half of this year:

Baby Reindeer (Netflix)

Absolutely lives up to the hype. It's rare when the one being stalked is just as messed up as the stalker. Excellent storytelling that hooks you from the get go. 

The Bear (Hulu)

Is it as good as seasons 1 and 2? No. Is it better than 99% of the stuff that's on? Absolutely. Looking forward to seeing that Tribune review.

Hacks (Max)

Is it as good as seasons 1 and 2? No. Is it better than 98% of the stuff that's on? Absolutely. I wasn't sure where this could go after the first season but proven wrong with season 2. This third season sustains the momentum as Jean Smart needs to make more room on her Emmy shelf.

House of the Dragon (HBO)

Is it as good as season 1? Too soon to tell. Is it better than 97% of the stuff that's on? Absolutely. Episode 4 is an indication of how good this Thrones prequel can be. Plus you can't beat that opening theme. 

Manhunt (AppleTV+)

We know how the search for Abraham Lincoln's assassin turns out, but Tobias Menzes does a great job in this retelling of the aftermath of that fatal shot. 

Shogun (Hulu)

I overcame childhood flashbacks of a bearded Richard Chamberlain to enjoy this epic told the right way. 

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Sadly, that's all I've got. If I've missed something worth watching, please let me know.

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Best TV Series of 2023

Hi there. I took one year off from writing about TV, and honestly, I didn't miss that much.

Some TV critics are hailing 2023 as part of the "golden age" of television. I'm not sure what channels they watched this year. Don't mistake quantity for quality. 

If you looked hard enough, there were some gems to be found in 2023. 

My Top 10 TV Series

10. How To With John Wilson (HBO)

Came to this late, but loved this NYC filmmaker's journeys.

9. For All Mankind (Apple TV+)

Bounced back with a great season - watch from the start to appreciate its premise. 

8. Abbott Elementary (ABC)

The only network TV series worth your time. Trust me. 

7. Barry (HBO)

Made sure there were consequences by the time it wrapped up. 

6. Somebody Somewhere (HBO)

Plenty of heart and plenty of laughs. 

5. Reservation Dogs (FX)

What groundbreaking television is supposed to be - hits hard comedically and emotionally. Mvto.

4. The Last Of Us (HBO)

Lived up to the hype - great acting and a dark tale. 

3. Fargo (FX)

Comeback series of the year - give Juno Temple her Emmy now. 

2. Succession (HBO)

Intense throughout with a finale that made perfect sense.

1. The Bear (FX)

Venturing outside the restaurant took us deeper into the characters - the best show on TV in 2023. 

Happy new year!


Sunday, December 18, 2022

TV Picks - Moving Forward

As 2022 comes to an end, so does my deal for a weekly TV picks column over at Primetimer. I might do some other writing for them next year, but that has yet to be determined. 

I will continue to post TV picks on a somewhat regular basis on this blog and might even involve some social media. Since I no longer have to adhere to a weekly schedule or worry about editing (not all TV is good TV), expect a slight shift in tone.

I'll be playing around with some formatting ideas but keeping things simple. Focus will be on new stuff that's coming out (maybe even some movies), what I'm currently watching, a little bit of Q&A, and other TV-related bits of interest. 

Thanks for caring about what I have to say when you're deciding what to watch on TV.  


Monday, December 12, 2022

TV Picks - Week of December 12

TV has been an essential part of my life from the day my mom plunked me down as a toddler to watch Sesame Street. I've never left. It has always been an informative world of creativity, escape, news and just plain fun. It inspired me then… it inspires me now. Most say TV watching is a passive activity, but for me the opposite couldn't be more true.

Growing up, I transcribed the TV Guide at home every week. I analyzed weekly scheduling and summer programming. I tuned in as network and syndication paved the way for cable, satellite, and streaming. I studied communications at school, but always made time for TV. I even coined a phrase and created a web site that turned this lifelong passion into a career.

I've watched well over 10,000 hours in my lifetime, so I've paid my dues when it comes to expertise. I've seen it all, and still can't get enough. Occasionally, a program comes along that is truly different than the rest. Any TV fan lives for these moments because they are magical when they occur.

This will be my final Hein's Picks column for Primetimer, and my plan was to take a bow with the 10 greatest shows of all time. No real surprises — The Wire, Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, Seinfeld, The Office (UK), The Larry Sanders Show, The Twilight Zone, Mad Men, The Simpsons, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

But this column has always been a bit more personal, so I'd like to leave you with a list of shows that have made the greatest impact on my life. There are well more than 10, but I'll do my best to narrow down the list.

In chronological order…

Sesame Street
"Sunny day, sweeping the clouds away..." Every morning of my young life started with telling me how to get to that New York City street. As a child of the '70s, I was born at the right time during the launch of this legendary show. Sesame Street taught a lot of life lessons and exposed different cultures and learning, but for me, it was all about the Muppets. Pre-Elmo episodes actually had an edge and some great music, speaking to little kids like me in an unpatronizing manner. And it made me laugh. I'd stack Grover and early Kermit the Frog up against any of today's comedians. Clever, funny, and innovative — a great recipe for any TV program, and more special for a children's show. The Muppet Show gets an honorable mention for carrying on this tradition a few years later.

The Twilight Zone
Rod Serling terrified me, and I couldn't get enough. Entering that dimension of sight, sound, and mind late at night and discovering the clever tales of this black and white anthology series was inspiring. It taught me that a good story with a little bit of suspense will always mesmerize and entertain. The different premises and actors each week added to the mystique. I never miss a Twilight Zone marathon to this day. “To Serve Man,” “Time Enough At Last” and “Will The Real Martian Please Stand Up?” are forever ingrained in my mind. There's always room for one more, honey.

The Lawrence Welk Show
I know what you're thinking. How can this ballroom music dance fest possibly be on your list? As an elementary school kid in Mt. Lebanon Pennsylvania, Bowling for Dollars and this bubbly show were the highlight of Sunday night (there was no night-time football). Even back then, I recognized this was the cheesiest of the cheesy. The accent, the music, the dancing — it was a guilty pleasure that paved the way for Bob Ross and so many other shows of its kind. So bad, it's so good.

The Odd Couple
When I moved to New York, a staple of syndicated comedies greeted me upon my arrival. The Brady Bunch, Gilligan's Island, The Munsters, and other classics aired every afternoon, but this Garry Marshall gem starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman stood out. I was too young to appreciate all the layers of this smart comedy, but I had a front row seat to TV comedy writing excellence. November 13th is a day I'll never forget (and neither will Felix or Oscar).

Happy Days
An obvious choice, but not for the reason you may be thinking. Yes, Fonzie's jump in that leather jacket on water skis over a fin changed my life. But this was must-see TV well before that fateful leap. Garry Marshall knew how to make great television, and the Cunninghams were the right sitcom family at the right time. Happy Days was wholesome to watch with the family, but The Fonz made it cool. It was nostalgic, but often winked at modern family issues. Every kid wanted to be The Fonz, but most of us were Richie. My entire family enjoyed this one (and Laverne & Shirley, which followed right after).

Saturday Night Live/SCTV/Monty Python's Flying Circus
If you went out on Saturday night, you made sure to be around a TV at 11:30 to see what The Not Ready For Prime Time Players were up to. I was babysitting my brother and couldn't believe what they were doing on television. Lorne Michaels' creation was groundbreaking in so many ways, and everyone wanted to be on or write for SNLSCTV, which was even wackier with an equally talented ensemble, took things to a zanier level. Then flipping on PBS to discover Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the birthplace of both shows, was a game changer. "Argument Clinic" is the finest sketch ever written, and I always look on the bright side of life thanks to these sketch comedies.

This Week In Baseball
This syndicated gem aired well before ESPN or any of the sports network juggernauts rose up and dominated the cable airwaves. Mel Allen hosted this weekly Major League Baseball highlights show, and the strings of "Gathering Crowds" inspired athletes everywhere to make that magical catch or hit that towering home run. This opened my eyes to the power of music in television. It also made me realize that I'd never be a professional baseball player.

The Joker's Wild/The Price Is Right/Wheel of Fortune/Jeopardy!
The first job I actually wanted was to be a TV game show host. Who had it better than Wink Martindale, Bill Cullen, Jack Barry and of course, Bob Barker? I knew what categories to pick, how much to bid, where the Daily Doubles were and how to solve puzzles like REMOTE _ONTROL. The Joker's Wild traumatized me with that devil (if you watched, you know), but Gambit, High Rollers, Match Game, Name That Tune, and others provided a challenge. I wanted to be in the TPIR audience screaming higher and lower and hoping I’d be asked to come on down. Wheel and Jeopardy! graduated to nighttime fun and provided me with useless trivia knowledge that I still use to this day.

The Cosby Show/Family Ties/Cheers/Night Court
Following ABC’s Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Three’s Company, Taxi lineup, this was my prime era of must-see TV. Seinfeld and Friends would later move into this comedy block as ER took over for Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law. Thursday nights were all about these comedies that had a sweetness and some outrageousness to them.

thirtysomething
I knew I was in love because I watched this hourlong drama weekly with the gal who I've now been married to for over 31 years. Debbie opened my eyes to many shows including The Good Wife and Virgin River. There's nothing wrong with a cheesy romance if you're watching it with someone you love.

Arthur/Blue's Clues/The Powerpuff Girls/The Wonder Pets/Yo Gabba Gabba
When I had kids, the TV was always on. I grew up being babysat by TV, so I had no problem with my kids tuning in. Most children's TV is annoying to adults, but when you find a show that you can tolerate, that's when the magic happens. These animated classics provided plenty of joy for me and my daughters as they grew up over the years. Barney and The Wiggles do not make the cut.

Oz/The Sopranos/The Wire
Television drama hit a new high every Sunday night on HBO. Oz set the stage, The Sopranos elevated the game, and The Wire is the best of the bunch. This felt like watching a movie every Sunday starting at 9 and set a precedent that Succession tries to live up to today. Sunday nights on HBO were truly special.

Lost
Previously… on Lost. Three magic words. This Damon Lindelof/Carlton Cuse creation is one of those shows that comes around every decade or so and changes television. This isn't about whether you were satisfied with the ending or what it all meant. Lost was all about the adventure. I fully appreciated this drama when I rewatched it with my daughter as she experienced it for the first time. Penny's boat is well worth saving.

Mad Men/Breaking Bad
AMC went from American Movie Classics to the home of the next groundbreaking television. It restored my faith that excellent programs could still be made. Mad Men had the style and drama of a previous generation. Breaking Bad had the ultimate anti-hero and led to a prequel that was almost as good as the original.

Game Of Thrones
I still get chills hearing the opening theme (and now it's wisely back on House of the Dragon). This saga symbolizes the shift of epic feature films to the big screen in your living room. Translating George R.R. Martin's universe was no small feat, but I was happily immersed in the world of Westeros as the drama unfurled. There's nothing better than a great theme song followed by an hour of gripping content (with or without dragons).

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There are many more programs I could have included, and one day I'll write another book detailing all the pivotal TV milestones in my life. Primetimer has been kind enough to publish my weekly picks over the past few years, and I thank them for that.

Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe.

And stay tuned…