Current Television

[hardtack 10,126]

4 hours ago, nutbean said:

Okay - I am a man with a short attention span and commitment issues. I am devoted to Game of Thrones and that is pretty much it however we are going away for almost a month over September ( I got that right...)  - what series should I download and take with me ? 

If you're traveling you will (or should) be too busy for watching a series... take a handful of movies instead, starting with What We Do In the Shadows.  Where are you going by the way?

 

Edited August 5, 2016 by hardtack

[AzzKikA 2,369]

4 hours ago, nutbean said:

Okay - I am a man with a short attention span and commitment issues. I am devoted to Game of Thrones and that is pretty much it however we are going away for almost a month over September ( I got that right...)  - what series should I download and take with me ? 

Depends if you want the obsession to carry over when you get back. If you do, The Walking Dead is a great one, fair amount of action too keep your attention span.  Vikings isn't too bad, bit slower though.

 

[nutbean 8,837]

1 hour ago, hardtack said:

If you're traveling you will (or should) be too busy for watching a series... take a handful of movies instead, starting with What We Do In the Shadows.  Where are you going by the way?

 

italy for 3 and half weeks.

[hardtack 10,126]

5 hours ago, nutbean said:

italy for 3 and half weeks.

I'm taking my son to Barcelona, Paris and London for 3 weeks mid Sept to early Oct.

[Macca 16,173]

18 hours ago, nutbean said:

Okay - I am a man with a short attention span and commitment issues. I am devoted to Game of Thrones and that is pretty much it however we are going away for almost a month over September ( I got that right...)  - what series should I download and take with me ? 

The best 5 drama's I've seen in the last few years are as follows ...

• True Detective
• Fargo
• Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul
• Mr Robot
• Orphan Black

But you may or may not like any or all of them nutbean.  It's all very subjective.  I'm not a 'Game of Thrones' fan but I know people who are and they also like or love some or all of the shows that I listed.

Homeland and House of Cards are first rate drama's too ... but again, it's just my opinion.

Pick of the bunch is True Detective season 1 and all 5 seasons of Breaking Bad.  The first season of 'Stranger Things' is great family entertainment as well. 

My rule of thumb is to watch at least the first 3 episodes of a new show. 

Or, seeing as you're going to be in Italy in your travels you could get into the swing of things with this quality Italian drama series ... Gomorrah ... the show is quite gritty and realistic and compares quite favourably with 'The Sopranos'

 

 

 

 

.

Edited August 5, 2016 by Macca

[John Demonic 4,782]

I'd add 'Bloodline' to that list, criminally underrated at present as it might be a little slow for some. Stars Ben Mendelsohn who was nominated for best supporting actor but lost to Mr Robot's Christian Slater. Now two seasons in and it's almost as gripping as Breaking Bad in terms of causes and effects, twists and turns

Also enjoyed 'Rectify' if you want a slow burning show that follows the rehabilitation of a wrongfully convicted man who has been in prison for 10+ years

 

Edited August 6, 2016 by johndemons

[AzzKikA 2,369]

Making a murderer is an interesting watch, can create some heated debates among the family though lol.

 

[Bartleby 5]

heard they're doing a 2nd season of making a murderer, which seems weird, i didn't watch it but i'd figure they covered everything the first time, unless it's a different case. 

[Bluey's Dad 3,419]

Currently rewatching Firefly.

Still one of the best TV shows ever.

[AzzKikA 2,369]

1 hour ago, Bartleby said:

heard they're doing a 2nd season of making a murderer, which seems weird, i didn't watch it but i'd figure they covered everything the first time, unless it's a different case. 

Yeah that would be very odd, unless there is more to the story?

 

[Deestroy All 14,261]

The Night Of.

[Ethan Tremblay 28,289]

First episode of Westworld was enthralling, looking forward to next week. 

[Macca 16,173]

22 hours ago, Ethan Tremblay said:

First episode of Westworld was enthralling, looking forward to next week. 

Yeah, very impressive first episode ET.

Some big names on board too ... Michael Crichton was such a creative writer (he was the writer for the original movie which this series is based on)  The show looks like it will stand up and the storyline is possibly more suited to today's audience - cinematography is superb too. That's just a first observation though.

Here's the IMDb link which includes a preview

Edited October 5, 2016 by Macca

[AzzKikA 2,369]

Started watching Narcos yesterday, interesting stuff.  I have never known the story of Pablo Escobar so I am a little intrigued as to how closely or loosely it follows his crimes.  One such mention was that he killed over 1000 Columbian police officers, surely that isn't true.

 

Also anyone else see they have made a Lethal Weapon TV Series?

 

Edited October 5, 2016 by AzzKikA

[Ethan Tremblay 28,289]

I'm currently watching the first season of 'Peaky Blinders.' Set in 1919, it follows the Shelby's who are a family crime gang. Three episodes in and I'm pretty hooked, it's quite raw and less 'Hollywoodish' than Boardwalk Empire. 

I also watched the first episode of Quarry during the week. Reminded me a little of the first season of True Detective, in particular the Quarry's main character and Mac from TD. Looking forward to episode two.

Workaholics has been giving me a much needed laugh lately, it really is rubbish but for some reason I'm hooked, could be the fact you don't need to use much brain power to watch it. 

Picked up Fargo season 2 which I haven't watched yet but really looking forward to. The back is still recovering so I've had plenty of time for TV. Keep the recommendations coming. 

Edited October 9, 2016 by Ethan Tremblay

[Binmans PA 25,894]

I take it most have done STRANGER THINGS? The score and world is amazing. Loved it.

Emmy-Award-Winning TRANSPARENT is back for season 3, which I'm looking forward to checking out.

THE AFFAIR is back in November for season 3 as is, I think, THE FALL.

THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE season 2 is also back before the end of the year. Amazon are smashing it.

Oh and BOSCH should also be back for season 3 in early 2017.

Been meaning to check out THE NIGHT MANAGER and watch the rest of FARGO season 2, which I started and then didn't finish.

Edited October 9, 2016 by A F

[AzzKikA 2,369]

TWD is back in less than 2 weeks!!!

[Diamond_Jim 11,678]

Hi

just found this part of the Board. Most of my favourites have been mentioned but I will add two more:

Ballers..... season 2 just finished. Made by the team who made Entourage but is based against the background of NFL. Season 2 was not as strong as season 1 in my view. There are some good blogs out of the US where they compare it with the real world of the NFL. Like Entourage it has cameos from real NFL players.

Halt and Catch Fire... Season 3 now showing... about the early world of computers. Was originally compared to Mad Men but did not rate anywhere near as well. Great show for binge watching.

And yes..... Man in the High Castle and the Night Manager are compulsive viewing along with the Politician's Husband and the Honourable Woman

Looking forward to following your recommendations.... (don't forget the foreign dramas..  The Spiral is a great series.... top rated French crime drama now in fifth season.)

[binman 37,776]

I'm not in to serials. Mainly because i watch enough footy and sport that more TV would be too much but also because i lose track of episodes and i'm not on one of the streaming services.

But one i did watch all of  was The Wire when it was on ABC2 a few years back (though to my dismay they didn't show the final series and i ended up buying it on DVD). Simply brilliant. The best thing i have ever seen on TV and the closest TV experience to reading a novel i have had.  As it was on free to air it was old school tension having to wait a week for the next episode, but i think that really added to the experience. 

Interestingly it was set in Baltimore and two of its main characters (both American) were played by English theater actors 

Edited October 10, 2016 by binman

[Macca 16,173]

The 2nd episode of 'Westworld' lived up to the standard of the pilot episode ... the  'Guests' and why & how they are guests was explained to a degree but there is obviously more to come.  Same for the 'Hosts' and the fluid storylines. 

Those 3 aspects and the other facets make the show enjoyable for its complexity alone.  The show along with the numerous characters are developing nicely ... speaking of which, Anthony Hopkins adds a commanding presence even though he doesn't feature prominently.

Here are some excellent podcasts that I found that are well worth a listen (if you've got time)

Westworld

Watching Westworld

Beyond Westworld

Westworld (the Hosts)

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

I just binge watched Narcos, loved  it.

[Macca 16,173]

On 10/9/2016 at 8:30 PM, Ethan Tremblay said:

I'm currently watching the first season of 'Peaky Blinders.' Set in 1919, it follows the Shelby's who are a family crime gang. Three episodes in and I'm pretty hooked, it's quite raw and less 'Hollywoodish' than Boardwalk Empire. 

I also watched the first episode of Quarry during the week. Reminded me a little of the first season of True Detective, in particular the Quarry's main character and Mac from TD. Looking forward to episode two.

Workaholics has been giving me a much needed laugh lately, it really is rubbish but for some reason I'm hooked, could be the fact you don't need to use much brain power to watch it. 

Picked up Fargo season 2 which I haven't watched yet but really looking forward to. The back is still recovering so I've had plenty of time for TV. Keep the recommendations coming. 

Both the first 2 episodes of 'Quarry' were first rate ...gritty, earthy, 70's, Vietnam, hitman, quite realistic and rather nasty where it needs to be.  Rule of thumb is 3 episodes but I'm probably all-in.  These throw-back dramas have got their place if done well (Stranger Things)

I've still got to get around to 'Peaky Blinders' but Fargo (season 2) was as good as season 1 in my opinion.

Anyone know if and when we're getting a 3rd season of 'True Detective'?  ... as a stand-alone show, I really liked 'TD' season 2 despite what the fans and critics said.  I also thought that Vince Vaughn was very good considering the difficult part he had to play (a mobster trying to be a legit businessman) 

Edited October 14, 2016 by Macca
Grammar

[Ethan Tremblay 28,289]

1 hour ago, Macca said:

Both the first 2 episodes of 'Quarry' were first rate ...gritty, earthy, 70's, Vietnam, hitman, quite realistic and rather nasty where it needs to be.  Rule of thumb is 3 episodes but I'm probably all-in.  These throw-back dramas have got their place if done well (Stranger Things)

I've still got to get around to 'Peaky Blinders' but Fargo (season 2) was as good as season 1 in my opinion.

Anyone know if and when we're getting a 3rd season of 'True Detective'?  ... as a stand-alone show, I really liked 'TD' season 2 despite the what the fans and critics said.  I also thought that Vince Vaughn was very good considering the difficult part he had to play (a mobster trying to be a legit businessman) 

I just noticed I got my character names mixed up, I should have said Mac from Quarry reminded me of Rusty from TD. Anyway... Unfortunately I don't have an answer for TD season 3, some articles on the net state it's been cancelled, some say HBO are still considering it. 

I plan on watching Fargo season 2 this weekend, my other half is away so I plan on having a good binge session of tv shows. I'll look into Stranger Things, this is the first I've heard about it, always happy to receive recommendations on new tv series. 

[Macca 16,173]

35 minutes ago, Ethan Tremblay said:

I just noticed I got my character names mixed up, I should have said Mac from Quarry reminded me of Rusty from TD. Anyway... Unfortunately I don't have an answer for TD season 3, some articles on the net state it's been cancelled, some say HBO are still considering it. 

I plan on watching Fargo season 2 this weekend, my other half is away so I plan on having a good binge session of tv shows. I'll look into Stranger Things, this is the first I've heard about it, always happy to receive recommendations on new tv series. 

Well, we'll probably see a 3rd season of True Detective sooner or later.  I can't see it finishing up.  I suppose they'd be looking for another state or city to base the series and theme around ... most of the iconic places have been covered but there's still scope when considering all the possible locations.  They might revisit the South?

'Stranger Things' is a terrific show and a lot of fun ... it's set in the 80's and I'd describe it as great family entertainment.  In other words, you're better off watching it with the better half and/or kids. 

I've nearly completely watched 'House of Cards' (3 episodes to go in season 4) and what a fine drama that show is ... it's a little over-the-top sometimes but in comparing the show to the real-life events we're currently seeing in the States, maybe not so!  Spacey is just superb but Robin Wright (who plays his wife) is equally as good.  Robin also directs a number of episodes and does a fine job in that area as well.

And I've just found out that 'The Exorcist' has been made into a series (based on the original book & movie) ... I'll have a gander soon enough but I definitely won't be watching it solo - the original movie still frightens the life out of me.  Heard some good reports, all the same.

 

Edited October 14, 2016 by Macca
Fixed link for 'The Exorcist'

[AzzKikA 2,369]

On 10/14/2016 at 10:24 PM, Ethan Tremblay said:

I just noticed I got my character names mixed up, I should have said Mac from Quarry reminded me of Rusty from TD. Anyway... Unfortunately I don't have an answer for TD season 3, some articles on the net state it's been cancelled, some say HBO are still considering it. 

I plan on watching Fargo season 2 this weekend, my other half is away so I plan on having a good binge session of tv shows. I'll look into Stranger Things, this is the first I've heard about it, always happy to receive recommendations on new tv series. 

Stranger things was great, when I saw the Winona Ryder was it in I was a bit iffy but she was fantastic.  If you are a fan of sci-fi you will catch on pretty quick as to whats going on but have a strong sense of the why factor does not spoil the story at all.