MovieChat Forums > The Vampire Diaries (2009) Discussion > Slightly OT - What's the smartest show y...

Slightly OT - What's the smartest show you watch?

posted 8 years ago by tenlegdragon
30 replies | jump to latest

Or have watched.

I consider this to be the worst written thing I have in my regular line up.

I'm constantly explaining and rationalising why I watch it to people who know me. And I always feel like I have to say "I watch _____too." In a sort of attempt to justify myself. Like, "No, I'm not an insane person watching it because I think it's good."

I'm just curious as to what other people have in their lineup.

By smartest, I mean well written, intended for adult consumption, not a procedural on CBS or NBC, and lacking an easy sort sentence premise (eg, girl in love triangle with two vampire brothers).

Off the top of my head, I usually go with House of Cards (only watched the first season), Black Sails and now Billions.

Clever people will recognize and tolerate nothing but cleverness.

[–] SpiderMonkeyz 8 years ago

Haha, I do the same. Actually, for the past few years I tend to hide the fact I still watch TVD from everyone except my closest family and my fiance since they're stuck with me anyway 
The way I justify it to myself (and others) - I was a different person 8 years ago when I started watching it, AND the writing used to be way better back in seasons 1-3.

Oh, and to answer your question: Hannibal, Breaking Bad, Fargo.

When life becomes maddeningly polite... think about me.

[–] tenlegdragon 8 years ago

Yes, I hide sometimes. Watch it on the TV only when I'm alone...

On two occasions I watched it on my phone and told people I was checking something out on YouTube.

I got caught last Friday ?. Red handed at the television.

[–] NikkiFromSiberia 8 years ago

Meh if somebody's gonna judge you for your viewing habits they don't need to be in your life. That said i don't easily admit to watching these types of shows either, well i do to my bf and friends but not to randos.
It was a better show years ago, now it's suffering from a severe case of last-sesonitis...

Anyway, what's even considered a smart show?
I watch Better call Saul - i loved BB so much!
Vikings you could consider smart (although this season is losing me fast)
The affair is a pretty well-put together drama, although if you go to their board they'll tell you it's gone to *beep*
Westworld - my bf made me watch it basically but i kind of enjoyed it.
Bojack Horseman - best cartoon stle show in a long while.
Orphan Black - one of my favorite shows...
many more, that might not be considered high brow enough to list here

#cloneclub /i am the topic closer, the real topic closer//if you post after me a faerie gets cookies

[–] mymammakat 8 years ago

I agree. Love this show, also love Scandal and Shameless, maybe not "prestigious "but definitely worth the watch.

We're all on our way out, act accordingly.

[–] bluesysax 8 years ago

Damn, I forgot Shameless and Queer as folk. Brilliant.
Yes to the girl above with regards to having no shame, and honestly this forum is not high brow enough to warrant feeling that way. Just look at some of the threads particularly the who is your least fave character!!! Please ,what are we 12?

Never argue with stupid people,they will drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.

[–] mymammakat 8 years ago

Yes... that!

We're all on our way out, act accordingly.

[–] tenlegdragon 8 years ago

Oh God, Scandal is another one I'm always justifying. But I feel less guilty about that. I mean. For a serious drama, it has problems, but it's an excellent political soap opera...

Shameless is awesome too. I put that in the list of shows I consider well written. The characters themselves are stupid and vulgar and crass, but it's really good writing about stupid vulgar trapped in the system people. Lip, Fiona and Ian are some really complex people.

[–] mymammakat 8 years ago

Yes, I agree Scandal is a political soap, good description.
Shameless is a little more involved, these people are far from stupid, I think the things that they have endured have forced them to adapt and survive, ie,addiction, mental illness, neglect, what's more crass, vulgar and stupid,most of all,than a society that lets a family like that fall through the cracks?

We're all on our way out, act accordingly.

[–] tenlegdragon 8 years ago

Well, not stupid in a bad way. Lol. More like they repeatedly make horrible decisions. But I like how the show really emphasises that honestly, they didn't stand much of a chance.

I feel worse for Ian most of all. With proper support, he didn't have to crash that bad. But on the other hand, everyone was doing their best to help in their own way. Even Mickey. They're trapped dealing with the fallout of Frank and Monica.

[–] NikkiFromSiberia 8 years ago

oh for fawk's sake Shameless, of course, why do i always forget Shameless? It's one of my favorite shows...

#cloneclub /i am the topic closer, the real topic closer//if you post after me a faerie gets cookies

[–] Griffin_Homer 8 years ago

Westworld
House of Cards
Sherlock
Breaking Bad
Black Mirror
12 Monkeys
Hannibal
Mr Robot
Dexter

[–] Utpe 8 years ago

I'm not ashamed of admitting I watch this and The Originals (2013). People can clearly see that in our posting history anyhow.

Here's a list of shows that I think contain smart writing, currently on the air:

• American Crime Story (2016)
• Archer (2009)
• Better Call Saul (2015)
• BoJack Horseman (2014)
• Fargo (2014)
• Homeland (2011)
• House of Cards (2013)
• Mr. Robot (2015)
• Orphan Black (2013)
• Rick and Morty (2013)
• Shameless (2011)
• Stranger Things (2016)
• True Detective (2014)

A few other honorable mentions:

• Arrested Development (2003)
• Boardwalk Empire (2010)
• Breaking Bad (2008)
• Chuck (2007)
• Dexter (2006) - Kinda went downhill towards the end, but the first three or four seasons were golden
• Downton Abbey (2010)
• Fringe (2008)
• House M.D. (2004)
• Justified (2010)
• Mad Men (2007)
• Person of Interest (2011)
• Twin Peaks (1990) - Awaiting the 2017 continuation

That's pretty much all I can think of at the moment. Seems like quite a few of the shows are from Netflix, or some premium cable channel.

[–] JelenaPavlovski 8 years ago

I watch The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, but only because i was watching TVD in the good days and i am loyal :) I do not watch every episode of The Originals, but i try to keep up with the story. Also, i used to watch True Blood and (yes, really) Gossip Girl LOL. Those are my guilty pleasures :)

As for smart shows, i simply love Sherlock and it is my favorite show.

I do watch Outlander as well, it is not that smart but it is decent, love the scenery and the acting.

Unfortunately, i have a baby who is very demanding so i can't really "afford" watching as many shows as i'd like to. This includes Game of Thrones, Westworld, House of Cards, Stranger Things etc...

I am just a girl - lucky me

[–] EmperorOfLatveria 8 years ago

The Blacklist (though, I missed the last half of the last season... No time yet)
The Originals (I think how the last season ended, and the whole development of the arc that led to it was brilliant)
Daredevil/Jessica Jones (I count them as one)
Game of Thrones (but it still is overrated. But it is still one of the smartest, with how plots go)

Going by just one season, I would say last season of Originals would be my #1, but biased opinion.

And overall, I would say The Blacklist. At least for my shows that are currently running.
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