Bad Sisters is a dark comedy-thriller from Apple TV+ that arrived with little fanfare in 2022 and promptly became one of the most celebrated television series of the decade. Created by Sharon Horgan, who also stars, the series follows the four Garvey sisters in Dublin who conspire to murder their abusive brother-in-law John Paul Williams — a man so comprehensively awful that audiences are cheering for his death before the end of the first episode. The show's masterstroke is its dual-timeline structure, which reveals in the opening minutes that John Paul is dead, then spends ten episodes showing how he might have gotten that way.
The ensemble is uniformly brilliant: Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, and Eve Hewson each bring distinctive textures to the Garvey sisters, creating a family unit so believable and warmly drawn that viewers will want to be adopted into it immediately. Claes Bang is magnificently hateable as John Paul, a performance that requires the audience to understand exactly why murder feels justified while also illuminating the specific and insidious ways such men operate within families. The comedic timing across the ensemble is impeccable, arriving in moments you least expect and making the darkness all the more bearable.
What elevates Bad Sisters beyond its clever premise is its profound emotional intelligence about grief, family loyalty, and the way women are conditioned to endure harm rather than name it. The series was renewed for a second season, which expanded the universe while maintaining the tonal balance that made the original so distinctive. Bad Sisters is that rare achievement: a show that is genuinely funny, genuinely suspenseful, and genuinely moving, often within the same scene.
ER is a medical drama TV series that ran on NBC from 1994 to 2009. It was created by Michael Crichton and produced by John Wells. The show follows the daily lives of emergency room doctors and nurses at the fictional County General Hospital in Chicago.
ER is known for its fast-paced storytelling, realistic medical procedures, and high-intensity action. The show's ensemble cast includes George Clooney, Anthony Edwards, and Julianna Margulies, among others. The series is also credited with launching the careers of several actors who went on to become household names.
ER was a critical and commercial success throughout its 15 seasons. It won numerous awards, including 23 Primetime Emmy Awards, and consistently ranked among the top-rated shows on television. It has been credited with popularizing the medical drama genre and influencing other shows in the same category. Today, ER remains a beloved show that continues to attract new viewers through streaming platforms.
"Ray Donovan" is an American television crime drama series that aired from 2013 to 2020. The show centers around the titular character, Ray Donovan, who works as a professional "fixer" for the rich and famous in Los Angeles. Ray's job is to make their problems disappear, whether it be covering up a scandal or silencing a witness. However, his own troubled past and complicated family dynamics often get in the way of his work and personal life.
Throughout the series, Ray must navigate his relationships with his estranged wife, Abby, and his two troubled brothers, Terry and Bunchy, who have their own share of problems. The show also explores themes of power, corruption, and the dark side of the American Dream. As Ray delves deeper into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, he becomes entangled in dangerous and often deadly situations that put his own life at risk.
"Ray Donovan" was praised for its gritty and realistic portrayal of Los Angeles and its complex characters. The show was also noted for its strong performances, particularly by Liev Schreiber in the lead role. However, the series faced criticism for its inconsistent writing and uneven pacing in later seasons. Despite this, "Ray Donovan" remains a popular crime drama that explores the darker side of Hollywood and the toll it takes on those who inhabit it.
"Parade's End" is a British television miniseries that aired in 2012. It is based on a series of novels by Ford Madox Ford and is set during World War I. The story revolves around a wealthy Englishman named Christopher Tietjens, who is in a troubled marriage with his adulterous wife, Sylvia. He also falls in love with a young suffragette named Valentine Wannop, who becomes his confidante and ally during the war.
The series explores themes of love, loyalty, duty, and sacrifice against the backdrop of the changing political and social landscape of early 20th century England. Christopher Tietjens, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, is a complex and enigmatic character who struggles to reconcile his deep sense of duty and honor with his personal desires and feelings. The series also sheds light on the role of women during this time period, particularly their fight for suffrage and their contribution to the war effort.
"Parade's End" received critical acclaim for its performances, writing, and production values. It was praised for its accurate portrayal of the historical period and its nuanced exploration of the characters' emotions and motivations. The series has been described as a thought-provoking and emotionally intense drama that captures the complexities and contradictions of human relationships and societal norms during a time of great upheaval and change.
For the People is an American legal drama series that premiered on ABC in 2018. It follows a group of young lawyers as they navigate their careers and personal lives in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The show explores the challenges and complexities of working in the legal profession while juggling personal relationships and their own moral compass.
The series features a diverse cast of characters, including public defenders, prosecutors, and judges, who face a range of legal cases that tackle issues such as immigration, police brutality, and political corruption. The show highlights the struggles and triumphs of the legal system while showcasing the humanity of the people behind it.
For the People received generally positive reviews for its strong writing, acting, and timely storylines. The series was cancelled after two seasons due to low ratings, but its impact on representation and storytelling in the legal genre has been noted as a significant contribution to the television landscape.
Coronation Street is a British television soap opera that first aired in 1960. It is set in the fictional town of Weatherfield and follows the daily lives of its working-class residents. The show has become a cultural phenomenon and is one of the longest-running and most beloved soap operas in the world.
The show's storylines revolve around the lives and relationships of the residents of Coronation Street. It tackles a variety of social issues such as poverty, unemployment, family breakdown, and health problems. Its characters are relatable and its storylines are often grounded in reality, which has helped the show to maintain its popularity over the years.
Coronation Street has been praised for its realistic portrayal of working-class life and for tackling important social issues. It has also been recognized for its ability to evolve with the times while staying true to its roots. The show's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with audiences and reflect the changing face of British society.
"The L Word: Generation Q" is an American television drama series that serves as a sequel to the original series "The L Word," which aired from 2004 to 2009. The show premiered on Showtime on December 8, 2019. The series follows a group of LGBTQ+ friends living in Los Angeles, as they navigate their careers, relationships, and personal lives.
The show features a diverse cast of characters, including Bette Porter, who is running for mayor of Los Angeles; Alice Pieszecki, who hosts a popular talk show; and Shane McCutcheon, who owns a bar. The show also introduces new characters, such as Finley, a young, queer woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. The series explores themes of love, friendship, sexuality, and identity, as well as social and political issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community.
The show has been praised for its representation of the LGBTQ+ community and its exploration of contemporary issues. It has also been noted for its diverse cast and crew, which includes women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. "The L Word: Generation Q" is an important addition to LGBTQ+ representation on television, providing a platform for LGBTQ+ stories and experiences to be shared with a wider audience.
Tell Me Lies is a television series based on a novel of the same name by author Carola Lovering. The story revolves around two college students, Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco, who fall in love despite their differences in background and personalities. However, their relationship takes a dark turn as they both struggle with addiction and mental health issues, leading to a toxic and manipulative dynamic.
The series features a non-linear narrative structure, with flashbacks and alternating perspectives from Lucy and Stephen. It explores themes such as love, trust, betrayal, and the blurred lines between reality and perception. The show's cast includes Grace Van Patten as Lucy and Billy Howle as Stephen, along with other notable actors such as Danielle Brooks and Brandon Flynn.
Tell Me Lies received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances and the exploration of complex themes, while others criticized the pacing and the lack of depth in certain characters. Despite the mixed reception, the series remains a compelling and thought-provoking portrayal of toxic relationships and the challenges of young adulthood.
