The Sopranos

In my opinion, one of the best shows ever. I have no particular order in terms of the shows in this list other than this is number one. 

It details the daily struggles of Tony Soprano as he grapples with depression, running the mob and his oddly normal family life. 

The Sopranos ran for a total of six seasons, each one offering a rich cast of talented actors. Creator David Chase laced diverse themes and storylines throughout the show, making it much more than merely a mob show, but another world to get lost in. 

If you are struggling with anything in your life, from the grades you receive, to your mental health, or just really like shows with guns — The Sopranos is for you.

Insecure

New to HBO, the same station that televised The Sopranos, Insecure is based on creator and star Issa Rae’s webseries Awkward Black Girl. 

The show fits the New Year with its funny spin on what life is like for many millennials, while also addressing black identity and how it affects one’s outward experiences and reactions to life. 

At Queen’s, some diversity coupled with hilarity can do everyone some good.

Master of None

I think this is the most underrated show Netflix has produced. Recently-announced host of SNL Aziz Ansari’s wonderful writing and performance about a guy just trying to figure out how to live is nearly a perfect transportation of real life onto the screen. 

It eerily voices all the awful things in our society and shows us how banal they are. We’re all just trying to figure out what the hell to do with ourselves after we get our degree. In the same way the main character is trying to figure out if acting is the profession for him while also juggling friends, family and his love life. Plus, it’ll have you laughing out loud — what’s not to like?

This Is Us

This Is Us is considered by many to be the best new show of the year. It focuses on the lives of a family of three kids, one adopted and twins, alongside their parents. 

The show is an exploration of what it means to be a family today, and how that has changed in the last half century. 

The show explores two times of life, one when the kids are nine and another when they are grown and dealing with careers, love and self-image. 

The parent’s storyline, well-acted by Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia, deals with the sacrifices they are forced to make to support their kids. 

The show is stunning for its ability to show us real life from behind a screen. It informs people of our age of the reality that nothing is set in stone, and meaning is what you make it.

Leftovers

This drama is borne from the mind who shaped Lost and deals with the aftermath of two per cent of the global population vanishing one day. The ones “left over” are besieged with questions of purpose, guilt and the weight of their actions. This is the darkest show on the list, but it explores how people perceive the world based on the influence of those around them. 

For students, going to school allows you to start fresh, to consider why you do things and for whom these things are done. 

This show is fantastic because it attempts to ask these questions while also being unique. I can’t think of a show I’ve seen quite like it.

The Office

I put this on the list for those stragglers who have somehow not seen it. Every person I come across, when they’re asking for a show recommendation, I will say The Office. 

This is by far the funniest thing to happen to television recently, plus it’s damn heartwarming. For a time of disgusting blizzards and incoming marks, I can’t think of a better show to lose yourself in for a few episodes, or to share with someone important to you. 

It’s a show that provides distinct lessons on what it is to find love, a family and a sense of purpose.