It’s tough picking one.
But that’s why I’m asking. It’s easy to do a top 3, even easier to a top 5.
But when you have to choose a singular show? When you’re forced to pare it down? What sticks above the others for you?
Babylon 5 for me.
It’s got plenty of issues but it’s still my darling and despite all the behind-the-scenes BS it’s still the best long-form sci-fi story I’ve seen onscreen.
Edit: Screwed up the title. Bad Dalacos.
The Wire. It’s the best TV show ever made and will almost certainly always be that. Nothing else comes close.
Absolutely brilliant show. Quality wise is up there at the top in writing and acting. Although for me personally, a lot harder to watch and enjoy long term, like I loved it when I watched it and I have great memories of it but I’m not sure I’d rewatch it.
The scene where they say fuck and only fuck like a hundred times in 10 minutes still fascinates me to this day in what good acting can be. And the character that’s always whistling… (Sorry I can’t remember their names, it’s been so long) what an amazing role and actor.
The whistling guy was Omar, a stick up man. His scene while on the stand getting cross examined by the dirty lawyer was one of the most memorable scenes of the whole series. https://youtu.be/P3i36ybA8Ms
The actor unfortunately died a few years ago but was excellent in The Wire and also excellent in Boardwalk Empire.