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Critics get on my nerves, especially when they churn out “best of” lists as if the plebeian masses are incapable of forming an intelligent opinion about art. The idea that one person’s point of view (or an aggregation turned percentage) has any bearing on quality is ludicrous. In the era of Internet anonymity and notoriety, critics are too often empowered to sling flowery insults at the hard work of dozens or hundreds of talented people. Like Anton Ego from Ratatouille, they build their own brand atop the entrails of eviscerated artists. I’m looking at you, Rex Reed. If these vitriolic parasites used that energy to create instead of destroy––putting their own hearts and souls out in the world to be judged––they’d think twice about lobbing bombs from the safety of a keyboard. 

Don’t get me wrong, criticism can play a vital role in the creative process. But it’s far easier to find a slew of negative word vomit than a true, scholarly dissection about why a film or show didn’t work for a “top critic.” The sad truth is that critics tend to bitch from on high like Statler and Waldorf than spend time and energy on true criticism. It’s easier to be a caricature than a human being. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t want to read a string of rancid, shallow similes and metaphors about why someone hated a film. How does that help my viewing experience? 

Spoiler alert––it doesn’t. 

As the year winds down and critics begin putting together their “best of” lists, I’m reminded about how damn subjective the whole process is and always has been. Perhaps part of the problem boils down to language. The terms “best” or “top” can be replaced with “favorite,” because how an individual connects with art varies from person to person. Does a scathing review suddenly invalidate your enjoyment? Does liking something with a “rotten” percentage mean you’re an imbecile? Hell no. You like what you like, and so do I.

Guess what? Neither of us is wrong.  

My wife and I recently debated our three favorite television shows of all time. During the discussion, it became clear to me that the what of our lists was far less interesting than the why. Understanding why our selections were special to each other made the experience about inclusion and appreciation. If critics showed more positivity to artists, fans, and each other, it would generate an atmosphere far more conducive to healthy debate. A little love goes a long way. 

Jeff’s Three Favorite Shows 

My favorite shows (and films and books and games) are the ones that inspired me as a writer, redefined what the medium could achieve, and evolved my craft. These three shows continue to be a wellspring of motivation and wonder. 

Buffy the Vampire Slayer––Much has been written about the cultural influence of Joss Whedon’s magnum opus. The philosophy behind the show is literally taught in college courses. There’s no shortage of quality television, especially in this golden age, so why has Buffy consistently stayed in my top spot? Simple: it had the greatest impact on my career choice. Upon setting my sights on Los Angeles and screenwriting, Buffy became an invaluable resource. It was the first show I truly dissected from the mind of a writer and also my first look behind-the-scenes through set visits and charity events. Seeing the family of cast and crew shatter preconceptions and invert tropes for seven glorious seasons gave me the courage to work towards my dreams. Like a timeless mentor, that level of influence is not easily forgotten or replaced. 

Spartacus––I previously wrote an article on the creative genius of Steven DeKnight’s bloody epic. As if the stars had aligned, I was the exact target audience for the show. Every episode felt like the characters and stories were crafted specifically for my sensibilities. From the lewd yet Shakespearean language to the stylized ultra-violence, Spartacus hit every chord of my maturing tastes. Fusing swords-and-sandals epics with the genre and pulp of comics, Spartacus sunk its swords in me and left glorious scars. 

Battlestar Galactica (2004)––I’ve always been more of a fantasy than sci-fi fan. I preferred Star Wars or Lord of the Rings to Star Trek, but Battlestar Galactica changed everything. The emotion in its stories––the grief, despair, the love––flayed the human condition to its raw nerves. The show wasn’t about technology or aliens; it was about people surviving. As much as I enjoy watching (and writing) spectacle, Battlestar made me step back and look at my work through the lense of universal humanity. With the exception of Firefly, no other science fiction show has left such a lasting impression about the depth of character you can achieve in the genre. 

Veronica’s Three Favorite Shows

While Veronica shares a passion for my trinity, the elements of a show that hook her come from the perspective of a viewer rather than a writer. To earn a spot in her top three, a show has to embrace storytelling innovation and consistency, often across multiple seasons. In the streaming era of binging where many serialized shows have only 13, 10, or fewer episodes, there’s a lot to be said for a series that stays fresh season after season without missing a step. When a show has been making an impact in your life for a decade or longer, it becomes more than entertainment. 

Supernatural––There isn’t another modern show that has been so good for so long. This is a series that mulled over ending after season five but instead has continued for ten more years, only now entering its final season. The ability to do so without a weak storyline or episode is miraculous. Whether tackling a new “monster-of-the-week” plot or laying the groundwork for a season arc, Supernatural feels as fresh today as it did in 2005. The love and dedication behind the show is palpable in every frame. 

American Horror Story––From the first season that AHS, Veronica knew it was something special. Anthology shows have gained popularity in recent years, but AHS is king. The ever-evolving troupe of actors put in outstanding, terrifying, risky, and unapologetic work across diverse settings, eras, and characters. When the larger AHS universe began to weave together, it only added more depth and fan service. Currently in its ninth season, AHS:1984, the show is better than ever. AHS has become a staple of our marriage and the hour of entertainment that we most look forward to every week.

Disenchantment––Veronica likes to end the night with some fun animation. Shows like classic Looney Tunes, The Simpsons, Futurama, and Rick and Morty are in heavy rotation. Despite having only a single season on Netflix, Disenchantment gets featured in our home almost daily. It’s rare that a new animated show captures her imagination and is instantly quotable in our personal lexicon. The characters, world, and serialized story have everything she loves about TV in general––live action or animation. I have no doubt that Disenchantment will be part of our lives for years to come. 

There you have it, our household’s favorite TV shows. I’m not saying these are the best ever created or the most deserving of awards. These lists are for us, are about what we enjoy, and what we will continue to cherish for years to come. Critics can have their place, but it’s not to dictate your opinion. Look inward and give an honest assessment about what gives you joy, and more importantly, why.  

That’s the only truth of art. 

What are your favorite shows? Hit me back in the comments section or send an email to jedward@jedwardritchie.com. If I get enough responses, I’ll post a follow-up piece with your lists.

*Oh, and there are scores of shows that could easily be on these lists, such as: American Gods, Ash vs. Evil Dead, Black Sails, Deadwood, Hannibal, Legion, Penny Dreadful, Preacher, and Sherlock––and that’s just off the top of my head!