My Year in Television (2016)

Welcome to my second annual television-shows-of-the-year list. Several of my favorite shows came to a close this year (Rectify, Togetherness). But in the era of peak TV, awesome new shows are always emerging. Here's my top 10 shows of the year and a few honorable mentions.

1) Horace and Pete (Limited Web Series) - Even though it takes place mostly in a bar, to call this show a sitcom would be doing it a great disservice. The subject matter and the depth at which the show delves into said subjects is unlike anything I've ever experienced on TV.

2) Atlanta (Season 1: FX) - This show pulls off the impossible balancing act of being deathly serious and hilarious at the same time.

3) Rectify (Season 4: Sundance) - The last season was good throughout but it's only this high because of one of the greatest finales of all time.

4) Stranger Things (Season 1: Netflix) - Absolutely fabulous child actors and terrific direction. It's sci-fi fun with hints of King, Carpenter and Spielberg.

5) Better Call Saul (Season 2: AMC) - Every season of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul thus far have been worthy of top ten lists. The 2nd part of the Better Call Saul story is no exception.

6) Search Party (Season 1: TBS) - The characters in this show are incredibly flawed yet entirely relatable. It's an intriguing mystery with plenty of humor and suspense.

7) Togetherness (Season 2: HBO) - HBO canceling the show right before the finale of season 2 definitely hurt the end product. But it was still one heck of a ride.

8) Bojack Horseman (Season 3: Netflix) - The episode titled "Fish out of Water" is the best episode of television I saw all year.

9) The Night Of (Limited Series: HBO) - It features one of the best pilot episodes of a show that I've ever seen. While it tried to do a bit too much, it still did an admirable job at showcasing the step by step process of being arrested and detained that most crime related shows/movies gloss over.

10) Daredevil (Season 2: Netflix) - Season 2 was on par with season 1 thanks largely to Jon Bernthal's take on the Punisher.

Honorable Mentions (No Particular Order)

The Good Place (Season 1: NBC)

American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (Season 1: FX)

Better Things (Season 1: FX)

Westworld (Season 1: HBO)

Black Mirror (Season 3: Netflix)

The Night Manager (Limited Series: AMC)

Silicon Valley (Season 3: HBO)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Seasons 3/4: FOX)

Divorce (Season 1: HBO)