Top 10 Favorite TV Series

Most people have hobbies, ya know... sewing, crafting, collecting, etc. Me? I've accepted the fact that one of my greatest hobbies is watching TV series.

Yes, I actually consider watching TV a hobby. I've been told that when I was a little toddler I would sit in front of the TV for hours - easily entertained, I suppose - but I think it has to do with my imagination. I like to get lost in other people's worlds.

A couple years ago I only had a handful of limited favorites that I took the time to DVR, mostly reality trash and singing/dancing competitions. Since canceling our cable and switching to online streaming, I've had to be more intentional with my choices, and consequently have sought out the best rated shows. Let's just say it's brought my addiction to a whole other level...

So today I thought I would count down my top 10 favorite TV series, and you should know this might have been the hardest thing I've ever have to do...

10 >> New Girl

It took me a while to hop on the New Girl train, but I'm so glad I did! I'm a big Zooey fan, and she is more lovely, witty, and sarcastic than ever. While the humor is surely its best asset, I adore the romantic tension between Jess and Nick, and Schmidt is my absolute favorite. It's brought me and Josh to hysteric belly laughs on more than one occasion - that's always a good sign a new show is a keeper!

09 >> Boardwalk Empire

Oh, Boardwalk. You are so good. I love the 1920's setting, the Prohibition scandals, the intense drama, and bits of clever humor. I would have rated you higher if you didn't take away my favorite character so soon! (I seem to always latch on to one of the main characters - like there is some imaginary relationship going on there - I know it's weird, but it keeps me committed.)

08 >> The Walking Dead

I love me some Walking Dead, thanks to ZOMBIES - the obsession of our generation (well, that and mustaches). This show has made me shriek, jump, and cry with heartache, and I can't help but get caught up in the thought of something like this really happening. It would be one of my worst nightmares - having to strip myself of my luxuries, live in the same greasy clothes every day, smell like zombie slobber, and never wear makeup again. Oh, the horror! 

07 >> Downton Abbey

This has been my most recent love - I started it on Christmas and I'm already caught up through two whole seasons. I'm quick like that. I find the whole story fascinating - it's got history, romance, drama - and the wardrobe? To die. I think I just love shows set in different time periods - since I never paid much attention in history class, these shows have been filling in a lot of gaps... tehe :)

06 >> True Blood

Um, hi. If you don't already watch this, you need to. I'm not big of fantasy or vampires (I despise the Twilight movies) but when it's mixed in with sexy vampires, fairies, and werewolves all in semi-pornographic scenes - I just can't help myself. I know it's been around for a while, but I got into it pretty late, then promptly congratulated myself for discovering it. No matter how it ends, Eric will always be my favorite vamp :)

05 >> GIRLS

This has been my even more recent love... meaning I might have watched the entire first season in less than 24 hours :/ But before you judge me, you must see it. It's that good. So honest, so crude, so hilarious - so perfect. Some might think it's a little risque, but I completely respect it - the more crude the better, in my opinion! 

04 >> SHAMELESS

This cast is amazing. The plot is funny, tragic, and sweet all at the same time. William H. Macy plays a great drunk and Emmy Rossum is perfection. It brings up sensitive issues that most people can relate with, but keeps things in a humorous light. Josh and I really fell in love with this one super quick. I can't wait for the new season to air on the 13th!

03 >> DEXTER

I never thought I'd have sympathy for a serial killer until I got hooked on this show. Michael C. Hall A) is a freaking hottie and B) is so perfect for the role. Each season brings a new level of suspense - I'm always excited to see if he'll get caught, and if he'll ever live a normal life. Love ya, Dex.

02 >> GAME OF THRONES

Freaking Game of Thrones. Had me bawling like a baby after only the second episode. It's harsh, raw, and heartbreaking, but the drama remains unmatched, in my opinion. It's completely unpredictable - no one character is safe from being killed off the show, so you're always on the edge of your seat as the story unravels. This is my most anticipated season return!

01 >> MAD MEN

Three words: Don mother-effin Draper. He has stole my TV heart. I don't even care where the story goes as long as I can watch him sit at his desk smoking, drinking, and shouting demands. Besides Don, I'm totally obsessed with the 60's time period - the clothing, the politics, the culture. But perhaps what I love most are the subtle underlying messages in each episode, artfully thought-provoking, and always done in such good taste. It's got to be the most creative show out there, hands down.

EDIT: After posting this today, I realized I forgot one of my all time favorites... Breaking Bad!!! I cannot believe I forgot it... but that's what I get for watching so many series. For the record, if I were to redo this list I would have it share Dexter's place. 

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OK, I know what you're thinking, "What else does this girl do besides watch TV?" and I completely understand your judgement. What can I say - I'm a junkie and I know it. Are there meetings for this kind of thing?

What are some of your favorite TV series?