At the end of each year, Rolling Stone magazine publishes its top lists of various media genres. They published the list of the 100 best albums, and now it's the turn of the list of television series.
According to Index.hr, this year was a turning point in a way - many successful series that critics adored ended, and the total number of recorded material decreased. The reason for this is last year's multi-month strike in Hollywood, but also a general reversal in trends - quality is starting to be valued more than quantity. Still, there seems to have been enough material to highlight the top releases.
These are the series that Rolling Stone chose as the best, along with their impressions of what makes them special.
10. True Detective: Night Country (HBO)
The third season of True Detective was a comeback after the disastrous second season, but few expected new episodes. However, with a new main character, a striking setting in a small town in Alaska and Jodie Foster starring, the series experienced a revival.
In the new season, Sheriff Liz Danvers (Foster) and her former protégé Evangeline Navarro (Kali Raj) investigate murders in a remote research laboratory. Night Country skillfully uses an exotic location and successfully balances the real and the supernatural.
9. L'amica geniale (Genius friend) (HBO)
From the first season to this fourth and final one, the Italian series has carefully balanced between spectacle and intimacy. It beautifully reconstructs Naples from the 1950s to the 1990s, while at the same time showing shocking violence.
The strength of the series lies in the small moments of friendship between Elena and Lila, who in this season play middle-aged women Alba Rorvaker i Irena Majorino. The series has earned a place in every discussion of HBO's best dramas.
8. A Man on the Inside (Netflix)
This series may be the hottest and smartest this year. Mike Here, creator of The Good Place, has teamed up with Ted Danson to create an unexpected sitcom adaptation based on the documentary The Mole Agent.
The documentary follows an elderly Chilean man who infiltrates a retirement home to help a private detective, while the series investigates an alleged jewel theft. Schur treated the theme of the lives of the elderly with sincerity and warmth, while Danson shone surrounded by outstanding actors of the older generation.
7. Fantasmas (HBO)
Fantasmas is a series that is easy to describe in theory, but difficult to understand in execution. Its structure combines stories about the problems of the main character, the young writer and performer Huli, and imaginative scenes that seem to have come from his head.
The elusive border between reality and fantasy makes the series unique. Once you accept her personality, you will be completely absorbed and entertained by Julio's visions of the world.
6. Shrinking (Apple TV+)
Even though the show deals with heavy topics like grief, loss and Alzheimer's, Shrinking manages to stay light, fun and relaxing to watch.
5. What We Do in the Shadows (FX)
The vampire “documentary” series Shadows saves the best for last. In its final season, the show indulged in the antics of its vampire characters, resulting in some of the funniest episodes to date.
Guillermo (Harvey Gilgen) works in a shady financial firm, Laszlo (Matt Barry) concludes that his friend Šon was possessed by a demon, and Nandor (Kajvan Novak) becomes an assistant on the set of a crime series in the neighborhood.
Although ending the series seemed like the right decision, this season was so good that fans would love to see it continue.
4. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Prime)
This adaptation of the 2005 action comedy brings a new perspective. Instead of showing a married couple who are spies, the new version shows strangers (D i Maja Erskin) who pretend to be married while carrying out their missions.
The chemistry between the main actors and the creative approach to the topic of marriage made the series entertaining and emotional. Glover and Erskine excel in the comedic and dramatic moments, and the show is a real treat to watch.
3. Ripley (Netflix)
A reimagining of The Talented Mr. Ripley seems like a risky move, but it's a methodical approach from the director Stiva Zailijana made this adaptation fresh.
The black and white recording technique and exciting atmosphere created a unique experience.
2. Shōgun (Hulu)
Historical epic series based on the novel James Clavell it received a worthy adaptation. Unlike the 1980 version, this series emphasizes the Japanese perspective of the story.
John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) is a secondary character here, while the Japanese characters and their intrigues are in the center of attention. Performances Hiroyuki Sanada, Ane Savai i Tadanobua Asana delight, and the story culminates in an unforgettable ending.
1. Somebody Somewhere (HBO)
The small but remarkable series Somebody Somewhere is like a warm hug in cold times. In the third and last season, we follow Sam (Bridget Everett), a woman who feels like her life is stagnating while everyone around her is changing.
Her best friend Joel (Jeff Hiller) starts a new life with a partner, while other friends face their own changes. Instead of solving Sam's dissatisfaction, the series provides a deep insight into the lives of its characters, conveying the emotionality and beauty of everyday moments.
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