Ryan & Ryan’s 101 Favorite TV Series of the Last Five Years: Part Two (of Four)
Ryan & Ryan’s 101 Favorite TV Series of the Last Five Years: Part Two (of Four)
Keep it Fierce!
Editor’s Note: As mentioned on Monday, we are on vacation in Rome this week! So for the next week (including next Monday 10/17), instead of a Monday article or conversation, a Wednesday libation and a Friday podcast, on each those days you will instead be getting a new installment of our four-part article: Ryan & Ryan’s 101 Favorite TV Series of the Last Five Years!) [Click here for part one.]
On Wednesday, October 19th we will return to our regularly scheduled programming with a Mid-Week Libation, followed by an Aesthetic Arrest podcast that Friday! Enjoy!
[Click here for the introduction and part one.]
Part Two (of Four): Keep it Fierce!
Genius: Aretha (2021)
Cynthia Erivo as Aretha Franklin is just what the title says - pure genius. Her voice, her mannerisms and the subtlety of her performance are simply arresting. She deserves everyone’s R-E-S-P-E-C-T for her uncanny portrayal of the Queen of Soul.
Gentefied (2020-2021)
In this nuanced tragicomic take on the consequences of gentrification, Joaquín Cosío steals every scene as patriarch “Pop” Morales, owner of a taco restaurant in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles (where Ryan Elston first taught high school during his student teaching days).
Gentleman Jack (2019-2022)
Sapphic Downton Abbey? Yes, please! We are living for all that Victorian lesbian drama! (Based on the true story of Anne Lister!) Starring the always-incredible Suranne Jones! We love this show! Many exclamation points are necessary!
The Gilded Age (2022-Present)
Did we mention we love period pieces starring empowered Victorian women? Did we mention we love shows with fabulous costumes? Did we mention we love Christine Baranski? This show checks every box. In the deadpan words of Agnes Van Rhijn (Christine Baranski): “I haven't been thrilled since 1865.”
The Good Fight (2017-Present)
Speaking of Christine Baranski! We adored The Good Wife, but we daresay this spin-off is superior to the original. Most of the court cases are literally ripped from current headlines . . . how quickly do they write/film this show? Christine Baranski is the definition of an icon. But Christine Baranski as a high-powered liberal lawyer at a predominantly Black law firm in Chicago, micro-dosing to cope after the 2016 election? Perfection. Also featuring one of the best ensemble casts on television (literally too many stars to list here).
Grace and Frankie (2015-2022)
In this brilliant 21st century version of The Odd Couple, frenemies Grace (Jane Fonda) and Frankie (Lily Tomlin) are forced to become roommates after their husbands come out of the closet and marry each other. So they start a business making sex toys for older women. A sheer delight from beginning to end in the classic sitcom mold. (And apparently God is actually Dolly Parton?)
The Graham Norton Show (2007-Present)
Our favorite talk show. Not since The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson has a successful talk show reintroduced the one-couch-style “chat show” where all the celebrity guests come on at once and engage in campy repartee with the show’s over-the-top host, the legendary Graham Norton. We never miss this show, no matter who is on!
Hacks (2021-Present)
We loved Jean Smart in Designing Women, but she really shines here as a Las Vegas comedian more than a little reminiscent of the late, great Joan Rivers. And after just two seasons, her brand of insult comedy is already becoming legendary: “Hey you, sad little girl with the big hands... Just asking for a friend, which landscaping company did your hair?” “This morning, I found her taking a nude selfie... I haven't seen breasts that pale and sad since I toured the Tyson chicken factory.” “They look like catcher's mitts. Your manicurist must use a paint roller.” “Oh God. The entitled Millennial is going to have to drink two percent [milk]. Emergency! Somebody get an epi-pen!”
The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-Present)
We really wish this show was just speculative fiction. And yet there are too many politicians around the world who appear to see this series as a blueprint rather than a dystopia. Don’t say Margaret Atwood and Elisabeth Moss didn’t warn us when they take all your civil liberties away.
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America (2021-Present)
This is our kind of show. Fascinating gems of cultural history, delicious food, expert chefs and scholars . . . can’t wait for season two. The book which inspired the series, High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America by Jessica B. Harris, is also highly recommended.
His Dark Materials (2019-Present)
We absolutely love the original fantasy books by Philip Pullman, though the first film was rather disappointing. This new series corrects that mistake by giving us a fully-realized world (worlds, actually), bringing those gorgeous books to life in the best possible way. What would your daemon be? (Ryan Elston’s daemon is an owl. Ryan Wildstar’s daemon is a hawk.)
Homeland (2011-2020)
The opening credits give you a clear insight into the bi-polar mind of one of TV’s most iconic characters, Carrie Mathison (played masterfully by Claire Danes). This is CIA drama at its height. The revolving door relationship between Carrie and her mentor and occasional nemesis, CIA veteran officer Saul Berenson (crafted so skillfully by the magnificent Mandy Patinkin) is worth watching the show for alone.
House of Cards (2013-2018)
This show was a game-changer. Can you believe this was the very first TV show to be produced for streaming-only on Netflix? How many streaming series are you watching on various platforms right now? What a difference a decade makes. Meanwhile, Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) will certainly be remembered for their Machiavellian manipulations.
How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020)
Viola Davis! No television moment in recent memory is as iconic as that scene of Viola Davis removing her wig and makeup in front of the mirror. Iconic. The show itself had its ups and downs and twists and turns, but that moment alone (plus the sheer pleasure of watching one of the greatest actors of our time displaying her craft/talent/art each week) merits inclusion on our list.
Insecure (2016-2021)
One of our favorite TV tropes is “the four women” ensemble, arguably beginning with Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, achieving TV perfection with The Golden Girls and Designing Women, and then cropping up continuously for the next thirty years, from Living Single to Sex and the City to Desperate Housewives. Our newest favorite is Issa Rae’s comedic masterpiece, featuring Issa, Molly (Yvonne Orji), Kelli (Natasha Rothwell) and Tiffany (Amanda Seales) as the archetypal foursome.
In Treatment (2021, original series 2008-2010)
In this reboot of the original series (which starred the inimitable Gabriel Byrne as psychologist Paul Weston), Uzo Aduba picks up the baton where her mentor left off and delivers a poignant portrayal of Dr. Brooke Taylor. The half-hour segments are completely addictive and you’ll find that one session with Dr. Brooke is simply never enough!
It's a Sin (2021)
“La!” Best miniseries of last year. Hands down. Just watch it. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll learn something about what our community went through during a pandemic long before the recent one. First-rate television.
Julia (2022-Present)
This new TV series about Julia Child (brilliantly portrayed by Sarah Lancashire) is completely captivating. For anyone who grew up with Julia Child in their living rooms, beguiling us with her sing-song voice and infectious joie-de-vivre for the culinary arts, this series is mandatory viewing. “I find that if people aren’t interested in food, I’m not very much interested in them. They seem to lack something in the way of personality.” – Julia Child
The Kids in the Hall (2022, original series 1988-1995)
The Kids in the Hall are back for 2022! As lifelong fans of the original groundbreaking series, we weren’t sure if their reboot could really live up to our expectations. However, as soon as the opening credit music started, nostalgia kicked in and we let Dave, Bruce, Kevin, Mark and Scott take us on the absurdist sketch comedy journey that only they can do. We’re not sure what stuck in our head more, Buddy Cole and Queen Elizabeth II paying tribute to the last glory hole, or Dave Foley (Ryan Wildstar’s doppelganger) as a weary, post-apocalyptic DJ endlessly playing Melanie’s “Brand New Key” on repeat.
Killing Eve (2018-2022)
The always-amazing Sandra Oh paired with the hilarious Jodie Comer. Is it a dark comedy about assassins? Is it a twisted lesbian romance? Whatever it is, we loved it. Though you may want to skip the last few minutes of the very last episode.
The L Word: Generation Q (2019-Present, original series [The L Word] 2004-2009)
Shane, Alice, Mama B and Mama T are all back along with a new cast of fledgling lesbians and assorted queer, trans and nonbinary folks, all trying to find their place in the world. Plus Rosie O’Donnell, Margaret Cho and Roxane Gay. For us, the L in the title stands for “Living!” for this wonderful show.
The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey (2022)
Riveting miniseries from trailblazing fiction author and show creator, Walter Mosley, starring Samuel L. Jackson. This is by far the best acting role that Jackson has played in years. The story involves a murder mystery centering around a 91-year-old man with dementia, living in squalor, who meets an incredible young girl named Robyn, played brilliantly by Dominique Fishback (keep your eye on her, she’s sensational).
Later... with Jools Holland (1992-Present)
With over 60 series and 28 annual Hootenannies under his belt, the consummate host (and insanely talented pianist) Jools Holland has been bringing musical talent from around the world into our homes for 30 years! His carefully curated musical picks have singlehandedly introduced us to more new bands and musicians than we can count. Alternating with showstopping live performances from a long list of our favorite musical titans as well!
Legendary (2020-Present)
Tens! Tens! Tens across the board! RuPaul’s Drag Race may be our favorite show, but Drag Race would literally not exist without the queer ballroom scene showcased in the legendary film Paris is Burning. And Legendary is one of the first reality shows outside the Drag Race franchise to celebrate the Houses, voguing, dips, duck-walks, reading and shade-throwing we all fell in love with back in the day. Just wait ‘til you see guest judge Dominique Jackson (Pose)!
Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls! (2022-Present)
We absolutely adore Lizzo, and her new show is inspiring and fabulous. Her dancers are amazing! And the world needs to see more body-positive shows about talented plus-sized women of color! WERK. #TeamJayla #TeamCharity #TeamArianna
Luther (2010-2019)
Meep meep.
Check back Friday for part three and next Monday for part four (the last one). And tell us in the comments what we left out! What did we miss? What did we forget? What recent TV shows do you recommend?