A Curated List of Must-Watch TV Shows for TV Lovers

Choosing the right TV shows to watch can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available. This article aims to provide a comprehensive list of must-watch TV shows across different genres, tailored to various interests. Whether you're a fan of drama, comedy, sci-fi, or something else, there's something here for everyone. Furthermore, we will delve into the critically acclaimed and lesser-known Expats, exploring its themes and unique aspects.

Popular TV Shows Across Genres

For starters, let's discuss some popular shows across various genres:

Drama

Breaking Bad: A high school chemistry teacher turns to cooking meth after a cancer diagnosis. The Crown: A historical drama about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Dexter: Eight seasons of this gripping series, available on Netflix, with its dark humor and intriguing plot lines.

Comedy

The Office US: A mockumentary-style sitcom about office life. Brooklyn Nine-Nine: A comedic take on a New York City police precinct.

Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Stranger Things: A group of kids in the 1980s encounters supernatural forces and secret government experiments. The Mandalorian: Set in the Star Wars universe, it follows a bounty hunter's adventures.

Thriller/Mystery

Mindhunter: Follows FBI agents as they interview serial killers to understand their psychology. True Detective: A series of crime and personal struggles, with each season featuring a new storyline and cast.

Animation

BoJack Horseman: An animated series that explores themes of depression and fame through a washed-up actor who is also a horse. Rick and Morty: A sci-fi animated series that follows the misadventures of an eccentric scientist and his grandson.

Expats: A Dark and Realistic Miniseries

Expats, a small miniseries by Lulu Wang, is a dark and nuanced exploration of life for expatriates and immigrants in modern Hong Kong. The show stars Nicole Kidman and delves into the complexities of their relationships, hopes, and struggles.

Expats is a rare gem in recent drama, boasting an air of ambiguity that keeps viewers engaged longer than most. The show's plot is filled with twists and turns, making it stand out in an environment where conventional television is often fast-paced and simplistic.

Themes and Realism

Expats is set against the backdrop of Hong Kong's technologically advanced yet socially complex environment. The series captures the city's modernity mixed with traditional elements, showcasing the stark contrasts and unique culture of the area.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Expats is its portrayal of expatriates and their relationship with Hong Kong society. The show acutely highlights the gulf between the wealthy expats and the working-class Filipinos and Indonesians who work for them. It tackles themes such as loyalty, class, and identity, all while immersing viewers in a rich, fantastical representation of Hong Kong.

Characters and Plot

The characters in Expats are thoughtfully crafted, often traversing their own personal struggles as they navigate the city's labyrinthine landscape. The lead characters, including Mercy Cho, a Korean-American who struggles to be accepted in Hong Kong, and an Indian-American woman who becomes a shining light in the series, add depth and authenticity to the story.

Expats is not afraid to explore uncomfortable truths. It portrays the harsh reality of employer-employee relationships, showing how even those who claim to care about their nannies often leave them after years of service. This realistic portrayal adds a layer of complexity to the series.

Ambiance and Setting

The show's setting in Hong Kong adds to its allure, with its neon-lit skyscrapers, bustling streets, and vibrant local culture. The series takes full advantage of the city's diverse and surreal environment, with scenes of Filipino and Indonesian nannies huddling in the streets, engaging in their own social circles, and contrasting sharply with the wealth and luxury of their employers.

Expats presents a multifaceted view of Hong Kong, a city steeped in contradictions. It captures both the technological advancement and traditional values that coexist in the city, painting a nuanced picture of a place that is both a playground for the wealthy and a home for millions of ordinary people.

Overall, Expats is a must-watch for those interested in exploring the complexities of life for expatriates and immigrants in Hong Kong. Its ambiguous and realistic storytelling, combined with a vivid portrayal of a city in both triumph and struggle, makes it a standout series in the world of television.