Is Six Feet Under the Best TV Show Ever?

In my opinion, the answer is a resounding YES!!!!!! I own the DVD box set and frequently revisit it, being drawn to its unique blend of humor, darkly humorous elements, and thought-provoking content. This show has profoundly impacted my perspective on life, teaching me to accept death as an integral part of it and to not fear it.

Humorous and Thought-Provoking Content

The show is laugh-out-loud funny, yet it manages to be darkly humorous and profoundly insightful. It has made me realize death is just another part of life and has taught me not to fear it. The emotional journey the show takes the viewer on, allowing me to laugh and cry, makes it a unique viewing experience.

Unique Device and Engaging Storytelling

A distinctive feature of Six Feet Under is the portrayal of each episode beginning with a death. The deceased plays a pivotal role in the episode’s narrative, interconnected in various ways. These deaths range from slapstick (a giant mixing bowl, a car accident, a radio in the bathtub) to more serious (hate crime, gang violence, drug-related deaths). The show's ability to present death in so many ways underlines the potential for it to happen to anyone at any time.

Engaging Characters

The characters in Six Feet Under are exceptionally well-developed and relatable. Every single one of them, with the notable exception of Billy Chenowith and his parents, has their own flaws, imperfections, and damaged pasts. This makes them highly empathetic and deeply engaging. I can connect with each character in some way, making the show utterly captivating.

Nate: A sexy liberal prodigal son who faces a phobia of death and a complex relationship with the family business. David: An uptight, closeted control freak who resents his brother’s freedom and perceives favoritism. Claire: A troubled, confused teenager on the cusp of womanhood, full of insecurities and making poor adolescent choices. Ruth: The put-upon matriarch, striving to understand and connect with her children, while secretly desiring more from life than just maternal duties. Brenda: An intellectual and oversexed character damaged by her family and childhood. Federico: A hardworking husband and honest worker, grappling with fidelity and guilt. Keith: An honourable, openly gay cop frustrated by David's hang-ups. Nathaniel: The dead patriarch, a kind and honourable man working hard for his family, yet secretly rebelling for his private life.

The show is filled with secondary characters that are just as memorable, such as the brilliant yet pretentious Russell, the unforgettable avuncular Arthur, and the fiery Russian florist Nikolai, among others.

Thought-Provoking Themes

These themes extend beyond death to include numerous social, sexual, religious, and moral issues. However, it is important to note that the show is not for everyone; it requires viewers to have a strong stomach, an open mind, and a sense of gallows humor, as some episodes are unflinchingly candid and uncomfortable to watch. Episodes dealing with issues like David being kidnapped and tortured, the positive portrayal of people of color and non-heterosexuals, can be especially challenging for those with prejudices.

Final Episode

The final episode serves as a triumph, with its open-ended conclusion that left us pondering the fate of the characters. The show’s direction in the final 20 minutes was surprising yet fitting, culminating with each character's death shown in a montage. The dramatic impact of this was undeniable, leaving the audience with a bittersweet mix of emotions, and the perfect backdrop music by Sia, "Breathe Me," further enhanced the emotional journey.

Overall, the show stands out for its complexity, memorable characters, and ability to entertain, educate, and provoke deep thought. It is my unqualified recommendation as the best TV show of all time, beating out stiff competition from other renowned shows like Breaking Bad, Brideshead Revisited, Game of Thrones, and Pride and Prejudice.