So far, we've covered pitches from #-L. Today, we cover M-Q. Thanks again to everyone who made their pitch. I am truly sorry if your nomination is not in here. Know that I appreciate your time and pitches. Making the choice of what went into the article was difficult. After all sections are posted, I will include a link to the original spreadsheet so you can read them all in their entirety.
To keep the articles short and readable, all pitches were edited for length (less than 200 words), clarity, and grammar. I have also limited nominations to 2 per show with a couple popular shows having 3. I hope that every reader finds at least one show they are interested in trying. If you do, please comment in the section below. I know those who nominated would love to hear from you. Also, if you would like to add something to a show's nomination, please add your thoughts in the comments. Thanks again to everyone who created pitches. They have been a fun read and I have been busy adding things to my to-watch list already. Without further ado, here are the pitches for TV shows M-Q.
Shameless plug - If you haven't nominated your favorites for our Character Cup, nominations close this weekend.
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4 seasons, 90 episodes
Political intrigue that is consistently on the cutting edge of what's happening in the world today aside, Madam Secretary is a truly interesting look at an alternate, and definitely better, version of what the White House could look like and do in response to several threats from allies and enemies alike around the world. With an amazing cast of characters, including one fantastic female lead of Bess, and two(!) bisexuals, this team of well written and acted individuals is so worthy of your time. I don't find it boring at all. In fact, I almost find it necessary viewing considering what's going on out there. (LauraLoo77)
3 seasons, 39 episodes
Netflix
For fans of fantasy and magic or if you want Harry Potter at an R-rated level, The Magicians centers around Brakebills University, a secret institution specializing in magic. There, amidst an unorthodox education of spellcasting, a group of friends soon discover that a magical fantasy world they read about as children is all too real - and poses grave danger to humanity. (The North Remembers)
2 seasons, 20 episodes
In this gripping historical drama, the clothes, cars, and offices are reminiscent of the Post World War-2 era, except this version of the world is not ours. The Axis won WW2, with Japan and Germany carving up the globe to mark their territory afterwards. Juliana Crain is given a reel of film depicting an alternate reality. Her quest to deliver it places her in grave danger and brings her across the path of a Nazi double agent. One of the best parts of the show is how strong the production quality is. It feels and looks like something filmed in the 1950’s. The reality these characters live in seems as if it could have existed. Rufus Sewell anchors the first season as John Smith, a high-ranking SS official, with the perfect life until cracks begin to form, both at work and home. Other characters, American and German and Japanese, start to question their places in the world. An undercurrent of conspiracy and mystery, with a tinge of desperate hope, runs beneath the surface. (Ellys Cartin)
1 season, 8 episodes
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is from the prolific producing team of Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino of Gilmore Girls fame. That should be the main selling point, but there is so much more that is exciting and amazing about this series. The dialogue is every bit as fast as Gilmore Girls was and every bit as enchanting and mesmerizing. If you loved Gilmore Girls, you’ll love this show. Still need more reasons to check it out? It’s funny, laugh out loud hilariously funny, but it also has a lot of heart. You will laugh and cry and at certain times you may do both at the same time. The cast is topnotch; Rachel Brosnahan plays the title character of Miriam “Midge” Maisel and she never misses a beat despite the massive amount of dialogue thrown her way. Alex Borstein’s Susie Myerson is the perfect partner for Midge. These two are yin and yang, yet they work so well as a team. There isn’t enough time to go into each of the other performers individually, but they are all equally as powerhouse. The women in this story are empowered and strong and the stories are well thought out. A must watch series. (Aimee Hicks)
This show is smart and funny. It’s not afraid to push the envelope. (Kitty Betham)
4 seasons, 104 episodes
Melissa & Joey is a traditional, multicam family sitcom, and when I say "traditional multicam sitcom" I mean it's about as traditional as it gets. It stars two very familiar faces of the genre, utilizes the "Who's the Boss/Charles in Charge" manny trope, and has a "recorded in front of a live studio audience" laugh track. The situation that throws these people together is also very much contrived. But, to its credit, Melissa & Joey is self aware, embracing its identity and playing to its strengths: cast chemistry and charming characters. Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence know how to work this environment and it shows with how they handle their material and land their jokes. Being real-life friends and growing up as kid sitcom stars of the same generation proves to be an asset. Taylor Spreitler and Nick Robinson, the "kids" in the makeshift family equation, keep up with ease. Tight, well-plotted and actually funny scripts keep you engaged and invested in these people and their lives. Lastly and more importantly: The mandatory overarching "will they/won't they" doesn't get dragged on for longer than it has to, which I consider a true attribute for a show like this. (Folie-Lex)
5 seasons, 110 episodes
I don't think it classifies as underrated, but Mom doesn’t get all the love it deserves. The show really took me by surprise, especially since I didn't expect a show with so much depth coming from Chuck Lorre, creator of The Big Bang Theory. While Mom does feature Chuck's classic dirty humor, the show's big draw is its characters and storytelling. The stars have such excellent chemistry and convincingly pull off a lovable/hateable mother/daughter duo. And the premise for the show offers many opportunities for the characters to grow with constant lasting changes occurring every season. If you felt uninterested initially, I can understand. The first few episodes were really rough and you feel no sympathy for any of the characters, but around episode 10 of Season 1, I started feeling invested in them and I haven't let go of the show since. Like all shows, Mom does have its flaws but it has a realistic charm to it along with an equally realistic message behind it. I don't see Mom in many Top 10 comedy lists but it is in mine, and that's why I recommend it to you. (Out of Curiosity)
3 seasons, 30 episodes
This rompy period drama by the BBC, that is - very loosely - based on the classic Alexandre Dumas D'Artagnan Romances, chronicles the adventures of King Louis’s special royal guard. Played by actors that are both charismatic and have great chemistry with each other, this group of charming characters engage in sword fights, wear lovely period costumes, have Machiavellian villains scheming against them, and get into romantic entanglements with both political and social implications. Over the course of 30 episodes, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, D'Artagnan & their friends risk their lives for King & Country (and Queen), in what shapes up to be a truly fun and delightful escapist television show. It is definitely worth your time. (Folie-lex)
15 seasons, 354 episodes
Netflix
Character driven with doses of humor, NCIS focuses on a team who investigate crimes against the US Navy. While cases of the week are the backbone of the show, its main strength lies in the memorable characters that have come and gone over the years. Characters like Gibbs, the team leader who is as stern as he is compassionate, Tony, the effective but laid back senior agent, Kate Todd, the sassy former secret service agent, McGee, the tech expert, Abby, the goth loving forensic scientist, and Ducky, the chipper ME. Later additions to the team include ruthless Mossad operative Ziva, Director Jenny Shepherd, who has a past with Gibbs, the politically savvy Vance, the affable rookie Bishop, deep cover agent Torres, and former Army POW Sloan. Each character is memorable and written in ways that make them human and even relatable. That fleshed out characterization is the reason the show has lasted this long. (The North Remembers)
1 season, 10 episodes
Netflix
Described as Sons of Anarchy with cops, The Ravens are a police gang that only a few officers make the cut to join, but once inside, members will do what they must to protect each other from enemies inside and outside their ranks. The Ravens are led by Steve Hammond (Ryan Kwanten), who struggles to lead his gang as best he can after the previous leader, his father (Sean Bean), is incarcerated. Other members include Karen Beech (Katrina Law), who sees the Ravens as the family she never had, Cole, Steve’s hot-headed stepbrother, Ramos, who joins the Ravens for the perks to support his wife and daughter, and Byrde, the newest recruit who isn’t what he seems. With enemies on either side of the law, the Ravens realize they have to rely on each other to survive whether they like each other or not. (The North Remembers)
2 seasons, 26 episodes
Netflix
Based on the 70’s CBS sitcom about a white family and their next door neighbor, this reimagined Netflix reboot is about a Cuban-American family and their next door neighbor. This is one of the best shows on Netflix and in general. Tackling every possible touchy subject with ease and reverence, One Day at a Time is such a timely show in that it deals with gun control, homophobia, gender identity, immigration, mental illness, physical injury, and disability. Don't get me wrong -- the show is also immensely hilarious and the chemistry between the actors is off the charts. Each and every single one of them is Emmy award worthy - oh wait, Rita Moreno already has an EGOT. If 'laugh tracks' bother you, fear not. The show is performed in front of a live audience, who become their own character in the show and react to appropriate things in the manner that you'd expect. They're there to make you feel at home. They work, trust me. Man, I cannot sing enough praises about this show, and to ask you to binge it, I'd just say, take it...one day at a time. (LauraLoo77)
4 seasons, 24 episodes
Netflix
Its stylish combination of music, cinematography and excellent performances make this post-World War One gangster drama a must-watch. It's been criminally ignored by American awards but remains a favourite in its native country, the UK. Peaky Blinders benefits from being able to bring to the table A-Listers like Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, Sam Neill, Annabelle Wallis, Aiden Gillen, Helen McCrory and Adrien Brody amongst others. It's simply the best the BBC has to offer, and if you're a fan of shows like Boardwalk Empire, or just good television in general, this is an absolute must-watch. (Milo)
I contend that if this show was airing on a premium network, it would be mentioned alongside critical darlings Game of Thrones, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Westworld because the stories and acting are that good. Peaky Blinders is set in 1920’s Birmingham, England and follows the Shelby family whose business is mostly illegal and they are proud of it. Tommy is appointed to run his family’s way of life and run it he does, with a smart business prowess and at times a ruthless hand. Each season, he navigates them through the forces that want to take them down. He has formidable foes played by Tom Hardy, Adrian Brody ,and Sam Neill to up the ante and bring the A game. Cillian Murphy as Tommy is a revelation and I guarantee he will be your newest obsession if this show grabs you. Each season is 6 episodes, but they make the most of every frame. (Beth)
3 seasons, 27 episodes
Netflix
One part horror drama, one part psychological thriller set in the Victorian Era, Penny Dreadful centers around Sir Malcolm, an explorer who has lost his daughter to the city's unnatural creatures. He vows to get her back with the help of ex-con Ethan Chandler and Vanessa Ives, a woman with dark supernatural powers. The team of unlikely heroes set out to battle the creatures of the night that lurk around the corners of London. (The North Remembers)
3 seasons, 27 episodes
I love period dramas. The costumes, the countryside….it’s basically time traveling. Jane Austen would not have written Poldark. It focuses on the working class and feuds more than her books do, but Elizabeth Bennett would have surely gone for long walks in Cornwall, where the show is set. It’s gorgeous, but never fear if merely staring at stunning landscapes isn’t your thing. There’s much more to this show. Rivals and longtime enemies, Ross Poldark and George Warleggan, battle to control the economy and power of the country, as well as the favor of the woman they are both obsessed with: Elizabeth. The fact that she’s married to Ross’s cousin Francis, because Ross was presumed dead in the Revolutionary War, is barely an impediment but Ross also has more noble pursuits. He wants to create good jobs for the townspeople, and he falls in love with a local girl named Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson is gloriously, beguilingly, fiery and an instant heroine). While an entrancing study of its core characters, Poldark is also a fascinating historical drama, a snapshot of life in the early 1800’s. Each season introduces new conflicts and intriguing characters. There’s romance, action, death, and splendor at every turn. (Ellys Cartin)
3 seasons, 29 episodes
Netflix
In the opening sequence, Teresa Mendoza introduces herself, a fully put together Queenpin of a drug cartel, with all the appropriate fixings: expensive outfit, hair-do, and digs. We are informed that the path to the top is not easy as we flash back to where her story began, so we can follow her journey, with her future self to guide the girl she used be and the audience along the way. Teresa goes from being a "kept woman", to a drug mule, to a star lieutenant of the drug cartel, to becoming her own boss. We also meet the pretty boy who dragged her into this life, the drug lord with political aspirations who hunts her down, the sicario who'll take a bullet for her, the loyal drug trafficker who shows her the true nature of this world yet is hell bent to keep her alive and, most importantly, the reigning Queen she needs to de-throne. This marvelous and captivating action-filled drama (based upon the book “La Reina Del Sur” by Arturo Pérez-Reverte) uses the drug cartels as a backdrop to tell some amazing stories about survival and female empowerment. (Folie-lex)
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