TV shows: picks, awards and quick reviews

Want a short answer on what to watch tonight? Good — you don’t need a thesis. This page collects our posts about TV shows: award winners, viewer opinions, and quick takes on what’s worth your time. We call out big winners like Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad, track why some shows keep winning, and ask the simple question: is this show actually enjoyable or just shiny on paper?

How to pick a show that sticks

Start with one clear filter: what do you want right now — escape, tension, laughs, or something thoughtful? If you want escape, pick a longer-running fantasy or drama. For laughs, aim for sitcoms with short episodes so it’s easy to get into the rhythm. Check runtime and season length before you commit. A 10-episode show with 40-minute episodes is easier to finish than a seven-season marathon.

Give a new show three episodes before you quit. That’s usually enough to see pacing, character tone, and whether the show has momentum. If the characters feel flat or the plot stalls by episode three, drop it. Life’s short; TV is long.

Use awards as one data point, not gospel. Awards point to craft: writing, acting, direction. Game of Thrones racked up many trophies, but that didn’t stop viewers from arguing about its final season. So ask: does the award align with what you like? If you love character drama, an award for visual effects won’t help you much.

Awards vs. personal taste — how to weigh them

Look at what awards highlight. Emmys tend to favor acting and prestige drama. Critics’ awards often reward innovation. Popular awards reflect fan energy. A show can win many awards and still feel boring to you — that’s normal. Use award lists to discover titles you missed, then try a sample episode before you commit.

Want quick practical checks? Read a short review, watch the first 10 minutes, and scan episode lengths. Ask friends with similar taste what they liked or hated. If a show is widely praised but people complain about slow pacing, consider watching on double-speed or skipping filler episodes.

We also cover the opposite question: which shows are overrated or boring? Sometimes a show becomes a cultural must-watch but fails to deliver on plot or character payoff. When that happens, it’s fine to skip. TV should feel rewarding, not like homework.

On this tag page you’ll find our lists of award winners, reader polls about boring shows, and quick how-to tips for choosing a series. Bookmark it when you need a fast recommendation or want to check which shows are actually worth the hype.

Still undecided? Tell us what mood you’re in and how much time you have — we’ll point you to a show that fits.