Planet Earth Dvd

The last decade has brought us some of the best television ever. However the sheer volume of new shows being produced means the viewer must filter through hundreds of channels of rubbish to actually find something worth watching! The boom of reality TV, makeover shows and talent contests has greatly increased competition for air time. Therefore some of the greatest television may have been missed by the average viewer. In this list of the top 10 TV shows from the last 10 years I have tried to include a variety of genres, from hilarious comedies, to breathtaking documentaries and gripping action dramas. While you might not agree with some of the shows I have omitted (narrowing this down to 10 was not easy!) you can rest assured that those selected will keep you thoroughly entertained when seeing in a dvd player wall mount. Here are my picks:

1. The Wire (2002 – 2008)

2. The Wire is quite simply the best written, most authentic and frighteningly compelling show of all time. The Wire takes us on an unforgettable five season journey through the illegal underground world within the city of Baltimore. The show goes much deeper than your standard cop drama, carrying multiple story-lines and character relationships, to highlight the bureaucratic failings of cops, courts and politicians alike in the fight against the city’s numerous criminals. Heartbreaking, funny, witty, novelistic and moving; It is a travesty that this epic series was not even nominated for the Outstanding Drama award!

3. The Sopranos (1999 – 2007)

4. The Sopranos takes us into the complex and troubled life of fictional New Jersey Mafia boss, Tony Soprano. This story is more than a violent black comedy about criminal dealings. This is the first time a show has shown the sensitive and humane side of a gangster, as he battles, through the help of a psychiatrist, to balance “work” with family. You are never sure whether to love or hate Tony, as he fights against his own insecurities and dysfunctions to keep his marriage together. The Sopranos combines excellent writing, directing and acting, in a story of powerful emotions and tension between surprisingly relatable characters. Throw in some subtle comic relief, extreme violence and colorful language and you have the ultimate adult drama.

5. Dexter (2006 – Present)

6. Dexter Morgan is a likeable family man who works for the Miami Metro Police Department as a blood spatter analyst. After Dexter witnessed the brutal murder of his parents as a young child he was adopted by police officer Harry Morgan. Stemming from this event, Dexter develops the urge to kill. Harry helps Dexter channel these impulses to a good cause: killing criminals who have slipped through the fingers of justice. In order to maintain his cover he must continue to blend in and live a normal life. Amazingly, we, the viewer, take Dexter’s side and soon find ourselves rooting him on! This eerie drama is a must see.

7. Arrested Development (2003 – 2006)

8. Arrested Development was a brief, yet brilliant comedy series that still maintains a loyal fanbase and cult following today. The story revolves around Michael Bluth, who is forced to keep his large, dysfunctional family together after his father is imprisoned for dodgy accounting practices. Michael, the only “normal” member in a family of “crazies”, must piece together the family business and help everyone regroup, despite having all their assets frozen. Arrested Development is a hilarious portrayal of rich, insensitive idiots becoming poor. The show was funny on numerous levels, from witty dialogue to visual slapstick, before its premature cancellation in 2006.

9. The Office (2001 – Present)

10. The original UK series, created by the genius that is Ricky Gervais, revolutionized the entire “mockumentary” genre. This spun off into the very impressive American version starring Steve Carell. Britain’s David Brent and America’s Michael Scott both play similar roles; arrogant, self-obsessed managers of small offices who think they are the funniest, most entertaining and popular bosses alive. The show revolves around their ridiculous, cringe-worthy actions. What makes the show hilarious is the normal reactions of the office employees to the farcical situations they get caught up in. While the UK version presents a darker, drier comedy style than the more laugh-out-loud American series, both are fantastic and shouldn’t be missed.

11. Lost (2004 – Present)

12. It all began with the most expensive pilot episode in history, costing more than $10 million, and has developed into one of the most talked about mystery-adventures of all time. After Oceanic flight 815 crashes, on a seemingly deserted island in the middle of the Pacific, the 48 remaining passengers must learn how to survive and live together after it becomes apparent they will not be rescued. Through flashbacks into the pasts of the 14 main characters we discover that the crash was no coincidence. Everyone is connected and has a unique role to play in unlocking the island’s secrets. Lost is an extremely addictive show that will leave you desperate to discover the truth behind the island and its inhabitants.

13. Mad Men (2007 – Present)

14. Set in 1960’s New York, Mad Men takes us into the competitive, ego-driven world of Madison Avenue’s Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency. The show revolves around master manipulator, womanizer and successful ad man Don Draper. Set in a time when these agencies ruled the world, Draper must battle to stay ahead in this high pressure industry. Mad Men authentically illustrates the changing social mores during this era. This funny, yet powerful drama, expertly combines entertainment with subtle messages and has rightly received great critical acclaim for it efforts.

15. House (2004 – Present)

16. Dr Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) is an arrogant, anti-social medical doctor who trusts no one, is devoid of bedside manner and addicted to pain killers. He would be completely insufferable if it wasn’t for the fact he is a brilliant diagnostician who loves the challenge of solving the most bizarre and complex of medical puzzles. Dr House heads a team of experts who go to extreme lengths to solve cases. While the main premise of this series is solving weird medical mysteries, House is also a master of manipulating the staff he works with which leads to fascinating relationships and situations. House is an excellent, well-written and extremely addictive series of excellent characters and storylines.

17. Planet Earth (2006)

18. Planet Earth, the greatest documentary series ever created, offers breathtaking and revolutionary insight into wildlife on our planet. Five years in the making, this 11-part series will open your eyes to previously unseen natural wonders of the world and its lesser known inhabitants. Much more than just a nature show, Planet Earth is a moving and inspiring experience never to be forgotten. Words cannot do this series justice. It has to be seen to be believed.

19. The West Wing (1999 – 2006)

20. The West Wing, the greatest political drama of all time, follows the fictional presidential campaign of Josiah Bartlet. Set in the West Wing of the White House, the show documents the daily activities of Bartlet and his administration. This intellectually stimulating series mirrored real-life issues of the time. We follow the characters through the political and personal struggles associated with their positions. The West Wing is a challenging but extremely rewarding series definitely worth seeing.

I would love to hear your thoughts about my choices.

- Chris