A.V. Club's Best TV shows of 2014
34 titles
- 1
Game of ThronesTV · 2011 · 8 seasons · Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama, Action & AdventureThe powerful noble families of Westeros are locked in a brutal struggle for dominance. Their conflicts erupt into a devastating war. Meanwhile, a terrifyingly ancient evil stirs in the far north. As the realms of men descend into chaos, the Night's Watch – a band of outcast soldiers – remains the only defense against unimaginable horrors lurking beyond.Stream onIMDb 9.2TMDB 8.5
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ShamelessTV · 2011 · 11 seasons · Drama, Comedy"Shameless" follows the chaotic lives of the Gallagher family in Chicago. Frank, the father, is a flawed man often lost in self-destruction and more comfortable at the bar than with his kids. His six children, however, are fiercely resilient and resourceful as they fight to become adults, forging their own paths despite a difficult home life. They face hardship with honesty and unwavering loyalty, offering a raw look at family and the strength of those bonds in a broken world. Their daily struggles reveal a captivating story of human determination and the enduring power of family.Stream on - 3
Rick and MortyTV · 2013 · 10 seasons · Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi & FantasyA brilliant but sociopathic scientist takes his naturally shy grandson on thrilling adventures throughout the galaxy.Stream onIMDb 9.0TMDB 8.7
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FargoTV · 2014 · 5 seasons · Crime, DramaThis anthology series explores the darkness within everyday people, set against the beautiful scenery of Minnesota. Each story reveals hidden malice, violence, and murder beneath seemingly normal lives. Expect suspense, drama, and shocking twists as the series shows how people's darker impulses can lead to tragedy. It’s a thought-provoking journey into the hidden depths of the human soul, exposing fear, passion, and anger at their most dangerous.Stream onIMDb 8.8TMDB 8.3
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Bob's BurgersTV · 2011 · 16 seasons · Animation, ComedyBob's Burgers centers on Bob Belcher, a third-generation burger chef, who runs his family restaurant with his wife and three kids. The Belchers have ambitious visions for their burgers, but struggle with customer service and class. Despite a rundown restaurant, a bad location, and few customers, Bob and his family are determined to make the restaurant's "grand re-re-re-opening" a success.Stream on - 6
Brooklyn Nine-NineTV · 2013 · 8 seasons · Comedy, CrimeThis single-camera comedy follows a team of detectives in a New York precinct – each with distinctive personalities and pasts. Amidst compelling cases, humor naturally arises from their everyday interactions. The series centers on a struggling detective who must adjust to a demanding new boss, who challenges him to take ownership and grow, both personally and professionally. With memorable characters and witty dialogue, the show offers a fresh take on police work, keeping audiences entertained and wanting more. It’s a cleverly balanced blend of comedy and drama, delivering an engaging and enjoyable viewing experience.Stream onIMDb 8.4TMDB 8.2
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The Good WifeTV · 2009 · 7 seasons · DramaWhen her husband's public scandal results in his imprisonment, Alicia Florrick must rebuild her life and raise her family alone. Forced to re-enter the workforce, she navigates a challenging new reality with determination. The series follows Alicia's journey of personal growth and strength as she confronts adversity, redefining herself professionally and personally. It’s a story about redemption, identity, and the complexities of family, all centered on a woman taking control in a world turned upside down.Stream onIMDb 8.3TMDB 7.6
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True DetectiveTV · 2014 · 4 seasons · Drama, MysteryThis gripping detective series offers a fresh look at human nature through its American anthology structure. Each episode presents a new investigation, deeply connected to the lives of everyone involved – the victims, the suspects, and the investigators themselves. The story unfolds across different time periods, building suspense as viewers piece together hidden truths. The series expertly examines the complexities of morality, police work, and personal connections in a world where justice isn't always clear-cut.Stream on - 9
Last Week Tonight with John OliverTV · 2014 · 13 seasons · Talk, Comedy, NewsThis half-hour comedy series skewers the week's headlines – news, politics, and everything in between.Stream onIMDb 8.8TMDB 7.8
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Orange Is the New BlackTV · 2013 · 7 seasons · Comedy, DramaPiper Chapman's ordinary New York life is shattered when a past crime she'd forgotten lands her in a women's prison. Inside, she navigates a world of unexpected friendships and fierce rivalries with a diverse group of inmates – each with their own story. Forced to adapt to the harsh realities of prison, Piper confronts complex emotions and discovers a strength she never knew she possessed.Stream on - 11
Mad MenTV · 2007 · 7 seasons · DramaSet in the glamorous and competitive world of 1960s-early 1970s Madison Avenue advertising in New York City, this drama explores the intense ambition and hidden conflicts of those who shaped consumer culture. Men and women navigate professional rivalries and evolving social expectations while striving for success in a rapidly changing era. The series reveals the alluring and ruthless side of an industry driven by relentless creativity.Stream onIMDb 8.7TMDB 8.1
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Jane the VirginTV · 2014 · 5 seasons · Comedy, DramaThis series follows a young, devout woman whose carefully planned life is upended when she discovers she's unexpectedly pregnant through artificial insemination. She must now face the daunting task of telling her deeply religious family about this surprise. The story explores her internal struggle as she confronts the responsibilities of impending motherhood, blending humor and drama to examine themes of faith, tradition, and self-discovery. Adapted from the popular telenovela "Juana la virgen," it promises a captivating and emotionally resonant viewing experience.Stream on - 13
CommunityTV · 2009 · 6 seasons · ComedyThis comedy series follows a group of students at Greendale Community College in the odd town of Greendale, Colorado. Known as the worst college in the world, Greendale offers these characters unexpected friendship and wild adventures as they struggle through school. Facing absurd classes, strange professors, and silly situations, they navigate growing up and finding themselves, learning that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. The show is light, funny, and gently mocks the education system while exploring friendship, personal growth, and the search for knowledge in a very unusual place.Stream onIMDb 8.5TMDB 8.0
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The AmericansTV · 2013 · 6 seasons · Crime, Drama"The Americans" is a suspenseful drama set during the intense early 1980s Cold War. It follows Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, a married Soviet KGB couple living undercover as an ordinary American family in suburban Washington D.C., while secretly carrying out their missions. They struggle to balance their dangerous roles with raising their children and appearing normal.
Adding to the tension is Stan Beeman, an FBI agent investigating suspicious activity among his neighbors. He unknowingly gets close to the very Soviet spies he's trying to uncover.
The series explores themes of loyalty and deception, examining the conflict between duty and personal life, all while keeping viewers gripped by a thrilling story about the human cost of the Cold War.Stream on - 15
HannibalTV · 2013 · 3 seasons · Drama, CrimeGraham is a profiler with a unique ability to understand criminals – a gift that also burdens him. He's assigned to hunt a particularly clever and brutal killer and is unexpectedly partnered with Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist renowned for his insight into the criminal mind. As they work together, Graham and Lecter share a complex exchange of ideas, exploring the dark and intricate world of murderers, where it becomes difficult to distinguish between hunter and hunted.Stream on - 16
The LeftoversTV · 2014 · 3 seasons · Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama'The Leftovers' is a drama series about the aftermath of a global event where 98% of the world's population suddenly vanishes. The series follows those who are left behind as they struggle to understand the inexplicable loss of loved ones and strangers alike. Dealing with grief, faith, and the bonds of community, it explores the emotional fallout of this cataclysmic event. The survivors grapple with confusion and despair, searching for meaning and trying to rebuild their lives in a world irrevocably changed.Stream onIMDb 8.3TMDB 7.7
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Broad CityTV · 2014 · 5 seasons · Comedy, DramaBroad City is a hilarious comedy about two young women navigating the chaotic streets of New York City. The show offers a refreshingly honest look at their everyday struggles, turning ordinary moments into wildly funny situations.
Each episode highlights the strong bond between the two leads as they face challenges in their personal lives and careers. Broad City brilliantly finds humor in difficult circumstances, showcasing the absurdity of daily life.
Driven by sharp wit, honest humor, and a playful irreverence, the series explores friendship, ambition, and finding oneself in the city. This unique and unpredictable show provides both entertainment and a new take on female friendships and the search for happiness in modern life.Stream onIMDb 8.4TMDB 7.1
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VeepTV · 2012 · 7 seasons · Comedy, War & PoliticsThe series follows Selina Meyer, a former senator who becomes Vice President, as she navigates the demanding world of American politics. She soon discovers the unexpected pressures and challenges that come with the highest office, confronting harsh realities and warnings from those around her. The show offers a detailed look at political maneuvering, intrigue, and power struggles, while revealing the personal and professional life of a powerful but vulnerable woman in Washington D.C. It's a story about ambition versus reality, where every choice has unforeseen consequences.Stream on - 19
Orphan BlackTV · 2013 · 5 seasons · Drama, Sci-Fi & FantasyA resourceful hustler living in the city witnesses what appears to be a young woman's suicide – a woman who looks exactly like her. Drawn into a complex conspiracy by this unsettling resemblance, she uncovers layers of deception where nothing is as it seems. Her investigation reveals a dangerous truth that blurs the lines of reality and forces her to question who she really is. The series explores the tension between the city's harsh reality and hidden secrets, as the protagonist’s search for answers exposes the fragility of identity in a world built on appearances.Stream on - 20
The AffairTV · 2014 · 5 seasons · Drama"The Affair" explores the fallout of an extramarital affair between Noah Solloway, a New York teacher struggling with his career and family, and Alison Lockhart, a young waitress grieving the loss of her child. Their lives become intertwined in Montauk, Long Island, leading to a complicated emotional connection. Told from both of their perspectives – each shaped by personal memories – the story reveals how the affair dramatically changes their lives. The series examines infidelity, love, guilt, and self-discovery, forcing viewers to examine the complexities of relationships and their consequences.Stream on - 21
GirlsTV · 2012 · 6 seasons · Drama, ComedyFour young women in their mid-twenties navigate life in New York City, each pursuing their own dreams and facing unique obstacles. Hannah, a writer, battles self-doubt while striving for success. Marnie works at an art gallery, trying to define herself beyond her relationships. Jessa, transitioning from a wild lifestyle, adjusts to a new chapter. And Shoshanna juggles school, responsibilities, and social life.
The film follows their shared experiences – the good, the bad, and everything in between – as they grapple with friendship, ambition, and finding themselves in a vibrant city. Their honest interactions offer a relatable and authentic look at the challenges of young adulthood, making for a compelling story for viewers of all ages.Stream on - 22
You're the WorstTV · 2014 · 5 seasons · Comedy, DramaJimmy Shive-Overly, a self-absorbed man who expects relationships to fail, meets Gretchen Cutler, a woman who avoids them at all costs. At a wedding, these two very different people are unexpectedly drawn to each other, both carrying emotional scars from past relationships. Their unusual connection becomes a funny and revealing look at the challenges of intimacy as they navigate their relationship and start to doubt what they always believed about love and commitment.Stream on - 23
RectifyTV · 2013 · 4 seasons · Crime, DramaThis drama follows Daniel Holden after he's released from prison following 19 years on Death Row. Convicted of a brutal crime he may not have committed, Daniel’s release comes thanks to new DNA evidence that casts doubt on his guilt and the justice system itself. Adjusting to life outside prison is just as difficult as his time inside. Haunted by his past and facing new suspicion, Daniel struggles to find his place in a world that's changed. He tries to reconnect with his family, but his return stirs up fear in the town and threatens to unravel their fragile peace. Will Daniel’s freedom bring healing, or will it tear the community apart?Stream onIMDb 8.3TMDB 7.6
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LouieTV · 2010 · 5 seasons · Comedy, DramaLouis C.K. stars as a comedian and single dad in New York City, offering a funny and heartfelt look at his life raising two young daughters. He navigates the everyday chaos of parenthood, finding humor in the challenges of city life and personal growth. The film blends raw emotions about divorce, fatherhood, and finding happiness with relatable moments from his comedy career and family life.IMDb 8.5TMDB 7.8 - 25
The KnickTV · 2014 · 2 seasons · DramaNew York City, 1900. "The Knick" is set in the Knickerbocker Hospital and follows the doctors and nurses who work there. Dr. John Thackery, the hospital's chief surgeon, is a brilliant but troubled man driven to push the boundaries of medicine with new procedures.
His talent saves lives, but Dr. Thackery battles a crippling drug addiction that endangers his career and personal life. The series explores the difficulties faced by the hospital staff in an era before modern medicine, as they grapple with the realities of early 20th-century healthcare.
"The Knick" provides a compelling glimpse into a time of significant progress achieved through immense obstacles and personal struggles, showcasing both successes and failures in the pursuit of medical knowledge.Stream onIMDb 8.4TMDB 7.9
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Key & PeeleTV · 2012 · 5 seasons · Comedy"Key & Peele" is a sketch comedy show starring Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, both veterans of MADtv. Each episode features a series of pre-recorded sketches that hilariously examine cultural norms and social issues. The duo's signature introductions to the live studio audience add to the fun, guiding viewers into a world where satire, social commentary, and comedy blend together.Stream on - 27
TransparentTV · 2014 · 5 seasons · Comedy, DramaA Los Angeles family's world is shaken when a single event reveals long-held secrets and blurs the lines between them. This drama follows the family as they confront the fallout from their shared history and uncertain future, as hidden truths come to light, forcing them to question who they are and how they relate to each other. The series explores trust, family bonds, and finding oneself through intricate relationships and powerful emotional moments. It's a story about the complicated connections that tie us together.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 6.3
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LookingTV · 2014 · 2 seasons · Comedy, DramaSet against the backdrop of San Francisco, the series explores the lives of three young gay friends as they navigate modern dating and relationships. It follows their experiences as they explore the many options available to them while building meaningful connections. Through their journeys, they discover the joys and challenges of embracing their identities in a changing world.Stream on - 29
Nathan for YouTV · 2013 · 4 seasons · Comedy, Documentary'Nathan Fielder' blends reality and comedy as he offers business advice to struggling small businesses. Calling himself an expert in everything, Nathan uses wildly unconventional marketing ideas – strategies most consultants wouldn’t dare. He tackles projects like revitalizing a souvenir shop with a Johnny Depp impersonator or creating a mountaintop rebate for a coffee shop called "Dumb Starbucks." Nathan's earnest desire to help leads him and the people he meets on surprising and often unpredictable journeys. The show explores the strange intersection of business, creativity, and humor as Nathan relentlessly pursues success with his unorthodox methods.Stream on - 30
EnlistedTV · 2014 · 1 seasons · Comedy"Enlisted" is a funny look at three very different brothers who join the U.S. Army at a small base in Florida. The series hilariously explores their complicated family bond as they deal with military life and try to understand each other. Expect laughs, heartfelt moments, and unexpected situations as these brothers work together. "Enlisted" blends military stories with relatable family dynamics for a lighthearted and entertaining ride about brotherhood and finding common ground.Stream on - 31
ReviewTV · 2014 · 3 seasons · ComedyForrest MacNeil is a critic who doesn't review movies or restaurants. He takes viewers’ suggestions for extreme experiences – everything from petty theft to drug use, even sleeping with famous people – and gives them a 1-to-5-star rating based on his own participation. Forrest’s dedication to his unusual job leads him down intense paths, forcing him to confront the real-world consequences of his choices. The series explores the complicated relationship between life, art, and criticism, and the often-painful process of self-discovery that happens when chasing the perfect review.Stream on - 32
Adventure TimeTV · 2010 · 10 seasons · Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi & FantasyFinn, a human knight, and Jake, a magical dog, are best friends who explore the fantastical Land of Ooo. The inseparable duo are constantly caught up in adventures, relying on each other through any challenge.Stream onIMDb 8.7TMDB 8.5
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Boardwalk EmpireTV · 2010 · 5 seasons · Crime, DramaIn 1920s Atlantic City, Prohibition is about to begin, but the city thrives on bending the rules. At the center of it all is Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, the town's treasurer – a powerful figure who operates with equal skill in politics and organized crime. He controls everything.Stream on - 34
New GirlTV · 2011 · 7 seasons · ComedyAfter a painful breakup, quirky and endearing Jessica Day moves into an apartment with three single guys. Endlessly optimistic, open, and sometimes naive, Jess believes the best in everyone. Though she’s undeniably awkward, she embraces her individuality. Accustomed to female friendships, living with these guys—especially at home—is entirely new territory for her.Stream on
