2016 has been one wild year. But one safe and reliable haven remains — the television landscape. TV continues to prove it is better than film, and this year’s batch of top television ranges from a real-life murder trial to a time-traveling romance to a superpowered girl named Eleven. Here is this year’s comprehensive list of A&E’s top television shows of 2016.
Top 10 TV Shows of 2016
10. “Outlander” (Starz)
“Outlander” continued its incredible and romantic ride in the Scottish Hills. “Outlander” is an underrated show, but perhaps it’s because it’s not on HBO or Netflix. Regardless, the chemistry between show leads Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan is off the charts, and for those looking to tame their huge “Game of Thrones” appetite, “Outlander” is worth a watch.
9. “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” (TBS)
Samantha Bee has taken over the comedic spotlight for the hibernating Jon Stewart. Bee isn’t concerned with being fair or bipartisan, but she is brutally honest and her humor can relate to everyone. In an arena dominated by men, Samantha Bee proves the best political humor comes from passion and experience.
8. “Westworld” (HBO)
“Westworld” isn’t perfect, but it’s a lot of fun. Season one went out with a bang, and the future of the series looks very promising. Thandie Newton and Evan Rachel Wood put in two incredible performances as hosts grappling with their own humanity. Even though almost all of the mysteries were correctly theorized online, “Westworld” is worth watching for the world itself — a haunting and rather nihilistic reflection on society today.
7. “Transparent” (Amazon)
While season three was not the best season for the critical darling, “Transparent” is still important television. “Transparent” is a show bigger than all of its parts. It does not preach or lecture, it simply lives in a world which the viewer can either choose to follow along or not.
6. “Game of Thrones” (HBO)
Despite season six of “Game of Thrones” still being relatively uneven, the explosive — literally — final hour of the season proves why so many people are obsessed with this epic fantasy series. Only two shortened seasons remain for the series, and as “Game of Thrones” barrels towards the end, its loose ends are finally getting trimmed.
5. “The Americans” (FX)
“The Americans” is the next “Breaking Bad.” This espionage thriller is underrated by the award-show circuit. “The Americans” continues to be a gripping masterclass on identity and family, and the writing of the show leaves no flabby extra. It is hands down the best continuous episodic drama on television.
4. “Bojack Horseman” (Netflix)
Once again an animated humanoid-horse is a top television show of the year. “Bojack Horseman” is much more than its hilarious pop-culture references or whacky background characters; this show grapples with depression and the downside to fame. It’s sad, laugh-out-loud hilarious and everything in between.
3. “Stranger Things” (Netflix)
“Stranger Things” was the breakout show of the summer. It started out small and grew into a pop-culture phenomenon. A blend between “E.T.” and “Fringe,” this 80s-set series blends numerous genres and provides an excellent binge. Season two cannot come fast enough.
2. “Atlanta” (FX)
Donald Glover is one of the most talented people working today. He began as a writer for “30 Rock,” he rose to fame as Troy on “Community,” he established himself as a the musical titan Childish Gambino and is set to play Lando Calrissian in the 2018 Han Solo Star Wars movie. “Atlanta” is a blend of all of this talent. It’s funny, observant, honest and fresh.
1. “American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson” (FX)
In a year where the O.J. Simpson trial was once again front and center in the cultural zeitgeist, “American Crime Story” was able to take some of the biggest actors in the industry and tell a story that has already written itself. Sarah Paulson is finally being recognized for her incredible work, and as odd as it is for a Ryan Murphy project to be the best television show of the year, “The People v. O.J. Simpson” is phenomenal.
Honorable Mentions
Broad City (Comedy Central), VICE (HBO), Better Call Saul (AMC), Veep (HBO) and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
Best Episode of Television
“San Junipero” — “Black Mirror” (Netflix)
This episode of television is something special. “Black Mirror” returned to Netflix after a few years with six new episodes. Not all of them are hits, but “San Junipero” is. The beginning of the episode meanders through a strange world, and when the curtain is finally dropped, “San Junipero” turns into a love story. This is the best hour on television this year and it deserves all of the praise and recognition. “San Junipero” is simply spectacular.
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