Here are the best and worst shows I have seen this year

It's time for the annual 'wrap up', and whilst some people may be excited to see what their annual music 'wrap up' is like, I am here to create a 'wrap up' of my own.

Being a first time mum means that my social life has changed drastically, and even getting my own time can at times be rare. However, when I do get the chance to unwind, I can't help but to start a new show. And I have to say, I have seen quite a few that have impressed me and a few that have wasted my time. So let's rank from worst to the best of the series I have seen this year!

10. The Frog

When I first saw the trailer for this series, it looked promising. It had an interesting opening narrative about a hotel owner letting a serial killer stay in a room for the night, unbeknownst that the serial killer's next victim would end up in that hotel room. The hotel ended up shutting down, and we follow the after effects of what happens to the hotel owner and his family.

The writers could have turned this plot into something deep and dark, but instead decided to add a whole different narrative of a bed and breakfast host who accepts a guest that also happens to be a killer, but this killer becomes obsessed with the accommodation and tries to steal it from him. Then the original plot somehow intertwines with the second plot, but none of it truly makes sense. The ending itself turns out to be disappointing, and it lacks the dark theme that is usually linked to a story about a serial killer.

Rating: 2/10

9. The Ultimatum: South Africa

If you haven't seen it already, the Ultimatum is a reality couple show where one partner gives the ultimatum: Are we going to get married or not? This show has aired in many countries, and this year they released the latest season which was shot in South Africa.

This new season was the wildest one yet! It had me on the edge of my seat and there was so much action happening it was hard to catch up. It was the most entertaining season that this show has released, but it is ranked in fourth place because unfortunately, the ending was quite anti climatic.

Rating: 6/10

8. Gyeongseong Creature Season 2

Gyeongseong Creature is a South Korean historical drama with a twist of mystery horror. The first season dates back to 1945, in Gyeongseong city (Seoul) during the Japanese occupation. The main narrative is that they are conducting secret heinous experiments with the end goal of turning people into creatures. The first season was epic, and there was a huge anticipation for the second season too.

The second season is set in modern Seoul, and the experiments still continue but in a modern hospital under a Korean company. This season wasn't as strong as the first, but it was still interesting to watch. It kind of drifted away from the original plot and swirled into a pool of romance between the two main characters. Overall the plot was good, and it had a strong ending.

Rating: 7.5/10

7. Monsters

Based on a true story, the series Monsters dives into a perspective seen from Lyle and Erik Menendez, who are brothers that killed their parents. This short series grips onto your emotions, making you feel sympathy for the brothers throughout each episode, since the acting in each episode is deep and raw. You create a connection to the brothers, as you see the world through their eyes. But all of that is then shattered in the final episode, when the prosecuting team brings you back to reality and makes you doubt the brothers' side of the story. Overall, the show was very compelling and well directed.

Rating: 8/10

6. Baby Reindeer

Based on a true and traumatizing story, a man is stalked by a woman, causing him to take a dark turn. The story itself is based on the true events that happened in Richard Gadd's life, who is the executive producer and main actor of the show. Yes...He re-lives his trauma by acting it out in this series. From the first episode, your mouth is left open as a reaction of shock, since the story itself is like an endless rollercoaster ride that keeps on getting scarier and scarier. It has also been written with a dark comedy approach, in order to lighten up the situation in some way.

Rating: 8.5/10

5. Tokyo Swindlers

Inspired by true events, this Japanese drama is about fraudsters scamming real estate companies, by acting as real estates agents themselves and falsely selling old or abandoned properties that still have owners and are not actually for sale. They use their clever tactics to trick others, and succeed in doing so. This series is entertaining, and leaves you on the edge of your seat as you watch the characters trying to trackle their biggest challenge yet.

Rating: 9/10

4. Eric

Eric is an American fictional series, but due to the way its written and directed, it'll make you question whether it's actually based on a true story or not. An alcoholic father who is also a puppet maker loses his son to the city of New York. As he tries to track down his son, he faces his demons and is put through various challenges that shifts the world from his feet and changes his life completely.

Rating: 9/10

3. Griselda

Based on a true story, Hollywood actress Sofia Vegara takes on the role of Griselda - and does an excellent job at it. Each episode takes us on a journey of how a Colombian woman named Griselda Blanco becomes the most fearsome drug lord in her time. Even the king of cocaine Pablo Escobar admitted to being scared of Griselda, for she was ruthless and merciless.

Rating: 9/10

2. Doubt

This South Korean drama is about a police detective involved in a murder case, but as he unravels the truth, he discovers that his daughter may or may not be the murderer. The first episode of this drama is highly captivating. It captures your interest right away, making it addictive to watch, as you follow the clues it leaves in each episode. There may be some parts that may make you question whether its necessary to include, but then you realize that each episode is like a piece to a puzzle that comes together at the end.

Rating: 9.5/10

1. Culinary Wars

This new South Korean reality show caused a wave of popularity globally, bringing back the thrill of watching a show that is full of suspense, shocking moments and authentic entertainment. What makes this show stand out is that it doesn't have the commercial Hollywood cheesiness that you would see in most reality shows, but instead there are moments that are so tense and awkward, that it will leave you gobsmacked. After watching this show, I truly felt inspired by the dishes that they made, as well as curious to actually visit the restaurants of the chefs that appeared on the show.

Rating: 10/10