My Top 10 Favorite TV Shows of All Time

#1 - The Haunting of Hill House (9.5/10)

I cannot say enough good things about this incredible show. A limited series based on the novel by Shirley Jackson, The Haunting of Hill House will forever be my #1 favorite.

This is not your average story about a haunted house. There are no cheap jump scares, corny one-liners or cliché horror tropes. This ten-episode story expertly weaves together chilling suspense, family tension, childhood trauma, gut-wrenching heartbreak and uplifting triumphs into an intricate masterpiece.

The ghosts a family believed only existed in their memories continue to haunt their every decision, experience, mistake and wish as they've grown older. Through their perspectives, we learn how those ghosts helped shape who they are and what their futures hold.

Side note: The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass and the Fall of the House of Usher are all directed by Mike Flanagan, and while the stories are not connected to each other, similar casts star in each series. I've always found this fascinating as it really helps create a feeling a familiarity at the start of each show when we see some of the same talented actors and actresses bringing the characters of an entirely new story to life.

Makes me think they are all great friends behind the scenes and thoroughly enjoy working together. That would be awesome.

#2 - Arcane (9.5/10)

A thrilling and heart-warming series loosely based on the lore and character relations of the popular video game "League of Legends," Arcane will leave you on the edge of your seat through both seasons.

My recommendation if and when you decide to watch: Be sure to watch this series in three-episode sessions. Each of the two seasons has three "chapters," and each chapter is made up of three episodes. It will feel like the start and finish of a short story every three episodes as the characters age, new threats emerge and new alliances are forged.

If you are a fan of animation, this series is for you.

#3 - The Haunting of Bly Manor (9/10)

Another limited series directed by Mike Flanagan, The Haunting of Bly Manor is both a spine-chilling ghost story and a tragic love story. The way it builds suspense, feeds the audience clues as to what is happening in the manor and neatly ties up every loose end by the conclusion of the story is beautifully done.

#4 - The Fall of the House of Usher (8.5/10)

Yet another limited series directed by Mike Flanagan, and this was one of his most twisted and thrilling stories yet. My partner and I just finished watching it last night and I realized, it inched out one of my other entries on this list. The Fall of the House of Usher keeps you guessing, and just when you think you have all the pieces of the puzzle, another twist comes through like a wrecking ball.

If you enjoy Edgar Allen Poe and are up for the challenge of following the individual stories of characters who are largely dislikable but insanely entertaining, give this show a watch.

#5 - Midnight Mass (8.5/10)

Okay yeah, Mike Flanagan might be a favorite director of mine, but I promise, I'm biased for a reason.

Rather than telling us a story about a haunted house or manor, Midnight Mass tells us a story about a small island village in the midst of what they believe to be a "religious awakening." Little do they know, this couldn't be further from the truth.

#6 - The Legend of Vox Machina (8.5/10)

Another animated series, and this one will leave any Dungeons&Dragons DM feeling inspired.

The Legend of Vox Machina is based on the first Dungeons&Dragons campaign played by the cast of Critical Role, a talented group of voice actors and actresses who livestreamed their game sessions on Twitch to share the story of Vox Machina with the world.

While we could only see the cast acting out the characters and events of the story during these sessions, the animated series has created a way for everyone to finally see what the characters actually look like and a window into the incredible imaginative minds of the cast of Critical Role. These are their characters, and it is a blast to see them make their on-screen debut.

And of course, what is a Dungeons&Dragons TV show without some Matt Mercer cameos peppered throughout?

#7 - The Last Kingdom (8.5/10)

The Last Kingdom tells the story of a man torn between two worlds: The Saxons of Wessex and the invading Danes. Loosely based on true historical events, The Last Kingdom is not afraid to show audiences the true horror of war. In the end, it is a quest to find out what truly matters: One's heritage, or one's heart.

#8 - Stranger Things (8/10)

Many people have already heard of or watched Stranger Things, but for those who haven't, I beg of you: Do not throw in the towel after the second season, it gets WAYYY better.

#9 - The Boys (8/10)

When I first heard of The Boys and watched the trailer for the first season, I didn't really think I would enjoy it. But I was sorely mistaken: The Boys is a wild ride.

Take a cup of extreme violence and gore, stir in some good old-fashioned political corruption, sprinkle in some over-the-top offensive cuss words, mix in plenty of absurd and terrifying "superheroes," just a dash of awkward nude scenes and a healthy amount of rude humor, and you've got The Boys.

Trust me on this one: The less you know going in, the better.

#10 - Game of Thrones (8/10)

While I previously thought this would be higher on my list, I couldn't justify it in my mind given how bad the last season was. I would gladly sign whatever petition is currently circulating for a complete Season 8 do-over, but it's been six years now...the odds aren't exactly in our favor.

However, I do have a lot of positive thoughts on this show and highly recommend the first seven seasons to any prospective viewers. The cinematography, the detail of the combat scenes, the design of the dragons, the amazing cast and the intricate web of political upheaval crafted episode by episode make this show a must-see.

Again, just the first seven seasons though.

***Honorable Mentions***

The Big Bang Theory (8/10)

Highly recommend to anyone having a bad day. This show was my go-to whenever I needed a laugh.

Hazbin Hotel (7/10)

If you like adult cartoons, musicals and animation, Hazbin Hotel is definitely a fun pick. My partner and I binge-watched the entire first season in a few hours, and honestly, with each episode only being about 30 minutes long, we didn't feel too guilty after.

While the majority of souls want to make it to Heaven, can the ones that wind up in Hell be redeemed? Hazbin Hotel explores some dark, unsavory themes in the quest for an answer, but delivers plenty of laughs and catchy tunes to keep our spirits up.

Ink Master (7/10)

I'm not a fan of reality TV, but this show is creative and fun, and always gives me the itch to get another tattoo. When I can't find anything new, this show is a great pick to fall back on.