Essential TV Viewing: Shows You Must Watch Before You Die
In today's era of endless streaming options and constant new releases, keeping up with television can feel overwhelming. To help navigate this vast landscape, we turned to Metro readers for their definitive recommendations on the shows that simply must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Their responses highlighted a diverse range of series that have left lasting impressions on audiences.
The Wire: A Masterclass in Realistic Drama
Frequently mentioned by readers, The Wire stands as a monumental achievement in television history. First airing in 2002, this crime drama has maintained its reputation as one of the greatest series ever created. The show features an exceptional ensemble cast, including Idris Elba in his breakthrough role as Stringer Bell, and presents a hyper-realistic portrayal of Baltimore's justice system. As one Reddit user noted, the writing remains brilliant with no contrivances, while characters from all walks of life feel authentically human with their flaws and attributes fully realised.
Band of Brothers: Wartime Drama at Its Finest
Recommended by reader Stephen Price, this Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks creation from 2001 continues to resonate deeply with audiences. Based on Stephen E. Ambrose's book, the series follows American paratroopers during World War II, with Tom Hanks emphasising that the core theme of brotherhood gives the show its enduring power. The Guardian once praised it as more impressive than anything in cinemas during its release year, and it remains available for viewing on Sky and NOW platforms.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Supernatural Excellence
Reader Barbie Roe championed this action-packed supernatural series featuring Sarah Michelle Gellar as the iconic Buffy Summers. The show's appeal lies in its perfect blend of drama, humour, and character development, with exciting news that a continuation series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale, is set to premiere this year. Gellar has reassured fans that the team will only proceed if they can "do it right," promising a return that honours the original's legacy.
Frasier: Sitcom Perfection
Gerard Heine highlighted this sophisticated comedy starring Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce, which aired from 1993 to 2004. Despite a recent revival receiving mixed reactions, the original series maintains its status as one of television's finest sitcoms. The Atlantic noted that what made Frasier unusual for its time - its self-aware humour and character-driven plots - continues to give it enduring appeal without the cringe-inducing elements of its contemporaries.
The Sopranos: Groundbreaking Crime Drama
Multiple readers, including Lynda Baker and Kim Edwards, identified The Sopranos as essential viewing. James Gandolfini's portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano created one of television's most revered characters, with The New Yorker describing the show as evolving like a sprawling 19th-century social novel. The series' influence continues through the 2019 prequel film The Many Saints of Newark, featuring Michael Gandolfini as a younger version of his father's iconic character.
Yellowstone: Modern Western Epic
Gareth Taloy recommended this contemporary western that premiered in 2020, making it the most recent series on our list. Despite some disappointment with its finale, the show has spawned a successful franchise with spin-offs including 1883 and 1923. Kevin Costner leads the ensemble, with particular praise directed toward Kelly Reilly's performance as Beth Dutton, described by Reddit users as exceptionally talented despite creating a character audiences love to hate.
Breaking Bad: Unmissable Television
Daniel Jack Dorton selected this groundbreaking crime drama featuring Bryan Cranston as Walter White, whose transformation from chemistry teacher to meth manufacturer created television history. The show's creator, Vince Gilligan, has since launched new projects while reflecting on the creative freedom he experienced during Breaking Bad's production. Reader Carlton Kenzie also highlighted the exceptional spin-off Better Call Saul, featuring Bob Odenkirk's portrayal of lawyer Saul Goodman.
Why These Shows Endure
What connects these diverse recommendations is their ability to transcend mere entertainment and become cultural touchstones. As reader Asim Raymond emphasised about The Sopranos and The Wire, "nothing can beat them" when it comes to television excellence. Each series represents a pinnacle of storytelling in its respective genre, whether through realistic crime drama, sophisticated comedy, supernatural adventure, or historical epic.
The common thread among all these recommendations is their lasting impact on viewers and their continued relevance in television discussions. From classic series that defined their eras to contemporary shows building new legacies, these Metro reader selections provide a comprehensive guide to television's most essential viewing experiences.
