We’ve been looking back at our favorite movies and video games of 2013 over the past few days, and we even enumerated our biggest disappointments of the year. Now, on the final day of 2013, the Fandomania staff lists our favorite TV shows that aired during the past 12 months. Check it out!
Arrow
“I’m more of a Marvel than a DC gal, but I love the world created for Arrow. It’s realistic enough to be believable, yet maintains the graphic feel of the comic book universe. It’s smart with lots of action and it boasts a fantastic cast headed by the luscious, yet talented Stephen Amell and anchored by the fabulous John Barrowman. I like shows that tell parallel stories of different timelines. When it isn’t done well, it can be confusing, but Arrow does a great job weaving the present time of Oliver Queen/Arrow in Starling City with the five years in his past trapped on the island. The visual effects are seamless to the point that I don’t think a lot of viewers realize how many special effects are used for each episode. The storytelling is tight and tense, and events don’t always work out well for the heroes. For me, many of the recent comic-based TV shows and movies have failed because they tried to inject too much realism into the superhero world. By not trying to be too realistic about everything, Arrow makes the story work.” – Ava DiGioia
“In a time when DC fans are fleeing the comics due to changes wrought by the current editorial department, Arrow is a beacon of hope in a troubled sea. The show manages to be not only a fantastic comic book adaptation but a great action show on its own merits.” – Jason Dorough
“In what seems to be a rare feat these days, Arrow‘s second season has been even better than its first. Not only is the action top-notch — with both archery and hand-to-hand combat showcased often — but there’s real emotion behind all the characters and their relationships with each other. It’s impressive how many DC Universe elements they pack in each week, too, and in such a way that even a (very) casual comics fan like me never feels lost. The world of Starling City (and beyond) feels grounded in reality, but still comic book-y enough to make it tons of fun to watch.” – Celeste Monsour
Orphan Black
“Not only is Tatiana Maslany incredible in every one of the eight (so far) characters she plays on the show, the rest of the cast shines as well, the effects are seamless, and the plot twists always keep me guessing. The perfect blend of tense, surprising, and hilarious makes Orphan Black the best new show of the year.” – Celeste Monsour
“Tatiana Maslany very likely is the best actress working today. Her performances as the vast majority of the cast elevate what already would have been a fascinating sci-fi series to a new level of excellence.” – Jason Dorough
Doctor Who
“The second half of Doctor Who series 7 was nothing much to write home about, but ‘The Day of the Doctor’ was great. I loved all the little tributes to the past 50 years of the show — they made up for any annoying plot holes. And the chemistry between the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors — just, squee! Getting to watch Smith and Tennant together was the best. Related to the Doctor Who 50th, I also enjoyed Mark Gatiss’s ‘An Adventure in Space and Time’ about the first few years of the show. It was great seeing names that I have heard of but didn’t know too much about (Verity Lambert, Sydney Newman, William Hartnell) come to life, even if I did miss many of the cameos by classic Who actors.” – Ann Wells
“Considering I’ve been watching the good Doctor consistently since his third regeneration, it’s safe to say this show will always be on my must-watch list. As we prepare to say goodbye to Matt Smith and hello to Peter Capaldi, the universal truth remains. It’s always about the Doctor.” – Kimberly Lynn Workman
Almost Human
“The sometimes-reluctant partnership between John and Dorian is the best part of the show, but not its only strength. The cyberpunk setting makes the police cases especially interesting, with all kinds of cool technology being used both to commit crimes and to solve them. Tense action is balanced by sometimes goofy humor to make this an enjoyable series every week.” – Celeste Monsour
“The buddy cop bromance of the near future, Almost Human hinges on the relationship between Det. John Kennex and his robotic partner, Dorian. One is now part-machine due to a synthetic leg and the other is part human, programmed for emotional response. For each, their difference is viewed as a flaw. In this setting, it works due to witty, smart dialogue and the flavors brought to each character by Karl Urban and Michael Ealy in the top roles. The two play well off each other, creating an entertaining, action-packed hour of television. Plus, neither is hard on the eyes. Their talents and the relationship of their characters are held up by a solid framework from the exceptional supporting cast. Plus, I like the imagining of the near future landscape, how its technology has advanced, and how that affects people’s lives day to day.” – Ava DiGioia
The Big Bang Theory
“For all its ups and downs, this comedy remains a favorite of mine. Perhaps it’s because it speaks to me in ways other sitcoms cannot. Or maybe it’s because Sheldon is so fun to watch. Whatever the reason, I’m looking forward to see how all the relationships on the show will grow and evolve in the coming months.” – Kimberly Lynn Workman
“Ending the sixth and heading into the seventh season you’d think I would be bored with this show, but I’m not. Yes, some weeks are better than others but we can’t all be perfect, right? Anyways, TBBT has grown a lot in the past year. The episode regarding the letter from Howard’s dad — if that doesn’t win an Emmy, then screw the Academy or whoever handles that.” – Kendra Beltran
Sleepy Hollow
“This show is successful because of how off the wall it is. It’s also why I like it. Fox has renewed it for a another season already. I enjoy watching Ichabod and Abigail fight insane forms of evil every week.” – Mandi Harris
“A mishmash of Washington Irving’s classic tale, Revolutionary War history, Salem’s witchy past, and apocalyptic prophesy doesn’t seem a recipe for a successful brew. But Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and crew have managed to pull it off in Sleepy Hollow. It features one of the best female characters on the small screen this year in Abbie Mills, the young, fiercely independent police lieutenant, played by Nicole Beharie. She teams up with the iconic Ichabod Crane, here a Revolutionary War hero who has been resurrected after 200 years to fight the evil fermenting in Sleepy Hollow. The Headless Horseman is one of the best monster villains to come along in a while. He also happens to be one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse — the ever popular Death. The quality of the umbrella arc elevates Sleepy Hollow above the typical monster of the week series. It turns events such as the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere’s ride upside down in their meaning. I like the non-romantic relationship between Abbie and Ichabod, but it’s still filled with chemistry and fieriness. They are bound together till the mystery of the Headless Horseman’s presence is unraveled.” – Ava DiGioia
Breaking Bad
“Last year Breaking Bad was in my end-of-year picks, and it shows up one more time this year after its astounding final season. I’ve evangelized Breaking Bad to everyone I know as the best written TV drama of all time, and the show’s jaw dropping quality held firm all the way to the end.” – Jason Dorough
Orange Is the New Black
“Who didn’t love this show this year? People who lack taste. When it was funny, it was hilarious. When it was serious, it pulled your heart out and placed it in a blender.” – Kendra Beltran
Sons of Anarchy
“As Sons of Anarchy ends its penultimate season and heads into the final stretch, its connections to Hamlet become more and more apparent. This is Shakespearean tragedy set in the world of California gun runners and biker gangs. It’s an odd juxtaposition, and it’s one that makes for supremely intense and heartbreaking TV.” – Jason Dorough
Arrested Development
“I was very apprehensive when I heard they were bringing back my favorite modern comedy after all this time — could it possibly be as funny? Well, the answer is apparently yes. What could have been a disaster in trying to work around the very busy cast’s schedules turned into the best part of the season — interweaving, concurrent but separate plotlines that beg you to rewatch to see all the foreshadowing and inside jokes a single viewing doesn’t give context for.” – Celeste Monsour
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
“I know a lot of people don’t like the show, but I really do. I like the characters, especially Coulson and Agent May. I’m intrigued also by the characters’ pasts and can’t wait to see where it goes. I like that the show is about the agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. who work to keep us safe and clean up any messes the superheroes make. If people want superheroes, they should go watch the movies.” – Nikki Day
The Americans
“I’m a child of the ’80s and am a sucker for anything set in that decade. I also am a huge fan of espionage, and when The Americans slammed that genre into that setting I was hooked.” – Jason Dorough
The Blacklist
“Hello, James Spader. I haven’t seen you in a while. In a grand return to weekly television, Spader has created such an engaging character in Raymond ‘Red’ Reddington that I can’t look away. I know I shouldn’t trust the criminal mastermind, but it’s just so hard not to!” – Kimberly Lynn Workman
Dracula
“This show gives me an hour of laughs and enjoyment that I transfer into my recaps. I mean, the show has great writing, awesome actors, and lots of off the wall nonsense. I enjoy the intrigue and making fun of Lady Jayne’s wardrobe each week.” – Mandi Harris
The Originals
“Two words: Joseph Morgan. He reigns supreme on the show and in my heart (and hormones).” – Kendra Beltran
Elementary
“The cases are clever, but the real heart of the show is its characters and the dynamics between them. Holmes is brilliant and delightfully eccentric, but an almost-perpetually eye-rolling Watson keeps his arrogance in line. This year we saw guest appearances from ACD canon favorites like Irene Adler, Sebastian Moran, Moriarty, and Mycroft, woven into this version in surprising yet satisfying ways.” – Celeste Monsour
Once Upon a Time in Wonderland
“This show does get better with each episode. I was a little iffy about it at first and anytime the Red Queen comes on screen I cringe. The show has gained more depth and better writing as it has gone alone. Also, I adore the Knave of Hearts.” – Mandi Harris
Supernatural
“Dean made a promise to his brother at the end of last season that there was nothing he would put above Sam. That devotion continues to create all kinds of damage to anyone who gets close to the Winchesters. From keeping the King of Hell on a leash in their dungeon to tricking Sam into being possessed by an angel who isn’t who he claimed to be, Dean’s got a lot of problems coming his way in 2014. I can’t wait to see how it all turns out!” – Kimberly Lynn Workman
Hannibal
“I love Hannibal Lecter. Yes, he’s a cannibal and has a way of manipulating everyone around him, but he’s just so suave when he does it. With this new series, we get to see the hand Dr. Lecter plays in the gradual and heart-breaking destruction of Will Graham. It’s hard to accept, but it’s hard to look away.” – Kimberly Lynn Workman
Broadchurch
“BBC and David Tennant rarely disappoint when it comes to great TV shows. Broadchurch had me clawing at the chair each week wanting to know who the killer was. I am happily awaiting the next Broadchurch installment… even the American version.” – Mandi Harris
The Following
“Wait a minute, a show about a serial killer where I wasn’t in love with the murderer? That’s odd, but with that being said The Following was one of the most intense shows Fox has had in years. Plus, the guessing game never got old. ‘He’s in the following! Oh no, that chick is definitely on Joe’s side. CRAP, he was part of it?!?’ How fun is a show that leaves you with panic attacks?” – Kendra Beltran
The Mindy Project
“I am a pop culture junkie. Most of my conversations have references to TV shows in them and that’s probably why I’ve failed to make real adult friends. This is why I love The Mindy Project, even if Fox hates it and wants to cast it away with Dads. Mindy Lahiri speaks my language and you can’t help but admire the smart, thick, brown girl who almost always hooks up with the best looking guys — yes, I live through her.” – Kendra Beltran
