We’ve been looking back at our favorite movies and video games of 2015 over the past few days, and we even enumerated our biggest disappointments of the year. Now, on the final day of 2015, the Fandomania staff lists our favorite TV shows that aired during the past 12 months. Check it out!
Dark Matter
“The slightly unexpected hit show that is helping bring sci-fi back to Syfy, Dark Matter is a real space opera that brings us into the world of the Raza six-person crew, who wake from stasis to find they have no memories of who they are. The first season explores that question, and the viewer discovers much of the intriguing info along with the crew. Plus, the ship has an android played brilliantly by Zoie Palmer.” – Ava DiGioia
“I’ve been missing the Stargate universe, and this new Syfy series summons enough of the aesthetic and tone of those series, produced by some Stargate veterans, to scratch that itch. On its own merits, Dark Matter is a mysterious adventure through space with plenty of neat twists and surprising characters.” – Jason Dorough
“There wasn’t a single episode of this ensemble space show’s first season that I didn’t enjoy. Dark Matter examines the question of what makes us and our morality what they are — our natures or our choices? After a surprising cliffhanger ending, I can’t wait to see what Season 2 brings.” – Celeste Monsour
Jessica Jones
“Jessica Jones tackles some incredibly disturbing topics — abuse, trauma, and rape culture — in a refreshingly non-sensationalized way. Though tough as nails, Jessica’s vulnerability is at the forefront of her experience and the show manages to be empowering while never making Jessica’s struggle look easy.” – Celeste Monsour
“The second Marvel show from Netflix is dark and disturbing while introducing some fantastic and heroic characters into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Patsy Walker all are longtime mainstays in the comics, and this powerful series is a great screen debut for all of them.” – Jason Dorough
Blindspot
“I’ve found Blindspot to be an original take on the spy/FBI/military conspiracy story. Jaimie Alexander is riveting as the lady found in a bag in Times Square with her entire body tattooed and no memory. Each episode is about unraveling a piece of the mystery of her identity and the message she carries. Just when you think you know what’s happening, the story twists in unpredictable ways. A refreshing addition to the show genre.” – Ava DiGioia
“When I knew Jaimie Alexander was going to be on this show, I had to watch. I haven’t been disappointed with her performance or the quality of the show. The plot can be a bit much, but it’s still enjoyable.” – Mandi Harris Bowerman
Daredevil
“Netflix’s first foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a gorgeous and complex crime story featuring one of my all-time favorite comic characters. The way Daredevil develops Wilson Fisk’s story alongside Matt Murdock’s makes this a unique show with a layer of depth and villain development that many other comics adaptations lack.” – Jason Dorough
“The dual storylines of Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk, and the parallels drawn between them, are a fascinating look at the variables and choices that make us who we are. Though it can be very dark and graphic at times, there are also plenty of heartwarming and hilarious moments between characters, and the whole cast is phenomenal. The show’s production is also incredible, the now-famous hallway fight scene being perhaps the most illustrative example of the impact lighting, color, and clever camera work can have on a story.” – Celeste Monsour
Outlander
“One of my favorite book series made into a TV series. The casting and quality of the cast, especially the main characters of Claire, Jamie, and Frank/Black Jack, is near perfect. The blended story of historical romance/time travel is believable and handled well. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe how enjoyable and well-crafted Outlander is.” – Ava DiGioia
The Blacklist
“With Liz now on the run with Red, we got a bit more focus on their interactions. And we also got to see both Dembe and Mr. Vargas shine as character we don’t want to say goodbye to just yet.” – Kimberly Lynn Workman
Agent Carter
“A show about a female secret agent circa just-post-WWII? Yes please! I loved the story and tone of Agent Carter‘s first season, and watching Peggy handily navigate her way through a world that is quick to dismiss her talents and value on the basis of her gender without ever allowing it to affect her own self-image is inspiring.” – Celeste Monsour
The Librarians
“TNT took a chance with this quirky spinoff from The Librarians movie series, and it’s working for them. Its appeal will be to fans of shows like Warehouse 13, Eureka, and Leverage. It’s produced by John Rogers, Dean Devlin, and Noah Wyle, who reprises his Flynn Carson role on a recurring basis. It’s a fun, funny, and smart romp into history and literature that expects its viewers to be intelligent enough to keep up with its fast pace. It makes it cool to be a Librarian. Oh, and John Larroquette.” – Ava DiGioia
The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
“Titus Andromedon is a gift from the TV gods.” – Kendra Beltran
Star Wars: Rebels
“Continuing the adventures of the crew of the Ghost, Rebels is a perfect bridge between the Star Wars prequels and the classic trilogy. It feels as much like genuine Star Wars as anything has, and Rebels is a great show both for longtime Star Wars fans and for newcomers.” – Jason Dorough
The Flash
“In its second season, The Flash has become the best of the DC superhero shows, slightly edging sister show Arrow out of the top spot. For me, The Flash does the best job of staying true to its comic book canon roots. The story has some complicated alternate Earths and time travel components, yet the show is doing a sensational job of connecting the worlds and characters in an understandable story. Plus, there’s a likeable tone to the story and characters.” – Ava DiGioia
Supernatural
“Always and forever on my list as long as the show is on the air. This year we got to see the Winchesters go to even further extremes to save each other and the world in the process. Killing Death and returning to the Cage in Hell is just the beginning.” – Kimberly Lynn Workman
Broad City
“Proving that anything boys can do, girls do 100% better.” – Kendra Beltran
Doctor Who
“I can say Doctor Who is one of my favorites still. I enjoyed series 9 a good bit, more than last series for sure. Capaldi has come into his own as The Doctor and I really like him, better than Eleven although he will never eclipse Ten as ‘my Doctor.’ Nothing pops out as ‘OMG this is my favorite episode ever!’ and there was the one dud, but for me it was pretty much consistently enjoyable overall.” – Ann Wells
Fargo
“Phenomenal writing, an all-star staff, and just enough weirdness to keep the audience thrown off track. That’s the perfect combination for a wonderful show such as Fargo. I was enthralled from start to finish.” – Kimberly Lynn Workman
Better Call Saul
“This spinoff from Breaking Bad had to fill some incredibly big shoes, and Better Call Saul manages to distinguish itself from the original show with its quirky humor layered on top of clever crime stories. Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, and Michael McKean make for a fantastic cast in a consistently enthralling production.” – Jason Dorough
Supergirl
“I feel like Supergirl was a breath of fresh air among the male-dominated comic book shows. The show has just the right amount of fun and seriousness. I also love Supergirl’s characterization as she struggles to be a regular woman and a hero.” – Mandi Harris Bowerman
iZombie
“You might not think a show about a medical examiner who eats brains would be hilarious, but this one is. Rose McIver shines as the appropriately-named Liv Moore, a zombie who solves murders by eating the brains of the victims, which grants her access to snippets of their memories. As a side effect, she takes on their personality traits as well, usually with amusing results. It’s not all fun and games, though; there’s plenty of drama, suspense, and heartwrenching twists to keep things interesting.” – Celeste Monsour
New Girl
“This show. Great start, so-so moments here and there from season two through now, and then this finale. It’s 2015, and an interracial relationship being the all-star of a show still makes my heart burst.” – Kendra Beltran
The Night Shift
“This could be seen as yet another overdramatic ER show, but what made it stand out for me was the integration of PTSD elements with the veteran staff members and the coming out of Drew and Rick. I hope they can find a happily ever after.” – Kimberly Lynn Workman
Hannibal
“As sad as I was to say goodbye to the gloriously gruesome show, the involved plotline once again took us to places we were privileged to see on network television. Plus, it gave us the perfect ending to Hannibal and Will’s abusive love story.” – Kimberly Lynn Workman
The Goldbergs (episode: “Barry Goldberg’s Day Off”)
“This show never fails to do the ’80s proud but with this one episode they noted not the impact of John Hughes’ movies or character but rather the man himself by paying homage to the fact that he was the one that made Adam realize he loved being behind the action more than being a part of it.” – Kendra Beltran
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries
“Not an entirely new show, but season 3 came out this year. I love the glamour, costumes, and its zany cast of characters. Each episode featured a highly interesting mystery and plenty of hijinks.” – Mandi Harris Bowerman
Difficult People
“When you pick a career that strays from the norm and makes people often judge your worth, you feel left out but then a show like this comes along and makes you realize you’re not alone in the ‘chasing your dreams’ lane.” – Kendra Beltran
