I have a confession to make. Despite my handle, I absolutely loathe going to the movies. When I do venture to the theater, I usually go alone to a matinee. I've never understood why people feel the need to go to movies with other people. I'm not there to socialize, I'm there to watch a goddamn movie. I hate the sound of people munching popcorn in my ear. I hate the SOB teens with no respect for the people around them. I hate pretty much everything about it.
So, most movies I see at home, with the exception of big event movies or prestige pictures. However, sometimes when I'm sitting on the couch, munchies at hand, I don't want to watch a movie. Sometimes I'd rather watch television.
TV programs have always been in the ghetto of the filmic city. They are considered less worthy of praise, less artful, than good movies. I have to disagree. Good television can do things movies can't. A good season of television will tell a long format story, and the best will deliver enormous character arcs, or brilliant laughs. I'd have to say some some of the longer running shows have given me more hours of quality entertainment than any of my favorite directors. So, with that in mind, I present my favorite television shows.
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