Rate These TV Shows And We'll Guess Everyone's Favorite Actor
- by Theo Kogod
- – on
- in Movies and TV
We live in the Golden Age of Television. Bigger TV budgets, the advent of CGI allowing for amazing effects, and the rise of independent networks like HBO and Showtime as well as internet streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. All this has led to the creation of unique shows telling engaging stories that push boundaries, rather than the usual safe cookie cutter TV shows of the past. For the first time, TV shows can deliver the same big special effects, masterpieces or controversial edgy dramas one used to only get at the movies. With the click of a button we can enjoy real entertainment in the comfort of our own home.
We try to cover all types of TV shows in this quiz, because everyone’s preferences are different. From teen dramas to superhero shows to gritty crime stories, we want to know what people think of these TV shows. Tell us which shows rock and which ones make people reach to change the channel. Is Game of Thrones the winning show everyone says it is, or is it overhyped? Have long-running comedies like The Simpsons and South Park outlived their welcome, or do they continue to deliver sharp edgy comedy? Answer these questions, and we’ll guess the best pick for quiz takers’ favorite actors.
Is Game of Thrones a winning show?
Game of Thrones is the biggest television sensation since The Sopranos came to its dramatic end. And why not? Game of Thrones has something for everyone. There’s an amazing cast of characters, sword fighting action, courtly intrigue, and the wondrous magic of the high fantasy setting! Does the show live up to the hype?
How does The Simpsons hold up after all these years?
The Simpsons first aired as its own series 1989, and it has been running strong ever since. Of course, 29 years is a long time and what was shocking and new in the early 90s doesn’t pack the same punch today. Is The Simpsons still a hilarious family drama, or has it gone stale as a week-old donut Homer found buried under the couch?
Breaking Bad: is it good or bad?
Breaking Bad is the story of a public school teacher who turns to cooking illicit substances when the US health department fails him after he gets a cancer diagnosis. It has been celebrated as the greatest show on TV since The Wire. While the show has wonderful characters, beautiful literary references, and intense drama, is the show as good as its hype, or is Breaking Bad really a bad break?
Is Stranger Things too strange?
Stranger Things is one of those shows that blew up on Netflix. This intense supernatural horror tale features children in the 80s struggling with a monstrous threat and its story seems reminiscent of Stephen King’s It. Is this science fiction horror story the perfect blend of 80s nostalgia and supernatural suspense, or is it just a bit too strange?
Was Lost brilliant sci-fi or a pretentious mess?
During its six years on the air, Lost inspired some polarizing reactions. A story about survivors of a plane wreck who ended up stranded on a tropical island filled with polar bears, science bunkers, and temporal anomalies, this show was full of twists and turns. But its questions often seemed better than the answers given. Was Lost a great show or a poorly plotted mess?
Tell us whether NCIS was a success or flop?
With 15 seasons and 354 episodes out at the time of writing this, NCIS is one of the longest running live action shows currently on TV. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service solves crimes related to the US Navy and Marines, the team being led by the charismatic and talented sniper and special agent Gibbs. Is this show a success or just cookie cutter another crime drama?
Tell us whether Orange Is The New Black is a good show or not.
Orange Is The New Black is the Netflix drama about women locked up in the US carceral system, based on Piper Kerman’s memoir of the same name. The show has managed to address some very complicated topics from human rights abuses to the way friendships develop behind bars. Is the show as good as the hype around it?
How is Doctor Who?
This hit BBC show tells the story of The Doctor, a mysterious alien who travels through time and space in a 1950s police box. The series has been running for more than 50 years, telling stories that address such disparate topics as Robin Hood battling androids, building a new Earth, and Roman legions facing off against alien fleets. How is this show?
How does House of Cards stack up?
This Netflix show is about a South Carolina senator named Frank Underwood who is willing to employ any cutthroat tactics to advance his career or achieve his goals. Throughout the series, he comes to eventually sit in the Oval Office. An intense cerebral drama, this show has been both widely praised and criticized by audiences. How does House of Cards stack up?
Does Law & Order live up to the hype?
Law & Order is a police procedural that first aired in 1990 and has had 20 seasons to date, as well as spawning at least five spin-off series. The show took inspiration from real world crimes and just had a sense of realism to it. Does this crime drama live up to the hype?
What’s the conclusion on Sherlock?
Sherlock was the BBC’s hit crime drama about the life of Sherlock Holmes and his life partner Dr. John Watson living together in a flat in modern day London as they solved crimes together. The show had a hip rhythm to its stories and played with themes of romance, friendship, and intelligence. Care to give us the takeaway from this show?
How does Avatar: The Last Airbender balance out?
Avatar: The Last Airbender has frequently been touted as one of the greatest children’s shows ever made. The show told the story of Aang, the titular character who was the last Airbender and able to wield the four elements as the Avatar. The show dealt with themes of Eastern philosophy, religion, Hermetic alchemy, and war. How is this show?
Give us a quick take on The Flash.
The Flash is one of The CW’s series of superhero dramas based on the characters from DC Comics. With adventures full of super science and super speed, this show took a much more upbeat tone than its predecessor, Arrow. It also introduced concepts like the multiverse, Speed Force, and the Cosmic Treadmill into the Arrowverse. Give us a quick take on the show.
Does Mad Men live up to the craze around it?
Mad Men was a show that ran from 2007 to 2015, telling the story about a number of characters working for an advertising agency in the 1950s. The show was famous for its meticulous attention to detail, including going so far as to make sure even the ice cubes were authentic recreations of how they were made in the 1950s. Does the show live up to the craze surrounding it?
Has South Park gone south or stayed fresh?
South Park is one of the animated comedy sitcoms to launch the current trend (the other being The Simpsons). This show has offered relevant commentary on many contemporary topics such as whaling, Scientology’s Hollywood connections, economic crashes, and cyberbullying. Through the eyes of its four young protagonists, it addresses complex issues with surprising sophistication. But the show has been around since the 90s. Does it still stay fresh, or has South Park gone on too long?
Give us some true feelings on True Detective.
True Detective is a crime drama that appears on HBO. Each season focuses on a different unique story, told over the many course of the episodes of the season. With high drama and some incredible cinematography, this show has gotten a lot of critics talking. Give us some true thoughts on this crime drama.
Tell us whether Family Guy is a fun show or a disaster.
Family Guy first aired in 1999, telling the story of the Griffin family. Though many have criticized this show as just another knockoff of The Simpsons (and the show even had a crossover with The Simpsons which addressed this running joke), Family Guy has a unique style of humor which differentiates it from its predecessor. How is this show?
Does Arrow hit its mark?
Arrow was the first of The CW’s various superhero dramas based on the characters of DC Comics. The titular character, billionaire Oliver Queen, became a bow-wielding vigilante after he returned home from being stranded on a deserted island. The show had a gritty tone that focused on the juxtaposition of upper class society and the poverty of street crimes. Does this show hit its mark?
Is Rick & Morty brilliantly original or crudely vulgar?
Rick & Morty is a nihilistic sci-fi comedy about an elderly cynical genius going on adventures through the multiverse with his significantly less intelligent grandson. This animated show has run for three seasons and explored themes like finding meaning in a world without god or individualism, as well as the ways people cope with trauma from psychological abuse. Is this show smart, or just a crude excuse to turn a human into sewer pickle?
Give us an opinion on Downton Abbey?
Downton Abbey is a historical period drama that aired on the BBC in September o 2010 and ran for 6 seasons. The story tells of such major events as the Spanish Flu Pandemic, the Marconi Scandal, the sinking of the Titanic, the Teapot Dome Scandal, and Irish War for Independence. A movie has been approved to continue the story. Give us a takeaway on the show.
Tell us the truth about Lie To Me?
Lie To Me is a criminal drama about Dr. Cal Lightman and his team of private investigators who work for The Lightman Group, applying psychology and body language to determine how people tell lies while committing crimes. Dr. Cal Lightman is based on Paul Ekman, nicknamed “the human lie detector.” Tell us the truth about this show?
Is Homeland a fun show to watch?
Homeland is the lighthearted tale about Nicholas Brody, a Marine sniper who was brutally abused as a POW and potentially converted into a sleeper agent, and Carrie Mathison, the bipolar CIA agent who harasses him. The show deals with dark themes of espionage and warfare in intensely personal ways, and it has just been renewed for its 8th season. Is it a fun show to watch, or is it just painful?
Does Shameless rank high or low?
The Showtime dramedy is set on the South Side of Chicago and tells the story of the dysfunctional Gallagher family as they engage in various misadventures, many of which involve their children and the father Frank Gallagher’s estranged relationship with sobriety. The show just got its ninth season approved. Is Shameless a high or low on the landscape of TV comedies?
Weigh in with some thoughts on Young Justice.
Young Justice is the animated series about DC’s young heroes coming together to work as a black ops team for the Justice League. First airing in 2011, the team’s original roster consisted of Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Miss Martian, Artemis, Zatanna, Rocket, and Superboy. Season two more than doubled the cast. Its third season was just finished. Give us a solid take on this superhero show.
Is Penny Dreadful as dreadful as the name suggests?
Penny Dreadful is a Victorian gothic drama that takes its name—and its inspiration—from the sensationalist pulp literature of penny dreadful books back in the day. Vampires, Frankenstein’s monster, and the Old West all come together in this show about the things that go bump in the nighttime streets of 19th Century London. Is it dreadful, or a captivating gothic drama?
Is the show Who Is America as funny as Cohen’s other work?
Sacha Baron Cohen is known for his clown routine where he impersonates a fictional character and gets people to behave in extreme ways. In his newest show, Who Is America, the actor takes his performance to new heights by exposing the ways leaders will completely defy expected behavior with the slightest prompting. Is this new show as strong as Cohen’s older work on The Ali G show?
After 14 seasons, does Grey’s Anatomy continue to entertain?
Grey’s Anatomy is a medical drama that premiered in 2005 and is still on the air, having run 14 seasons and been approved for a 15th Season that is slated to start this September. The show is a mixture of romance plots and medical dramatic moments. After 14 seasons, is it still entertaining?
Thoughts on The Handmaid’s Tale?
The Handmaid’s Tale is the Hulu original drama based on the science fiction novel of the same name by author Margaret Atwood (the sci-fi writer who notoriously criticized the science fiction genre for decades). The show is set in a scarily relevant dystopian future in which female autonomy is a thing of the past and religious fundamentalists rule a totalitarian society. Give us some thoughts on the show.
Where does Atlanta place in the hierarchy of TV?
Atlanta is the comedy drama on FX created by Donald Glover (and also starring the young actor). The show features a pair of cousins trying to work their way through the gatekeeping and popularity of the rap scene in Atlanta. The show is on its second season and has coincided with the popularity of Glover’s rap single “This Is America.” How high does it rank amidst the various other TV shows?
Is Disenchantment is as enchanting as everyone says.
Disenchantment is Matt Groening’s newest animated comedy series. Appearing on Netflix, this fantasy show tells the story of “Bean,” the daughter of the leader of Dreamland, and her two friends, a demon named Luci and the elf named Elfo. The show is set in a world inspired by medieval Europe but it feels like it could be any of Groening’s comedy masterpieces. Is it as engaging as everyone says?
Thoughts on Mr. Robot?
Mr. Robot is a tech thriller and crime drama about the hacker Elliot Anderson, a young man who works in cybersecurity and suffers from both clinical depression and social anxiety disorder. A show about hacktivism and mental health struggles, it paints a poignant picture of what it means to be human in the 21st Century. Give us some thoughts on Mr. Robot.
How does The Legend of Korra rate?
The Legend of Korra is the sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender and features the next Avatar, Korra, as she learns to use her powers. The world has changed since the last show, filled with steampunk technology but still dominated by the bending magic and martial arts of the past. How does this show do in the grand scheme of things?
Give us an opinion on Daredevil.
Daredevil is the first of the six Netflix series to be set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and stars the titular blind superhero in his war on crime. The show deals with extreme philosophical questions of morality and justice. A noir drama as much a superhero film, it hit its mark with many viewers, but others found it a tad hoaky. Give us an opinion on Daredevil.
Does Vikings make the cut?
Vikings is a historical drama that debuted in 2013. The series is about the legendary Viking leader Ragnar Lothbrok and his adventures in the early Viking Age. That said, this is a show where the main Viking has a Mohawk, so its historicism is frequently half-formed. Does this show make the cut, or did it sink before it even took off?
Offer us an opinion on Legion.
Legion is a show about one of the X-Men, David Haller, a mutant with dissociative identity disorder and more superpowers than he knows what to do with. This has been one of the most entertaining and intelligent shows on TV, the kind of drama where one can miss an important detail if they look away for only a moment. Give us some thoughts on this show.
Is Silicon Valley a success?
Silicon Valley is a comedy on HBO about a group of tech developers and their startup company. Set in California’s famous Silicon Valley (for which the show is obviously named). The show has just been renewed for its sixth season. Is the show a success?
Like Luke Cage?
Luke Cage is one of the Netflix superhero shows set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Its titular character is a man with bulletproof skin, known as both Power Man and as the Hero of Harlem. With superhuman strength and indestructible skin, he takes on crime and keeps the neighborhoods safe. What’s not to like?
Give us an opinion on Dear White People.
Dear White People is a Netflix original show that serves as a sequel to the movie of the same name. A dramatic comedy with biting commentary and a deep awareness of different perspectives about race, this show has smart dialogue, engaging characters, and an intense story. Give us some thoughts about the show.
Does True Blood work as a show?
True Blood is the romance story about a psychic Southern waitress from a small town and the vampire war hero who stepped into her life. The show used supernatural phenomena as metaphors for systemic forms of oppression, and dealt with themes of race, gender, bigotry, and the dangerous influence of maenads. Does the mix of gothic romance and southern drama work, or do the themes clash?
Is Jessica Jones a solid show?
Jessica Jones is one of the Netflix shows set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and was actually the second such show to come out. It focuses on the titular character, a woman with superhuman powers who runs a private detective agency as she struggles to cope with PTSD. Is this a strong show?
How did The Deuce do?
The Deuce is a show about adult workers in New York during the 70s. Created by David Simon and George Pelecanos, the two men responsible for the TV masterpiece The Wire, this show is unafraid to look at the ways women have worked to empower themselves and how they’ve been exploited, as well as the realities of the Mob and police corruption at the time.
Tell us the good word about Preacher.
Preacher is a weird western drama about Jesse Custer, a preacher who can speak with the word of God, his vampire friend Cassidy, and his girlfriend Tulip. Based on the award-winning comic series by Garth Ennis, this dark modern fantasy looks into the soul of modern people grappling with timeless philosophical questions. Tell us the good word about Preacher.
What’s the takeaway from Westworld?
Westworld is the HBO cyberpunk western drama that may be the most philosophical show on TV. It examines the limits of consciousness, what it means to be human, and the ethics of how people interact with a constructed reality. A high drama tale that balances sci-fi and wild west tropes, this show has a huge fandom but it isn’t for everyone. Did it hit its mark?
Is X-Files worth the hype?
X-Files was one of the most popular sci-fi shows of the 90s and early 2000s, telling the story of FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully who investigate paranormal phenomena ranging from UFOs to shapeshifters to lethal sewer slugs. The show originally ran 9 seasons from 1993 to 2002, but was continued in January of 2016. Does it live up to the hype?
How is Riverdale?
Riverdale is a teen drama based on Archie Comics, telling the stories of the music loving jock Archie Andrews, the ace countercultural foodie Jughead Jones, rich socialite Veronica Lodge, and intelligent “girl next door” Betty Cooper. This show has garnered a massive cult following. Give us feedback: how is Riverdale?
Does The Newsroom withstand the test of time?
The Newsroom was Aaron Sorkin’s 2012 HBO show about the corrupting influence of private profits on mass media and news organizations. The series examined coverage of events like the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, the Occupy Movement, and the radicalization of elected officials, all while telling dramatic romance stories of its cast. Does Sorkin’s show stand the test of time?
Does Star Wars Rebels live up to the genre’s expectations?
Star Wars Rebels is the computer animated show telling the story of a cell within the Rebel Alliance running missions against the Galactic Empire. It focuses on the last Padawan, Kanan Jarrus, who survived the Jedi purge and his pupil, Ezra Bridger, who he trains in the ways of the Force, as well as their crewmates, the Mandalorian warrior Sabine Wren, the alien veteran Zeb, and Twi’lek pilot Hera Syndulla. Does this show live up to the Star Wars brand name?
Give us some thoughts on The Crown?
The Crown is the award-winning Netflix historical drama about the life of Elizabeth II. The show is a detailed account of the events of the mid-20th Century and stars Claire Foy as Elizabeth playing alongside Matt Smith who portrays her husband Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Give us a verdict on The Crown.
How is Black Mirror?
Black Mirror is a Netflix science fiction show in which every episode is a self-contained story set in a different universe that explores different themes. The show has covered virtual reality, the gamification of the workplace, standardized biohacking mods that normalize mass surveillance, and reality TV as an escape from workplace mundanity. How is this show overall?
How does Better Call Saul rate?
Better Call Saul is a crime drama on AMC about the corrupt lawyer Saul Goodman. Set in Albuquerque in the early 2000s, this show began as just another spinoff prequel to Breaking Bad, but the show has run for four seasons so far while being approved for a fifth season, just proving it can hold its own without relying on Breaking Bad. But it is, after all, just a spinoff. What’s the real call on the quality of Better Call Saul?
