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The Best And Worst TV/Web Series Of 2016

Several of the best TV series sadly took this year off such as “Fargo,” “Master of None,” and “Homeland,” but 2016 turned out to be a surprising year as several great new series appeared from out of nowhere like “Easy,” “The Night Of,” and, of course, “Stranger Things.” On top of that, there were plenty of returning favorites that continue to flourish ala “Star Wars Rebels,” “Black Mirror,” and “The Flash.” Below I have listed my top 10 personal favorite TV and web series of 2016 along with many notables. Also included is a top 5 worst TV series of 2016 list (Thankfully, I managed to avoid most of the worst series). On with the list!

Best Shows:

1. Black Mirror- The relevant and prophetic technological anthology series returned in a big way on Netflix with 6 brand new stories that became instant classics.

2. Stranger Things- Going into summer 2016, there was very little buzz and information about “Stranger Things.” Once summer ended, “Stranger Things” was everywhere and it’s not hard to see why. The sci-fi/horror Netflix series hit all the right notes and captured the hearts and minds of viewers across the globe. A true gem.

3. Love- This quirky drama-comedy from Netflix was a funny and observant series about relationships, dating, and life. Can’t wait for season 2.

4. Daredevil- Last year the debut season of “Daredevil” blew me away and topped my best of TV list. With season 2, the show does not drop off at all as it includes the Punisher, Elektra, the return of the Kingpin, and many more deeply satisfying elements.

5. The Night Of- From the agonizingly intense pilot episode to John Stone’s itching problem, everything about this 8 part crime drama was riveting.

6. The Flash- After a rocky second season, the CW superhero series has bounced back in a big way with a fresh season that has seen the inclusion of Flashpoint, major timeline changes, and the best part of the Invasion crossover.

7. Easy- There was very little fanfare and even less chatter about this mostly unknown mumblecore anthology Netflix series. It’s a shame as it’s quite a poignant series about relationships, sex, careers, trust, and love.

8. Star Wars Rebels- Seasons 2 and 3 have kicked the series into hyperdrive with the inclusion of Thrawn, Darth Maul, the Bendu, Princess Leia, Mandos, Wedge, and a sort of “Clone Wars” sendoff.

9. 11/22/63- This adaptation of Stephen King’s time travel centric novel about saving JFK was far and away Hulu’s finest hour to date.

10. Comic Trips- However niche this web series may be, few things were more entertaining this year than seeing the geeky escapades of the now married couple Paul and Kat.

Notables: “Bates Motel,” “Silicon Valley,” “Orange Is The New Black,” “Baskets,” “Inside The Box,” “Sherlock,” “Luke Cage,” “Crisis In Six Scenes,” “Ash Vs. Evil Dead,” “The X-Files,” “Togetherness,” “Game of Thrones,” “Battlebots,” “Scream,” “Check It Out! With Dr. Steve Brule,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Team Ninja Warrior,” “Better Call Saul,” “Arrow,” “Supergirl,” various Collider shows (Heroes, Nightmares, Jedi Council) and the David S. Pumpkins sketch from SNL.

Worst Shows:

1. The Shannara Chronicles- This embarrassing televised adaptation of Terry Brooks iconic book series is proof positive that the fantasy genre is a tough nut to crack on screen.

2. Haters Back Off- I realize this series has a very specific target audience, but I cannot for the life of me understand the unwatchable show’s appeal.

3. Bordertown- Remember this animated series? Neither does anyone else.

4. Vice Principals- A woefully unfunny and unpleasant “comedy” from the usually reliable Danny McBride and Jody Hill.

5. Vinyl- HBO’s biggest bust of 2016 was this clichéd big budget music industry drama series. It’s hard to believe that icons like Martin Scorsese, Mick Jagger and Terrence Winter were attached to this.

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