Top 5 Shows I Watch While Coding:
Because, Sometimes Coding Isn’t Interesting…
Big surprise: coding isn’t always fun. I like background noise while I work. Admittedly, I normally watch a show as a result. As such I’ve become a bit of a connoisseur of fine television. Whether it’s a comedy, drama, or something in between, I always appreciate a good story that keeps me engaged from start to finish.
That’s why I’m sharing my top five favorite television shows on both traditional television and streaming platforms. These shows have captured my attention and held it through multiple seasons, and I’m excited to share them with you in the hopes that you may find something new to add to your own watch list.
Without further ado, here are my top five favorite television shows and why I think they’re worth your time.
#5 — The Last of Us (HBO, HBO Max)
The Last of Us is a television series that has captured my attention in a way that few other shows have. Based on the video game series of the same name, the show tells the story of a world ravaged by a zombie-like virus and the people struggling to survive in the aftermath. What sets the show apart from other zombie stories is its incredible storytelling, which keeps viewers engaged and invested in the characters and their fates.
One of the things that makes this show stand out is the strength of its characters. Every character in the show is compelling and believable, from the lead roles of Joel and Ellie to the supporting cast of survivors they encounter on their journey. Bella Ramsey’s performance as Ellie is a standout, as she brings a spunky wit to the role that grows on you with each passing episode. Pedro Pascal’s Joel, meanwhile, provides a dependable and grounded anchor for the story to revolve around.
What really makes the show unique, however, is its ability to make even the most terrifying and gruesome moments feel meaningful and impactful. The show is full of scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat, not wanting to look away, and all the flashbacks are carefully crafted to reveal new layers of character and story.
Even if you’re not typically a fan of scary or horror-themed content, I highly recommend giving The Last of Us a chance. It’s a show that will have you rooting for the characters while also empathizing with the “bad guys,” and it’s one of the most binge-worthy series I’ve seen in recent years. With a second season reportedly in the works, the show feels like a safe bet for continued quality storytelling and thrilling action.
#4 — Slow Horses (Apple TV)
I stumbled upon Slow Horses recently on Apple TV, and I have to say it completely took me by surprise. The show is based on Slough House, a place where MI-6 agents go when they royally mess up and are essentially doing busy work. What you get is a group of probationary agents finding themselves in the middle of a shitstorm, trying to stay alive and prove themselves capable in the process.
At the heart of the show is Gary Oldman’s performance as Jackson Lamb, the old, disgruntled, and witty agent who keeps oversight of all of the ragtag agents. His character is a breath of fresh air, and he carries the show with ease. Jack Lowden’s River Cartwright is another character that’s easy to root for, as he hopes to make things better and prove himself worthy of his place in the agency.
What really sets Slow Horses apart, however, is its quality writing. The plot of each season is believable enough for the spy genre, and there are bouts of circumstantial humor that will have you anywhere between a chuckle and full-blown laughter. It’s clear that the writers have a firm grasp on the characters and the world they inhabit, and they use that knowledge to craft intricate and satisfying storylines that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
This show is for anyone looking for quality writing, excellent acting, and a spy thriller that’s equal parts thrilling and humorous. If you’re a fan of the genre, this show is an absolute must-watch.
#3 — White Lotus (HBO, HBO Max)
White Lotus has quickly become a new favorite of mine. An anthology of dark humor, the show revolves around the guests and staff of various White Lotus resorts, each with their own peculiar circumstances and secrets. What makes White Lotus stand out is its quality writing and the fantastic cast of characters that bring that writing to life.
Each episode of White Lotus layers on top of the last, building a story that is both captivating and intricate. The cast of characters is incredibly diverse, from the hotel staff to the wealthy guests, and each actor is able to carry their role with ease. None of them, however, carries the show quite like Jennifer Coolidge, who does a wonderful job playing the eccentric and rich Tanya McQuoid in both seasons. Her performance is both hilarious and heartwarming, and she absolutely steals every scene she’s in.
The themes of love, betrayal, and greed that run through White Lotus are common to many stories, but the show manages to put a unique spin on them. The stories take exciting and baffling twists, and there are times when it feels like you’re watching a social train wreck occur in slow motion. It’s a show that manages to be both funny and tragic, with characters that are easy to love and hate in equal measure.
It is thought provoking, the writing is top-notch, the performances are excellent, and the stories are both exciting and poignant. The stories take exciting and baffling twists, and there are times when it feels like you’re watching a social train wreck occur in slow motion. And that’s why I love it.
#2 — Poker Face (USA, Peacock)
Poker Face has quickly become a new favorite of mine. The show stars Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale, a woman with the gift of being able to tell if someone is lying with 100% accuracy. This gift got her blackballed in every small casino poker house in the Midwest, but after a series of unfortunate events, she ends up on the run, solving murder mysteries in the style of Columbo.
Natasha Lyonne’s performance in Poker Face is truly amazing. She brings a unique blend of humor and depth to the character of Charlie Cale, and her ability to read people adds an extra layer of intrigue to the show. What I love about the writing of Poker Face is that it’s both hilarious and engaging. The same minds that churned out Knives Out (the movie) made this, and it shows in the quality of each episode.
The format of the show is also refreshingly unorthodox. From the murders to the way the investigation unravels, you know that every episode will be enjoyable. It’s the kind of show that leaves you begging for more, and I find myself eagerly anticipating each new episode.
The format of the show is sure to keep you engaged from start to finish. It has serious Columbo vibes (so I’ve been told). If you like a nice, quick and fast murder mystery, then Poker Face is definitely a show you should check out.
#1 — The Bear (FX)
The Bear is the television series that I often recommend to friends and family, but I’m surprised at how few people have heard of it. It’s a comedy-drama that follows the story of a young World Class Chef, played by Jeremy Allen White (known from Shameless), who returns home to run his family’s Italian beef sandwich kitchen after his brother commits suicide.
What makes The Bear stand out is its unique blend of humor and drama. The main character is left to deal with finances and a rundown kitchen, along with a staff that is both stuck in their ways and irreverent. The show doesn’t shy away from the gritty realities of running a small business, and the set design really makes you feel like you’re in a dingy, old kitchen.
One of the standout moments of the show comes from Carmy’s nearly 7-minute monologue given in the setting of a support group. It’s one of the finest moments of television I’ve seen in my life, and it’s a testament to the quality of writing and acting that The Bear brings to the table.
What I love about The Bear is its relatability. If you’ve ever been given crappy tools and tried to make something great when it feels like everyone is rooting against you, then you can relate to this show. It’s a story of perseverance and the human spirit, and it’s one of the most enjoyable shows I’ve watched in recent years.
The Bear has enjoyed critical success, and I’m excited to see it come back for another season. If you’re looking for something that’s both funny and heartfelt, then The Bear is definitely a show you should check out. It’s a hidden gem that deserves more attention, and I highly recommend giving it a chance.
So there you have it, my top five favorite television shows and why I think they’re worth your time. They were good enough to distract me while I was working on something… So they’re probably worth your full attention.
Whether you’re in the mood for a thrilling zombie epic, a spy thriller with a comedic twist, or a heartfelt comedy-drama about family and perseverance, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Back to coding it is…
