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The Best Anthology TV Shows To Watch

A conclusion to every season!

By Will MilliganPublished 2 years ago 5 min read
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The Best Anthology TV Shows To Watch
Photo by Skylar Michael on Unsplash

Anthology shows excel in providing the ideal remedy against those juggernaut series’ which rumble on everlastingly, become frustratingly inevitable or get lost and confused amidst their own rapacious fanfare, naming no names. They’re often insightful, purposeful and add engrossing variety against the normalcies. Every episode progresses the narrative, every season reaches a climax. So, here are 7 of the finest anthologies you can enjoy now!

True Detective:

Suffocating, tense atmospheres, impassioned dialogue and innovative intersecting timelines have made True Detective a cultural phenomenon. The first season, (along with possessing one of the greatest introductions on TV and launching the McConnaissance) is truly a breathtakingly haunting exhibition of genius writing and character development. It’s a devilishly harrowing, extraordinary, bruising world created by Nick Pizzolatto, which will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest and beautifully constructed single seasons of TV history. Whilst the critical consensus reflected unsympathetically on its sophomore season, the third instalment indicates a return to the creepy, addictive form which made the show so provocative. It’s driven by an outstanding performance by Mahershala Ali, as it follows the configuration of two police detectives revisiting heinous unsolved crimes.

Fargo:

Out of respect for the dead, the rest has been told exactly as it occurred… Murder, malice, deception and hysterical drama sweep through Fargo like a ferocious blizzard. Heck, just heck, this astoundingly cinematic anthology show might even surpass its Oscar winning movie counterpart. Addictive from the first episode, the opening season revolves around downtrodden, uninspired salesman Lester Nygaard (portrayed with an intentional sense of sympathy and discomfort) who’s existence transforms into a malevolent meltdown after associating with charismatic killer Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton). The second season continues the gruesomely comedic vibe with another set of unconventional, vibrant characters, as a young couple attempt to cover up a hit and run murder. Season 3 features Ewan McGregor, who provides a remarkable dual performance as both Ray and Emmit Stussy. This anthology rarely, if ever, suffers from a dip in quality. Fargo is one of the most visceral, mesmerizing shows around, and is certainly worth your undivided attention.

The Terror:

If you want a fright, look no further. The Terror is tormenting, grisly and chilling to the core. It’s a bit of a hidden gem. Featuring survivalist horror, mental deterioration, supernatural elements and even cannibalism, the opening season of this unforgettable anthology show includes Tobias Menzies, Ciaran Hinds and Jared Harris. Inspired by true events, it details the Royal Navy’s precarious expedition into unchartered territory. Combating a treacherous environment, diminishing supplies and a crippling, paralysing fear, the crew stares down the barrel of extinction. ‘The Terror’ expertly explores what can go horrifically awry when a faction, desperate to persevere, face grim circumstances, and the increasingly savage threat of each other. The following season, labelled The Terror: Infamy, elaborates upon the often-overlooked wrongful persecution of the Japanese Americans, as a sequence of outlandish deaths plague a community. Maintaining the suspense and agonizing horror, this anthology makes for essential viewing for fans of the genre.

Black Mirror:

This Charlie Brooker imagined, science fiction inspired anthology drama features a distinctive assortment of futuristic, viably harrowing tales that are a perplexing labyrinth of satire and uneasy foreshadowing. Each individual episode possesses a unique set of flummoxing protagonists, always expertly cast. At its core, Black Mirror is a prodigious insight into the potentially menacing hazards of living in a technologically advanced culture. Creatively constructed, each viewing is enigmatic, and often you may need some time to process the disconcerting effects of watching! Ultimately however, it can be confidently remarked that there is no show (anthology or otherwise) quite like Black Mirror!

Slasher:

Slasher has an entertaining stab at replicating some old-fashioned horror – it incorporates themes of principles, riddles, suspense and conducive to a memorable show specializing in trepidation, lashings of bloodthirsty gore. The opening season of this psychological thriller focuses on Sarah Bennett returning to the unassuming town where she was born, only to become the focal point of a series of horrendously macabre copycat killings, which her parents happened to be the original unfortunate recipients of. The sophomore season centres around a group of former summer camp counsellors who revisit the isolated campground in order to secrete the transgressions of a bygone period, before being subjectively and meticulously attacked by an assassin. The third season introduces an executioner known colloquially as The Druid, who ruthlessly targets witnesses of an apartment complex murder of the previous year. Slasher possesses a somewhat surprisingly intelligent plot, and is sagaciously directed, whilst being pleasingly steeped in the nostalgia of a previous era of stimulating knife-wielding thriller movies that has established this anthology show as an overall success.

Castle Rock:

For the swathes of Stephen King fans, Castle Rock is an anthology series infatuated with Easter eggs, whilst for those who aren’t amongst his legions of supporters, it remains an intimidating, supernatural psychological thriller to be enjoyed. Detailing Maine’s most infamous setting, Castle Rock has been infiltrated by rabid dogs, intemperate executioners and devilishly haunted antique shops. You sure as hell wouldn’t want to live there! Season 1 focuses on a mysterious resident of Shawshank prison and a young lawyer named Henry Deaver who is summoned to defend him. The story is intelligently and meticulously crafted, although immediate gratification may not be forthcoming. The plot is entangled with dynamism, whilst remaining intentionally ambiguous – Castle Rock prides itself on intricately woven, puzzling enigmas. The second instalment is driven largely by a disconcertingly transfixing performance by Lizzy Caplan, who expertly compliments the intoxicatingly creepy, stifling atmosphere. Here, a feud between two belligerent clans comes to the boil when a budding psychopath gets intercepted in Castle Rock. Whilst season 2 includes brutality, uncertainty and exuberant horrors a plenty, its strength in abundance is the depiction of the unpredictability of human nature.

American Crime:

Solemn and grave, anthology series American Crime is the concoction of 12 Years a Slave screenwriter John Ridley. The writing is therefore evidently succinct, as season 1 deliberates on a complex murder investigation, demonstrating how one cruel death can collaterally dismantle other lives surrounding it. The second season involves a no less disheartening crime, gruesome and repulsive in equal measure. The drama is intensely character oriented, tackling potentially strenuous topics such as privilege, race and sex. Lacking in the possession of graphically discomforting extremities included in the corresponding shows on this list, American Crime is however still a fascinating depiction of a merciless, oppressive and unrelenting world. The abominable exploits are described in chilling detail, as this anthology proves that emotional trauma can cut just as deep as physical infliction. It shows race relations are increasingly combustible and the most congenial individuals can harbour unpleasant secrets. American Crime is not a joyous watch, yet it succeeds in being thought-provoking and crucial viewing.

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About the Creator

Will Milligan

An aspiring writer of anything on my mind!

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