2013 was a colossal year for television: AMC’s Breaking Bad finished its epic run, being hailed as an all-time American classic. Apart from other seminal shows likeBoardwalk Empire and Justified continuing their successful runs, TV audiences were also treated to a new platform for viewing shows, with online streaming companies like Netflix and Hulu starting their own original programming.
As Hollywood continues to fumble and blunder, more attention is being paid to television, which is still riding the wave started by The Sopranos and The Wire. 2014 has a lot more in store, with plenty of new shows and renewals: perhaps it’s time to check out Virgin Media TV packages to make sure you get the best of what’s to come. Before you get stuck in, spare a moment to appreciate some of the finer TV moments of 2013.
Kevin Spacey breaks the Fourth Wall
Breaking the ‘fourth wall’ – when a character of the show or film you’re watching turns directly to the audience to address them – isn’t exactly a new thing, but it hasn’t been in fashion for a long time. Imagine the audience’s surprise when Kevin Spacey, playing Frank Underwood in Netflix’s own House of Cards, turned directly to the screen to tell them what was on his mind as he set about dismantling the presidency.
A remake of the UK series of the same name, House of Cards was the flagship of Netflix’s new slate of original programming. It’s set to return for its second season this year.
Breaking Bad ends
What started as a runaway hit eventually became one of the greatest American shows of all time. Opting for a two-part final season like The Sopranos, sayingBreaking Bad ended explosively is an understatement. It’s hard to discuss it without giving away any spoilers: but if you haven’t watched the final season yet, you’re in for a treat.
Every single episode of the final season will leave you fraught with suspense and a sincere inability to do anything else but turn the next episode on. When it’s over, don’t worry: there’s some hope for that gaping hole in your heart. A spin-off series is due out this year, based on Walter White’s shady lawyer, Saul Goodman.
The Red Wedding surprises everyone…
…well, nearly everyone. Even though fans of the Game of Thrones novels already knew what was coming in the episode ‘The Rains of Castamere’, they were still as shell-shocked as newcomers were, with the writers of the show making all fans of the show wring their hands in disbelief. Well, it’s not like the actors on Game of Thrones ever had good job security anyway!
Family Guy slays Brian
This isn’t really a spoiler: the entire internet exploded with fury and agony when Family Guy writers decided to push Brian, everyone’s favourite cartoon pet dog, in front of a speeding car. The show was sincerely emotional and reminded all of us how we can feel real emotion for animated characters. Fortunately, Brian was resurrected for the Christmas special, following a storm of protest online.
It’s almost impossible to write a full summary of the best moments of last year’s television without ignoring the many networks that are creating their own slate of shows these days. 2014 has even more lined up for us – what will you be watching?
