Top-notch TV Shows that Match the Greatness of Literary Masterpieces

Intellectually Stimulating Television Series Emerge as Equals to Classic Literature

In recent years, some television series have proven to be more than just entertainment, competing with classic literature in terms of storytelling, depth, and complexity. These shows offer viewers an intellectual challenge, engaging their minds and emotions in ways that mirror the reading of a literary masterpiece.

Dark (2017-2020)

This German sci-fi mystery series, known for its intricate plotlines, explores concepts of time travel, fate, and free will. With its multiple timelines and narrative complexity, it forces viewers to piece together the story much like unraveling a literary puzzle.

Fleabag (2016-2019)

This British comedy-drama series uses metafictional techniques and sharp writing to explore themes of grief, love, and existential crisis. Its fourth-wall breaks and emotional depth prompt viewers to reflect on their own lives and the human condition.

Sherlock (2010-2017)

This modern take on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories offers fast-paced plots and witty dialogue, challenging viewers to solve mysteries alongside the characters. It engages their analytical skills, making it a cerebral experience.

Better Call Saul (2015-2022)

This prequel to Breaking Bad delves into the moral complexities of its characters, exploring the transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman. It requires viewers to consider the ethical implications of the characters' actions, much like analyzing character motivations in literature.

The Crown (2016-present)

By blending historical fact with dramatization, The Crown encourages viewers to think critically about how history is presented and interpreted. This makes it a great tool for developing historical analysis skills.

Honorable Mentions

Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017)

Known for its surreal storytelling and complex characters, this series challenges viewers with its non-linear narrative and themes of identity and reality.

Foundation (2021-present)

Based on Isaac Asimov's novels, this series explores themes of science, politics, and human destiny, requiring viewers to engage with complex scientific and philosophical ideas.

Other notable series include "Westworld", which starts off as a drama about a park with life-like robotic hosts but quickly becomes a complex and twisty narrative. "Rectify", considered one of the best character studies in any form of media, spans four seasons and focuses on a man who was released from death row after DNA evidence proved other men committed the rape and murder he was convicted for.

"Tabula Rasa", a Scandi-Noir drama, spans 9 episodes and is subtitled. It tells the story of a woman with amnesia who is a suspect in a missing person case, while "Atlanta" examines themes of race, gun control, and pop culture, pushing convention out of the window. "BoJack Horseman", an animated comedy series, addresses mental illness with surprising accuracy.

Television has long been considered a poor substitute for art compared to stage and theatre performances. However, today's television series are pushing boundaries, attracting top actors, and offering intellectual stimulation comparable to classic literature. Shows like "Big Little Lies", which focuses on the lives of women in a tranquil seaside town revolving around a murder mystery, and "Tabula Rasa", which features a missing person mystery with a main character in a psychiatric hospital with amnesia, are prime examples of this trend.

References: [1] "Big Little Lies". IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5448114/ [2] "The Crown". IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4524736/ [3] "Westworld". IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0464874/ [4] "Rectify". IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2134420/ [5] "Tabula Rasa". IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7571028/ [6] "Atlanta". IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5440316/ [7] "BoJack Horseman". IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2973142/

The complexity and depth of television series, such as those that explore themes like mental health and human nature in shows like 'Fleabag' and 'BoJack Horseman', can often spark deep introspection and reflection, making them comparable to literary works in addressing anxiety, depression, and the intricacies of underlying human emotions.
The intellectual engagement of psychological thrillers like 'Dark' and 'Better Call Saul', which challenge viewers to solve mysteries or contemplate ethical dilemmas, can at times make them just as thought-provoking and mentally stimulating as the studies of human behavior in psychology or the examination of character motivations in literature.
As television series evolve to incorporate surreal storytelling and challenging themes, such as historical analysis in 'The Crown' or philosophical questions in 'Foundation', they not only offer entertainment but also contribute to the ongoing dialogue in academic fields, pushing the boundaries of both entertainment and traditional media, including literature and psychology.