5 Cult TV Shows for Everyone

The Wire: Before there was Breaking Bad, there was The Wire. One of the well-known cult TV shows of all times, The Wire is a cop drama at its core. However, what makes this 60-episode show great is its attention to the characters, and exploration of the politics, individualism, and the methodical nature of the law enforcement. To put it simply, The Wire is a show about a drug scene in Baltimore, USA that is shown from different perspectives each season. The Wire has earned itself many praises from critics, and rightly so. 

Twin Peaks: Another cop-related TV show, but that is where the similarities end between Twin Peaks and The Wire. Twin Peaks is not a drama, despite it trying to convince everyone that it is. Twin Peaks is a show about an over-the-top FBI agent investigating a murder in an as over-the-top town. There are also a lot of pies involved. It's one of those shows that you have to see to believe – the acting is ridiculous, and the plot is too dramatic for its own good. It's a true comedy constantly trying to pass as a drama. Or maybe it's the other way around.

Pushing Daisies: This show too, deals with investigating murders and coincidentally, pies. But it also deals with bringing dead people back to life. Pushing Daisies is a fairy tale-ish romantic comedy that is heavily influenced by dark themes. Not that you can tell from how bright, cheerful, and cute it seemingly is. The story is of Ned the “Pie Maker” who wakes the dead with just one touch, but only for a minute or else another death takes place. It's funny, it's creative, and it's got a lot of heart and Lee Pace – what else can you ask for?

Veronica Mars: Another show about investigations, and a personal favourite. Veronica Mars is smart, witty and everything you can want from a show that only lasts three seasons. The show is about the titular character who works as a detective with her father, and at the start of the show is recuperating from her best friend being murdered. The characters are what make the show what it is – all of whom have depth, grow, are never reduced down to tropes, and are snarky enough to keep the dialogue constantly entertaining. Also, Veronica is hilarious. 

Firefly: This show doesn't really have much in common with the shows mentioned above. In fact this show is about space cowboys, and it's somehow not ridiculous at all. Mention the name anywhere near your geek friend, and she'll be breaking down in tears. The show is about cowboys trying to navigate through space and survive with a pair of fugitives. Although centrally of the sci-fi genre, Firefly has enough blends of genres for everyone to find something to appreciate. Just don't wait out for the second season too long.

Fatimah Akhtar is extremely enthusiastic about food, fiction and bulldogs. Redirect all your complaints, queries and feedbacks at https://twitter.com/fatimahantara.