Marathon-worthy: Reddit Names 15 Shows That Never Had a Drop in Quality

Sometimes a weekend demands a TV marathon. But there’s nothing worse than settling in to binge-watch a show that gradually gets worse and ends up frustrating you with a drop-off in quality.

Here, in no particular order, are 15 shows that (according to Reddit) maintained their quality and will definitely deliver on your expectations:

1. The Twilight Zone

We’re talking the original here. First broadcast in 1959, this low-budget show relied on great plots, good storytelling and good acting to carry it. And it achieved on all three counts. If you fancy something a bit more modern, the 2002 and 2019 versions are pretty decent. All explore real-life issues through a sci-fi lens, with each episode being its own individual story.

2. Rome

A big-budget HBO production that followed the exploits of two fictional soldiers in a historically accurate show. The likes of Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony appeared too as it re-enacted some well-known stories of Ancient Rome as well as chronicling everyday life in the city.

Sex and violence are graphic but in keeping with the subject matter. Sadly, it only ran for two seasons before the set burnt down.

3. Blackadder

Debate continues over whether season 1 stands up to the other three, but the quality of seasons 2, 3 and 4 is undoubted. Rowan Atkinson was at his comic best throughout, and every other part was expertly cast. Simply one of the best shows ever – even if it’s not quite as historically accurate as HBO’s Rome.

4. Southland

A character-driven cop drama unlike procedurals. It didn’t get too involved in the private lives of the characters unless they were pertinent to their role as LAPD officers. It was gritty, focused on how officers solve crimes and didn’t shy away from major issues.

5. The Shield

Another raw story of life in the LAPD, it wasn’t afraid to delve into police corruption – an issue it was sensitive about and handled superbly. Once again, the private lives of the central characters never became a major focus but did offer an insight into the juxtaposition of family life while working amid gangs and criminal activity.

6. Fawlty Towers

With just two seasons and a total of twelve episodes, it didn’t have time to get stale. This was John Cleese at his best, surrounded by a cast of excellently portrayed characters driving him to say and do things that always seemed to go wrong.

7. Mystery Science Theatre 3000

If you haven’t seen this show, it’s hard to describe. A person is kidnapped by mad scientists, placed onboard a spaceship and forced to watch terrible movies to see what drives them insane.

When they watch the terrible movies, they – and the puppets that also inhabit the ship – comment on them. Yes, I realise it sounds terrible, but it’s actually quite funny.

8. Band of Brothers

An epic mini-series that was all the better for sticking to its storyline and knowing when to call time. It doesn’t glorify war in any way, but it does celebrate the unique bond that forms between brothers in arms.

9. Malcolm in the Middle

A super-genius kid growing up in a normal (yet dysfunctional ) family. What could possibly go wrong? Well, quite a lot, it turns out. But after seven seasons, with the various characters now far more grown up, it was time to wrap it up.

10. The Inbetweeners

A coming-of-age comedy that didn’t take itself too seriously and knew its limitations. It’s relatable to anybody old enough to watch it – and it’s pretty funny too if you like slightly daft, teenage boy humour. And the writers knew when its time was up.

11. Spaced

Directed by Edgar Wright, Spaced is a comedy about a 'couple' of flatmates, played by Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson, who navigate the twists and turns of life in London after renting a flat together, having barely met. The premise is pretty basic, the acting is spot on and the writing is hilarious. All in all, it works as a show. And there are only two seasons of it, so it's really more of a half marathon.

12. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Properly dark humour. A bunch of anti-social misfits who run a bar end up getting bankrolled by a millionaire (played by Danny DeVito). But it’s what this group of narcissistic psychopaths get up to that will warp your brain – and make you laugh.

This is a full-on marathon consisting of fifteen seasons.

13. Cheers

Like a fine wine, it actually got better with age. There was something almost soap-like about the way we go to know and care about the key characters. And it’s no surprise there were tears when it ended.

14. M*A*S*H

Was it comedy or drama? When it first aired in 1972, comedy-dramas weren’t yet a thing. But M*A*S*H didn’t care. It was a funny, dramatic, poignant and funny look at life in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in the Korean War.

15. The Larry Sanders Show

If you like any late-night show, you’ll love this comedy based on the life of a fictional TV star and his show. It’s almost a look behind-the-scenes, but most of all, it’s a simple premise done really well.

Source: Reddit.