WHY
Why is prestige drama so important?
Also known as the “Modern Golden Age of TV”, the new modern prestige genre marked the beginning of dramatic television that prioritized high cinematic quality, introducing complex anti-heroes, and rich, multidimensional storytelling.
Learn MoreMOVIES
My favorite prestige drama shows
The Modern Golden Age of TV
Sopranos
Tony Soprano juggles the problems of his fractious family with those of a "Family" of a different sort - the mob. He sees a therapist to deal with his professional and personal problems, which bring on panic attacks. He deals with personal and professional power struggles, affairs, violence, the threat of exposure and betrayal, and a whole bunch of people being whacked.
Release
January 10, 1999
What I like about it
consistently praised The Sopranos as a groundbreaking, "richly imagined" series that redefined television with its complex, anti-hero storytelling. Critics lauded its blend of dark, cinematic drama with humor, calling it a "timeless classic" that elevated TV to art. -The New York Times
Watch ClipBreaking Bad
Mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher Walter White thinks his life can't get much worse. His salary barely makes ends meet, a situation not likely to improve once his pregnant wife gives birth, and their teenage son is battling cerebral palsy. But Walter is dumbstruck when he learns he has terminal cancer. Realizing that his illness probably will ruin his family financially, Walter makes a desperate bid to earn as much money as he can in the time he has left by turning an old RV into a meth lab on wheels.
Release
January 20, 2008
What I like about it
"Breaking Bad is a phenomenal achievement in television. From thebreathtaking cinematography to the incredible character arcs, it is a nonstop ride that balances intense drama with dark humor. Bryan Cranston’s transformation from a mild-mannered teacher to a ruthless kingpin is legendary, and the show’s ability to wrap up every single plot point with a perfect ending makes it a rare 10/10 masterpiece."
Watch ClipThe Wire
A gritty, hyper-realistic crime drama that explores the decaying institutions of Baltimore, Maryland, through the eyes of both law enforcement and those they investigate. Ranging from the illegal drug trade and the shipping docks to city government, the school system, and the print media.complex characters, novelistic structure, and uncompromising social commentary on American urban life.
Release
June 2, 2002
What I like about it
The complexity of the characters, and their bold take on a corrupt police system that matches the streets of Baltimore.
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