<p>There was only one season, but we really liked “Kings”. We also really liked “Caprica” (again, only one season). D2 moaned recently, “Why do all the smart shows get cancelled after one season?”. Caprica is related to the most recent Battlestar Gallactica (sort of a prequel), which we also liked. Of course, none of those are making new episodes now, so you have to get them on Netflix or someplace like that.</p>
<p>We’re watching The Wire. Again.</p>
<p>Blood and Chrome was supposed to come out last year or this year - keeps getting delayed. I generally know what the problems are with Science Fiction shows and it seems that the genre isn’t popular with the producers anymore.</p>
<p>ZERO, TV is empty, news are extremely repetitive, you can learn everything in 10-15 min,. then it is “sleepy” time agian. Netflix is also empty, movie theaters are empty, no entertainment. I am glad I have something that I actually love to do after work, before I discovered it, I was close to depression…I actually love Dance Moms, but switching off every time they start squacking is not entertaining at all, girls are very talented though, I wish they only show them dance and skip all that stupidity in waiting room, it is hard to believe that adults who raised unbelievably talented and leveled kids could be so empty headed, how that happened?</p>
<p>No one has suggested Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. ;)</p>
<p>Most series that can be considered as having intelligent writing are not on network tv. Person of Interest is probably an exception. Excellent writing and acting, an interesting concept, and a dash of humor.</p>
<p>The best combination of good acting and the most intelligent writing will be found in shows like Treme, Boardwalk Empire, Nurse Jackie, The Big C, Dexter. Copper is an interesting new show, different than most other shows on tv. I’m not sure how anyone can include the word intelligent in the same sentence with the show Suits. It’s awful. Dumb and awful. Happy for Gina Torres that she’s found some work but the show is inaccurate, illogical, and the plot resolution is so stilted as to be embarrassing. </p>
<p>For some of the best that tv has ever had to offer, watch The West Wing, The Wire, and Oz.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p>It’s entertaining.</p>
<p>When you do thinking work all day, it’s nice to relax with something that you don’t have to think too hard about.</p>
<p>Maybe I’m shallow, but I like entertainment. I don’t have to always have intelligence. I get that at work (well, sometimes). I like a lot of shows (no reality shows for me, though) and LOVED Friday Night Lights. I also loved a series called Everwood that isn’t on any longer. H and I like to relax and watch our shows. We train hard at our sports and I work hard, and I like to plop in front of the big screen with the cats and dog and be entertained.</p>
<p>Another great series (for Sorkin fans) is Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. It just lasted one year, but they knew it was going to be cancelled, so they were able to wrap up some loose ends. Witty and intelligent.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I don’t know if “intelligence” is the word…what’s the word for writing that is not so bad that I yell at the TV screen “they paid somebody to write that?!” or “that joke was stale in the Carter administration!”</p>
<p>ditto for enough intelligence during workday, bring on the Honey Boo Boo.</p>
<p>Treme, Treme, Treme.
Justified, In Plain Sight on Netflix, Modern Family, Hell on Wheels, Copper.</p>
<p>Oh yeah, Dr. Phil. Really. On DVR, it’s about 32 minutes of mindless to balance out a stressful workday.</p>
<p>Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones and Mad Men are incredibly crafted shows. Breaking Bad seasons 1-4 are currently on Netflix, so easy to catch up on. I believe Mad Men is also on Netflix.
Game of Thrones will need to be done via DVD.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>That’s fine but the OP specifically asked for intelligent tv suggestions.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>missypie, exactly. Suits fits that bill perfectly.</p>
<p>I have my favorite entertaining shows, just as anyone does. Love the Amazing Race, and have even been known to watch some of the shows in the Bachelor franchise. Talk about mindless entertainment. </p>
<p>p.s. MOWC, we loved Everwood, too. I think maybe your family and mine may be the only ones who did.</p>
<p>A note about Game of Thrones. Yes it’s fantasy but it’s honestly more about political intrigue than the traditional elements of the fantasy genre.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p>Threads wander.</p>
<p>alwaysamom- I was mainly responding to MiamiDAP’s usual rant that it isn’t even worth turning on a TV.</p>
<p>Yes Game of Thrones is amazing. Damages is also very good, we have DirecTV so have been able to watch the later seasons.</p>
<p>I have to give a shout out to “Boardwalk Empire”. Martin Scorcese/Mark Wahlberg (produced) HBO series comes back in two weeks time. Raw, brutal, smart and well made. H calls it “anti-Downton Abbey”… But then again if the OP likes Downton…(boardwalk has no tea, no lifted pinkies and DEFINITELY no lovely weekends away from the war.)</p>
<p><a href=“Boardwalk Empire: Season 3 - Trailer #3 (HBO) - YouTube”>www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5whz6p0BGE</a></p>
<p>Oh come on … it’s magnificent writing each week on Dance Moms when we wonder if Chloe or Maddie will gt the solo. The suspense builds: will Kendall’s mom push for her to be officially on the team? Will Brooke look discontented and teenage angsty?</p>
<p>We also like Person of Interest and Modern Family, along with a bunch of less intelligent entertainment, including Dr Who. D2 is pushing me to catch up on Sherlock.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Now that they’ve given away the pig, I’ve lost interest. That was seriously fabulous. There are probably thousands of wealthy, privileged little girls out there who would give it all up if it meant they could sleep in a play pen with a baby pig!</p>