Readers reacted with fury, trolling and occasional agreement when we published an article about overrated television shows last week.
Thousands of commenters took to our threads to argue whether Seinfeld was overrated, underrated or just terrible; and whether Mad Men was one of the most profound series of our time or a big ol’ waste of the precious hours of human existence.
They also came up with their own nominations. Here are five of the most compelling suggestions.
We apologise in advance if your favourite show is included below.
1. Game of Thrones
Serious academic question: is Game of Thrones a gateway drug into the world of fantasy? Has the show’s popularity led to a surge of interest in Warhammer and dark elves? Or is everyone just in it for the naked dragons?
“Game of Thrones = Coronation Street with swords and nudity,” said ThamesSider.
“And that’s as complimentary as I can get”.
2. Breaking Bad
It is a shibboleth that Breaking Bad was good and important, coming at a time when critics considered US television drama to be going through a patch more purple than Prince in a purple suit mid-way through a performance of Purple Rain.
On the other hand ...
“Breaking Bad was a telemovie thinly spread over five excruciatingly dull seasons,” said TheKernel.
“Utterly, disproportionately loved by TV pseudos everywhere.”
3. The X-Files
As a teenager, I loved the X-Files. Adored it. It was very much of its time, a kind of post-Fukuyama, post-enlightenment romp of conspiracy theories, aliens and monsters of the week.
But it did go downhill – and fast – after a couple of seasons. Was it the 1990s version of Lost?
“If you’re not a fan of wasting years of your life on pointless conspiracies, then surely The X-Files deserves a place on the list,” said Steven Hyde.
“That show went on at least a decade too long.”
4. The Wire
Somewhere deep in my Guardian contract, it is stipulated that I never say a bad word about The Wire*. Fortunately, our readers have no such contractual obligation.
“Honestly, for all its great social commentary, it is just incredibly boring television,” said Ripuli, before having a nice sit-down and reflecting on what he’d done, gazing into the mid-distance for an exceptionally long time.
5. Sherlock
I never truly understood the love for Sherlock, but a lot of that comes down to whether you enjoy the performances of the show’s occasionally infuriating breakout star, Benedict Cumberbatch, who went on to appear in the worst Star Trek film of all time. That’s right, even worse than the one directed by Shatner.
“I truly think it’s not half as interesting, clever or witty as a mediocre Jonathan Creek episode,” said nemo1887.
*This isn’t true, conspiracy fans.
