Great Escapism TV in Three Seasons or Less

Written by Juanita ‘Obi-Juan’ Bonner

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for some of the shows highlighted here.
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As if binging television wasn’t somewhat routine before the pandemic, we’ve all become experts now… LOL. Pouring over our fandoms with a Gollum-like enthusiasm – am I right? Heck, TV is my escape! And if you’re anything like me, a good TV show can do wonders for your psyche. Whether it’s a new deep dive or a re-watch playing in the background, I’ve compiled a small list that will help you step away from 2020 without draining your schedule or your brain by trying to complete a long and winding saga.  
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The requirements for this list, you ask?

Well… because there are just so many choices out there, I’ve limited the options to those with three seasons or less so finishing them is completely doable even as the world starts fully spinning again. Additionally, I only chose from the three largest streaming platforms containing the healthiest combinations of television series in their entirety; Amazon Prime, Hulu and Netflix. And… in January, I presented the article Must-See TV of 2019 and therefore, will not be discussing any of the shows from that list in detail, here. But do know, some shows in said article meet the criteria I’ve laid out and that makes The Tick (Amazon Prime), Legion (FXX; Hulu) and Watchmen (HBO only), worth checking out for sure!!

Finally, this list is a hodgepodge of Science Fiction, Horror, Historical Adaptations and Comedy all designed to give one a break from today’s world by dropping you into a whole new one. Arranged by platform, as you peruse each list, keep in mind this isn’t a ranking of worst to best, but rather from the most to least content for each platform. So, before you can grab the remote, let’s dive in…

Amazon Prime

Flight of the Conchords
​(22 episodes; 30 minutes each; 2007-2009)

​The early rumblings of Jermaine Clement and Bret McKenzie on an amazingly witty BBC Radio Series morphed into a TV show (HBO) and follows the trials and tribulations of two New Zealand band mates as they navigate their lives in New York City. Mixing music, satire and dry humor, the show does an excellent job of giving the viewer something to ponder, comedic or otherwise, in every episode. Adding other talents like Rhys Darby (Murray Hewitt) and Kristen Schaal (Mel) from time to time, increases the dynamic and leaves you wanting more even if you’re not sure why. Accompanied by their own self-titled Grammy winning music, never really knowing when the guys are going to break into song adds to the overall magic of the show. Not to mention the band’s own true success in real life, both musically and in television and film. Fortunately, I had the pleasure of seeing them live at Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado in the summer of 2016. I own the series as well as several of their music CDs hence making this all too short, two season series, high on my list of must see shows, quarantine or otherwise.

Rome
​(22 episodes; 60 minutes each; 2005-2007)

​This HBO original historical drama follows the lives of various characters. Some fictional, such as the main protagonist Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and his counterpart Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson). As well as others, like Gaius Julius Caesar (Ciarán Hinds) and Mark Antony (James Purefoy), who’ve definitely made their mark on history. All included seem to collide at various stages throughout the series weaving a fantastically gritty, dirty and bloody, yet sexy and forthright tale. Rome veers off the history path somewhat, but who cares. Virtually all historical dramas do this and some with much less finesse! The action is fantastic, and the acting is on point to say the least. Plus, what really does it for me, are the set and costume designs as well as the cinematography. Besides, who doesn’t love sex and violence set to a pre-Christianity political background held together by the intricacies of the day to day lives of various cogs in the wheel of the Roman Empire? I know I sure do! From the very poor to the very rich, Rome delivers and then some.

Jean-Claude Van Johnson
(6 episodes; 30 minutes each; 2016-2017)

The shortest run time of any of my choices, many will take a peek at Jean Claude Van Johnson and wonder if its mere 6 episode run is worth a true look. However, I found it fun and silly as it follows the actual person Jean-Claude Van Damme whose acting career turns out to be a cover for his true job; a professional spy. Yep, it’s literally that direct… LOL!! It’s a unique story that goes out of its way to make fun of not only Hollywood excessiveness, but Van Damme himself. Not to mention, seeing Jean-Claude in such a multifaceted character role is totally worth it. Beyond the traditionally expected Van Damme fight choreography, the viewer gets to see his comedic side in a Police Squad (ABC; 1982) like series that actually made me chuckle and wish that Amazon wouldn’t have ended this one so soon.
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Amazon Prime Honorable Mentions: 1. Deadwood series and TV Movie (HBO; 2004-2006 and 2019): Exceeding my requirements when adding in the film is what excludes this gritty historical drama from my list. However, because the film, made well over ten years after the three-season series ended gives closure, I decided to mention both here. 2. Todd McFarlane’s Spawn animated series (HBO; 1997-1999): This a great way for anyone interested to introduce themselves to the comic book legend with greater detail than the 1997 film (New Line Cinema) of the same name. As well as before the new film (Blumhouse Productions), starring Jamie Foxx as the titular character, seemly in production, is released.

Hulu

Future Man
​(34 episodes; 30 minutes each; 2017-2020)

​A Hulu original brought to you by top executive producers Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg, Future Man is a hilariously weird tale about a lowly video game turned real life. Full of great actors and just downright awesome comedic parallels to other time traveling and dystopian icons. Like Back to the Future (Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment; 1985-1990) and The Hunger Games (Lionsgate; 2012-2015) film franchises, this series never takes itself seriously. It doesn’t need to!! Josh as Future Man (Josh Hutcherson) and his newfound allies Tiger (Eliza Coupe) and Wolf (Derek Wilson) have amazing chemistry portraying extremely flawed characters surrounded by a world of even more flawed characters, in every time… LOL!! Trying to save the future, past, present, or whatever, has never been so defective and it’s wonderful!! Plus, the pop culture references are off the charts while the multiple roles by the four main characters throughout showcase this talent filled homage.

Spaced
(14 episodes; 25 minutes each; 1999-2001)

​The only fully British television series to make my list, Spaced (UK; Channel 4) follows a pair of new acquaintances, Tim Bisley (Simon Pegg) and Daisy Steiner (Jessica Hynes), as they pretend to be a couple to secure a flat in north London. A very simple premise made hilarious by the supporting stories and cast, especially Mark Heap as Brian Topp and of course, Simon’s lifelong friend, Nick Frost as Mike Watt. Taking place at the turn of the century and written by Pegg and Stevenson, we get an early look at a Shaun of the Dead (Universal Pictures; 2004) like style of filming with quick internal subconscious scenes and in your face slapstick sequences. Often times, these scenes need a rewind to let your brain catch up with the genius you just witnessed… LOL!! Additionally, the beauty and heart of the show, beyond the great acting and filming, is the fact that it surrounds a group of British actors giving us comedy using tons of American culture. With its absolutely amazing sci-fi, comic book and action film references, it’s unique and fantastic. So much so that I decided to give this one a re-watch while preparing for this article. And yep… it’s still brilliant!!

Afro Samurai
Series and TV Movie – English Dub (5 episodes; 30 minutes each & 1 hour, 41 minute film; 2007 & 2009)

Adding in the TV movie, Afro Samurai (Fuji Television) has the second shortest run time of all my choices and is the only animated pick beyond Todd McFarlane’s Spawn (in the honorable mentions). I chose this one because of its interesting journey along with the excellent clash of ancient and modern cultures – Samurai and Hip Hop respectively. Banned in China in 2015 by their Ministry of Culture, we follow the lead as he navigates the world from a young child orphaned by his father’s murder through his youth and lifelong fight to avenge his father’s death. Mixing past with present, this tale is both deep yet surprisingly simplistic. Even further, the movie (Fuji Television), which isn’t totally necessary to appreciate the series, brings back the same magic while we watch Afro defend the title obtained in the series. The award-winning animation itself is unique and exaggerated in all the right places. Not to mention the fight scenes are definitely on point. Plus, the overall dark scenes are enhanced by splashes of color, including blood or even something bright and beautiful like fireworks or cherry blossoms. It’s well written, mysterious, and filled with action led by excellent voice actors for the English dub. Afro as an adult, as well as his imaginary subconscious friend Ninja Ninja, in both the series and TV movie, is portrayed by the unique voice of Samuel L Jackson. And seriously, if that’s not enough of a reason to watch, I don’t know what is… LOL!! 
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Hulu Honorable Mentions: 1. Firefly series and film (Fox; 2002-2003 and 2005): Unfortunately, only the series is available on Hulu but, interestingly it’s the full 14 episodes in the correct chronological order. Fox only aired 11 episodes and somewhat out of order. The film, Serenity, which actually allowed creator Joss Whedon to round out the all too short series, isn’t available across any of the three platforms at this time without an extra fee. Of course, you can certainly enjoy the one season, but to truly get closure, the film is a must. 2. Dollhouse (Fox; 2009-2010): Another Whedon project cut short, this show does complete itself in 27 episodes. However, it’s painfully obvious that the originally intended five seasons, feels rushed by the end of its two season run. Additionally, the show struggles with misogynistic undertones that even in the pre-Me Too era, are quite noticeable. Regardless, for me, Eliza Dushku as the main character Echo and my personal favorite Alan Tudyk as Alpha, are what make the show worth it overall.

Netflix

Hemlock Grove
(33 episodes; 45-60 minutes each; 2013-2015)

​Following a werewolf named Peter Rumancek (Landon Liboiron) and giving you basically all the requirements of a supernatural drama, Hemlock Grove (Netflix) is filled with sex, lies and mysterious story plots everywhere. Though it does suffer from tripping over itself from time to time, its unapologetically vague character development is still compelling enough to pay attention. Virtually all of the key players, despite their odd story lines, are sexy and intriguing. Particularly, the deeply flawed train wreck that is Olivia Godfrey (Famke Janssen) and her emotionally charged son Roman Godfrey (Bill Skarsgård). There’s also Roman’s deformed sister Shelley Godfrey (Madeleine Martin) who for me, becomes one of the shining stars of the entire cast. Waxing and waning throughout, overall, this show is worth the effort. And for some damn reason, despite all the deceit, lust and just plain, “what the &%$@ were you thinking moments,” you still somehow just have to know what happens!

Into the Badlands
(32 episodes; 40-45 minutes each; 2015-2019)

​Following the lead character Sunny (Daniel Wu) 500 years in a future dystopian-like society where technology and guns no longer exist, Into the Badlands (AMC), offers something different than the norm. Though it originally received mixed reviews, it’s hard to deny the pull of the characters even if the story seems a bit staggered. Additionally, by mingling bright colors with dreary settings, the cinematography throughout the series is some of the best I’ve ever seen on television. And using a Samurai style for its glorious fight scenes, of which, there are many, gives this Americanized tale quite the twist. Everyone, and I mean everyone who’s anyone in this series, can fight. And fight they do!! The choreography is something spectacular to behold and actually caries the series in some of the more faith based far-fetched story lines. By the end, you may have mixed reviews yourself, but the comedy, cinematography and choreography will stay with you – guaranteed!

Ash vs Evil Dead
(30 episodes; 30 minutes each; 2015-2018)

This crazy little Starz Original is the biggest Horror title on any of the three lists, but even more than that, it’s likely one of the most gratuitously blood-filled gore fest out there to date! In this next entry in The Evil Dead (1981) franchise, Ash (Bruce Campbell) and company fight demons with a gush of blood and a crazy comedic nature that makes you cringe and shiver, while laughing, and even gagging, at the same time… LOL! And with the original creator Sam Raimi on board, the audience gets a unique sort of horror that brings the average B level of storytelling to A level status. Besides… having Ray Santiago (Pablo Simon Bolivar) as Ash’s sidekick adds a fun dynamic not seen in the films. Rounding out the ensemble, Kelly Maxwell (Dana DeLorenzo) adds a refreshing strong female character who scoffs at Ash’s classic misogynistic comedy. And finally, played by Campbell’s Xena: Warrior Princess (NBC; 1995-2001) alum, Lucy Lawless as Ruby adds some extra supernatural spice! All rolled together, you’ll not soon forget this wacky and evil tale,
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Netflix Honorable Mention: Star Trek (The Original Series): Though it suffers from the typical 1960s culture failures, like misogyny and shag carpet (LOL), this is one show that I would truly say, “it was the times man (all hippie-like),” and mean it! Simply because it really was. In general, and especially on TV, Things for women were still just a bit… well… one dimensional. Let’s just say, they were either the housewife or the Playmate (insert eye roll here!!) with little substance for either. Blacks and other minorities were generally reduced to stereotypical representations as well. And the fashion overall was tight and bright to say the least… LOL. However, one cannot mention all this without discussing the flip side that is the groundbreaking television of Trek. Interracial relationships, both professional and romantic were on full display while some women were shown in powerful roles beyond the dipoles mentioned above. Adding in thought provoking storylines testing the boundaries of television, the series gave minorities and women of all colors representation not typically seen. Finally, campy special effects with serious science fiction action rounds out this epic tale with gusto! The only reason it didn’t make my list is because the series is quite long. Boasting a full 82 episodes (including the pilots) at a minimum of 45 minutes each pushes it beyond where no man has gone before in the realm of 3 seasons or less. *Wink*

Well, there you have it. A fine list of distraction! All representing grand escapism in three seasons or less. Tell me, have you seen any of these shows? Which are your favorites? Reach out in the comments below or @obi_juanita on Twitter and let me know. I mean. Pandemic or not, there has to be at least one or two that catches your eye – am I right? So… get out there – or rather, stay in – and check ‘em out!

Until next time… happy viewing!