So far, the 21st Century has produced some of the best shows we’ve seen in television history. Gripping dramas, hilarious comedies, and interesting educational shows abound on the airwaves of the modern world. These shows cover a huge variety of topics, but each has its merits. Some shows can be easily appreciated by all, no matter what age or education they might have. Others are a little more in-depth, and require a more acute understanding of the subject. Plus, it takes a worldly intellectual to pick up on some of the more obscure allegories and references in some modern television. If you are looking for a new show that will challenge your mind and make you think about the world, there are a lot of great options out there. Whether you are interested in sci-fi, horror, drama, documentaries, or comedies, there is certainly a show that will fit your needs. For a little guidance, read on as we go over 20 TV Shows That Only Smart People Appreciate.
3%
This show is an original series available on Netflix, and was the second non-English show to premier on the webcasting service. The original pilot for 3% was shot back in 2009. The first season (eight episodes) premiered on Netflix in November of 2016. There is a second season set to premier this year. 3% is a show set in a dystopian future where people all live in extreme poverty. Every person is given a chance to pass a test that will grant them access to a place called the Offshore. The test consists of mental and psychological challenges that must be overcome. Only 3% of the competitors pass the screening, and the rest are stuck living in poverty forever. This show is great for someone who wants to challenge their mind. The puzzles, intrigue, and challenges that the characters face are all very interesting. However, this show really shines in the way that it tackles fundamental questions of morality. It places a special emphasis on ambiguous situations, leaving the viewer to come up with their own answers for things.
The X-Files
One of the best science fiction shows created within the past few decades, The X-Files captured the attention and imagination of viewers everywhere. It originally aired in 1993, and ran for nine seasons until it took a hiatus in 2002. The show returned to the air in 2016, and again on January 3rd of this year for the eleventh season. The X-Files stars two federal agents — Fox Mulder and Dana Scully — who work together to solve paranormal cases called x-files. These two serve as excellent foils for one another; Mulder has always believed in the supernatural, whereas Scully is a skeptic. The excellent casting and intriguing storyline make this show one of the greats. For an intellectual, The X-Files represents a way to examine transparency in governmental institutions. It really played into the general mistrust of the government that the public feels. However, it also brings up valid points. The government is very powerful, and could easily hide things from those it needs to.
The 100
One of the newcomers to the post-apocalyptic sci-fi scene is The 100. The series originally premiered in 2014 on The CW, and has since been partially-released on Netflix. It is loosely based on a novel by Kass Morgan of the same name. The show has already had four seasons, and has been renewed for another season that will premiere this April. The 100 starts out aboard “The Ark”, a spacecraft that was used to ensure the survival of humanity after a nuclear war. Eventually, 100 juvenile prisoners are sent to the surface of the Earth to test the radiation levels of the planet. They find other humans have survived, and are living in tribelike situations in the jungles of the post-apocalyptic Earth. This show appeases the intellect due to its unique exploration of various issues that we are dealing with today. The 100 asks questions about artificial intelligence, actions in survival situations, and even the nature of war itself. It is a great show to check out if you want to think deeply about something.
Mr. Robot
If you’re into computers and hacking, Mr. Robot is a good show to check out. The show was originally pitched via the Internet, appearing on various websites and on-demand video services. It was picked up by the USA Network and premiered in June, 2015. It has since had a second and third season, and has been renewed for a fourth. The show focuses on the cyber-exploits of Elliot Alderson, a programmer at a cyber security company. He struggles with various mental illness, and connects with people by hacking them instead of in-person. His vigilante actions catch the attention of Mr. Robot, an insurrectionist who (along with his group, fsociety) wants to delete all debt by destroying the records of E Corp. Mr. Robot is perfect for the intellectual viewer. It offers a good look into the morality of hacktivism and online behavior. Plus, it has been hailed as highly technically-accurate. Even representatives from Avast, Panda Security, and Kaspersky (among others) have praised this show.
Scorpion
Another computer-centric show, Scorpion (which airs on CBS) is an action drama series that is based on the life of Walter O’Brien. O’Brien is a computer expert, businessman, and executive producer of the show. He is an Irish native, and has accomplished a lot of awesome feats of technology in his life. Scorpion revolves around O’Brien and his team as they fight high-tech threats, both domestic and international. They are often called upon by the Department of Homeland Security, who view the team as a valuable asset. They also work for private organizations, and occasionally individuals. This show is well-written, and deals with some interesting and challenging situations. The intellectual viewer will relate to O’Brien, who purportedly has the 4th-highest IQ in the world. It will also be fun to challenge yourself, and think of how you would solve the situations that the Scorpion team handles.
The Blacklist
This series from NBC is one of the coolest crime thrillers that has come out in recent years. It originally premiered on NBC in 2013, and has been very successful. It is currently in its fifth season, and is a very likely target for renewal after it ends sometime this year. The Blacklist focuses on the exploits of Raymond Reddington, a high-profile criminal who turns himself in to the FBI. He states that he has a list of the most dangerous criminals in the world, and wants immunity in exchange for his assistance in capturing them. He also insists on working with a specific junior profiler, Elizabeth Keen. These two and the FBI eventually begin to capture some incredibly dangerous individuals, slowly working their way down the list. The clever writing and crazy situations in this show make it great for someone who likes to think. The Blacklist also offers its fair share of mystery, another plus for an intelligent viewer. All-in-all, this show is a realistic and entertaining choice.
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is arguably one of the best science fiction shows of all time. It is certainly the best out of Britain, and is a significant part of their pop culture. It first premiered more than 50 years ago, and has more than 30 seasons between the classic and revived eras of the show. This is a time-travelling, sonic screwdriver-wielding classic. It focuses on the exploits of the Doctor — an interdimensional time-travelling being who is capable of regeneration. He and his numerous Companions go on many adventures, fighting enemies like the Cybermen and the Daleks. As far as sci-fi goes, Doctor Who is a good show for someone smart. The Doctor often relies on ingenuity to solve his problems — a respectable alternative to brute force. There is also plenty of geeky humor in the show, which gives this show a spot on our list.
House of Cards
This Netflix series is a great political thriller. It was first released in February 2013, and is based on a BBC miniseries of the same name. The show has had five seasons so far, with a sixth scheduled. However, the lead actor, Kevin Spacey, was recently fired due to sexual misconduct allegations. Therefore, the sixth season will be the final one. House of Cards is set in Washington D.C., and follows the story of Frank Underwood. Underwood is a House Majority Whip with a devious plan to attain as much power as he can. He is ruthless and manipulative. Despite this, the show is great — 33 Primetime Emmy nominations don’t lie. For someone who is well-versed in politics, House of Cards offers a great mental exercise. It deals with themes of corruption, scandal, and power-hungry politicians. The intellectual viewer will easily draw parallels between the show and our modern day political situation.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is widely considered one of the best dramas of all time. It first premiered on AMC in 2008, and ran for five riveting seasons until 2013. The show won many awards, including 16 Emmys and two Golden Globes. This show follows Walter White, a high school teacher who finds himself with inoperable lung cancer. He is not financially prepared for such a devastating illness, and soon turns to crime to make enough money to secure his family’s future. He and his former student, Jesse Pinkman, begin manufacturing crystal meth and dealing with the dangers that come with this job. You won’t see many everyday things the same way ever again after watching this show. Breaking Bad tackles some of the toughest moral questions, and will shock you with every plot twist and situation that the show examines. Plus, it is great for intellectuals due to the ingenious plans of Walter White.
Sense8
This show stands out from the rest of modern sci-fi due to its unique themes and plot. Sense8 was originally released on Netflix, and has two seasons available on the webcasting service. Though the show was scrapped, due to high demand there will be a two-hour series finale released sometime in 2018. Sense8 focuses on the lives of eight distinct characters who share a psychic connection. They at first try to understand why they are connected, and how to live their everyday lives with this bond. Eventually, governmental agents and other psychics get involved, turning this show into a thriller. Intelligent viewers will appreciate this show for its stark honesty and exploration of topics that most shows avoid. Sense8 deals with themes of sexual identity, gender, religion, and politics — hot-button issues that most other sci-fi shows glaze over. This alone makes the show worth watching.
Criminal Minds
One of the best police dramas on the air today is Criminal Minds. Created by Jeff Davis, this show was originally broadcasted on CBS in 2005. It has since reached its 13th season, with a high possibility of a 14th season sometime in the future. Criminal Minds focuses on how the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit creates a criminal profile. Instead of focusing on the crime, as in most shows of this nature, the team on the show attempts to match the crime with an unknown subject. This leads to them catching various dangerous criminals. It’s a great show for those who have an interest in criminal psychology. Sharp viewers will notice a lot of minor details in the team’s creation of criminal profiles that will give you a lot of appreciation for the writers of the show. Criminal Minds displays awesome attention to detail that is not matched by other shows on the air today.
True Detective
One of the only anthology crime drama series of modern times, True Detective focuses on a new cast of characters with a brand-new story in every season. The first season was originally aired on HBO back in 2014. Since then, another season was filmed. It has also gotten the green light for a third season. This show focuses on how various law enforcement officers solve the most egregious crimes. They use deduction, analysis, and intuition to catch the criminals and close the case. Each season has been well-received, and the writing of the show is often praised. Smart TV enthusiasts will love True Detective for its accurate portrayal of policework. The clever stories in each season are gripping, and will leave you wanting more. You will also come to appreciate the sharp minds of the series’ characters as they skillfully perform their work.
Stranger Things
Another top television show of the last couple of years is Stranger Things. The Netflix exclusive is a science-fiction masterpiece, with great horror elements as well. The show was released in 2016, and a second season followed about a year later. The show is set for a third season as well, and may have another one or two after that (but no more). Stranger Things is set in the town of Hawkins, Indiana. It plays into early 1980s nostalgia, and is hugely influenced by Stephen King in particular. The first season starts off with the mysterious disappearance of a young boy, and follows his friends and a psychic girl who emerged from the woods as they attempt to track him down and elude a government agency. On its surface, this show appears to be a standard coming-of-age horror story. However, once it starts getting into the meat of the material, you will find yourself contemplating questions that you hadn’t thought of before. It’s a great show for smart television fans.
Mythbusters
If you want to watch something that is based more on science than a story, MythBusters is the way to go. This show is a science entertainment show that originally premiered in 2003. It ran for 16 seasons, but eventually was cancelled in 2016. However, a new version of the show with different hosts began in 2017. MythBusters features two hosts — originally Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman — attempting to test whether common myths and rumors were actually true. They used a variety of methods to test many different myths, and had some incredible and surprising results. This show was incredibly popular on the Discovery Channel, with some of their highest ratings. An intelligent viewer will love the scientific approach that is validated in this show. Every variable is controlled very carefully, with nothing left to chance. It is also educational, so it will give you a chance to expand your own knowledge on things.
Game of Thrones
This television adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire has been incredibly well-received worldwide. It originally premiered in 2011 on HBO, and has had seven seasons so far. It will officially conclude with the eighth season, which is set to premiere in 2019. This show is set on two fictional continents, Westeros and Essos. It follows many different story lines, and deals with themes of international intrigue, royal infighting, and defending against ancient and legendary threats. The show has received several awards, including 38 Primetime Emmy Awards. The deep and complex themes that surround Game of Thrones are a good match for an intellectual fantasy fan. This show is especially worth watching if you have already read A Song of Ice and Fire. It does the novels justice, in a way that many television adaptations have not.
Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey
Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey is the 2014 follow-up to the series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage which was released in 1980. The original featured Carl Sagan, and was considered a landmark documentary in the scientific world. The renewal is hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Thirteen fascinating episodes have been released, all of which are available on Netflix. This documentary series delves into a variety of interesting subjects, from the formation of the universe to the knowledge of humanity. It is appealing to a wide variety of people, and is highly-informative. Cosmos‘ host is also a great one, and he lays out the subject matter in a way that makes it interesting and entertaining. The appeal to intellectual types is clear when you look at Cosmos. It has fascinating subject matter, and is a great way to expand your knowledge in many areas. If you are looking for one of the best educational shows, look no further than Cosmos.
Dexter
A great crime drama series that you should check out is Dexter. It originally premiered on Showtime in 2006, and ran for eight seasons until its conclusion in 2013. It has been widely critically-acclaimed, and has boasted some of the highest ratings of any show on the network. Dexter is about a forensic technician who leads a double life as a vigilante serial killer. He kills people — murderers, child molesters, rapists, and other deplorables — who have made it through the justice system unscathed. It’s a gruesome show, but a great one. This show is a good one for intelligent viewers. It raises an excellent moral question — is killing the evil an evil act? It also deals with situations that require intelligence to navigate, such as in Dexter Morgan’s work at the Miami Metro Police Department.
House
House is the only medical drama on this list, and it is one of the best ever created. It aired on Fox for each of its eight seasons, and lasted from 2004 to 2012. It was unfortunately cancelled after the eight season, but it had a great run. This show revolves around Doctor Gregory House. He’s unconventional, a bit of a misanthropist, but an undeniable genius. House follows him and his team of diagnosticians in solving some medical mysteries that other doctors can’t solve on their own. The shows quick wit, engaging situations, and clever writing make it a perfect choice for an intellectual viewer. You will enjoy watching House as he solves some of the most elusive medical mysteries. Perhaps you will even learn a thing or two about medical science.
Sherlock
One of the most popular crime dramas is Sherlock. It has had only thirteen episodes released, four of which were three-part series and one special episode. The show aired on BBC and PBS for these episodes. It is likely that another Sherlock series will be released, but it could be another year or two. This show is based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories. It is set, however, in the present day (the original stories were set in Victorian times). The modern twist makes this show great, as Sherlock Holmes is a consultant. John Watson still accompanies him on his adventures, but also blogs about them — making them a frequent target of the press and government. This show is perfect for someone who wants to challenge their mind as the show goes on. It is a mystery show, and much of the fun in it is trying to figure out who the crook is before Holmes does. It is a well-written, masterfully-executed show. It is just a shame that so few episodes have been released.
The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory is a sitcom that has been well-received by viewers everywhere. It originally was aired on CBS in 2007, and has run for eleven seasons so far. It was renewed for two seasons back in March of last year, so we can expect another season to follow. This show focuses on five primary characters — Leonard and Sheldon, physicists who are roommates; Penny, a waitress and aspiring actress; and Raj and Howard, the socially-awkward scientist friends of Leonard and Sheldon. The dialogue in this show is king — you might find yourself unable to stop laughing. The Big Bang Theory is a perfect comedy choice for a sharp-witted viewer. The references made in the show are almost always geeky, and take someone who’s well-versed in the most famous sci-fi shows to understand. Of course, other intelligent humor based on science or literature is also prominent in this show.
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