A few weeks back I was in the lift at work speaking to someone about my ‘traction list’ of TV shows. Others in the lift who didn’t hear the whole conversation must have thought this was another idiotic phrase about programmes getting better or somesuch (shows “with traction”). It’s much simpler.
Basically there are programmes from the past 10 or 15 years, probably dramas from HBO or in an HBO style (hello AMC and Showtime), that I’d like to watch but the length of the series and all the plaudits I’ve heard make me want to sit down and watch the whole thing back to back. I don’t know when I’ll ever have time – maybe if I’m laid up for six months in traction. (For the record, I don’t want to break my back or anything.)
So, the fun bit. Below are four categories of show:
– Those I’ve seen and love
– Those very much on my Traction List
– Shows others rave about but get a No from me (not always sure why)
– Shows I’m not sure about
I’d love any comments and advice – even if it means trashing my taste.
Been there, done that
Although in no particular order, out front are:
Mad Men
The Sopranos
The Wire
In Treatment
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Seinfeld
OK, I lied. Those are top of the list and I realise include two comedies. Also in this category:
The Mighty Boosh
Entourage
Californication
Band of Brothers/The Pacific (forgive me for lumping them together)
On the List
Maybe I’ve seen parts but not from the start and never jumping in properly:
Boardwalk Empire
Sons of Anarchy
Deadwood
The West Wing
(And let’s face it, Mad Men will be added to this list as it moves to Sky Atlantic, which is mainly also why I haven’t seen Boardwalk Empire yet [cries].)
NO!
Not saying why – feel free to convince me otherwise:
Lost
Heroes
Dr Who
Not sure about these…
Six Feet Under
Dexter
Big Love
Eastbound & Down
The Killing (Danish or American, dunno)
What do you think? Please let me know by leaving a comment below.
If you like this post, here are some others (obviously not as good) in a similar vein:
The 20 Best TV Shows of the Decade (2000-2009)
IMDb: Best TV shows Ever – a list by eklavya15
tphallett 
KarenF
October 29, 2011
Love the Danish ‘The Killing’, the US version not so much. Can’t quite work out why – it’s a word-perfect scene-by-scene copy. Maybe it’s because the Copenhagen weather is more familiar and the music is more haunting.
I was a bit late to The Killing, but luckily they were on 60-day availability on iPlayer. We watched one, got hooked, watched 10 in a row into the night.
Shelley John
November 4, 2011
Dexter is definitely worth a watch. Quirky concept with some really good characters, although 5 series down the line it’s starting to get a bit samey.
Chris Beaumont (@chris_beaumont)
November 4, 2011
Six Feet Under is brilliant, and has easily the most satisfying and complete ending of any show I’ve watched.
Eastbound & Down is hilarious, and Party Down would grace any traction list.
kevin alexander
November 8, 2011
How does a ‘traction list’ differ from ‘appointment to view’. Personally, I think the word ‘traction’ should only be used with reference to stakeholders at work, or old episodes of Star Trek. Personally, I like shows that have bouncebackability.
Dexter, Big (G)Love, Six Feet Under all good, but probably not worth looking back on. The US version of The Killing was ok. The one I would definitely highlight as one to watch is Boardwalk Empire: mark my words – it’s a grower, not a show-er.
btw – our reference to The Wire betrays your middle class credentials. And Dr. Who? I am not going to convince you otherwise. I’m not 7……
In other contexts, the question who’s on my watchlist gets a very different answer……. reminds me of the first thing that women often say to me: “What are you doing in my garden?”
Mary L
November 12, 2011
Belatedly… West Wing is definitely worth watching back-to-back. Plus you can usually buy the whole lot for £50 in HMV.
Made the effort to watch all of season 1 of Heroes back in the VCR days (!) and didn’t think it was worth it — so happy for it to stay on your No! list.
PS: Not sure about the ‘traction list’ concept. I watched most of season 1 of Mad Men when I was off work with shingles, and the association is still putting me off watching seasons 2-x.
tphallett
May 27, 2013
This is a relevant follow-up link to this post: http://www.wired.com/opinion/2013/05/beyond-arrested-development-how-binge-watching-is-changing-our-narrative-culture/