2) UnREAL
Another shock of the season, UnREAL‘s stupid stylization and airing network (Lifetime, home of Dance Moms and apparently every “Unauthorized” biopic ever) hid a deep and scary truth: the network, it turns out, can produce insanely high quality hour-long dramas that aren’t just frothy treats or Project Runway. The show left jaws strewn on the floors of the country with each new twist and careening turn, brilliantly scheduled to air simultaneously with ABC’s reality staple of which it spoofed gleefully, and resulted in not only a massive audience, but essentially became one of the best-reviewed series of the entire year (tied on this list only with Mr. Robot).
Based on the short film Sequin Raze, UnREAL chronicles the behind-the-scenes action of “Everlasting,” a Bachelor-esque reality show that acts as a front for some deliciously twisted backstage drama the likes of which one can only hope actually takes place in real life. The show’s plot is the best-paced of the summer, its situations are the most gratifying (a mid-season coming out scene is of special note), and if this were a list about the best cast of the summer, it’d win no question. Shiri Appleby plays Rachel, whose slick powers of manipulation and persuasion are constantly at odds with her bi-polar tendency to emotionally disrupt at any second. Coupled with Constance Zimmer’s Quinn – who gives a new meaning to the phrase “Boss Bitch” – and UnREAL not only had the most bitingly honest female “friendship” of the season, but won over the hearts and minds of anyone who ever questioned the reality part of reality TV.