Top Ten Best Shows of 2017

CAIRO – 20 December 2017: As 2017 draws to a close, Egypt Today looks at some of the most acclaimed shows of the year, both on TV and on Netflix.

Stranger Things: Season 2


The most-watched Netflix show in Egypt and one of the most popular shows on the entire service, the second season of ‘Stranger Things’ has only continued the hype-train surrounding the 80s science-fiction homage series, and with good reason. Continuing on from the events of last time, the new season, released on October 27, follows rescued the Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) as he attempts to readjust back to normal life, though a dark shadow seems to surround him and the mysterious Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown).

With its strong cast of characters, nostalgic throwbacks, thrilling secrets and warm humor, Stranger Things has secured its place as one of the most popular shows of the decade.

Twin Peaks: The Return


The original Twin Peaks, which first aired in 1990 and ran until 1991, was at first glance a seemingly ordinary crime show about Detective Dale Cooper investigating the murder of a high-school girl in the sleepy American logging town of Twin Peaks, though creator David Lynch quickly turned all expectations on its head, taking viewers down a surreal journey where nothing is as it seems.

The highly anticipated renewal, which premiered on May 21, 2017 on ABC/Showtime was one of the most hotly discussed shows of the year, thanks in part to the absolute creative freedom Lynch was allowed to finish his story, leaving viewers confused, horrified yet delighted at what they experienced.

Master of None


Premiering on Nov 6, 2015, Comedian Aziz Ansari produces and stars in this slice-of-life web comedy about Dev, a 30-something Indian-American actor in New York City managing his way both in the professional and personal fields of his life, looking for a relationship. Thanks to its blend of comedy and refusal to shy from addressing serious topics, ‘Master of None’ became a quick hit and won an Emmy award. The show’s second season premiered on May 12.

The Good Place


An absurd, hilarious yet complex afterlife comedy from Parks and Recreation co-creator Michael Schur, ‘The Good Place’ follows Eleanor (Kristen Bell), a selfish, horrible women who somehow finds herself in The Good Place after she dies, and suspects that it must be a mistake. She keeps her mouth shut in order to avoid being sent to the more unpleasant afterlife. Season 2 manages to pick off even after the first season ended on a shocking note, and proves to be even funnier to boot.

The Handmaid's Tale


Based on the book by Canadian author Margret Atwood, this Hulu exclusive series adapts the story for a heavy, dark, full-fledged storyline following the oppressed women of ‘Gilead’, a theocracy that was once the USA, where fertile women known as “Handmaids” are treated as little more than breeding cattle by their male overlords. A dystopian classic of feminist critique, the Handmaid’s Tale might be dystopian fiction but proves to be shockingly relevant even to this day.

Bojack Horseman


Heartbreaking, depressing, hilarious, sometimes all at once, the critically acclaimed animated Netflix comedy now sees its 4th season, which continues the sad story of washed up former actor Bojack Horseman, a talking horse struggles with depression and picking up the pieces of his ruined life. With its contrast of funny looking animal characters contrasting with heavy, deep themes, Bojack Horseman is a unique adult animated experience.

The Crown


This biographical drama series from Netflix chronicles the rise of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s until today, exploring both the political aspects of her rule to the more personal romances in her life, alongside the major events of her empire.

Big Little Lies


Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon star in this HBO miniseries following the seemingly perfect lives of three mothers, who slowly find their charming facades undone by deception, rivalries, lies, and even murder.

Narcos


Another Netflix hit in Egypt, ‘Narcos’ explores the real-life escapades of the US and Columbian government’s efforts in the 1980s to take down Pablo Escobar, the ruthless drug lord behind the Medellin cartel.

Mindhunter


In order to stop criminals, one must think like one. In the late 1970s, two FBI agents begin to develop a new investigative field that uses psychology to explore the reasons why twisted, disturbed minds commit the crimes they do.