The Best Anthology Shows on Television

You may have noticed a recent trend in television. There are more and more shows that change their respective storylines from season-to-season. These kind of shows are known as anthologies.

The definition of an anthology has changed. This term used to apply more to shows that changed the storyline and cast from episode-to-episode. The episodes would be thematically similar, but each episode would be self-contained. Think "The Twilight Zone." Or if you want one of the few modern examples, think "Black Mirror."

This kind of show isn’t particularly common anymore. In fact, I can’t name another example other than "Black Mirror" off the top of my head. What we *do* see are shows that devote entire seasons to new storylines, yet connect these storylines thematically/geographically. Sometimes these shows use different casts from season-to-season, but more often than not the same actors are employed, but in different roles.

Up until recently, these kind of shows weren’t particularly common on primetime television. Now, these kind of shows aren’t an aberration; they’re a trend.

So before a programming explosion begins, let’s take a look at some of the best recent examples of these anthology shows that you can record on Directv Genie.

Fargo

Based on the Academy Award winning 1996 masterpiece film, "Fargo" is currently in its third season on FX. As anthologies do, all three seasons of course have connective tissue, in that each season is inspired by a crime in Fargo, North Dakota. The seasons also share connective tissue in that they are widely acclaimed.

"Fargo" uses a different cast every season, but each one features amazing actors at the top of their game (Kirsten Dunst, Ewan McGregor, and Billy Bob Thornton are just a few). It’s rare for television adaptations to live up to their cinematic source material. "Fargo" is proving itself to be a witty and macabre exception.

American Crime

Only a few days ago, ABC cancelled their sole anthology venture, "American Crime." It’s a shame, because "Crime" wasn’t just one of the best anthologies on television; it was one of the best shows of any kind. "American Crime" was created by Academy Award winning writer John Ridley. The show’s connective tissue for three seasons was the concept. Each season focused on a crime that picks up media attention, and the people who are impacted by the aftermath of the crime.

If you’re looking for moral certitude, or clear heroes and villains, Ridley did not create this show for you. What set "Crime" apart was how thoughtfully and didactically it covered sensitive issues that plague ordinary Americans. The storytelling was so gripping, it would be easy to lose yourself to several episodes worth of recordings on Directv Genie. And for a network show, it was made with consummate craftsmanship.

American Horror Story

If there’s any one show that really kickstarted the anthology trend, it’s this FX gem. "American Horror Story" is the brainchild of Ryan Murphy, who beforehand was responsible for the hit show "Glee" and the underrated FX show "Nip/Tuck." FX gave Murphy another shot, and he came up with this glorious, deliberately campy modern classic.

Each season features a different cast, but some actors have been featured in every season, most notably the eternally undervalued Sarah Paulson. Some seasons have garnered more acclaim than others, but every season "Horror Story" is sure to provide terror, camp, and exceptional acting.

True Detective

"True Detective" is truly a tale of two seasons. First off, "Detective" is an example of an anthology show that uses a whole new cast from season-to-season. The detectives of the first season were Matthew McConaughey--his best performance on film or television--and Woody Harrelson. The second season detectives were Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, and Taylor Kitsch. The first season was directed entirely by Cary Fukunaga ("Beasts of No Nation"); the second season was directed by a multitude of directors (none of whom were Fukunaga).

As such, this show about detectives attempting to solve horrible crimes in the face of impossible circumstances, inspired different reactions each season. The first season is universally heralded thanks to its moody mise-en-scene and dynamite performances. Millions of people binged through the season through recordings on Directv Genie. The second season is viewed as one of the biggest disappointments in recent television memory. Show creator Nic Pizzolatto has said he has started work on the third season. Hopefully it resembles more of the first season.

Sam Joseph is a film/television connoisseur. Did he say connoisseur? He meant addict.