Showtime has grown from a 24-hour channel to a big player in streaming. It now has many channels, streaming services, and on-demand options. Its original series are top-notch, with great stories, characters, and production.
Shows like Dexter and I Love That for You show Showtime’s range. Whether you want a crime drama, a character study, or a comedy, Showtime has it. Its library is full of shows that grab your attention.
We’ll look at the best Showtime series that have won fans over. We’ll see why Showtime is known for its bold, innovative, and acclaimed shows. From dramas to comedies, we’ll cover the shows that make Showtime a must-see.
The Rise of Showtime Original Series
Showtime, a top premium cable network, has been a strong rival to HBO. It offers a wide range of original shows that have drawn in viewers for years. Starting as a 24-hour channel in 1976, Showtime has grown into a big name. It now has eight 24-hour channels, streaming services, and a strong video-on-demand option.
Key Milestones in Showtime’s Evolution
Showtime has hit many important milestones. In 1982, it showed its first made-for-cable movie, “Falcon’s Gold.” It also started its first original series and kids’ show, “Faerie Tale Theatre.” By September 2018, Showtime reached about 28.567 million U.S. homes. Most of these homes got Showtime’s main channel.
Showtime’s Acclaimed Original Programming
- Showtime started making original shows in the ’90s. It became more popular in the 2000s with hits like “Queer as Folk,” “The L Word,” and “Dexter.”
- Recent hits include “Yellowjackets,” a thriller with a twist; “George & Tammy,” a biopic about George Jones and Tammy Wynette; and “Billions,” about New York’s business elite.
- Other top shows are “Shameless,” a comedy/drama about a Chicago family, and “Weeds,” a crime comedy about a pot dealer.
Showtime’s original series are among TV’s best, getting lots of praise and fans. The network’s focus on quality and thought-provoking shows has made it a top player in premium cable.
Top-Rated Showtime Series to Binge-Watch
Showtime is known for its high-quality TV shows. It has a wide range of acclaimed series that have won fans all over the world. Two shows stand out: Dexter and Escape at Dannemora.
Dexter: A Dark and Gripping Procedural
Dexter is based on Jeff Lindsay’s novels. It tells the story of Dexter Morgan (played by Michael C. Hall), a blood-splatter analyst by day and a serial killer by night. He targets other murderers. The show is fast-paced and set in Miami, adding a unique twist.
Dexter’s story is complex. He fights to balance his dark side with his desire to help others. This has made it a huge hit, one of Showtime’s most popular shows.
Escape at Dannemora: A Riveting True Crime Drama
Escape at Dannemora is a true-crime drama directed by Ben Stiller. It’s about the 2015 prison escape of Richard Matt and David Sweat. Patricia Arquette shines in this series.
The show explores the relationships and power struggles that led to the escape. It’s a deep dive into the human mind under extreme pressure.
If you love the dark world of Dexter or the real-life drama of Escape at Dannemora, Showtime has you covered. Their top shows are binge-worthy and will keep you hooked from the first episode.
Showtime’s Critically Acclaimed Comedies
Showtime has always brought a mix of comedy series that appeal to many. Shows like “I Love That for You” and “Shameless” show the network’s skill in creating both funny and touching stories.
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I Love That for You: A Delightful Workplace Comedy
“I Love That for You” stars Vanessa Bayer as Joanna Gold, a host on a shopping network. She lies about having cancer to impress her boss, Jenifer Lewis. The show mixes sharp humor with real emotions, as Joanna faces TV retail’s challenges and her personal life.
The cast, including Molly Shannon, has received high praise. “I Love That for You” is known for its clever writing and deep performances. It’s a standout comedy on Showtime, tackling themes of self-acceptance and dreams with humor.
| Showtime Comedy Series | Average Rating |
|---|---|
| “The Comedy Store” | 8.2 |
| “Shameless” | 8.6 |
| “House of Lies” | 7.4 |
| “Weeds” | 7.9 |
| “Episodes” | 7.8 |
| “Kidding” | 8.0 |
| “I Love That for You” | 7.2 |
| “Californication” | 8.3 |
Showtime’s dedication to comedy is clear in “I Love That for You.” It’s a prime example of their knack for creating engaging and original content.
showtime tv shows: A Showcase of Prestige Dramas
Showtime has produced many acclaimed dramas, like Nurse Jackie. The show stars Edie Falco as a brilliant ER nurse with an addiction. It shows addiction in a raw and honest way, drawing in viewers.
Weeds is another Showtime drama. It tells the story of Nancy Botwin, a suburban mom who starts selling marijuana. The show has a talented cast, including Elizabeth Perkins and Kevin Nealon, making it a comedy with a twist.
Nurse Jackie: An Unflinching Look at Addiction
Nurse Jackie aired from 2009 to 2015 and was a hit. It follows Edie Falco’s Jackie Peyton, a skilled ER nurse with an addiction. The show’s honest look at Jackie’s struggles resonated with many.
Weeds: A Suburban Comedy with a Twist
Showtime’s Weeds offers a dark comedy look at suburban life. It ran for eight seasons, from 2005 to 2012. The show follows Nancy Botwin, a mom who starts selling marijuana after her husband dies. With a great cast, Weeds mixes humor, drama, and moral questions, making it a compelling watch.
Showtime’s Anthology and Experimental Series
Showtime has explored new grounds with anthology and experimental series. This shows their dedication to varied and fresh content. The horror anthology Masters of Horror is a prime example, featuring films from top horror directors.
The Masters of Horror series brings together talents like Dario Argento, John Carpenter, and Takashi Miike. Each director brings their own twist to the anthology. Notable episodes include “Deer Woman” by John Landis and “Incident on and Off a Mountain Road” by Don Coscarelli.
Masters of Horror has a TV-MA rating and episodes lasting about 30 minutes. It has a high IMDb rating of 7.4/10 from over 28,000 reviews. It ranks 2,009 in popularity and has garnered praise from both critics and viewers.
Over two seasons and 17 episodes, Masters of Horror has shown Showtime’s bold approach to TV. It has become a beloved series among fans of showtime anthology series and masters of horror.
Underrated Showtime Gems to Discover
Showtime has more than just hits. They also have hidden gems like Web Therapy. This show stars and is created by Lisa Kudrow. It’s a farce about a celebrity therapist who talks to crazy clients over video.
Web Therapy breaks the mold of traditional sitcoms. It uses Kudrow’s improv talents and the spontaneity of video chats. This makes it a hit with fans who love unique comedies.
Even though Web Therapy isn’t as famous as some Showtime shows, it’s worth watching. It shows Showtime’s bold side in supporting new and different shows. If you’re looking for something fresh and funny, Web Therapy is a great choice.
Conclusion
Showtime has become a top choice for prestige TV. It offers a wide range of shows, from dark dramas to funny comedies. You can find hits like Dexter, I Love That for You, and Web Therapy on Showtime.
Showtime’s shows, like Homeland and Yellowjackets, are known for their gripping stories. They also have shows like The Big C and Patrick Melrose that make you think. This variety shows why Showtime is known for its high-quality TV.
Showtime is always bringing new and exciting shows to viewers. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the network, there’s something for everyone. With its mix of innovative and binge-worthy series, Showtime remains a top choice for TV lovers.
