7. Boardwalk Empire
The most cinematic show to ever appear on television - its pilot episode was directed by Martin Scorsese and it features a great ensemble cast including Steve Buscemi, Michael K Williams, Shea Whigham, Michael Shannon, Stephen Graham and James Cromwell. Boardwalk Empire could very easily glamorise its subject with the beautiful scenery and dazzling clothes but it is a show interested in people and corruption. Developed by former The Sopranos writer Terence Winter, Boardwalk Empire favours character development over plot-driven story and whilst it starts slowly, it builds into something unique and unrivalled on television.