20 Best TV Shows Of 2017

12. Big Little Lies

Big Little Lies
HBO

The names involved in this were reason enough alone to generate interest, with verified A-listers Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon, rising star Shailene Woodley, and the legend that is Laura Dern all among the cast.

That drew attention, but what kept it was the show's rich melodrama, biting humour, complicated characters and relationships, and an engaging mystery you wanted to know (but feared) the answer to.

The whole cast is, of course, brilliant, with special praise for Kidman's abused Celeste, Witherspoon's peppy Madeline, and Alexander Skarsgård's very human monster, Perry. The show tackles serious issues in a way that's both shocking but also considered, backing up storylines that could feel too much like soap opera with real weight and a natural feel.

That's combined with the razor sharp writing of David E. Kelley and the dreamy direction of Jean-Marc Valleé to create an addictive puzzle that's wholly satisfying.

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Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.