20 Best TV Shows Of The Last Decade
3. The Americans
Whilst the premise reeks of a pulpy network procedure show - two Russian sleeper agents, live as a middle-class American family during the Cold War - the true strength of FX’s award winner is how it turns the espionage premise on its head.
The two emotionless agents played brilliantly by Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, grow to love their 'fake' existence, as well as each other, bringing the purpose and motivation behind their mission into constant flux.
It’s a strange indictment on the American dream itself and a fascinating and rich character study of two soldiers, that are essentially blunt instruments for a greater cause, struggling to balance their humanity with their sense of duty.
The results are a journey filled with gripping drama, suspenseful (and at times, horrifying) action, as well as a fair share of shattering tragedy. It stands as a peak example of last generations best for good reason.