3. Black Mirror (2011-)
Channel Channel 4 Starring Different Cast Each Episode. It might be a little controversial to feature a show that has only aired five episodes to date in third place, ahead of institutions such as Doctor Who and Peep Show. However, Black Mirror, Charlie Brookers groundbreaking anthology series, is something well and truly out of this world, with the originality and potential to continue for many years to come. In the vein of classical shows such as The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents, each episode features a standalone story, with each featuring a different a social commentary on societys increased obsession with modern technology and social media in what appears to be a present or near-future setting. With each episode featuring different actors, typically up-and-coming young British stars, and different directors (though Brooker writes most of the scripts), every iteration of the show is unique in its own way. Long may it stay that way, given the sheer amount of story possibilities that can continue to be explored, particularly as the subject of technologys dominance of modern life remains a topical one. The standout episode of the first season, The Entire History Of You, which features Toby Kebbell and Jodie Whittaker as a couple living in a world where individuals can replay their memories at will, has recently been optioned for film production by Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr., showing that not just the British have been captivated by such a spectacular showcase of drama. On a footnote, rest assured that had it aired a second series already, Brookers other main TV project, police spoof A Touch Of Cloth, would certainly have been present on this list in some capacity.
2. Sherlock (2010-)
Channel BBC1 Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Mark Gatiss, Rupert Graves, Una Stubbs, Andrew Scott, Louise Brealey. Benedict Cumberbatch. Martin Freeman. Two actors that, just a few years ago, were known for bit-part roles and little more, Freemans role in The Office aside. Today, they are two of Hollywoods hottest properties, and it was one show that made production executives take note of their acting talents. That show was Sherlock; of course, the Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss developed present-day reimagining of Arthur Conan Doyles Sherlock Holmes stories, which has succeeded in moving the beloved Victorian detective and his sidekick, Watson, to modern London whilst remaining faithful to the original stories. Cumberbatch and Freeman excel in their respective roles of Holmes and Watson, with the former playing his character as something not dissimilar from an autistic savant (with excellent taste in coats and scarves) and the latter acting as his foil, serving as the everyman and the viewers eyes into the case at hand. Their chemistry is outstanding, making the running gag about other characters assuming that the pair are a couple to be a believable one. So good are their performances that they overshadow those of Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law in the recent Guy Ritchie series of films, as well as their co-stars, who are often forgettable, though Andrew Scotts psychotic portrayal of Moriarty and Lara Pulvers domineering and seductive take on Irene Adler are also worthy of plaudits. To date, two series of three stories each have aired, with a third currently in development. It cannot come soon enough, as the combination of solid writing and fantastic chemistry between the shows two leads thus far has created what is perhaps the most engaging procedural of the modern age.