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Lindsay Sperling’s Top 10 TV Shows Of 2013

Television isn't made by any one person, and it certainly isn't made for any one specific demographic, which can sometimes blur the line between what is considered "good" TV and what isn't. In contrast to "popular opinion," I admittedly prefer some television series that are heavier on the fluff factor (I offer most of the shows I regularly review as examples) rather than what can be considered as compelling examples of TV narrative at its' finest. But, that's what I love about the medium. Good television is not exclusive to one genre or network. You can find series that fit all of your viewing desires without sacrificing personal taste; the part of me that loves to see comic book characters come to life on film can enjoy CW's Arrow while the history buff part of me craved Showtime's mini-series The White Queen.

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10. American Horror Story: Coven

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FX chose to concentrate on a more fantastical premise for the third installment of its horror anthology series, American Horror Story. This season is set in historic New Orleans and makes full use of the superstitions and rich mythology that envelop the unique city. Shows with a supernatural premise like this one aren’t new to television by any means, but the team behind Coven has found a way to make the content appeal to a more mature audience. This is one of the best translations of the concept of witchcraft I’ve seen grace the small screen in recent memory. It’s also maintained a ‘witch-only’ motif which long-running supernatural series are forced to stray from.

American Horror Story: Coven brings back some of the actors that have helped cement the show on the network line-up over the past two seasons, but it’s also introduced us to some great new faces – notably Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Gabourey Sidibe, and Emma Roberts. One of the most exceptional things that AHS boast in round 3 is an almost entirely female cast. Not only does it set the series apart from its contemporaries purely based on the dominance of female actors, but the ensemble is filled with well-established talents, which is rare on television.

I’m especially attracted to series that are set in real enough terms yet at the same time provide viewers with a sense of escapism that separates them from it. Coven does an exceptional job at that and I’m anxious to see that remaining episodes that will be airing at the beginning of 2014.