Between cable, Netflix, and premium channels like HBO and Showtime, there are a lot of high budget shows out there nowadays. Television shows have bigger budgets than ever before and that has brought a lot of Hollywood's most recognizable movie stars to the small screen. Many other big-name movie stars are all currently trying their hand at television shows, most with considerable success. Current entertainment is so much different than it was just a decade ago and movie stars moving to TV might be a relatively new phenomenon but it's becoming more and more common. Increases in budget and production value, as well as the flexibility of streaming channels, have incentivized movie stars to make the jump and many new shows have at least one movie star on the cast, if not more. Films used to be in a league of their own. Whether it was actors, special effects, quality, or any number of other elements, it used to be easy to tell the difference between a movie and just another mediocre television show, sometimes from a single frame. Now, those lines have been seriously blurred. Huge budget shows like The Witcher have proven that shows can be just as good, if not better, than movies. Then add all of the new shows from Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu into the equation and the television show landscape is in completely uncharted territory. Everywhere you look, there are movie stars on television, so vote up the best shows they're starring in.
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Ray Donovan, a gritty crime drama, stars Liev Schreiber in a tour-de-force performance as the titular fixer for the rich and famous. Compellingly written, this series has garnered widespread acclaim as it delves into the life of its morally conflicted protagonist, who, despite the glamorous world he inhabits, is constantly faced with the ghosts of his family's past.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has amassed a cult following through its darkly comedic portrayal of five amoral friends running a dysfunctional Irish pub. With a cast featuring the likes of Charlie Day, Danny DeVito, and Rob McElhenney, this long-running series serves up a delightful concoction of outrageous scenarios, colorful characters, and unabashed hilarity.
The Witcher, a breathtaking fantasy series based on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski, transports viewers to a world teeming with swordplay, magic and political intrigue. Led by the magnetic Henry Cavill as the titular monster hunter Geralt of Rivia, this action-packed show has become a worldwide phenomenon, appealing to fans of both the acclaimed novels and the popular video game series.
Catherine the Great, a sumptuous period drama, showcases the formidable Helen Mirren in the titular role as the powerful Russian empress. This finely-crafted series explores Catherine's life, loves, and political conquests, providing an intimate glimpse into the heart and mind of a woman who shaped the course of history.
Ballers, an engaging sports dramedy, stars the charismatic Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Spencer Strasmore, a retired NFL player turned financial manager. This series explores the glamorous, often tumultuous world of professional sports and the challenges that come with the pursuit of success, all against the backdrop of the vibrant city of Miami.
Godfather of Harlem, a riveting crime drama, brings to life the story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson, portrayed brilliantly by Forest Whitaker, and his battle to regain control of Harlem after a decade in prison. Alongside a stellar supporting cast, this series immerses viewers in the dangerous world of 1960s Harlem, as Bumpy navigates organized crime, civil rights, and the changing landscape of his beloved neighborhood.
Shrinking, a heartfelt and humorous show, stars the versatile Jason Segel as a struggling therapist trying to keep his own life together while helping his patients. The series is an emotional rollercoaster, blending moments of introspective vulnerability with moments of laugh-out-loud comedy, proving that sometimes laughter is the best medicine.
Catch-22, a satirical war drama adapted from Joseph Heller's classic novel, stars Christopher Abbott, George Clooney, and Kyle Chandler in a powerful exploration of the absurdity and bureaucracy of war. A striking blend of tragic and humorous elements, this critically acclaimed series offers a fresh and poignant take on the brutality and futility of conflict.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!, hosted by the enigmatic Bruce Campbell, breathes new life into the timeless format by showcasing unbelievable stories and astonishing feats from around the globe. This fascinating series never fails to amaze and entertain, as each episode delves into the lives of remarkable individuals who defy expectation and conventional wisdom.
The Politician, a captivating dramedy, features the talented Ben Platt as Payton Hobart, a high school student fiercely determined to become the President of the United States. With a fantastic ensemble cast including Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Lange, this satirical series balances razor-sharp wit with moments of emotional poignancy, transporting viewers into the cutthroat world of high school politics.
Perpetual Grace, LTD, a noir-tinged thriller series, stars Jimmi Simpson as a grifter who attempts to swindle a pastor, portrayed by Ben Kingsley, and his wife. Filled with twists, turns, and morally ambiguous characters, this gripping drama keeps viewers on their toes, as the plot unfolds against a backdrop of desolate landscapes and an atmosphere thick with tension.
Homecoming, a psychological thriller, touts a powerhouse cast led by Julia Roberts and Stephan James, as they navigate a mysterious government facility aimed at rehabilitating soldiers returning from war. The series brims with suspense, twists, and emotional depth, keeping viewers hooked until the haunting truth finally emerges.
The Good Lord Bird, a historical satire based on James McBride's novel, stars the versatile Ethan Hawke as abolitionist John Brown, recounting the notorious raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859. Told through the eyes of a fictional, enslaved boy named Onion, played by Joshua Caleb Johnson, this series captivates audiences with its unique blend of historical drama, humor, and poignancy.
Curfew, an adrenaline-pumping sci-fi series, fuses high-speed racing with dystopian horror, taking place in a world where citizens must participate in dangerous, no-holds-barred street races in order to survive. With a colorful cast of characters and a relentless pace, this series offers thrilling escapism for audiences who crave action-packed sagas.
Chambers, a chilling supernatural thriller, draws in viewers with the tale of Sasha Yazzie, played by Sivan Alyra Rose, who begins to uncover sinister secrets after receiving a heart transplant. As the unsettling truth behind her new heart unfolds, this series expertly weaves in themes of identity and legacy, while the tension continues to build.
Years and Years, a riveting drama, unfolds across an unforgettable generational saga, chronicling the fate of an ordinary British family in the midst of a rapidly changing world. This compelling series captivates viewers with thought-provoking storylines, heartrending performances, and a chilling vision of a future that seems all too possible.
