5 TV Shows Worth Being Thankful For

#5. "Daredevil" (Season 2)

In Season 2, "Daredevil" went from a good show to a great one, a qualitative uptick chiefly owed to the introduction of Jon Bernthal's Punisher.

After two feature films tried and failed to bring this fascinating character to life, "Daredevil" managed to bring him roaring to it.

The Punisher’s entrance sent shockwaves through the Netflix series' sophomore season, electrifying every strand of its story. As Frank Castle’s presence yielded the optimum potential for each character.

This was especially apparent with Karen (Deborah Ann Woll), who went from a sanctimonious legal aid to a humbled journalist seeking the truth. Karen’s dynamic with Frank and Woll’s phenomenal chemistry with Bernthal, easily made for the biggest and best surprise of the season.

As a righteously angered father, husband, and military veteran; The Punisher represented a refreshing counter to the characters currently populating superhero franchises: a family man with innately extraordinary abilities, fighting a personal crusade.

[Image by NBC]

#4."The Blacklist" (Season 4) 

For 4 seasons, NBC's gripping action-adventure series has been doing what few other procedurals have managed to. Kicking formula to the curb and embracing the central mythos it has methodically created. “The Blacklist” inhabits that strange space between drama and case-of-the-week convention. Just when you think it has run out of tricks, it constantly manages to surprise.

With Season 4, Jon Bokenkamp and company have topped themselves...again. As they managed to successfully integrate Tom (Ryan Eggold) and Liz's baby into the series, without so much as a single hiccup. All the while, keeping the central mystery of Liz's (Megan Boone) biological origins a crucial plot point that’s hidden nature never annoys.

There truly is no better-oiled ensemble on TV. There are no weak links in this cast and on a series like “The Blacklist”, you cannot afford any.

[Image by The CW]

#3. "Reign" (Season 3)

The CW's dazzling costume drama never ceases to amaze, so it was not at all surprising to see the series that has grown so much, mature even further in Season 3.

“Reign” has it all, a veritable smorgasbord of high stakes drama, ravishing romance, and thrilling action to spare. Not to mention, the tremendously talented cast that transmits it all.

The cloak and dagger drama that played out between “Reign's” three queens in Season 3 was enough to make Sansa Stark, Cersei Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen, blush. That is saying something.

In a season that saw “Reign” have to cut ties with its enormously popular leading man, there was no shortage of shockers. The greatest being its lack of missteps.

After 3 seasons, “Reign” is so fluid in its identity, so certain of its bold storytelling that it can constantly sell you on all of it. Long may this extravagant series, reign!

[Image by A & E]

#2. "Bates Motel" (Season 4)

Season 4 of “Bates Motel” ended on the darkest and most shocking note, imaginable. A final twist so grave, it is impossible to think of how "Bates Motel" can tell a final season. Like "The Blacklist", it has earned the right to not be underestimated.

It is hard to do, but it is important to not let the season finale’s massive storm cloud eclipse, the ray of light that was the majority of Season 4. So it is with overwhelming gratitude this fan reflects on the poignant episodes that led up to its dire finale.

There were huge payoffs of emotional satisfaction along the way, a great deal of happiness to relish. Norma (Vera Farmiga) found the true love that had eluded her for her entire life with Romero (Nestor Carbonell). While her son Dylan (Max Thieriot), began forging a new life with a healthy Emma (Olivia Cooke). These were radiant bright spots, amidst a stormy sea to come.

Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore, and Max Thieriot’s tour de force performances (along with the rest of the ensembles') are some of the best television has ever seen. Flawless, heartbreaking and eternally haunting; "Bates Motel" remains a show for the ages.

[Image by HBO]

#1. "Game of Thrones" (Season 6)

After 5 seasons that saw unending swells of sorrow, "Game of Thrones" delivered a shocker few could have imagined: pleasure.

Whether it was "Book of the Stranger" delivering the highly anticipated reunion between two of the Stark siblings, or "Battle of the Bastards" conjuring long-sought retributions, or "The Winds of Winter" pulling back the curtain on a long-awaited revelation, "Game of Thrones" gave fans everything they had been waiting for.

When a series takes it audience through so many dark passages they run the risk of losing them. To its credit, “Game of Thrones” never lost the sense there was a light at the end of the tunnel and was there ever. Once Jon Snow (Kit Harington) came back to life, "Game of Thrones" never stopped living.

Cinematic production values coupled with exhilarating writing and a season of standout performances from its cast, made “Game of Thrones” Season 6, a viewing experience worth giving eternal thanks for.

[Featured Image by Netflix]