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What comes after 24?

Suggestions for my late-night viewing

I haven't watched television on a regular basis for a year now, preferring instead to watch TV series on DVD on my Mac at the end of the day. Over recent months I've been going to bed with Jack Bauer, watching 24 from seasons one to four.

Now I've reached season five (no spoliers please), my thoughts have turned to what I should start watching next. What are your suggestions for my late-night viewing?

Replies

  1. #1 On February 28, 2007 10:55 AM Hilde said:

    I vote for House M.D.!
    One of the funniest shows ever...

  2. #2 On February 28, 2007 10:56 AM Malarkey said:

    @ Hilde: I love House, but not as much as my son who has both seasons on DVD and still can't resist watching them on TV!

  3. #3 On February 28, 2007 11:00 AM Simon said:

    Have a look at either Jericho or Heroes.

  4. #4 On February 28, 2007 11:00 AM Simon said:

    Have a look at either Jericho or Heroes.

  5. #5 On February 28, 2007 11:01 AM Alex said:

    My vote goes to Heroes :)

  6. #6 On February 28, 2007 11:02 AM AlastairC said:

    Hasn't season 5 of 24 come out on DVD yet?

    Prison Break (24 meets shawshank redemption) and Heroes (X-men minus spandex) have been my favourites recently, although you'll have to wait for the DVD of Heroes. Lost would be another good choice (Lord of the Flies meets the twilight zone).

  7. #7 On February 28, 2007 11:07 AM Owen said:

    You could do a lot worse than the new Battlestar Galactica (if science fiction's your thing). Great writing, acting, characters, storyline and effects. And it keeps changing: this ain't forumulaic space and lasers. The miniseries, seasons 1 and 2 are on DVD now. So say we all.

  8. #8 On February 28, 2007 11:08 AM Olly said:

    Lost! Season 3 is totally brilliant

  9. #9 On February 28, 2007 11:14 AM trovster said:

    Maybe check out The 4400 which is supposed to be 'The X-Files for a new generation', but isn't really. Firefly if you haven't seen it yet. And Bugs... classic TV from the 90s right there!

  10. #10 On February 28, 2007 11:15 AM Kate Bolin said:

    Focusing on shows easily attainable on DVD:

    The first series of Life On Mars is a beautiful thing.

    I've just finished the first season of the new Battlestar Galactica, and although it's a bit melodramatic, it's still fabulous enough for me to keep watching.

    If you want to keep with the spies/government/conspiracy/oh-no-the-world-is-ending genre, but don't mind a bit of wacky ancient mysticism, Alias is fantastic. Five seasons of costume changes, double-triple-quadruple-crossing, and more gadgets than you know what to do with.

    Have you tried Spooks yet? It was the BBC's answer to 24, and although it suffers a bit in the later series, it's still rather enjoyable.

    Um...I honestly don't watch that much TV. Really.

  11. #11 On February 28, 2007 11:43 AM Stephen Last said:

    West Wing!!!! The best drama I've ever seen.

  12. #12 On February 28, 2007 11:58 AM Adam Bardsley said:

    Gotta agree with West Wing or if you wanna stick to the theme Spooks is good

  13. #13 On February 28, 2007 12:00 PM Simon Jessey said:

    Here's my list of must watch TV at the moment:

  14. Heroes

  15. Battlestar Galactica

  16. The Unit

  17. Brothers & Sisters

  18. Lost (dragging on a bit, but okay in a DVD set)

  19. Life On Mars

  20. Hotel Babylon

  21. Primeval (ludicrous, but strangely compelling)

  22. The Sopranos

  23. The Shield

  24. Torchwood (like Primeval, only with more sex and Welshness)

  25. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (maybe getting cancelled)

  26. Six Degrees (may be getting cancelled too)

  27. Bones

  28. #14 On February 28, 2007 12:03 PM Mikey Clarke said:

    Brother dearest.....

    Not that you ever have listened to me before, but I have to concur with the above list.

    My viewing other than 24 has been:

    New series Battlestar Galactica
    Lost (season 1 & 2 on DVD)
    Heroes (not on dvd yet)
    Prison Break (season one is ace)
    Jericho (not on Dvd yet)
    Carnivale (weird but good, season 1 & 2 are on dvd)
    Sopranos seasons 1-6
    West Wing (superb, gets a bit patchy in season 5)
    Spooks (seasons 1-4 on dvd)
    Life on Mars

    Seeing that list though suggests that your little brother should get more of a life.

  29. #15 On February 28, 2007 12:15 PM Malarkey said:

    @ Mikey: I always listen to you ;)

    I have seen Carnivale and loved it. Weird but brilliant. I'm thinking that Lost and Prison Break might well be my next choices from your list matey.

    And by the way "Hire an expensive consultant!" :)

  30. #16 On February 28, 2007 12:19 PM Ake Johansson said:

    25?

  31. #17 On February 28, 2007 12:20 PM Richard Standbrook said:

    Firefly is a must. I have recently, and surprisingly become addicted to Grey's Anatomy and would highly recommend it!

  32. #18 On February 28, 2007 12:22 PM Simon H said:

    I normally lurk around your site, but you mentioned 24 and Jack Bauer in the same sentence.

    Watching 24 on dvd can get a bit tense at times and you need something that's completely the opposite to wind down to.
    I recommend Arrested Development, if you haven't already seen it.
    It's been out for a while and I finished series 1 a while back. Funny, easy TV, perfect for forgetting who's just died in 24.

  33. #19 On February 28, 2007 12:24 PM Nick said:

    The Wire - hands down best show on TV.

    Much more than just a police drama, more of a social commentary of a city that has a drug problem. Acting and writing are ridiculous, I still can't believe that the show has never been nominated for an Emmy.

    The cast is amazing, great character development. The good guys have flaws and the bad guys are human. Each character is only there to tell the story.

    Seriously worth checking out. In my opinion this is what a "reality show" should be.

    The Wire

  34. #20 On February 28, 2007 12:25 PM Robin said:

    Firefly, and the complete Father Ted boxset.

  35. #21 On February 28, 2007 12:42 PM Bramus! said:

    I'd vote for:

    Currently active series I've already seen:
    - CSI (LV / NY / Miami) : crime investigation
    - House M.D. : medical investigation, driven by sarcasm
    - Lost : addictive
    - Heroes : addictive, "X-Men meets Lost"
    - Scrubs : hilarious medical humor (although the last 2 seasons weren't as good as the first 4)

    Currently active series I haven't seen yet:
    - the unit
    - prison break
    - rome

    Classics:
    - The Sopranos
    - Futurama (soon to start again!)

    Stay away from:
    - Numb3rs ... that good, maybe the last season has become better but I haven't seen that one (season 1 was so-so)

    Most of them already got mentioned here ... enjoy your tv-nights!

  36. #22 On February 28, 2007 12:42 PM Bramus! said:

    Ooh, just can't resist: "25" :-P

  37. #23 On February 28, 2007 12:45 PM Espen Liland said:

    I highly recommend Prison Break. Fantastic show, if you're not hooked after watching the first couple of episodes there's probably something wrong with you :)

    Lost is/was quite good as well the first two seasons, but season 3 has been going downhill.

    Jericho is worth a watch, no doubt. There's a few boring moments, but the story is really intriguing so waiting for the next episode is usually painful - as it should be :)

  38. #24 On February 28, 2007 12:52 PM Sam H said:

    I'm going to suggest an oldie, Band of Brothers.

    I started to watch it with the intention of finding better things to do but ended up watching all 10 hours back to back. My eyes ached and head hurt from the continuous activity on the box but it was well worth it.

  39. #25 On February 28, 2007 01:00 PM Mikey Clarke said:

    If you want something lighter, but with a few twists, try Hustle.

    It is from the same production company as spooks and life on mars.

  40. #26 On February 28, 2007 01:07 PM Malarkey said:

    @ Sam H: Mikey bought me the Band of Brothers DVD set (in the tin) when it first appeared on DVD. Just brilliant!

    @ Mikey: My friend James Cake just put his entire collection of Star Trek DVDs into long-term storage at my house (as he has moved to Melbourne). Voyager heaven!

  41. #27 On February 28, 2007 01:32 PM Keith said:

    I was going to suggest Band of Brothers. Instead I recommend StarGate SG1 :-)

  42. #28 On February 28, 2007 01:54 PM Simon said:

    @Mikey: ooh yes, definitely Hustle - from the same people as Spooks and Hotel Babylon.

  43. #29 On February 28, 2007 02:09 PM nick said:

    Well, my suggestion is you try going to bed earlier instead. ;)

  44. #30 On February 28, 2007 02:10 PM Brian said:

    Penn & Teller's Bullshit! all the seasons.
    The Unit
    Dexter (when it comes out on DVD from Showtime)

  45. #31 On February 28, 2007 02:10 PM Paul K. said:

    Deadwood.

    I think the last episode of season one is perhaps the best thing I've ever seen on television.

  46. #32 On February 28, 2007 02:23 PM PresterJosh said:

    My votes go to Lost, Prison Break, & Heroes.

  47. #33 On February 28, 2007 03:02 PM Scott N. said:

    I'd like to second Arrested Development. It's a travesty that this show was canceled after 3 (more like 2.5) seasons.

  48. #34 On February 28, 2007 03:31 PM Jack said:

    Lost!!! Great show unlike anything on TV.

    I actually started watching in the second season after watching the first on DVD. I prefer it on DVD. You want to know what happends next ASAP... now I have to wait a week :(

  49. #35 On February 28, 2007 03:49 PM Mchael B said:

    I'll echo the Deadwood and West Wing comments, and since I didn't see it listed already I'll add The Shield.

  50. #36 On February 28, 2007 03:56 PM Craig C. said:

    I highly recommend Rescue Me. Easily one of the best shows on (American) television, yet it doesn't seem to get much attention.

    The Tick, both the animated and live-action versions, both of which were unappreciated and cut down in their prime.

    Also very strongly seconding Battlestar Galactica, Firefly and Arrested Development.

    Now if they'd just release Spaced in the US...

  51. #37 On February 28, 2007 04:15 PM Steven Tew said:

    I vote for Heroes too. I've only seen a few episodes but so far it's been kepping me atypically interested for each hour long show - which says a lot because my attention span has been really crap lately. Is this a sympton of aging? I'm only 35!

  52. #38 On February 28, 2007 04:19 PM manuti said:

    *Prison Break*

  53. #39 On February 28, 2007 04:49 PM Tieg said:

    HEROES!

    And after that, HEROES!

  54. #40 On February 28, 2007 05:02 PM Meri said:

    My recommendations would be:

    * Stargate (SG1 & Atlantis)
    * Lost
    * Prison Break
    * Buffy
    * Angel
    * Alias
    * Battlestar Galactica

    And if you want really funny camp comedy, you can't beat Xena: Warrior Princess!

  55. #41 On February 28, 2007 05:19 PM lisa said:

    I can't believe that no-one has mentioned America's Next Top Model and Real Housewives of the OC. What, just me?
    Ok a bit of a leap from 24 I'll admit...

  56. #42 On February 28, 2007 05:51 PM Caleb said:

    How has nobody mentioned Weeds on Showtime?

  57. #43 On February 28, 2007 06:26 PM Kevin Tamura said:

    My list:

    * The New Battlestar Galactica
    * Heroes
    * House
    * Deadwood
    * Rome
    * Buffy
    * Firefly
    * Angel

  58. #44 On February 28, 2007 06:28 PM Ara Pehlivanian said:

    As a Brit I'm sure you've heard of Doctor Who. If you haven't already done so--shame on you! and you call yourself a Brit?!--go grab all of the seasons starting with William Hartnell to present and knock yourself out.

  59. #45 On February 28, 2007 06:32 PM Jeff L said:

    I would definitely recommend The Shield (FX Networks), especially if you like 24.

    Season One gets 5 stars in the reviews...

  60. #46 On February 28, 2007 07:34 PM Daniel K said:

    Personally I love The Class and How I Met Your Mother.

    Then again I watch HIMYM mainly for Allyson Hannigan.

  61. #47 On February 28, 2007 09:51 PM Alex said:

    Heroes. But watch it without ads... and about 2 or 3 episodes in a row, to really get the impact.

  62. #48 On February 28, 2007 11:07 PM Strange Pants said:

    I second the recommendations for Firefly and Band of Brothers ... both old but very engaging.

    House MD takes my pick of stuff that is currently on TV and Lost gets a big thumbs down.

  63. #49 On February 28, 2007 11:11 PM stuart trann said:

    can't go wrong with:

    Deadwood
    Sopranos
    The Wire
    Arrested Development (funniest show ever)
    Rome

    DEXTER! (this show is beyond excellence)

  64. #50 On March 1, 2007 12:59 AM adriand said:

    The 5 seasons of Alias from start to finish is great. Also Lost, Prison Break, Scrubs.

  65. #51 On March 1, 2007 01:17 AM Frank Klaver said:

    Great list of shows to watch. Glad to see Arrested Development among them. The only one not there is Desperate Housewives witch I think is one of those "lets not think and just watch" with someone (my wife) kind of shows.
    I don't even wait for the new season of Lost to come out on DVD. I am so into it that I get it at iTunes.
    Oh and whats going on with Battlestar Galactica, the show is turning in to a soap ? Where are those fracking Silons.
    First two seasons are the best Sci Fi ever on the tube.
    Just bought Transcending CSS today. I think the timing of the book was meant to be for me.

  66. #52 On March 1, 2007 01:45 AM melissa said:

    HBO has the best character development and story lines.

    The WIRE! A must, I promise you won't be sorry
    Deadwood
    Sopranos

    by the way great name my son is named Andy Clark, except no E.

    - m

  67. #53 On March 1, 2007 02:17 AM Frank Klaver said:

    Ever tried Six Feet Under or Entourage?
    Six Feet Under has the most hauntingly beautiful opening credits ever. Its worth it just renting a season for that only. But you can see those also at:

    six feet under: a look inside the opening credits

  68. #54 On March 1, 2007 06:17 AM Brad Dielman said:

    On scanning through the comments, I know I will be echoing what has already been written numerous times but I feel like contributing my two cents...

    Lost - Seasons 1 and 2 make the show. Brilliant storytelling. Season 3... well. Its getting better.

    Arrested Development - I have all three seasons. Absolutely hilarious. The more I watch the episodes, the funnier they get.

    Curb Your Enthusiasm - I didn't like it at first, but then one day it just clicked and I was hooked. One of the few shows that will make me laugh out loud when I'm watching it alone.

    Carnivale - I only watched the first season (dropped HBO when I moved). Season 2 is on Netflix. Bizarre and twisted... I loved it, the wife just couldn't get into it. The show's intro is one of the best I've seen.

  69. #55 On March 1, 2007 06:42 AM swftoys said:

    24 Season 5 is out on DVD. It's really the best season yet!

    Prison Break is refreshing offering for its theme. Very exciting as well.

    I'm looking forward to The Unit.

    I can understand that cold turkey feeling whenever a 24 DVD is finished. I watched Prison Break & CSI:NY after finishing 24 and I still have hang-ups. It's another long wait till 24 S6 DVD is out!

  70. #56 On March 1, 2007 09:07 AM Zdenko said:

    Deadwood. A show set in the late 1800's, revolving around the characters of Deadwood, South Dakota.

  71. #57 On March 1, 2007 05:53 PM Will said:

    Buy/Rent the 3 seasons of 'Arrested Development'

  72. #58 On March 1, 2007 08:35 PM Kris said:

    I’d suggest watching 9 seasons of X-files. That will keep you busy for a month or so (continuously).

  73. #59 On March 2, 2007 12:59 AM patrick h. lauke said:

    lost, if you don't mind the quite obvious way in which each episode drip-feeds you tidbits of actual plot and spends most of the time on flashbacks.

    galactica, definitely.

    ghost in the shell: stand alone complex, if you're man enough to watch some intelligent anime (no schoolgirls, big robots or tentacles in sight)

  74. #60 On March 2, 2007 02:30 AM Frank Klaver said:

    Bottom line is: If you liked 24 and you are waching just one more episote at 2.30 am and...."I can't stend the suspence just 15 more minutes of the next episode!" then LOST is going to keep you awake. Hopefully you will be able to get your head around some CSS the next day.

  75. #61 On March 2, 2007 02:03 PM Faruk Ates said:

    1) Heroes
    2) Scrubs
    3) Lost

    And Firefly as well, though it's only 14 episodes’

  76. #62 On March 2, 2007 02:23 PM Taz said:

    Definately watch Prison Break, its absolutely brilliant!

  77. #63 On March 2, 2007 03:13 PM Erwin Heiser said:

    Definitely Prison Break, and if you like sci-fi then the new Battlestar Galactica series is a no-brainer.

  78. #64 On March 2, 2007 04:09 PM Joshua Brewer said:

    Lost. No question.
    Then maybe Soprannos - if you like Mafia-type stuff.
    Oh, and throw another vote in for X-files! I used to watch reruns religiously...

  79. #65 On March 2, 2007 04:19 PM Geert Leyseele said:

    I would recommed:

    * Stargate (SG1 & Atlantis)
    * Lost (Great before bedtime!)
    * Prison Break
    * Alias

    I'm starting watching Heroes on Monday...

  80. #66 On March 4, 2007 04:47 PM Joey said:

    I'll suggest Prison Break. Season one is on DVD, season two is broadcasted now on Fox.

  81. #67 On March 5, 2007 09:30 AM Jay said:

    [scrubs] will fill any tv-watching hole left by 24! Every episode is hilarious and I often watch an ep or two to wind down after a hard days coding :)

  82. #68 On March 5, 2007 01:43 PM Mo said:

    All of this has probably already been said, but here's my top 10, albeit not in any particular order (I'll skip House, as I caught it being brought up there):

    1) More 24! Day 6 is airing in the US just now’
    2) Grey's Anatomy (a little girly in places, but good: a little like Scrubs but with the humour/seriouness balance flipped over)
    3) Scrubs, for that matter
    4) Life on Mars.
    5) Spooks.
    6) Coupling. Hasn't lost its charm.
    7) The West Wing (I sat down and watched the whole lot from start to finish recently’ it took me weeks, of several episodes a day)
    8) Prison Break, though the first season was a lot more engaging than the second is
    9) Stargate SG-1
    10) Babylon 5

    With honourable mentions to a few oldies that I'm in the process of digging out in their entirety: Blackadder, Airwolf, Yes, Minister, A Bit of Fry and Laurie.

  83. #69 On March 5, 2007 02:07 PM zuzu said:

    I vouch for Friday Night Lights. My current favourite TV series. Family drama revolving around an American high school football team. Characters are true to life, though football plays a secondary role as it is character driven. I can relate even though I am in Australia-- and it is American -- and football in America is nothing like football here. I love it!!

    My kids agree with Scrubs, Six Feet Under, Lost, Heroes, Battlestar etc and the other sort of typical shows suggested, but I look forward to the weekly d/l of FNL, -- scoring a HOT 9/10 on IMDB -- based on 2004 film of the same name. A Friday night regular download and enjoyable for my entire family.

    Plus the mother in this series is always right :)

    xx
    zuzu

  84. #70 On March 16, 2007 05:37 PM ToonMariner said:

    Yey!

    Hi everyone - loosing my stuffandnonsense cherry!

    Have you considered 'Teachers' that brilliant C4 show? or My Name is Earl - which is always good for a laugh...