Fall TV is winding down, which means several weeks of Holiday specials, reruns, sports, and the occasional burn-off of a failed freshman series is upon us. You could use this time to catch up with family and friends, or to watch all those movies you missed throughout the year, or maybe even go outside if where you live isn’t currently covered with snow — or you can watch even more TV.
With only a handful of weeks before winter premiers there’s no need to go crazy, so here’s some TV series to check out – all with 30 episodes or fewer.
Jericho – 29 episodes
Jericho is about the residents of a small Kansas town trying to survive on their own after a nuclear attack destroys twenty four cities leaving the United States in an ungoverned tailspin. CBS initially cancelled the series after one season but after receiving literal tons of nuts from passionate fans they resurrected the series for a seven-part send-off.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Hulu
House of Cards – 26 episodes
This Emmy winning Netflix original series stars Kevin Spacey as a ruthless power hungry politician. Seasons 1 and 2 are currently available and all of season 3 will drop on February 27th.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Alpha House – 21 episodes
Another political series, this one more comedic in tone, stars John Goodman, Clark Johnson, Matt Malloy, and Mark Consuelos. Two seasons exist so far, no word yet on a third.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Instant Video
Orphan Black – 20 episodes
An extremely talented Tatiana Maslany stars in this enjoyable sci-fi conspiracy thriller series. I can’t say anything more without spoiling the juicy parts so trust me when I say just check it out.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Instant Video & Many Other Places
Party Down – 20 episodes
From the creative team behind Veronica Mars, this comedy doubles down on the sarcasm and the cast is full of comedy heavyweights like Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Jane Lynch, Ryan Hansen, Martin Starr, Lizzy Caplan, and Megan Mullally.
Where to Watch: Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, iTunes
The L.A. Complex – 19 episodes
Looking for a new guilty pleasure? Watch this one. The L.A. Complex was produced by the same people behind Degrassi – so yeah it knows how to do soapy drama really well.
Where to Watch: Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video
Undeclared – 17 episodes
Freaks & Geeks may get all the love, but Judd Apatow’s other ‘cancelled too soon’ series is also worth watching, or so I’ve heard. This one stars the likes of Jay Baruchel and Seth Rogen.
Where to Watch: Netflix & Amazon Instant Video
Luther – 14 episodes
A dark and gritty crime drama starring Idris Elba, need I say more?
Where to Watch: Netflix
Terriers – 13 episodes
Without spoiling the series for myself, the only thing I could really find synopsis wise is that two friends team up and work together at an unlicensed PI firm. I also know that everyone who’s seen it recommends it.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, iTunes
Manhattan – 13 episodes
WGN America got into the original scripted series game this year with a couple of new shows, one of which was Manhattan, a fictional take on World War II’s Manhattan Project. Plenty of high stakes and interpersonal drama to go around.
Where to Watch: Hulu Plus
Wonderfalls – 13 episodes
Are you an overeducated and underemployed twenty-something? If you said yes, or can relate to that stage of life this show is for you. Of course it comes from the creative mind of Bryan Fuller so nothing is ever as it seems, and I mean that in the most enjoyable way possible.
Where to Watch: DVD (It’s worth it.)
American Horror Story – 12 or 13 episodes a Season
Each season is a stand-alone story so watch as little or as much as you’d like. The first season is Murder House, the second is Asylum, and the third is Coven. The fourth season, Freak Show, is currently airing on FX.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, FX, iTunes
Moone Boy – 12 episodes
Chris O’Dowd, the cop from Bridesmaids, plays an imaginary friend in this quirky UK comedy.
Where to Watch: Hulu
Betas – 11 episodes
Another Amazon original series, Betas is about four friends working on a dating app in Silicon Valley. It’s a comedy so obviously things don’t go smoothly, presumably leading to plenty of laughs.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Instant Video
Transparent – 10 episodes
Amazon strikes again, this one is a drama that’s been all over the must watch lists for the Fall of 2014. Transparent tells the story of a family of who learns that their father is transgender. Bonus, it’s already been renewed for a second season, which will debut sometime in 2015.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Instant Video
Outlander – 8 episodes
Outlander is based on the book series of the same name and was created for television by Ronald D. Moore, best known for the remake of Battlestar Galactica. A second season has already been greenlit.
Where to Watch: Starz & iTunes
True Detective – 8 episodes
I’m going to go out on a limb and assume you’ve heard of True Detective and know what this HBO anthology series is generally about.
Where to Watch: HBO GO, Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Google Play
The Returned – 8 episodes
You know the ABC show Resurrection? Well this is series that show is based off of. The original is a French supernatural drama. The first season is now available in the US, a second season is in production.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, iTunes
Top of the Lake – 7 episodes
Another import, this one set in New Zealand stars Elisabeth Moss as a detective looking into the disappearance of a 12-year old girl.
Where to Watch: Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video
Black Mirror – 6 episodes
This British miniseries literally just became available on Netflix on December 1st, and Previously.tv, EW.com, and Vulture all have really good things to say about it.
Where to Watch: Netflix
