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I haven't been watching much in terms of actual shows for a good while, then while listening to a podcast a host casually mentioned they had rewatched Chernobyl, how it still holds up, that there's a reason it got as much acclaim as it did, etc. So I thought I'd give it a go and wow, loved it (still one episode left to watch).
Had me thinking, what else have I missed out on? What are some "absolute cinema" TV shows that still hold up and and are considered must watch?
I will take this as an opportunity to list a couple of great war and military shows. Listed more or less in order of recommendation.
Catch-22
In contrast to the above, this is more of a satire, dark comedy, that highlights absurdities of warfare, perverse incentives, systems following their logic. It's set with American bomber crews during the Italian campaign in WW2. The most anti-war, thoughtful, and fun watch of these listed here. Based on a fantastic book of the same name.
Das Boot (miniseries)
The famous movie about the German submarine U-96 in WW2 has a longer version as a miniseries. It adds a lot of smaller scenes providing more submariner culture, political commentary, etc. Highly recommend as the best submarine show.
Generation Kill
US Reconnaissance Marines riding Humvees during the Iraq invasion of 2003. Lots of fantastic characters and moments. Displays well what it's like to fight for the US military. Based on a book from an embedded journalist. Excellent show.
Valley of Tears
Miniseries about the 1973 Yom Kippur war focusing on an IDF tank unit on the front with Syria and the Golan. It also displays political and social issues in Israeli society at the time like marginalization of Mizrahi Jews, trauma, etc. You also get a good insight into the strategic significance of the Golan heights, Israel's lack of strategic depth, and fear of being annihilated by their neighbors. If you like tanks or IDF soldiers suffering, watch it.
Band of Brothers
The best show about WW2 in Europe from the American soldiers' perspective, specifically paratroopers from the 101st Airborne. It's based on real experiences and includes documentary snippets from veterans. Thin Red Line or Saving Private Ryan as TV series. It's short and every episode is great.
SAS: Rogue Heroes
Follows a bunch of daring misfits and insubordinates forming the British SAS commando units eliminating Axis forces with raids behind enemy lines across the desert in North Africa and later Italy. Not super realistic or historically accurate, but fun, humorous, brutal, and action packed. Lots of fascinating characters demonstrating determination. Music is British punk rock and similar genres.
The Pacific
It's Band of Brothers but for the campaign in the Pacific Ocean in WW2, and the Marine Corps. It doesn't quite reach the level of the original, but is still excellent.
Masters of the Air
American aviators fighting in WW2 in Europe, specifically 100th Bomb Group flying B-17. Not quite as good as the first shows mentioned, but still very good.