8.6 / 10 (based on 25 reviews)
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Ally Beardsley, Raphael Chestang, Katie Marovitch, Mike Trapp
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 8 episodes
Shows Most Like Paranoia (2019)
Um, Actually (2018)
8.2 / 10 (based on 169 reviews)
Introducing a game show of fandom minutiae one-upmanship, where nerds do what nerds do best: flaunt encyclopedic nerd knowledge at Millennium Falcon nerd-speed.
Genre: Game-Show
Main Cast: Mike Trapp, Siobhan Thompson, Ally Beardsley, Becca Scott
Creators: Mike Trapp
Directors:
Writers:
5 seasons, 62 episodes
Dimension 20 (2018)
9.3 / 10 (based on 568 reviews)
Welcome to the land of dragons, wizards – and guidance counselors? Game Master Brennan Lee Mulligan presents CollegeHumor’s very first RPG with an ’80s twist.
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Brennan Lee Mulligan, Lou Wilson, Emily Axford, Ally Beardsley
Creators: Brennan Lee Mulligan
Directors:
Writers:
8 seasons, 135 episodes
Kingpin Katie (2019)
7.4 / 10 (based on 95 reviews)
Slacker comedy writer-turned-hapless drug dealer Katie Marovitch makes coke a joke in this darkly funny origin story inspired by Breaking Bad.
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Main Cast: Katie Marovitch, Mike Trapp, Joe Sabatino, Jessica Ross
Creators: Katie Marovitch, Jessica Ross
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes
Troopers (2019)
7.6 / 10 (based on 36 reviews)
A new generation of troopers search for purpose away from Dreadlord Sinister and the intergalactic grind, in this stellar sequel to the classic web series.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Katy Davis, Ally Beardsley, Raphael Chestang, Siobhan Thompson
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes
Total Forgiveness (2019)
8.6 / 10 (based on 137 reviews)
Crippled with debt, Grant and Ally go head-to-head in this agonizing competition show to prove they’ll do ANYTHING to pay off their student loans.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Ally Beardsley, Raphael Chestang, Adam Frucci, Grant O’Brien
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes
DownBeat (2019)
No reviews
None
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Julie Birke, Joslyn Jensen, Anna Fiamora, Brennan Lee Mulligan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes
Dimension 20 Live (2019)
9.5 / 10 (based on 60 reviews)
Brennan Lee Mulligan and The Bad Kids return to Aguefort Adventuring Academy for sophomore year, in a new LIVE chapter full of magic, fantasy, and teen angst.
Genre:
Main Cast: Ally Beardsley, Brennan Lee Mulligan, Zac Oyama, Siobhan Thompson
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 14 episodes
Game Changer (2019)
9.1 / 10 (based on 393 reviews)
In this game show, the game changes every show. Players begin each round without knowing the rules and must figure them out while competing to win.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Sam Reich, Ashley Kron, Jessica Ross, Grant O’Brien
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 17 episodes
When talking about TV shows that have made an impact, “Paranoia” (2019) deserves a spot on the list. This show, while not as mainstream as some of its contemporaries, has carved out its niche, captivating a dedicated audience with its unique blend of suspense, intrigue, and drama. Let’s get into what makes “Paranoia” a must-watch, without any unnecessary fluff.
The Premise
At its core, “Paranoia” is a thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The story revolves around a group of software engineers who stumble upon a conspiracy that could threaten national security. What starts as a routine job quickly spirals into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, as the characters navigate through layers of deception and danger.
Characters That Stick with You
One of the show’s strongest points is its well-developed characters. Unlike some series that rely on stereotypes, “Paranoia” presents a cast of complex individuals, each with their motivations, flaws, and growth arcs.
The Protagonist
The central figure is Alex, a talented but disillusioned software engineer who finds himself caught in the conspiracy. Alex’s journey from a dispassionate coder to a determined whistleblower is compelling, relatable, and, at times, heart-wrenching.
The Supporting Cast
The supporting characters are no less intriguing. There’s Jamie, Alex’s colleague, whose loyalty and moral compass are tested at every turn. Then there’s Chris, the seasoned hacker with questionable ethics but undeniable skills. Each character adds depth to the story, making the world of “Paranoia” rich and immersive.
A Plot That Keeps You Guessing
“Paranoia” excels in building suspense. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the show throws a curveball that flips the script. This unpredictability is a breath of fresh air in a genre that can sometimes feel formulaic.
The Twists
Without giving too much away, let’s just say that “Paranoia” knows how to do twists right. These aren’t just for shock value; they’re well-crafted revelations that fit seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the story rather than derailing it.
The Tension
The show also masterfully maintains tension. Whether it’s a high-speed chase, a tense hacking sequence, or a quiet moment of realization, “Paranoia” keeps the stakes high and the adrenaline pumping.
Real-World Relevance
Another aspect where “Paranoia” shines is its relevance to real-world issues. The show delves into themes of privacy, surveillance, and the ethical implications of technology—issues that resonate in today’s digital age.
The Technology
While “Paranoia” features its share of high-tech gadgets and hacking sequences, it presents these elements realistically. The technology isn’t just flashy; it’s integral to the plot and reflects actual concerns about digital privacy and security.
The Moral Questions
“Paranoia” doesn’t shy away from tough questions. It challenges viewers to think about the balance between security and freedom, the power of information, and the cost of truth. These themes are woven throughout the narrative, adding layers of depth to the suspenseful plot.
Why It Stands Out
In a sea of TV shows, “Paranoia” distinguishes itself through its combination of gripping storytelling, complex characters, and timely themes. But what truly sets it apart is how it handles these elements.
It’s Smart
Firstly, “Paranoia” is smart. It treats its audience with respect, offering a plot that’s both engaging and thought-provoking. The show doesn’t dumb down its content; instead, it invites viewers to engage critically with the story and its themes.
It’s Grounded
Despite its thriller elements, “Paranoia” remains grounded in reality. The characters feel like real people, the technology is believable, and the plot, while full of surprises, is plausible. This realism makes the suspense all the more intense, as the stakes feel genuinely high.
It’s Relevant
Finally, “Paranoia” is relevant. In an age where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the show’s exploration of digital privacy and surveillance hits close to home. It’s a timely reminder of the power—and potential dangers—of the digital world.
In Conclusion
“Paranoia” is a standout show for several reasons. Its blend of suspense, character depth, and real-world relevance makes it not just entertaining but also meaningful. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers or just looking for a thought-provoking series, “Paranoia” offers something unique. It’s a show that not only keeps you guessing but also encourages you to think about the impact of technology on our lives and society.
So, if you’re tired of the same old TV formulas and looking for something that combines smart storytelling with real-world issues, give “Paranoia” a chance. It’s a series that proves TV can do more than just entertain; it can provoke, challenge, and even inspire.