The 2015-16 television season brought with it already beloved superheroes, as well as a slew of new comic-inspired shows. To celebrate another year of awesome, nerdy, super television, AP2HYC is hosting our second annual TV Awards! Be sure to cast your votes in each category, and check back to find out which shows and characters were victorious!
Looking back at all of the quality television programs that aired over the past year, it’s hard to narrow down the pool to five. But, after careful examination, it became pretty clear that the following shows were a cut above the rest. With engaging storylines, intriguing characters, and enough jaw-dropping moments to keep us anxious over the summer hiatus, these five shows were undoubtedly the best of the season.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
This season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. had everything that continuous fans love and all of the things that those who dropped the series in Season 1 were lamenting for. The insurgence of Inhumans and other powered people has served to heighten the action of the show, while the humanity has continued to create the heart-wrenching and heart-warming emotional moments that steady fans have come to associate with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. “4,722 Hours,” remains one of the best episodes of this entire television season and, happily, many of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s other episodes met an equally high bar. As the darkest, most emotionally intense, and most action-packed season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. so far, Season 3 is one that has successfully combined solid storylines with the general tone of intrigue and wonder that Marvel fans so love. –Silje Falck-Pedersen
The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead has had by far the most controversial season finale out of all the nominees. In fact, The Walking Dead has had a lot of controversial moments throughout the entire season ranging from various character deaths to cliffhangers. Yet, after six seasons, this show has proven one thing: it knows how to keep its audience engaged and keep them talking. The Walking Dead knows how to continuously raise the stakes and it has proven that time and time again. And this season is a pivotal example. Our next villain, Negan, only appeared in one episode this entire season and already has fans dying to see what he will do next. So, though we have to wait until October until the next season begins and our questions will be answered, it’s certain that it will be well worth it. –Jillian Diblasio
Jessica Jones
Jessica Jones is, in my opinion, one of the more important shows that has been produced this year. For one reason or another, having a female-led series is still a rare novelty, but a show as empowering and good as Jessica Jones will hopefully push for a shift. In addition to being a show that depicts strong women without needing to flash neon signs saying, “This is a strong woman,” Jessica Jones deals with deeper topics that are often brushed over in Hollywood popular culture. There are real issues discussed and highlighted within the show that make the characters people that viewers can actually identify with.
Also, despite being a Marvel show, the powers are never the true focus. Jessica Jones doesn’t sugarcoat the grittiness of the world nor does it attempt to paint the titular character as an ideal being with no imperfections. Instead, Jessica is a deeply damaged individual whose issues are brought to the forefront and dealt with. This is what makes the show so important, and such a refreshing piece of entertainment. It doesn’t hurt that there’s some major ass-kicking and the most disturbing villain of the decade as well. –Silje Falck-Pedersen
The Flash
The great thing about the second season of The Flash, was that not only did it keep you engrossed throughout all 23 episodes, the pay-off at the end left audiences feeling satisfied. While other great series in this poll left audiences on an entertaining, if not unbearable, ambiguous ending, like The Walking Dead, the conclusion to The Flash had something for everyone: resolution, closure and a mouthwatering lure for the next season. The program has established itself as a standout among its other DC counterparts, continuing to write characters we are emotionally invested in and want to tune in again and again to cheer on. –Jake Barber
Daredevil
While the Punisher may have ultimately upstaged the titular hero, it’s hard to deny that the second season of Daredevil was absolutely amazing. The fact that it left fans in heated debates over whether it was better than the first season speaks to its quality. Digging deeper into the Daredevil lore with Elektra and Stick, this season finally gave us the Daredevil we all know and love. And while some missed the old black suit, seeing The Man Without Fear leaping from buildings in all his red-suited glory, not to mention fighting bikers, ninjas, and his own demons made this one of the best shows of the year. –David Molofsky
