3 Anthology Series with Consistently Excellent Episodes

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Not all anthology TV shows are created equal, but three stand out as consistently great from beginning to end. Anthology series are similar to collections of short stories – some viewers love them, while others prefer shows with ongoing storylines.

Anthology TV series can be tricky. Unlike most shows, they usually feature completely new characters and stories each episode, and often have different directors and writers too. This means you might love one installment but not feel any connection to the next.

Reviewing anthology series can be tricky. Shows like The Twilight Zone have amazing episodes, but also some truly bad ones – think of “Mr. Dingle, the Strong.” If you’re looking for an anthology series with consistently high quality, these three shows deliver.

Tales From The Darkside (1983-1988)

Like most horror movies, some horror anthologies are great while others aren’t. But that unpredictable quality is part of what makes the genre so appealing! If you’re looking for a consistently captivating horror anthology series, be sure to watch George Romero’s Tales from the Darkside.

Similar to The Twilight Zone, Tales from the Darkside explores stories that blend horror with science fiction, fantasy, and thought-provoking speculation. The show features both original stories and adaptations of well-known works by authors like Stephen King and Robert Bloch.

Keep an eye out for some familiar faces – you might spot young actors who later became stars, like Seth Green, Christian Slater, and Allison Sweeney. Each episode has its own unique vibe, but the show flows smoothly from one to the next, and all 90 episodes are definitely worth watching.

Documentary Now! (2015-2022)

A collection of short, fake documentaries poking fun at very specific and unusual subjects could easily feel pretentious. But with comedic talents like Fred Armisen, Seth Meyers, Bill Hader, and Rhys Thomas creating it, the result is one of the consistently funniest shows on television.

The comedy series Documentary Now! playfully imitates famous documentaries like Grey Gardens, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, and Grizzly Man. It’s a loving tribute to these films, but also a hilarious send-up of their style, applying it to unusual and everyday subjects – like a town in Iceland that holds a yearly festival celebrating Al Capone.

Each installment of this series is incredibly funny and cleverly written, often with surprising depth. It’s packed with amazing guest appearances from stars like John Mulaney, Tim Robinson, Maya Rudolph, and Cate Blanchett. Plus, it’s a delight to have Helen Mirren introduce each ‘documentary’ with the perfect air of British authority.

Fargo (2016-2024)

The TV series Fargo, which began in 2015 on FX, is a darkly humorous crime drama. Though inspired by the 1996 Coen brothers film of the same name, the series tells mostly new stories, with only occasional references to the original. While all five seasons share a connected universe, each season features a largely independent plot.

Each season of the show shares a common setting – typically the Midwest, often in winter – and a darkly humorous tone. It explores how fate frequently disrupts even the most carefully made plans. The series successfully captures the spirit of the original movie and expands upon it.

As a film buff, I’m always excited by the cast lists for this anthology series – seriously, they’ve had amazing actors like Billy Bob Thornton, Kirsten Dunst, Ewan McGregor, Chris Rock, and Jon Hamm show up over the years! What I love most is that each season feels like a surprise; you really have no idea what kind of role these talented performers will take on, which makes it so compelling to watch.

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2025-11-03 23:28