Television · 2014
Peak TV Emerges with Prestige Drama and Streaming Hits
In 2014, prestige cable dramas reached new artistic heights while streaming platforms earned critical legitimacy. From dark anthology crime thrillers to groundbreaking comedy-dramas, television redefined cinematic storytelling across networks worldwide.
- HBO / United States / Crime Drama
True Detective
Nic Pizzolatto's southern gothic anthology premiered with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson delivering cinematic, obsession-fueled performances.
- FX / United States / Anthology Thriller
Fargo
Noah Hawley successfully adapted the Coen brothers' classic film into an acclaimed anthology series starring Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman.
- Amazon Prime Video / US / Comedy-Drama
Transparent
Jill Soloway's groundbreaking series about a Los Angeles family accepting their transgender parent won Amazon its first major television awards.
- ABC / United States / Legal Thriller
How to Get Away with Murder
Viola Davis debuted as formidable defense attorney Annalise Keating, anchoring Shonda Rhimes's hugely successful Thursday night network lineup.
- BBC One / United Kingdom / Crime Drama
Happy Valley
Sally Wainwright's gritty crime drama starring Sarah Lancashire as Sergeant Catherine Cawood launched to widespread critical acclaim in Britain.
- Sky Italia / Italy / Crime Drama
Gomorrah
Based on Roberto Saviano's bestseller, this dark Italian mob drama premiered and quickly became an international television phenomenon.
- Comedy Central / United States / Satire
The Colbert Report Finale
Stephen Colbert concluded nine years of playing his conservative pundit alter-ego in a star-studded finale before moving to network late-night.
- NBC / United States / Late-Night Talk
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Jimmy Fallon officially took over NBC's flagship late-night franchise, shifting its focus toward viral digital sketches and musical games.
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