Editor's Pick: 25 of the best TV shows on Stan

We're truly living in a golden age of TV: there are just so many good shows out there. As great as this is, there's a downside - it's really hard to pick what to watch. If you've got a subscription to Stan and are a little lost, here are our top picks for the best shows you should binge on next. 

Killing Eve

Jacqui's gist: Killing Eve is the fun, sexy, terrifying lesbian assassin TV show you didn't know was missing from your life.

Jacqui's rating:

Villanelle has her dream job - killing people for money. She loves what she does and she's good at it. But when Eve Polastri from MI6 starts to follow her trail, Villanelle realises there's something missing from her life. And that something is Eve. What follows is a wild game of cat-and-mouse as the two women hunt each other down. Will they catch each other? Seduce each other? Or will Villanelle simply kill everyone Eve has ever loved? Honestly, it's anyone's guess - Jacqui Dent

The Gloaming

Alex's analysis: An Aussie-made murder mystery that will have you smashing the "play next episode" button until you're finished.

Alex's rating:

When a woman is found murdered, evidence at the crime scene links it an unsolved case from two decades ago. Cut from the same cloth as Twin Peaks, The Gloaming is a whodunit murder mystery that isn't afraid to delve into the realm of the supernatural. The show revels in its unsettling atmosphere, slowly unravelling an intricate plot, clawing its hooks in deeper until you can't look away. While it can be a bit of a slow burn, The Gloaming is gripping to the point where you'll struggle to not binge the entire series in a sitting - Alex Choros

Deadwood

Brodie's blurb: A foul-mouthed Western with a heart of gold that we lost far too soon

Brodie's rating:

If you never had the pleasure of visiting Deadwood when before the series bit the dust back in 2006, you're one of the lucky ones. This surprisingly heartwarming Western recently picked up where the series left off over 10 years ago with Deadwood: The Movie. You can only catch the movie on Foxtel at the moment but at least you won't be waiting a lifetime for the thrilling conclusion - Brodie Fogg

The Bold Type

Jacqui's gist: Fun, thoughtful and addictive, The Bold Type is basically the whole package, in a very stylish dress.

Jacqui's rating:

The Bold Type is a comedy drama about three millenials working at a New York fashion magazine. But don't be fooled. This show is everything you would expect it to be, and so much more. And it's all the better for its balance of sexy fun, empowering plotlines and nuanced, timely commentary. On top of all that, it's also inspiring; a refreshingly optimistic take on the political and social issues we all struggle with today. This is a show that will make you think, feel good and maybe even stand up and be bold - Jacqui Dent

30 Rock

Jacqui's gist: An essential for fans of Tina Fey and Saturday Night Live.

Jacqui's rating:

30 Rock is ostensibly a TV show about making TV shows. But it's so much more than that. It's a show about dorks. It's a show about life. It's a show about becoming best friends with Alec Baldwin. It's a show about having it all. But most of all, it's a Tina Fey fan's dream. That's right, everyone's favourite Sarah Palin created and starred in 30 Rock, and if that sounds appealing, you must get onto it immediately. Watch it all. Watch it now. Tell your friends. That is all - Jacqui Dent

Community

Alex's analysis: Going back to school shouldn't be this much fun.  

Alex's rating:

Before Rick & Morty had the internet going crazy for Szechuan sauce, Dan Harmon created Community. When disbarred lawyer Jeff Winger is forced to return to community college, he reluctantly falls in with a misfit study group. The series started small, following the ins-and-outs of day-to-day life at school, but ultimately became known for its high-concept episodes that included campus-wide paintball, alternate realities, and countless movie homages.

While the show is brilliantly written, it's elevated to greatest thanks to an ensemble cast including Joel McHale, Donald Glover, Alison Brie, Chevy Chase, and Ken Jeong - Alex Choros

The Handmaid's Tale

Jacqui's gist: This disturbing vision of a not-too-distant future hits way too close to home.

Jacqui's rating: 

In the not-too-distant future, Americans live under a brutal regime run by religious extremists. Women have no rights and, with birth rates dropping due to an unnamed natural disaster, those few who remain fertile are forced to bear children to the elite men of the new order. Based on the acclaimed novel by Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale is making waves around the world thanks to Elizabeth Moss's powerful performance and the show's timely commentary on sexual assault and women's reproductive rights - Jacqui Dent

Twin Peaks

Alex's analysis: This surreal murder mystery is literally one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

Alex's rating:

The dark undercurrent of a sleepy town is exposed when high school homecoming queen Laura Palmer is brutally murdered, and FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper is called in to investigate. Twin Peaks effortlessly blends dark detective fiction with surrealism and offbeat humour. The second season has a couple of rough patches (with TV network interference mostly to blame) but the show is nonetheless an all-time classic that was ahead of its time.

While Twin Peaks was cancelled before its time, the TV gods gifted us a new season in 2017, over 25 years after the original finished. The third season, dubbed The Return, takes on a tone entirely of its own; it's pure unfiltered David Lynch. There is nothing else quite like The Return on TV, and there may never be again - Alex Choros

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Veronica Mars

Brodie's blurb: A whipsmart high-school detective played by the inimitable Kristen Bell

Brodie's rating:

If you've fallen in love with Kristen Bell thanks to The Good Place, head back to where it all began for Bell: her cult-favourite role as high-school detective Veronica Mars. Veronica Mars could be easily dismissed as just another high-school genre piece but its cracking dialogue and clever mystery arcs make it well worth your time - Brodie Fogg

Orphan Black

Jacqui's gist: This super smart sci-fi thriller will keep you guessing every step of the way.

Jacqui's rating:

When small-time con artist Sarah witnesses the suicide of a woman who looks exactly like her, she steals her identity in search of a way to make some cash. Instead, she ends up knee-deep in a conspiracy involving clones, mad scientists, religious fanatics and one very psycho killer. 

Orphan Black's story twists and turns more times than a double helix and the direction it takes is almost never the one you're expecting. Tatiana Maslany gives multiple incredible performances as an array of clone characters. You will forget that they are all played by one actress. In fact, you may never even notice in the first place - Jacqui Dent

UnREAL

Alex's analysis: A hilariously dark look at how the reality TV sausage is made.

Alex's rating:

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of The Bachelor? UnREAL provides a darkly comic answer that often feels a little too real. Set on the set of a fictional dating show, UnREAL dismantles the fairytale reality TV fantasy. The contestants might be looking for love, but for producers Rachel and Quinn, they're just puppets to manipulate for ratings. 

The first season is a must watch, and while the remainder aren't quite as consistent, they're still fun - Alex Choros

Parks and Recreation

Tara's take: If you loved The Office and like your comedy with lots of heart, Parks and Recreation is mandatory viewing.

Tara's rating:

Former Saturday Night Live star Amy Poehler is perfectly cast as Leslie Knope, the eternally hopeful, politically ambitious small-town government employee with dreams of building a park in a (literal) pit. While the short first season is a little hit-or-miss, the show really hits its stride from the second season onward, solidifying its main cast and, eventually, seeing Leslie move beyond the simple dream of park-building to something more. 

With an abundance of one-liners and running jokes, and an endearing ensemble cast, there’s plenty to love about Parks and Recreation. Treat yo’self - Tara Donnelly

Misfits

Jacqui's gist: Five teen criminals get superpowers. Do they use them for the good of humanity? No. No they don't.

Jacqui's rating:

Misfits offers a genuinely original take on the idea of superpowers. These teens are not heroes, and they have no interest in becoming heroes. They just do what everyone would probably do with super powers – use them for their own amusement, and to cover up the occasional murder. Misfits combines hilarious antics with addictive storylines and characters that have a tonne of charisma. It's sometimes lewd, often rude and always completely brilliant. At least for the first two seasons - Jacqui Dent

Romper Stomper

Alex's analysis: This timely revival is more than just good drama. 

Alex's rating:

Stan's Romper Stomper revival swaps swastikas for southern crosses in an uncomfortable look at the ugliness of Australian racism. Set decades after the controversial 1992 feature that shot Russell Crowe into the limelight, the Romper Stomper miniseries places Muslim Australians firmly in the firing line of Neo Nazi ire.

This time around, the Neo Nazis aren't stereotypical skinheads touting swastika tattoos. They're everyday Australians. Patriots. Hardworking blokes that love their country. It's a far more insidious form of hatred. While occasionally hard to watch, Romper Stomper feels like essential viewing for these trouble times, casting a light on a part of Australian culture that many would prefer to ignore - Alex Choros

Luther

Jacqui's gist: A deliciously dark crime about a troubled cop and his fascination/friendship with a psychopath.

Jacqui's rating:

John Luther is a cop who doesn't play by the rules. He's mad, bad and dangerous to know, especially once he meets Alice. She's a psychopath and a killer but he can't prove it. And maybe doesn't want to - there's chemistry between them that is frankly electrifying on screen. But as Alice's obsession with Luther grows deeper, things get dangerous for him and the people around him. And while all this is going on, he also has to solve some pretty horrific and totally unrelated murders. Luther is one of the best shows to come out of the BBC - Jacqui Dent

No Activity

Alex's analysis: Threatesports meets a confiscated bag of crack in this laugh-a-second improv cop comedy.

Alex's rating:

An irreverent unscripted Australian comedy about the peripheral players in a major police sting. No Activity is dark, weird, and laugh out loud funny - Alex Choros

RuPaul's Drag Race

Brodie's blurb: RuPaul's Drag Race isn't your typical reality show; it's a viciously competitive series that's dressed to kill

Brodie's rating:

One of the most entertaining reality / competition television shows in history, a lesson in reading, lip-syncing and hustling, RuPaul's Drag Race has amassed a monumental following in its 11-season run, as well as a number of spin-offs (all available on Stan) - Brodie Fogg

Mozart in the Jungle

Alex's analysis: A whimsical classical music comedy that radiates charm.

Alex's rating:

If you're sick and tired of dark and gritty TV, Mozart in the Jungle is the perfect antidote. This highly bingeable series is set behind the scenes of the New York Symphony, focusing on burgeoning friendship between an ambitious young oboist and an eccentric conductor. If you thought rock stars had all the fun, Mozart in the Jungle will prove you wrong - Alex Choros

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Spaced

Alex's analysis: Quite possibly the oddest odd couple comedy. 

Alex's rating:

Before Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead shot them to international stardom, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost starred in this short British sitcom. Spaced revolves around two Londoners - Tim and Daisy - who despite having only just met, pretend to be a couple and move into together to save on rent. Surreal, awkward, and hilarious - Alex Choros

Hannibal

Tara's take: A blood-soaked re-imaging of the Hannibal Lector story, with plenty of plot twists and an exceptional cast.

Tara's rating:

Thomas Harris’ iconic literary cannibal, Hannibal Lector, makes another return to the screen – and it’s not for the faint of heart (or weak of stomach). Co-scripted by Harris himself, the series stars Mads Mikkelson in the title role, portraying a pre-capture Dr. Lector as he works with a brilliant but troubled young FBI lecturer to profile and track down serial killers. 

Chronicling some of the events of the novels Red Dragon through to Hannibal, the series works best if you disregard what you already know about Lector and appreciate Mikkelson’s vicious, yet strangely humanising, take on one of cinema’s favourite villains. Gory, shocking, and fast-paced - Tara Donnelly

Rake

Alex's analysis: This courtroom dramedy is one of Australia's finest TV shows. 

Alex's rating:

Cleaver Green - the show's eponymous rake / general loose unit - is a brilliant yet self-destructive criminal barrister with a chaotic personal life and equally chaotic career. If he's not defending a cannibal, he's falling in love with a sex worker. On top a stellar cast, Rake touts an impressive list of cameo performances including Hugo Weaving, Noah Taylor, Sam Neil, Jacqueline McKenzie, Toni Colette, and Cate Blanchett - Alex Choros

The Mighty Boosh

Jacqui's gist: The extremely strange adventures of two zookeepers/wannabe musicians.

Jacqui's rating:

If you are now or have ever been a fan or British comedy you really need to put The Mighty Boosh on your list. Howard Moon and Vince Noir are two mismatched friends who inhabit a world of make-shift costumes, bizarre sets and wildly tangential dialogue. Their career as zookeepers and sideline as wannabe musicians take them on magical adventures to the arctic tundra, the wilds of the desert, the other side of death and beyond. It's part stand-up routine, part musical comedy, part way-out surrealist adventure, and all genius - Jacqui Dent

Better Call Saul

Alex's analysis: This slowburning character study is much more than just a prequel. 

Alex's rating:

Better Call Saul is a dark character study that documents the unsuccessful yet ambitious James McGill's transformation into Saul Goodman, Breaking Bad's super skeevy attorney. We all know the destination, but this only makes the journey all the more enthralling.

While Better Call Saul is technically a prequel to Breaking Bad, it manages to stand on its own two feet and works as a standalone show. But if you haven't watched Breaking Bad, it's all on Stan too. Watch it - Alex Choros

Sherlock

Jacqui's gist: Benedict Cumberbatch is literally a modern day Sherlock Holmes in the instant cult classic that made him famous. And sexy.

Jacqui's rating:

If you're a fan of the original Sherlock Holmes books, you may be cringing at the idea of a modern day version. But don't. It works. And as well as being a surprisingly faithful modern translation of the original tales, it's also razor-sharp with more clever lines, twists, turns and references than you can shake a stick at. Or more appropriately a deer-stalker hat and pipe? 

It's also the TV show that managed to convince the world that Benedict Cumberbatch is sexy. Which in and of itself is a feat. No disrespect to Cumberbatch. Sherlock is worth watching for his performance alone which is so masterful and arresting.

Just don't watch season four. It jumps the shark - Jacqui Dent

Doctor Who

Jacqui's gist: The longest-running sci-fi show in TV history is still awesome and it's got something for everyone.

Jacqui's rating:

Here's what you need to know: the Doctor is an alien who is basically immortal (kind of). He travels through space and time in a blue box righting wrongs, cracking wise and making friends (and enemies) everywhere.

The thing I love most about Doctor Who is that the show is cobbled together by blatant story cheating. There's the sonic screwdriver that can do pretty much anything (except be a screwdriver), and plot resolutions that don't actually make a tonne of sense when you think about them too hard. And none of that matters because the show is so good it can get away with (almost) anything. Why? Charismatic cast. Brilliant one-liners. Camp aliens. Fabulous villains. And monsters that can be genuinely terrifying. 

Seasons and episodes are usually pretty self-contained so you can dive in anywhere. Pick one that looks intriguing and just go for it - Jacqui Dent

Still can't find anything to watch? Check out the best shows on Amazon Prime Video Australia instead.

Are you on the right broadband plan for Stan?

Streaming is one of the most data intensive things you can do online, so it's important to consider what broadband provider you're with and what plan is best for you. If you're not careful, Stan can make a serious dent in your monthly data allowance. But if you pick the right plan, you can binge endlessly without having to keep one eye on your broadband bill.

Stan has four quality settings for when you're streaming in your web browser, on your smart TV, or on your game console. These are as follows:

If you're streaming on high, streaming a single feature length film on Stan will use somewhere around 6GB. If you're streaming on a regular basis, we tend to recommend plans with at least 500GB as a minimum to ensure you've still got enough data left for everything else you want to do online. 

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