2016 Smart AwardsShows or movies that premiered in 2016 – The Smart Awards are for shows or movies that aren’t dumbed down, that force you to use your brain. And the acting is subtle rather than over the top or playing to the camera.
2016 was a strong year.
A sweet, innocent college student taxi driver is accused of murdering the young woman who was his cab customer. Ahmed’s acting is spot on, and the series is way smart.
Creators: Richard Price (The Wire), Steven Zaillian (Schindler’s List)
Cast: Riz Ahmed (Rogue One), John Turturro, Bill Camp
IMDb: 8.6
Where: HBO, iTunes, Amazon On Demand, Vudu
A theme park for the rich, with perfectly lifelike robots called “hosts.” But what if the hosts rebel? HBO’s intelligent, modernized version of the novel by Michael Crichton. More enjoyable when you recognize the different time jumps taking place.
Creators: Jonathan Nolan, Lisa Joy
Cast: Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, Jeffrey Wright, Ed Harris
IMDb: 8.9
Where: HBO, iTunes, Amazon On Demand, Vudu
A young boy goes missing, and his family, friends, and the town sheriff uncover a strange conspiracy. Liked by many for good reason. Believe the hype.
Creators: Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer
Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder
IMDb: 9.0
Where: Netflix
Account of the early years of Elizabeth II’s reign. Beautifully shot, impeccably produced, and expertly acted. Winner of many Emmys. This is high quality, intelligent TV.
Creator: Peter Morgan
Cast: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Victoria Hamilton
IMDb: 8.7
Where: Netflix
Like Paul Newman’s character in The Verdict, Thornton plays a down-and-out lawyer who’s out for personal redemption. He used to be a fat cat lawyer, now he sticks up for the little guys. A great series to binge.
Creators: David E. Kelley, Jonathan Shapiro
Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Tania Raymonde, Nina Arianda
IMDb: 8.2
Where: Amazon Prime
An ex-soldier now hotel manager is asked to spy on an international arms dealer. A well-paced thriller from a story by John le Carré. The Brits know how to do smart TV.
Director: Susanne Bier
Writers: David Farr, John le Carré
Cast: Hugh Laurie, Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Debicki
IMDb: 8.2
Where: Amazon Prime, iTunes, Amazon On Demand, Vudu
A CIA analyst is transferred to its Berlin Station and must learn the ropes of being a field operative while uncovering a mole within the organization. If you like the spy genre, you’ll like this. Intelligently done.
Creator: Olen Steinhauer
Cast: Richard Armitage, Rhys Ifans, Michelle Forbes, Leland Orser, Richard Jenkins
IMDb: 7.5
Where: EPIX, iTunes, Amazon On Demand, Vudu
Action-packed, intelligent account of September 11, 2012, when terrorists in Benghazi, Libya killed four Americans, including Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens. Movie gives some moments on who’s to blame, but focuses more on the soldiers and their sacrifices.
Director: Michael Bay
Cast: John Krasinski, Pablo Schreiber, James Badge Dale
IMDb: 7.3
Where: FXNOW, iTunes, Amazon On Demand, Vudu
Eerie, puzzling tale about a woman who returns home after vanishing seven years earlier. She then recruits a hodgepodge group to help her with a new quest. Difficult to describe. Original, creative.
Creators: Zal Batmanglij, Brit Marling
Cast: Brit Marling, Jason Isaacs, Scott Wilson
IMDb: 7.8
Where: Netflix