5 TV Shows With Concepts Based On Reality But More Weird Than Any Sci-Fi Stuff
These are so ridiculous, we can’t help but love them.
We've all come to expect surprising premises from the science fiction and fantasy genres. Aliens trying to fit into human society, talking pets, flying nuns, or a girl who turns into a chicken nugget all sound outlandish but become completely believable once you dive into their fictional universes.
On the other side of the coin, we have shows that take place in a familiar universe, where all the laws of physics and society remain intact. But they are given some crazy concepts that feel even more outlandish than any sci-fi stuff.
Surprisingly, these shows usually prove to be an exciting viewing experience. Here are five fan-recommended examples.
Banshee (2013-2016)
IMDb rating: 8.4/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play Movies, NOW
The series that made Antony Starr a household name begins with a very wild situation. Starr plays a recently released prisoner who travels to his ex's new town to get some answers. While there, he happens to have dinner at the same place as the town's new sheriff.
When the sheriff is killed, the main character steals his identity and actually takes on the role, not just at face value, leading to a four-season storyline.
The Following (2013-2015)
IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Vudu
The show revolves around a confrontation between Kevin Bacon's ex-FBI agent and James Purefoy's Edgar Allan Poe-obsessed serial killer who has escaped from death row. While trying to recapture the killer, Bacon's character discovers that he has formed a cult following consisting entirely of serial killers.
This concept completely flies in the face of everything we know about serial killer psychology, but the show is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
My Name Is Earl (2005-2009)
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Vudu
It's hard to believe that a story about a guy who literally makes a handwritten list of every bad thing he's ever done, and then makes up for each one episode by episode, could last for four seasons.
But it did, and it proved to be a successful formula for a sitcom. Of course, Jason Lee's comedic talents and Greg Garcia's witty writing could turn an even more ridiculous concept into a gripping watch.
Jane the Virgin (2014-2019)
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Vudu, ITVX
This show's synopsis is truly insane. Jane, a devout Catholic saving herself for marriage, is accidentally inseminated by her alcoholic doctor with the sperm of the doctor's brother, with whom Jane had a chaste fling a few years earlier. And that's probably the most normal part of the show's plot.
To be fair, the whole series is a satirical telenovela, and it is actually amazing to watch its characters experience the most ridiculous situations and twists, but react to them like human beings.
Murderville (2022-present)
IMDb rating: 6.9/10
Where to stream: Netflix, BBC iPlayer
The show is based on the BBC's Murder in Successville, and inherits its odd but surprisingly engaging concept from it. It's a buddy cop show with a twist. The senior detective is played by Will Arnett and the other is a rookie played by a guest star who changes from episode to episode.
Said guest star doesn't get a script, though, so they have to improvise all their lines, which includes solving the case with the clues given throughout the story. At the end of the episode, they have to decide who's the criminal out of three culprits.