Isaiah's top 5 TV series

Unbelievably, TV series throughout the years have become the new modern art form of cinema. These days it is not a shock to see popular to legendary A-list actors appearing in shows compared to the silver screen. For years, viewing audiences have become actively engaged with shows on syndicated TV or streaming outlets.

I am a collector of films, series, anime and cartoons. Here are my top five recommended series that are deserving of accolades because of how they changed TV forever.

1 "24" - The first show I remember dedicating an entire summer to binging in 2010. It stars Kiefer Sutherland as federal agent Jack Bauer, and audiences follow Bauer attempting to thwart sinister threats in the United States. Every season presents the concept of episodes filmed using real-time scenarios. Threats that Bauer must avert are governor and presidential assassination attempts, nuclear devices, sleeper cell terrorist units, biological viral attacks and government espionage threats infiltrating the foundation of politics. Bauer's characterization sparked debates on whether his methods pertaining to torture are acceptable in obtaining information. He is CTU's most capable, proficient agent, blurring the lines between hero and anti-hero. Episodes offer intense narratives of conspiracies, betrayals, moles and adrenaline-fueled action sequences that provide never-ending excitement and revelations. (nine seasons and one TV movie)

2 "The Shield" - One of FX's most controversial series beginning in the early 2000s. The show focuses on a group of law enforcement officers called The Strike Team. Michael Chiklis portrays Vic Mackey, leader of the Strike Team. It explores police corruption with intense, emotional character development. Each season tells a different story of various obstacles Vic faces in guaranteeing his criminal activity remains concealed and still attempting to live life as a devoted husband and father. Themes of racial tension, drug addiction, politics and police brutality offer expositions that would have the series canceled if aired in our current societal climate. (seven seasons)

3 "Breaking Bad" - Simply put, one of the greatest shows ever created. Starring Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn and Dean Norris, "Breaking Bad" tells the story of mild-mannered chemistry teacher Walter White, diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Struggling to make ends meet as an instructor, he collaborates with former student Jesse Pinkman, entering the world of cooking/distributing meth and building the necessary wealth to secure his family after his passing. Gradually White becomes increasingly ruthless and unsympathetic. We fall into a world of domestic and foreign cartels, forever changing the lives of White and those closest to him. (five seasons/one spin-off series titled "Better Call Saul" and one Netflix film titled "El Camino")

4 "Person of Interest" - This was a show that caught me by complete surprise. Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson, Taraji P. Henson, Amy Acker, Kevin Chapman and Sarah Shahi portray a unique set of characters in this science-fiction espionage thriller. Reclusive billionaire technological genius Harold Finch created computer programs after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as a means of monitoring various surveillance details. The computer predicts crimes and terrorist threats before they occur. Finch recruits former CIA operative John Reese to assist him in his quest of exposing government and law enforcement, and their bond develops as they remain determined to help the helpless. (five seasons)

5 "Angel" - My father introduced me to this show randomly one night in 2000/2001, if my memory serves me correctly. An extension of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," the main character Angel, portrayed by David Boreanaz, presents a unique and exciting concept. Angel is a vampire cursed with a soul for his deeds of prevalent evil. Experiencing severe pain and regret for his past, he sets out to atone for his sins. It is one of the earliest examples I can recall of finding myself emotionally invested with every episode. Joss Whedon highlights his creative, innovative genius overseeing a vast array of different characters at the same time. Whether it is Angel, Cordelia, Gunn, Wesley or Fred, every character offers powerful growth and development, impacting the viewer in diverse ways. I always preferred this show over "Buffy" for its darker, more mature and grounded scenarios. Unfortunately, it ended on a cliffhanger with the story continuing in a comic titled "Angel: After the Fall" after its syndicated cancellation. It is an underrated show I highly recommend as an example of early classic television. (five seasons)

To watch Isaiah Ridley's movie reviews online, find him @Izzy's Cinematic Escape on YouTube.