10. Kings
A rare example of NBC giving viewers something truly different and daring, this 2009 series basically presented a Biblical story set in modern times. Ian McShane was a bit toned down but still fantastic as the king of a modern country who takes a young soldier (Christopher Egan) under his wing only to realize the boy may be chosen by God to supplant McShane as the king. Mixing Shakespearean themes with modern-day storytelling, we had a fantastic cast with Susanna Thompson as the Queen, Dylan Baker as her conniving brother and Sebastian Stan as the young prince who has to hide his homosexuality if he wants the throne. The show built itself up well over its 13 episodes, building to a coup attempt and an ending that seemed open to more stories. While it may be an unlikely choice, it would be terrific for NBC to revisit this, if only to get McShane’s charismatic king back on screen and a reminder of how making a daring choice in TV can pay off.
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