Just a reminder, that I will be doing my own unique list that covers Sci-Fi and fantasy shows, which might be my most favorite and fun category. So don’t freak our because House Of the Dragon or whatever isn’t on this list.

10) Cobra Kai (Netflix)

9) Bel Air (Peacock)

8) Riches (Amazon)

7) Better Call Saul (AMC)

6) Bridgerton (Netflix)

5) Severance (Apple Plus)

4) The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)

3) Yellowstone (Paramount)

2) Ozark (Netflix)

1) For All Mankind (Apple Plus)

This was a tough list, and I’m acutely aware of the fact that I’ve offended everyone by not putting White Lotus in my Top 10. I mean, it’s an ensemble. Well, I liked it, even better than the first season, but not enough to crack the top 10. i left off a ton of shows I watch regularly, from New Amsterdam to The Rookie, plus the final season of This Is Us. This was a tough list.

Ultimately, while I love the casts in all these series, For All Mankind has impressed me the most on a casting level. This past third season, they balanced old and new characters, the time shift meant people were growing older and older. The casting directors find a way of bringing in fresh faces as they slowly kill off or age out other original cast. I’m willing to bet Season 4 is the final for anyone who started in season 1. But, it has such a wide bench, such a deep bench, full of rich storytelling, something that only builds with time, that I had to put this on top. Most shows start off with a cast, and go from there,b but Mankind is working with new actors every season, while rotating others out.

The other shows all have terrific ensembles, but it’s a lot easier to point to one or two cast members as being the main reasons you love the show. For All Mankind becomes the Sophie’s Choice. I’m looking at my Supporting Actress list for tomorrow, and I have 3 cast members shortlisted from For All Mankind, versus two from Ozark, two from Handmaid’s Tale, and two from Yellowstone.

I haven’t landed on just exactly who makes that top 10, but it will be the first time i wish all ten could win. What a freaking category.