Since 2010, television production values have been steadily increasing, to the point whereStranger Thingsnow costs $30 millionper episode. The boom of streaming gave television the ability to expand its palettes and with new stories comes the potential for beautiful cinematography. The statement that good cinematography should progress the story using a language of images, even without any sound, still holds true. But with more money being put into productions, television has been able to increase its locations, costuming, and effects, creating some of the most stunning visual displays of artistry. These nine TV series have some of the best cinematography of the 2010s.
9Stranger Things (2016)
Stranger Thingssits at number nine for its use of the Upside Down. Their ability to visually match what is happening in the Upside Down to the real world is a work of genius. Max’s (Sadie Sink) big moment in season four provedStranger Things’ability to tell a story. The Duffer brothers’ choice to use Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” (a song whichtopped the iTunes chartsafter its use) not only worked perfectly with the dramatic cinematography but enhanced the emotion of the scene.
8True Detective (2014)
A seasonal anthology series,True Detectiveset the bar in its first season with an incredible six-minute-long,one-take tracking shot. The different seasons brought us new cast members and different settings but kept the same cinematographic technicality throughout the series. With an incredible cast, eerie wide shots, and a different feel for each season,True Detectivekept us on the edge of our seats, largely thanks to its haunting visuals.
7The Last Kingdom (2015)
The Last Kingdomfollows the story of Uhtred (Alexander Deymon), the rightful heir to Bebbanburg, as he tries to reclaim his land in Northumbria. This show certainly does not lack action or drama as they give us riveting battle scenes and intimate moments. Filmed mostly in Budapest, Hungary, the dedication to accuracy leads us toThe Last Kingdom’sstunning display of the birth of England.
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6Medici (2016)
Medicigives us the magnificence of Florence during the Renaissance. This show captures the luxurious landscapes of Italy, filming in different cities across the country.Medicidoes not shy away from the artwork of the time as they made sure to incorporate as many paintings and sculptures as possible, utilizing gorgeous wide shots of incredible architecture. With the later seasons following the Pazzi Conspiracy, the filmmakers displayed their skills by capturing the period with complete accuracy, gorgeously filming each scene as if creating a Renaissance painting.
5Pose (2018)
Posewas Ryan Murphy’s love letter toParis Is Burningand the queer community.Pose’ballroom scenes are the reason it sits at number five on our list. The ballrooms were a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and a way for the housemothers to make their mark, and Nelson Cragg and Simon Dennis' camerawork depicts the scenes with fluid beauty. Murphy captures these scenes with grace, humility, and the right amount of camp. With the largest cast of trans actors,Pose’raw and honest story works perfectly with the gorgeous color palette.
4Versailles (2015)
Although no camera could ever truly capture the beauty of walking the halls of Versailles,Versaillescomes pretty close. This political drama about the French Sun-King, Louis XIV, was granted the ability to film in certain locations within the palace, including the famed hall of mirrors. This show captures the beautiful architecture of France while making it a character itself.Versailles’understanding of hair, make-up, and costuming adds to every shot.
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3Vikings (2013)
Vikings' ability to handle wide-scale battle scenes cements it at number three on our list. Other shows have had great war scenes, but almost none handle them with the confidence ofVikings’directors andgreat cinematographers likeJohn Bartley, PJ Dillon, and others. Showrunner Michael Hirst’s attention to detail gives us raids of medieval cities, berserkers fighting intense battles, and the incredible landscape of Ireland with sometelevision’s most visually stunningshots.
2Peaky Blinders (2013)
Peaky Blindersopens right after World War I in Birmingham, England. The show keeps a cool color palette that matches not only the feel of the story but also captures the mood of Birmingham during that time. The directors ofPeaky Blinderhave a complete understanding of how to stage a shot. Nothing in this show is done carelessly and without meticulous attention to historic and visual detail, and the way they and the great cinematographer George Steel place their actors in the frame gives the audience the ability to see every reaction. This also gives every actor in that scene a purpose to be there.Peaky Blinders’winding story and mastery of cinematography keeps fans begging for more. Unfortunately, the series hascome to a close, but fans are not to worry, as a film is currently in development.
1The Handmaid’s Tale(2017)
The Handmaid’s Talepremiered 100 daysinto Trump’s presidency. The adaptation of Margret Atwood’s novel shocked audiences with the realness of its story. This dystopian nightmare wowed viewers with its stunning display of the fictional world of Gilead. Moving from incredible close-ups to beautiful wide shots,The Handmaid’s Talehas yet to disappoint four seasons later. Hulu recently announced that season five will air on July 08, 2025.
As some of our favorite series come to a close, it opens the door for new series to take their place, and with countless new series airing, it is hard to choose which stands out among the rest. But one thing we can remember is that shows likeBand of BrothersandLostwalked so that shows beginning in the 2010s likeStranger ThingsandVikingscould run.
