Everyone's Waiting:
HBO's "Six Feet Under" (2001-2005) is my personal favourite show of all-time.
It was created and ran by Alan Ball who wrote American Beauty, receiving an Oscar (and went on to do the first four season of the very different "True Blood"). It's a darkly comic and touching take on a family-run funeral home; It's also renowned for having the greatest TV finale of all time (not to mention the brutal lead up to it). Other than the slightest dip in the middle of Season 4 and a light peppering circa-2000 teenage angst that is a touch dated, it's pretty much a perfect five season arc.
It's not an easy watch at times and the characters can be awfully unappealing (they're "HBO characters" for sure), but it's worth sticking with for the pay off.
Even if it's not always someone's cup of tea I regard it as an essential watch for human beings. It's valuable, important viewing. Both melancholic and life-affirming once you reach the finish line.
"You can't take a picture of this, it's already gone..."
Other lesser-known stuff I'd recommend:
Mrs. Davis (2023)
A batshit mini-series about a badass nun who's sort of literally married to restaurant Jesus while fighting an AI; among lots of other crazy globetrotting stuff. Includes an exploding head.
Fleishman Is In Trouble (2022)
Another mini-series, this time about a doctor whose wife goes AWOL in him. Worth it just to see Claire Danes' gut-wrenching scream.
Maniac (2018)
You guessed it, a mini-series. This one about an ultra-stylised retro-future where the two main characters (Jonah Hill & Emma Stone) go on a voyage in each other's minds during a weird medical trial. Atmospheric and oddly uplifting.
Southland (2009-2013)
An absolute top-notch cop drama set in LA. Feels like a spiritual successor to The Shield (2002-2008) (also recommended) but more modern/digital and documentary-like in its aesthetic. Unfortunately it was cancelled after Season 06 and never got a full resolve.
Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)
A completely unique, charming, cheeky and aesthetically peculiar; and colourful show. Created by Bryan Fuller who went on to make the Hannibal (2013-2015) TV show (recommended as well). About a pie-maker who can bring people back to life for one minute (or longer with consequences). Produced by Barry Sonnenfeld who directed MiB 1-3 & The Addams Family 1-2. Unfortunately finished after only two seasons, but they're still well worth it and while the ending isn't ideal it's not a cliff-hanger.
Mr. Inbetween (2018-2021)
Australian comedy-dramas about a gun for hire. Satisfying "bad guy gets what's coming to him" type of show. A little cookie-cutter for a couple episodes but rapidly becomes addictive. Highly recommended with a solid three-season arc and shorter episodes.
Better-known stuff I'd recommend:
Community (2009-2015)
One of the most inventive and addictive comedy shows I've ever watched. S01 is solid, S02-S03 are absolutely seminal and while S04-S06 are a bit rough and less well-regarded they're still great viewing. Has a touch of heart too. Highly recommended palette cleanser to be mixed with some of the heavy shit I've recommended above. Created by Dan Harmon who co-created and writes Rick & Morty. I'd also recommend Parks And Recreation (2009-2015) if you like this. There's a movie on the way... #sixseasonsandamovie
Severance (2022-)
No need to spoil this one. Completely original and fresh show. Go in blind and enjoy! New season can't come soon enough.
Silo (2023-)
Set in an underground bunker-city where the outside may or may not be poisonous. Given the aesthetic and the setting it should be dull as hell and yet it's one of the best, most engaging shows I've seen as of late. Can't wait for S02 of this Apple show either.
ted (2024-?)
Good, easygoing, entertaining fun. Comfort food TV. Popped one or two of these 35-55 minute episodes on each night last week and it was the TV-equivalent of throwing on a warm dressing gown and grabbing a hot water bottle after being out working on a winter's day. Consider pairing with alcohol or drugs!
The obvious stuff:
All once again from HBO: Deadwood (2004-2006) + Deadwood: The Movie (2019), The Sopranos (1999-2007) & The Wire (2002-2008) ...unlike a lot of stuff here, The Wire won't grab your attention but will demand it. If you struggle with the first season try and push through to the latter end of the second as the expansiveness will come into focus.
Dexter (2006-2013) was brilliant and I love the atmosphere of the show but unfortunately the main showrunner left halfway through the original run and the quality steadily declined and the ending in S08 was universally panned; then the original showrunner came back for "Dexter: New Blood" a few years back which was clunky and completely lacked any of the flare, tone and atmosphere that were a core part of the original show, not to mention a disappointing finale that just compounded the original ending. I'd recommend doing the first four seasons then see if there's anywhere you'd be prepared to gently disembark and cut your losses between S05-S07.
Barry (2018-2023) and it's first two seasons are some of the most fun I've had watching anything for a long time. Three has its solid moments and four has a moment or two. Unfortunately the latter end of that final fourth season nosedives; one of the biggest disappointments I've had in a long time. Unfortunately the in thing now is subversion for subversion's sake.
Other stuff:
As you mentioned shorter-running stuff I'd also add in Sharp Objects (2018) and Love & Death (2023); both excellent HBO mini-series. I actually sat down to watch each of these in the early evening and finished them by early morning. Seasons 1, 2 & 3 of the Fargo (2014-) anthology series are all great. Midnight Mass (2021) is very high quality if you're ok with talky stuff with long monologue-esque scenes. Finally I'd add The Looming Tower (2018) which goes into the rivalry between the intelligence agencies and events leading up to 9/11; and Chernobyl (2019) which while a little loose with the facts and depictions, is very good at creating a mood and atmosphere that puts you in it -- an incredibly engaging watch.
