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Top 10 US TV shows of 2013

2013 has seen the arrival of some great new US TV shows and the return of some of our favourites for new seasons.

Weā€™ve actually had a pretty tough time just picking 10 shows that rocked our world in 2013 but weā€™ve managed to do it.

Keep reading to find out which shows have made it into our Top 10 countdown and let us know if you agree with our choices.

10. Devious Maids

Devious Maids

The latest show from Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry is pretty similar to the stories that unfolded on Wisteria Lane but itā€™s addictive fun. Produced by Eva Longoria, the show tells the story of Marisol (the incredible Ana Ortiz) a woman whose son is jailed for the murder of a maid that she is convinced he didnā€™t commit. She goes undercover as a maid in L.A. to find out the truth. Devious Maids also stars the scene-stealing Dania Ramirez, Judy Reyes, Roselyn Sanchez and Edy Ganem.

9. Hannibal

Hannibal

We were very sceptical about the plan to turn Hannibal into a TV series but bravo to Bryan Fuller for carrying it off. Hugh Dancy stars as criminal profiler Will Graham who works alongside Special Agent Jack Crawford (Laurence Fishburne) and Dr Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) to solve murder cases. Tense, twisted and surprisingly creepy, Hannibal was one of the surprise shows of the year. We canā€™t wait for season 2 next year.

8. Suits

Suits

Our biggest guilty pleasure weā€™ve absolutely loved Suits this year. In the UK we enjoyed the second season whilst the US are hallway through season 3. Patrick J. Adams and Gabriel Macht make a superb team as Mike Ross and Harvey Specter, the legal duo who seemingly can win any and every case. In the showā€™s third season, coming to the UK in 2014, Harvey and Mike try to get the firm out of their arrangement with British law firm Darby International. Trash but so utterly addictive.

7. Mad Men

Mad Men

The showā€™s sixth season was a bit of an uneven one but there were plenty of moments of brilliance to keep us hooked until the end. The season focused on Don Draperā€™s (Jon Hamm) downfall as he fell from grace in both his job and in his home life. After embarking on affair with a neighbourā€™s wife, Donā€™s descent into despair happened fairly quickly and incredibly stylishly (of course). Roll on the seventh and final season which begins in 2014 and ends in 2015.

6. American Horror Story: Coven

American Horror Story: Coven

Ryan Murphyā€™s inventive series has been telling the story of witchcraft and voodoo this season with returning cast members Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Taissa Farmiga and Frances Conroy. New additions include Gabourey Sidibe, Emma Roberts, Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett. A lighter season than the previous two there have been plenty of shocks and scares over the first 9 episodes as well as some seriously crazy plots. There really is no show like it.

5. Arrow

Arrow

We didnā€™t actually think Arrow could ever top the first season finale but season two has been remarkably strong. The trio of Stephen Amell, Emily Bett Rickards and David Ramsey is a winning one with strong support from Willa Holland, Susanna Thompson, Colton Haynes, Paul Blackthorne, Manu Bennett and Katie Cassidy. The showā€™s second season has seen Oliver Queen coping with the death of his friend Tommy and trying to right the wrongs of the city without violence. A host of new characters have joined the show with new cast members Kevin Alejandro, Summer Glau and Caity Lotz. Packed with action, shocking twists and some great storylines Arrow season 2 is easily outdoing its stellar first season.

4. Banshee

Banshee

This show seemingly came out of nowhere and has placed itself firmly into our favourite shows. Telling the story of a mysterious drifter (Antony Starr) who takes on the identity of a deceased sheriff in a small town Banshee is violent, emotional and action-packed. Ā The Cinemax original series is unlike anything else on TV and we loved it so much we watched the entire season in one day! Antony Starr is super-hot too which makes the show even more addictive. The first season was more like a movie and the second season is looking even better.

3. Nashville

Nashville

When it comes to balancing strong storylines with great music, Nashville is definitely leading the pack. The ratings may not be as strong as ABC would have liked but the show delivers every week. For us itā€™s all about Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) who has really gone through the mill during season 1. Season 2 sees the rising country star trying to take control and grow up but old habits die hard. The second season is due to air in the UK in 2014 so expect lots of drama, Rayna (Connie Britton) battling more than a coma following her car accident, and lots of Will Lexington (Chris Carmack).

2. The Following

The Following

Kevin Williamsonā€™s 24-style thriller stars Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy and for us is one of the best shows on TV. Telling the story of FBI Agent Ryan Hardy and his cat-and-mouse chase with escaped killer Joe Carroll the show serves up plenty of twists and turns. Ā It may have been derided by the critics and some viewers but if you leave you logic at the door youā€™ll find much to enjoy. Each episode ends on a cliffhanger and we gasped, squealed and were genuinely creeped out several times over the course of the season. Plus the gorgeous Natalie Zea is in the cast as well as hottie Nico Tortorella.

1. Scandal

Scandal

There is no TV show more mental than Shonda Rhimesā€™ Scandal. The fast-paced political thriller is full of so many twists, turns and surprises that you spend so much time gasping you run the risk of missing important plot details. Kerry Washington deserves every award going for her portrayal of Washington fixer Olivia Pope as sheā€™s superb in every single way. The showā€™s second season upped the ante but the third has been even more shocking as Olivia has to deal with the reappearance of her shifty father. Scott Foley has been promoted to a season regular too and look out for a scene-stealing turn from Lisa Kudrow.

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip is the owner and Editor of Entertainment Focus, and the Managing Director of PiƱata Media. With over 19 years of journalism experience, Pip has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. He is also a qualified digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

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