How To Find TV Shows That Explore Complex Characters

In the age of television, audiences are not only looking for entertainment but also a deeper connection with the stories and characters they engage with. The modern TV landscape is filled with shows that explore complex characters, offering viewers a rich narrative experience. These shows allow viewers to navigate through a vast range of emotions, moral dilemmas, and personal growth. But how do you find TV shows that delve into these multifaceted characters? This article aims to guide you on how to discover such television gems by understanding what makes a character complex, where to look for these shows, and how to recognize them when they appear.

What Makes a Character Complex?

To begin our journey, it's essential to first understand what defines a complex character. In simple terms, a complex character is one who is not one-dimensional; they evolve throughout the story and are often defined by internal conflicts, diverse motivations, and an ability to surprise the audience. Complex characters reflect the complexity of human nature, displaying both strengths and flaws, often in equal measure.

1. Internal Conflict

A key feature of complex characters is internal conflict. These characters often struggle with their desires, morals, and actions. This inner turmoil leads to interesting character arcs and engages the audience as they watch the character wrestle with decisions and the consequences that follow.

For example, in shows like Breaking Bad, Walter White's transformation from a mild-mannered teacher into a drug kingpin is fueled by internal conflicts---his pride, his desire to provide for his family, and his growing hunger for power. This constant internal struggle creates a compelling character that is far from a straightforward villain.

2. Moral Ambiguity

Complex characters often find themselves in morally gray areas, making decisions that aren't clearly right or wrong. They might perform actions that are contradictory or even unethical, yet viewers can still empathize with them. This moral ambiguity makes these characters intriguing and relatable because it mirrors the real-world complexity of human decision-making.

In The Sopranos, Tony Soprano, the mafia boss, frequently oscillates between his role as a ruthless crime leader and his efforts to maintain a family life. His actions, while often morally questionable, stem from deeply human motives, creating a paradox that fascinates viewers.

3. Growth and Change

Complex characters rarely remain static. They grow, learn, or sometimes regress, making their arcs compelling to follow. Their evolution is often shaped by their interactions with other characters, external pressures, and their own choices. This growth can manifest in many ways---whether it's redemption, self-destruction, or an attempt to break free from a past identity.

Take Mad Men's Don Draper, for instance. While he starts as a charismatic and mysterious advertising executive, over the course of the show, his struggles with identity, relationships, and self-worth are explored in depth, making him a multi-layered character whose personal journey keeps viewers engaged.

4. Flaws and Imperfections

One of the most defining traits of complex characters is their imperfections. Perfect characters are often uninteresting because they lack depth. Complex characters, on the other hand, are defined by their flaws---whether it's arrogance, insecurity, selfishness, or vulnerability. These imperfections make them more relatable and provide emotional depth.

In Fleabag, the titular character is deeply flawed, making selfish choices and behaving in ways that make her hard to like at times. But her vulnerability, wit, and self-awareness create a character who feels real, someone viewers can't help but be drawn to, despite her flaws.

Where to Find TV Shows That Explore Complex Characters

Now that we understand what makes a character complex, the next question is: where can you find TV shows that explore these kinds of characters? Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to discover such shows, whether you prefer streaming services, cable TV, or recommendations from fellow viewers.

1. Streaming Platforms

In recent years, streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and HBO Max have become home to some of the most critically acclaimed TV shows that feature complex characters. These platforms invest heavily in original content, with many shows designed to push the boundaries of storytelling and character development.

For example, Netflix's The Crown presents the complexities of Queen Elizabeth II, exploring her struggles with duty, personal desires, and leadership. Amazon Prime's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel showcases the evolution of Miriam "Midge" Maisel, whose journey from a housewife to a stand-up comedian is filled with internal and external challenges. Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale dives deep into the psyche of June Osborne as she navigates life under an oppressive regime.

These platforms also allow for easy access to entire seasons or series, giving you the chance to binge-watch a character's journey over multiple episodes and seasons.

2. Premium Cable Networks

Premium cable networks like HBO, Showtime, and AMC have long been known for producing TV shows with intricate, multifaceted characters. HBO, in particular, has been a leader in the production of complex dramas, from The Sopranos to Westworld , Succession , and Euphoria. These shows tend to focus on in-depth character studies, exploring how characters' motivations and relationships shape their lives.

AMC's Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are also prime examples of cable television offering characters with deep emotional and psychological layers. These shows often dive into the darker aspects of human nature, revealing how seemingly ordinary people can be pushed to extraordinary extremes.

3. Critically Acclaimed Shows

Sometimes, the best way to find TV shows with complex characters is through the critical community. Critics often highlight shows that present unique and compelling characters, offering a glimpse into the depths of human psychology. Websites like Metacritic, Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDB feature aggregated reviews and ratings that can guide you towards these types of shows.

If a show has received accolades for its portrayal of complex characters, it's a good sign that it's worth exploring. For example, shows like The Wire , The Crown , and Big Little Lies have received widespread critical praise for their nuanced characters and the way they address various social and psychological themes.

4. Word of Mouth and Online Communities

One of the best ways to discover shows with complex characters is by engaging with other viewers. Online communities like Reddit, Twitter, and fan forums are great places to find recommendations from people who share your interests. Subreddits like r/television, r/TrueDetective, and r/TV are filled with discussions about the best shows and characters.

You can also look for bloggers and influencers who specialize in TV reviews, as they often write in-depth analyses about character development. YouTube channels dedicated to TV show analysis often dive deep into the psychological and emotional aspects of characters, helping you uncover hidden gems that explore complexity.

5. Genre Considerations

Some genres are particularly well-suited to exploring complex characters. While many TV shows feature complex characters across a wide range of genres, certain types of shows tend to focus more on deep character development than others. For example, dramas, psychological thrillers, and character-driven comedies are more likely to feature intricate portrayals of human nature.

• Dramas : Shows like Mad Men , The Wire , and This Is Us focus heavily on character development and explore human emotions, relationships, and moral dilemmas.
• Psychological Thrillers : Shows like Mindhunter , True Detective , and Hannibal delve into the psychological complexities of both their protagonists and antagonists.
• Character-driven Comedies : Shows like Fleabag , Parks and Recreation , and The Good Place explore characters' growth and flaws through humor and wit.

6. Classic TV Shows

Don't overlook the power of classic television shows that have stood the test of time. Some older series, such as The Twilight Zone and The X-Files, are revered for their exploration of complex human nature and philosophical themes. These shows often present characters that deal with moral dilemmas or existential questions, making them rich sources for those who enjoy deep character exploration.

How to Recognize Complex Characters

Finding a show that explores complex characters is only part of the equation. Once you've identified a potential show, how can you recognize whether the characters truly live up to their complexity? Here are some signs that a show features multifaceted characters:

1. Character Development

If characters evolve over time, it's a strong indication that they are complex. Whether they learn from their mistakes, struggle with their personal growth, or regress into old behaviors, the show should highlight their evolution. These developments often occur over the course of many episodes or seasons.

2. Contradictions

Complex characters often have contradictions within them---such as a character who is both a hero and a villain, or one who struggles with the consequences of their actions. These contradictions add depth to the character and make their motivations more intriguing.

3. Rich Backstories

Complex characters are often given rich backstories that help explain their actions, desires, and relationships. These backstories might be revealed gradually over time or explored in flashbacks, offering insights into how the character has evolved.

4. Interactions with Other Characters

The way a character interacts with others can reveal a lot about their complexity. Do they have conflicting relationships? Do they behave differently with various characters? Do they experience tension between their public and private personas? The depth of their relationships can provide clues to their multi-dimensionality.

5. Moral Dilemmas and Choices

Complex characters often face moral dilemmas that challenge their beliefs and test their principles. How they navigate these challenges is what makes them fascinating. These dilemmas could range from simple ethical questions to life-or-death decisions.

Conclusion

Finding TV shows that explore complex characters requires a little more effort than simply picking a show at random, but it's well worth the journey. The key lies in understanding what makes a character complex---whether it's their internal struggles, moral ambiguity, growth, or imperfections---and seeking out shows that offer these elements. By exploring various platforms, critically acclaimed shows, and fan recommendations, you can uncover a world of TV series that will not only entertain you but also deepen your understanding of human nature. Through these shows, you'll gain a greater appreciation for the art of storytelling and the powerful impact that well-developed characters can have on the audience.

View Product