Television Shows That Should Be Released In 4K

The selection of 4K Blu-ray movies is pretty decent, but 4K television shows are lagging behind. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime currently offer the best 4K selection for TV shows (like Breaking Bad and Homecoming), but the options are much smaller for non-streaming. HBO’s Westworld is one current show that’s released its first two seasons in 4K, but there are several other shows that would be must-haves in ultra-high definition.

 

Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)

A couple of earlier HBO classics, The Sopranos and The Wire, would no doubt be fun to watch in a higher quality video format, but it feels like a newer shower like Boardwalk Empire would benefit more from the 4K format. There are plenty of fireworks in the Prohibition-era series, from gunfight action to the flair of the Roaring Twenties, which would all make it perfect for 4K.

 

Mad Men (2007-2015)

Mad Men started back in 2007, but its filming always gave a realistic result on television screens—it almost already looks 4K, so actually being in ultra-high-definition would really make it like the characters are standing in your living room. Show creator Matthew Weiner benefited from having barely any action to shoot, and what we got was a life-like look at the smooth, clean-cut Don Draper and the rest of the bunch at Sterling Cooper.

 

The Americans (2013-2018)

One of the greatest thrillers of all-time, The Americans needs to make it to 4K at some point. It started in 2013, so making the series available in 4K probably won’t be as challenging as older shows from 15 or 20 years earlier, and the heart-pounding moments would be a definite must-own.

 

Band of Brothers (2001)

Band of Brothers was shot back around the turn of the millennium, so getting it transferred to 4K would likely be more of a challenge than a show like The Americans. However, the miniseries is just ten episodes, so purchasing the show in 4K shouldn’t come at a huge cost for consumers. The movie Saving Private Ryan is among the highest-rated 4K movies available in terms of video quality, and Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks worked on that as well as Band of Brothers.

 

Fargo (2014-)

Season 1 of Fargo in particular was exceptional television, and many people would line up to purchase the series if and when it becomes available in 4K. This might not have a real chance of happening until the show concludes, and it’s going on its fourth season, with Chris Rock starring in the dark comedy.

 

Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014)

There aren’t many shows more explosive than Sons of Anarchy, which follows Jax Teller and his outlaw motorcycle club, so it’d be awesome in ultra-high-definition. As is the case with other FX shows The Americans and Fargo, Disney’s acquisition of Fox’s assets could potentially complicate things—though maybe they’ll all end up as streaming options on Disney+, which would be better than nothing.

 

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

It feels so weird typing 2019 for the end date of Game of Thrones, but all good things must come to an end—and the show’s eight epic seasons will live on forever. Hopefully, the entire series is released in 4K (ideally the Collector’s Set to release toward the end of the year will be in ultra-high-definition). Season 1 is already available in 4K, and Season 8 will be, too; but fans really want the entire story to be available to own in the best quality possible for home cinema.