J.J. Abrams has brought us some big blockbusters, sure, but it's his television shows that really get us.
In honor of the prolific filmmaker and producer's birthday, here are all of his shows, ranked.
- 15. 'Roadies' (2016)We're sure real life roadies are the reason concerts are magical, so honestly, this show is extremely rude to real life roadies as it's just 100% not good at all. Nobody asked for it, and even if we had, this is what we would've met.
- 14. 'Believe' (2014)"Believe" had a strong start, but it's ratings took a hit every week after the pilot aired. It was eventually cancelled before the first season was even over. While it had an interesting premise and Alfonso Cuaron attached as Executive Producer, it just wasn't what viewers were looking for.
- 13. 'Undercovers' (2010)
While Gugu Mbatha-Raw went on to find stardom, casting two completely unknowns in a network television show is risky. In this case, it didn't pay off.
The series was supposed to be NBC's version of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," but without an Angelina or a Brad Pitt, people just aren't going to tune in.
- 12. 'Alcatraz' (2012)The people who loved "Alcatraz" LOVED "Alcatraz." Unfortunately, not nearly enough people loved it.
- 11. 'Six Degrees' (2006 - 2007)
Did you forget this show happened? So did we! Probably because it's a very... average show.
It's not offensively bad, but it's also not great. It's a great premise for a show, though -- it's based off the idea of six degrees of separation -- but in execution, it just didn't deliver.
- 10. 'Revolution' (2012-2014)A show you want to like more because of Elizabeth Mitchell, but you just can't really get there. We get it, post-apocalyptic worlds were all the rage. But this just wasn't about one we needed to see.
- 9. 'What About Brian' (2006 - 2007)If you can move past the fact that the title is missing a question mark (we can't!!!), then this was enjoyable in a cheesy way. Also, it was surprisingly effective in the "feels" department for a few episodes toward the end of its run, as Brian found new ways to figure out it is ok that he hasn't figured everything out yet.
- 8. 'Almost Human' (2013 - 2014)
This insanely expensive -- and ratings-challenged show -- came and went a beat or two before Netflix and Hulu got in the business of saving series from network cancellation. Had it aired a year later, or lasted one more season and still been cancelled, maybe a streamer would have picked up this uneven but largely entertaining sci-fi procedural about a human cop (Karl Urban) partnered with the most attractive android ever made (Michael Ealy.)
Despite a conspiracy/mythology runner surrounding a tragedy in Urban's past that didn't quite shake hands with the show's overall action-y tone, "Almost Human" delivered an impressive visual presentation bolstered by the effortless chemistry of its two leads.
- 7. 'Felicity' (1998-2002)If you have curly hair, you've probably been referred to as Felicity at least a million times. Luckily, it's a compliment, since "Felicity" is one of the most beloved WB shows.
- 6. 'Fringe' (2008-2013)Not only is it one of J.J. Abrams best shows, it was one of the best sci-fi shows to ever grace our televisions. The episodes are larger than life, but they still take the time to explore character development. Fans are NUTS for this show.
- 5. '11.22.63' (2016)Why oh why was "11.22.63" just a miniseries? We need more!
- 4. 'Person of Interest' (2011-2016)J.J. Abrams and series creator Jonathan "Westworld" Nolan know how to weave a good mystery, and this procedural kept fans hooked across five seasons worth of thrilling plots. The CBS series was praised by critics and viewers alike.
- 3. 'Westworld' (2016 - Present)While the second season of "Westworld" has alienated some and engaged others with its increase in action and emotional content, the first season had the internet talking. It was like trying to solve a puzzle whose pieces kept changing. It's also helpful that Evan Rachel Wood and Thandie Newton are giving career-best performances.
- 2. 'Alias' (2001 - 2006)Jennifer Garner as Sydney Bristow is one of the most enjoyable performances in the history of TV. "Alias" had the cool spy stuff going on, but it also packed quite emotional punch -- especially in that pilot, an all-timer written and directed by Abrams. We'll always cry whenever Syd discovers what happened to her fiancee, Danny, after SD-6 (the bad guys posing as the CIA, AKA Syd's employers) learned that she told Danny the truth (as she knows it) about her spy career.
- 1. 'Lost' (2004 - 2010)"Lost" definitely had some bad seasons, and people still want to flip tables over the series finale, but when it was good, it was SO. FREAKING. GOOD.
