The Best J.J. Abrams Shows and TV Series

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Updated April 18, 2024 43.1K views 19 items
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Few can deny the impact that J.J. Abrams has had on contemporary television, having crafted a multitude of memorable stories across various genres. Leaving an indelible mark on television, Abrams shines with his thrilling, imaginative, and enigmatic creations. As a multi-faceted talent in the industry, Abrams has produced, directed, and written many of the best TV series of recent times. These shows boast intricate storylines, dynamic characters, and innovative concepts that have captured the hearts and minds of millions around the globe.

The best J.J. Abrams shows skillfully intertwine complex themes with fascinating character arcs to offer viewers an immersive experience like no other. Whether it's unraveling hidden truths or delving into alternate realities, each show is a testament to Abrams's knack for crafting compelling narratives that continue to resonate with audiences long after they've aired. Through these captivating stories, he has demonstrated time and again how adept he is at pushing boundaries within multiple genres.

Just a few examples of these acclaimed television productions illustrate the sheer breadth of J.J. Abrams's creative prowess in crafting unforgettable narratives. Some prime examples of J.J. Abrams's TV shows that exemplify his brilliance include the sci-fi drama Fringe, which follows a group investigating unexplained phenomena through parallel universes; Alias, a thrilling espionage series centered on a CIA spy leading a double life; and the immensely popular Lost, which unravels an enigmatic mystery surrounding plane crash survivors stranded on a deserted island filled with secrets. Each of these series showcases diverse storytelling styles while maintaining their distinctive Abrams touch – leaving viewers eager for more.

The expansive collection of exceptional television series developed under J.J -Abrams's expert guidance speaks volumes about his innate ability to craft memorable stories that resonate with viewers around the globe. His ability to create engaging narratives across various genres highlights not only his versatility but also his deep understanding of what engrosses viewers. With every new production under his belt, this talented creator proves that when it comes to producing must-see TV shows, few can hold a candle to J.J. Abrams.

  • Fringe
    1

    Fringe

    Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble
    441 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: The X-Files, Orphan Black, Warehouse 13, Continuum, Dark Matter
    Why Should I Stream? Fringe offers a tantalizing mix of sci-fi, mystery, and suspense that has garnered widespread critical acclaim. The series explores thought-provoking themes such as alternate realities, fringe science, and complex human relationships while captivating viewers with its compelling storylines and outstanding performances by a stellar ensemble cast. For fans of genre-defining television, Fringe is an essential addition to their viewing repertoire.

    Fringe, a thrilling science-fiction series, delves into the mysterious world of unexplained phenomena and fringe science. With five seasons of mind-bending storytelling, the show has garnered a dedicated fan base and multiple award nominations, including Primetime Emmy Awards. Centered around the complex lives of FBI Special Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), mad scientist Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), and his genius son Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson), the trio investigates peculiar cases that challenge the boundaries of reality. As they uncover the truth behind these enigmatic events, Fringe masterfully weaves together parallel universes, alternate timelines, and intriguing character arcs, all while maintaining a gripping narrative that keeps audiences enthralled throughout its run.
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  • Person of Interest
    2

    Person of Interest

    Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson, Kevin Chapman
    256 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: The Blacklist, The Mentalist, Burn Notice, White Collar, Lie to Me
    Why Should I Stream? Look no further than Person of Interest for intelligent storytelling that intertwines modern technological concerns with intricate plotlines and action-packed sequences. This innovative series delves into the realm of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on society while keeping viewers enthralled with its unique narrative structure and character development. Tech enthusiasts and lovers of thrilling drama alike are sure to find satisfaction in this critically acclaimed show.

    A former CIA operative and a tech-savvy billionaire prevent crimes, using unique vigilante justice.
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  • Lost
    3

    Lost

    Naveen Andrews, Nestor Carbonell, Emilie de Ravin
    358 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: The Leftovers, The 100, Manifest, FlashForward, Terra Nova
    Why Should I Stream? Lost remains a monumental achievement in television history due to its groundbreaking approach to serialized storytelling and character-driven drama. With its enigmatic island setting serving as a backdrop for riveting mysteries waiting to be unraveled, the series solidifies its enduring appeal through emotionally resonant narratives and unforgettable characters. Viewers seeking sophisticated storytelling blended with elements of adventure won't want to miss out on this influential piece of pop culture.

    Venturing into the realm of mystery and adventure, this award-winning TV show unravels the enigmatic tale of plane crash survivors marooned on a seemingly deserted island. With each episode, viewers are drawn deeper into the tangled web of relationships, secrets, and supernatural occurrences that define their new reality. Skillfully portrayed by an ensemble cast, including characters such as Jack Shephard (Matthew Fox) and Kate Austen (Evangeline Lilly), the series explores themes of redemption, destiny, and the human condition, all while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns. Garnering numerous accolades over its six-season run, Lost has solidified its place in television history as a groundbreaking narrative experience.
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  • Alias
    4

    Alias

    Jennifer Garner, Victor Garber, Ron Rifkin
    212 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Nikita, Covert Affairs, Chuck, La Femme Nikita, Dollhouse
    Why Should I Stream? Embrace the adrenaline-fueled world of Alias, a series that combines espionage, action, and drama to create a pulse-pounding viewing experience. Lauded for its strong female protagonist and intricate plotlines, this groundbreaking show keeps audiences enthralled with its high-stakes missions and complex character dynamics. With its impressive blend of thrilling action sequences and emotional depth, Alias proves itself as an essential watch for fans of intelligent storytelling.

    Alias, a thrilling espionage drama, weaves a tale of intrigue and deception as viewers follow the double life of Sydney Bristow, portrayed by the talented Jennifer Garner. With its compelling blend of action, suspense, and character-driven storytelling, this series has garnered critical acclaim, including multiple Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. The show skillfully balances intense undercover missions with the protagonist's personal dilemmas, creating a multifaceted narrative that keeps audiences invested. As Sydney navigates her complex web of alliances and betrayals, viewers are left guessing who can truly be trusted in this high-stakes game of espionage.
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  • 11.22.63
    5

    11.22.63

    James Franco, Cris Cooper, Josh Duhamel
    157 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Timeless, The Man in the High Castle, Wayward Pines, Outlander, Time after Time
    Why Should I Stream? Venture into a gripping tale of time travel and suspense in the critically acclaimed miniseries, 11.22.63. Adapted from Stephen King's bestselling novel, this series offers viewers a fascinating exploration of historical events intertwined with a captivating personal journey. Its brilliant performances and masterful narrative structure make it not only an enthralling thriller but also a genuinely affecting drama.

    11.22.63, which premiered on February 15, 2016, is a gripping sci-fi thriller based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. The series follows high school teacher Jake Epping, played by James Franco, who travels back in time to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. However, his mission is threatened by love, the past, and Lee Harvey Oswald. The show combines themes of destiny versus free will and the ripple effects of time travel. Despite its limited run as an eight-part miniseries, 11.22.63 was praised for its storytelling and Franco's performance.
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  • Revolution
    6

    Revolution

    Billy Burke, Tracy Spiridakos, Giancarlo Esposito
    158 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Jericho, Falling Skies, The Last Ship, Terra Nova, Colony
    Why Should I Stream? Experience the intense post-apocalyptic world of Revolution, which poses provocative questions about societal collapse and humanity's struggle for survival in a technology-deprived environment. The series boasts exceptional character development alongside compelling action sequences that leave viewers eager for more. With its intriguing premise and emotionally engaging storylines, Revolution is sure to capture the attention of fans seeking thought-provoking television.

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  • Westworld
    7

    Westworld

    Evan Rachel Wood, Thandiwe Newton, Ed Harris
    78 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Ex Machina, Humans, Altered Carbon, Black Mirror, The OA
    Why Should I Stream? Enter the highly immersive universe of Westworld—a meticulously crafted series that examines the ethical implications of artificial intelligence within a futuristic theme park setting—all while delivering enthralling narratives filled with mystery and intrigue. This critically lauded show captivates viewers with its stunning visuals, richly developed characters, and expertly woven storylines that blur the lines between reality and fantasy.

    Set in a futuristic theme park, Westworld invites viewers to explore the complexities of artificial intelligence and human morality. As a critically acclaimed science fiction drama, the show has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy nominations. The series follows an ensemble cast of characters, such as Dolores Abernathy (Evan Rachel Wood), a self-aware android, and Dr. Robert Ford (Anthony Hopkins), the enigmatic park creator. Each episode unravels the intricate web of narratives that weave throughout the park, while simultaneously delving into the minds of both guests and hosts alike. With its thought-provoking themes and riveting storytelling, Westworld offers a captivating experience for its audience.
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  • Almost Human
    8

    Almost Human

    Karl Urban, Michael Ealy, Minka Kelly
    76 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Dark Matter, Continuum, Extant, Intelligence, Defiance
    Why Should I Stream? For those drawn to futuristic settings exploring human-robotic relationships, Almost Human presents a vivid portrayal of such an environment enriched by engaging character dynamics and cutting-edge technological concepts that feel all too plausible today! This well-executed series explores themes like artificial intelligence, robotics, and the essence of humanity, all while providing viewers with exciting action sequences and gripping story arcs.

    Almost Human, a science fiction crime drama that premiered in 2013, is set in a future where human police officers are paired with android partners. The series stars Karl Urban as John Kennex, a detective with a disdain for robots, and Michael Ealy as Dorian, an android with unexpected emotional capabilities. Together, they navigate the complexities of law enforcement in a technologically advanced society. The show explores themes of humanity, prejudice, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Despite its intriguing premise and strong performances, Almost Human was cancelled after one season due to low ratings.
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  • Alcatraz
    9

    Alcatraz

    Sarah Jones, Jorge Garcia, Sam Neill
    58 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Timeless, Touch, The Prisoner, Haven, Sleepy Hollow
    Why Should I Stream? Alcatraz intrigues its audience with a captivating premise centered around the infamous island prison and its mysterious disappearance of inmates who suddenly reappear in modern-day San Francisco. This thrilling series combines elements of crime drama, science fiction, and historical intrigue to offer viewers an enthralling experience that keeps them hooked from start to finish. With its engaging plotlines and compelling performances, Alcatraz is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans of serialized storytelling.

    Long dead former Alcatraz inmates reappear on the streets of San Francisco.
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  • Felicity
    10

    Felicity

    Keri Russell, Scott Speedman, Scott Foley
    81 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Dawson's Creek, Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill, Alias (as a different style of show from the same creator), Everwood
    Why Should I Stream? Felicity struck a chord with audiences by tackling universally relatable themes such as love, friendship, personal growth, and self-discovery—all set against the backdrop of college life in New York City. The series has garnered critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of young adulthood and emotionally resonant storylines that continue to resonate with viewers even today. Fans seeking genuine human connection within their television viewing experience will find much to appreciate in Felicity's timeless narrative.

    Felicity, the coming-of-age drama that debuted on September 29, 1998, captured the tumultuous transition from adolescence to adulthood as it followed Felicity Porter, played by Keri Russell, through her impulsive move to New York City to follow her high school crush to college. The series was marked by its earnest depiction of self-discovery, romance, and the quintessential college experience, resonating with a generation of young adults looking for their own path. Highlighted by a breakthrough performance from Russell, who won a Golden Globe for her role, the show featured a stellar ensemble cast including Scott Speedman and Scott Foley, which helped to explore broader themes of friendship and the consequences of life-altering choices. Felicity received critical acclaim for its character-driven storytelling, making it a notable series that defined a period of late '90s and early '00s television.
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  • Castle Rock
    11

    Castle Rock

    Lizzy Caplan, Tim Robbins, Paul Sparks
    19 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Stranger Things, American Horror Story, The Haunting of Hill House, Twin Peaks (2017), The Outsider
    Why Should I Stream? Delve into the eerie world of Castle Rock—a show that masterfully blends horror, mystery, and psychological thriller elements while paying homage to the works of legendary author Stephen King. This critically acclaimed anthology series offers viewers a chilling exploration into the sinister underbelly lurking beneath seemingly ordinary small-town life—making it an ideal choice for fans who appreciate well-crafted narratives shrouded in atmospheric dread.

    Set in the enigmatic town of Castle Rock, this psychological horror series masterfully weaves together a tapestry of dread and intrigue. Inspired by the works of Stephen King, the show's chilling narrative unfolds as viewers are introduced to Henry Deaver (André Holland), a criminal attorney who returns to his hometown following a mysterious call for help. With its spellbinding performances, including Sissy Spacek's portrayal of Ruth Deaver, the series has garnered critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. Each episode peels back layers of secrets and darkness, revealing an intricate web of unexpected connections.
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  • Believe
    12

    Believe

    Jake McLaughlin, Johnny Sequoyah, Jamie Chung
    41 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Touch, Heroes, The Tomorrow People, The Gifted, Star-Crossed
    Why Should I Stream? Explore the supernatural realm through Believe—an intriguing series that weaves together elements of suspenseful drama with heartfelt emotion as it follows a young girl possessing extraordinary abilities and her unlikely protector. The show boasts strong character development accompanied by compelling storylines forged from themes like hope, redemption, and human potential—all while showcasing exceptional acting talent throughout each episode.

    Believe is an American fantasy drama television series that broadcast as part of the 2013–14 United States network television schedule on NBC as a mid-season entry. Originally 13 episodes were to be aired, but only 12 were aired in the US. The series was created by Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuarón and Markus Friedman. The series began on March 10, and was cancelled on May 9. The final episode aired on June 15, 2014.
  • The Catch
    13

    The Catch

    Greg Grunberg, Michelle Arthur
    39 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Scandal, Revenge, Imposters, Leverage, Breakout Kings
    Why Should I Stream? Become ensnared by The Catch—a series that expertly intertwines crime, romance, and high-stakes deception to create a stylish and captivating viewing experience. With a strong female lead and a sleek aesthetic that elevates it above the standard procedural drama, The Catch delivers both exhilarating plot twists and emotionally charged moments that keep viewers invested in its clever narrative.

  • Undercovers
    14

    Undercovers

    Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jessica Parker Kennedy, Boris Kodjoe
    43 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Chuck, Covert Affairs, Nikita, Spooks, Agent x
    Why Should I Stream? Undercovers combines elements of espionage with heart-pounding action sequences and irresistible chemistry between its two leads—making for an enjoyable viewing experience filled with intrigue, excitement, and romantic tension. Fans of spy-thriller television will appreciate its polished production values while also becoming engrossed in the series' compelling story arcs.

    Undercovers is an American action spy television series created by J. J. Abrams and Josh Reims that aired NBC from September 22 to December 29, 2010. They were executive producers of the pilot along with Abrams' frequent collaborator Bryan Burk. Because of low ratings, the show was canceled on November 4, 2010. 2 episodes were unaired in the United States and the remaining two episodes aired in Australia on January 2 and 9, 2012 respectively.
  • Six Degrees
    15

    Six Degrees

    Jay Hernandez, Bridget Moynahan, Erika Christensen
    29 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Love Actually, Friends with Benefits, Crash, Magnolia, Babel
    Why Should I Stream? Six Degrees showcases the interconnectedness of human experiences through its ensemble cast of intriguing characters whose lives become entwined in surprising ways. This character-driven drama explores themes such as fate, destiny, and the power of human connection while offering engaging storytelling that keeps viewers invested throughout each episode. Those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives intertwined with relatable human emotions should look no further than this noteworthy series.

    Six disparate New Yorkers go about their lives unaware of their impact on each other.
  • Odd Jobs
    16

    Odd Jobs

    Michael Emerson, Terry O'Quinn
    38 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: The Finder, Leverage, Burn Notice, The Mentalist, Human Target
    Why Should I Stream? Odd Jobs provides a refreshingly offbeat take on the world of covert government operatives by injecting humor into high-stakes situations—creating an entertaining mix of comedy and action that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish! With memorable characters and witty dialogue interspersed within thrilling missions, Odd Jobs offers an unconventional yet thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience for fans seeking something different from typical spy dramas.

    Odd Jobs is the working title of the upcoming TV comedic drama series to air on the NBC network. It will star Terry O'Quinn and Michael Emerson, who worked together on the ABC series Lost. It will be produced and directed by J. J. Abrams, with Bryan Burk as executive producer. It has been picked up as a currently untitled pilot which was written for Warner Brothers TV and is to be aired on NBC with the possibility of a season pick up. It has been billed as an hour-long drama. Emerson and O'Quinn will portray former black-ops agents who are now "retired" and work odd missions to pass the time. The Associate Press said that the show focuses on "the age and frailty of the actors." ABC bid heavily for it but were eventually outbid by NBC. The show will be run by frequent J. J. Abrams collaborators Andre Nemec and Josh Appelbaum, the two worked with Abrams on Alias.
  • Roadies
    17

    Roadies

    Luke Wilson, Carla Gugino, Imogen Poots
    13 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Vinyl, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Flight of the Conchords, Californication, The Get Down
    Why Should I Stream? Embark on a behind-the-scenes journey into the world of live music touring with Roadies—a series that brings together heartfelt character-driven stories alongside authentic depictions of life on the road for dedicated crew members who make every concert possible. This engaging show not only offers intimate glimpses into seldom-explored aspects of the music industry but also delves into deeper themes such as camaraderie, loyalty, love, and personal growth.

    Roadies take the spotlight on a hot-ticket tour.
  • Dead People
    18

    Dead People

    11 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Pushing Daisies, Ghost Whisperer, iZombie, Tru Calling, Medium
    Why Should I Stream? Dead People presents a fascinating premise steeped in supernatural intrigue while also exploring themes of redemption, human connection, and the afterlife. With an impressive blend of mystery, drama, and paranormal elements, this show creates a uniquely captivating viewing experience that keeps audiences enthralled from start to finish.

  • What About Brian
    19

    What About Brian

    Barry Watson, Matthew Davis, Sarah Lancaster
    31 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Brothers and Sisters, Thirty-something, Lipstick Jungle, Cashmere Mafia, Men in Trees
    Why Should I Stream? What About Brian offers viewers a heartening exploration into the lives of a group of close-knit friends as they navigate love, loss, and personal growth in contemporary Los Angeles. The series excels at creating relatable characters and emotionally resonant storylines that strike a chord with those seeking authentic portrayals of human connections within their television viewing experience.

    Brian, the last bachelor standing in his circle of friends, searches for the right woman.