![\"Television](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/AD_161351780-6cbf.jpg\")
\n\t\tWalton Goggins stars as Boyd Crowder in an underrated gem alongside Timothy Olyphant (Picture: Fx)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tWalton Goggins stars as Boyd Crowder in an underrated gem alongside Timothy Olyphant (Picture: Fx)<\/p>\n
A slow opening to a series is certainly not by any means a marker of its success.<\/p>\n
Take for instance the first episodes of two breakout hits from this year in The White Lotus<\/a> and Severance<\/a>, countless viewers were put off by the lack of action and seemingly meaningless dialogue.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, by the conclusion of each, fans were left drooling for more after intricately plotted webs weaved together perfectly to create a beautiful, twisted crescendo of drama.<\/p>\n It\u2019s actually fair to argue that slow burners are more satisfying than a brash and heavy opening 30 minutes that fails to deliver later down the line.<\/p>\n But, if you\u2019re like me, and you\u2019ve found yourself at the end of your tether after scouring through every streaming site to find your next watch, there\u2019s a certain delirious happiness you get when in the opening few frames a show sticks out its hand and commands your attention immediately.<\/p>\n So, if you\u2019re after something that burns brightly but might not always finish the strongest, here is an exclusive list of seven series that will have you addicted right from the get go.<\/p>\n Justified<\/p>\n \t\t I\u2019ll have to admit, I had never heard of the show Justified before.<\/p>\n Starring Timothy Olyphant as Raylan Givens and The White Lotus star Walton Goggins<\/a>, the show follows deputy U.S. Marshall Raylan as he enforces his own brand of justice in eastern Kentucky.<\/p>\n But, after watching the thrilling opening shootout scene on X, it\u2019s no wonder that the series has got comments such as @staringindis who said: \u2018Fantastic series. Fantastic. Rewatch this instead of ANYTHING recently made. Olyphant and Goggins were epic characters.\u2019<\/p>\n @TheCinesthetic added: \u2018The opening scene of justified wastes no time \u2014 a tense standoff, a quick draw, and raylan givens defined in a single moment. a masterclass in character introduction and tone-setting.\u2019<\/p>\n In addition, @Senor3ringsWitt wrote: \u2018One of my favorite shows of all time.\u2019<\/p>\n Killing Eve<\/p>\n \t\t Killing Eve, on the other hand, is certainly a show I have heard of before.<\/p>\n Written by Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller Bridge, the BBC series follows Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) who is tasked with tracking down Villanelle (Jodie Comer), who is a psychopathic assassin.<\/p>\n Despite fans sharing their fury over the finale<\/a>, Eve\u2019s pursuit of Villanelle leads into a complex cat-and-mouse thriller as they develop a fascination with each other.<\/p>\n Commenting on Reddit, maribel-moggie said: \u2018Killing Eve! Sooooo good.\u2019<\/p>\n Crybaby_0512 added: \u2018Watched this! Kind of lost interest at the end but was sooo good in the beginning!\u2019<\/p>\n Fresh-Meat3213 also said: \u2018They took too long releasing the last season, i kinda forgot what it was all about. I love Eve and Villanelle though.\u2019<\/p>\n House of Cards<\/p>\n \t\t Another series that grabbed viewers attention right from the start is Netflix\u2019s House of Cards.<\/p>\n Following the ruthless political maneuvering of Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), the series takes a look at the slimey corridors of power in The White House in Washington D.C.<\/p>\n Exploring themes of betrayal, corruption and manipulation, the show\u2019s opening scene features a devilish voiceover from Spacey\u2019s character that just compels you to continue watching.<\/p>\n Commenting on X,@Nostalgia150360 wrote: \u2018Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood in House of Cards was devilishly brilliant.<\/p>\n \u2018The was this very first clip with the introduction of Spacey from the first pilot episode as he had me hooked from this scene until his departure from the show.\u2019<\/p>\n Lost<\/p>\n \t\t There\u2019s a strong argument to be made that the first season of Lost is one of the most thrilling series that has ever been made.<\/p>\n Following the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 after their plane crashes on a mysterious island in the Pacific Ocean, it\u2019s impossible not to be gripped by this terrifying situation. <\/p>\n Towards the end of the series, fans of the show have long debated whether it completely derails,<\/a> but if you\u2019re looking for a high impact start then look no further than JJ Abrams\u2019 twisted creation.<\/p>\n Writing on X, @TheCinesthetic said: \u2018Lost remains one of the greatest TV series ever\u2014its intricate storytelling and unforgettable characters left a lasting impact, even if its polarizing finale still sparks debate.\u2019<\/p>\n @Iilithsternin added: \u2018I just think that LOST is the best show ever made and I really hope all upcoming new watchers can understand that or I will be sad.\u2019<\/p>\n Meanwhile, negcap commented on Reddit: \u2018Rewatching it now for the first time since it originally aired and it\u2019s still so good. I\u2019m jealous that my wife can\u2019t remember anything so it\u2019s all new to her.\u2019<\/p>\n Mr Robot <\/p>\n \t\t Mr Robot has another fascinating premise that immediately thrusts you into its dark world of hacking and tech.<\/p>\n Charting the journey of Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), who is a young cybersecurity engineer in New York, Sam Esmail\u2019s series manages to balance an emotional mental health struggle with a thrilling vigilante hacker storyline.<\/p>\n It also follows Elliot as he is recruited by Mr Robot to join his hacktivist group.<\/p>\n Discussing the show online, fans did point out how it lost its way towards its conclusion, but seasons 1 and 2 were as thrilling as anything they had watched.<\/p>\n Writing on X, @mrsxkati said: \u2018Mr Robot has hands down the best representation of mental illness.\u2019<\/p>\n Meanwhile, @ks_moody added that Mr Robot has one of the best starts \u2018and then it did a slooooooow steady decline into nothing.\u2019<\/p>\n Mad Men<\/p>\n \t\t Unlike Mr Robot, Mad Men certainly does not falter towards the end.<\/p>\n Created by Matthew Weiner, its seven seasons are an utter joy to watch.<\/p>\n Centering on Don Draper (Jon Hamm), the show treats us to a look at advertising agencies in 1960s New York.<\/p>\n Exploring the social and cultural issues in this era as well as Draper\u2019s secret affairs and pressures to maintain a successful image, it\u2019s fair to say the show had fans hooked from the start.<\/p>\n Writing on X, @Nostalgia150360 wrote: \u2018Mad Men with the greatness of Jon Hamm but everything from the brilliant writing to the cast to the period piece was perfection.<\/p>\n \u2018I was a little late to the Mad Men party but once I saw this pilot episode and this scene I\u2019m particular\u2026 I got it.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018But the scene with the nostalgic Wheel aka Carousel was when this show became my personal all time favorite show.\u2019<\/p>\n Dead to Me<\/p>\n \t\t Last but not least, Dead to Me is this list\u2019s final choice for instantly gripping you from the start.<\/p>\n Starring Christina Applegate as Jen Harding and Linda Cardellini as Judy Hale, Dead to Me has received high praise since it initially aired in 2019.<\/p>\n The series follows Jen who grieves the death of her husband and seeks support in a grief group.<\/p>\n However, after befriending Judy, the pair\u2019s messy personal lives become intertwined and secrets about both their husband\u2019s deaths start to spill out.<\/p>\n Taking to Reddit, Macncheesesounds wrote: \u2018I became addicted after the first episode. Just enough thrill, comedy & mystery that I like. I binged all three seasons within a few weeks.\u2019<\/p>\n G01ngDutch also added: \u2018Excellent suggestion, it\u2019s so funny too.\u2019<\/p>\n Got a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff<\/a> page \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow![\"Editorial](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/PRI_218526435-117f-e1746797024798.jpg\")
\n\t\tOlyphant excels as a deputy U.S. Marshall (Picture: Fx Network\/Kobal\/REX\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n![\"WARNING:](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SEI_130022688-c74c.jpg\")
\n\t\tJodie Comer played one of her career best roles in Killing Eve (Picture: Sid Gentle Films\/Robert Viglasky)<\/p>\n![\"Editorial](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/PRI_96272473-a8b4-e1740132675515.jpg\")
\n\t\tKevin Spacey shows the inner workings of The White House in House of Cards (Picture: Netflix\/Kobal\/REX\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n![\"Editorial](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SEI_242905430-d278.jpg\")
\n\t\tLost has been and continues to be a favourite among fans (Picture: ABC Inc\/Everett\/REX\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n![\"Editorial](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SEI_246696073-c0a9.jpg\")
\n\t\tRami Malek stars as a hacker in Mr Robot (Picture: USA Networks\/Everett\/REX\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n![\"TELEVISION](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/AY_17206643-91fc.jpg\")
\n\t\tJon Hamm stars as Don Draper alongside John Slattery as Roger Sterling (Picture: Lionsgate)<\/p>\n![\"LINDA](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SEI_134240552-8eb3.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe series charts the twisted lies shared between Jen and Judy (Picture: Saeed Adyani\/Netflix)<\/p>\n
\nMORE: Aimee Lou Wood reveals truth behind crying pictures after \u2018mean\u2019 SNL skit<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: Jason Isaacs addresses latest The White Lotus feud claim from \u2018internet sleuths\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n