By: Jennifer Schadel
It was so hard to pick just a few top shows from 2013 when there were so many! But these are the TV shows that jumped to mind as I look back at what I enjoyed from this past year:
REIGN (CW)
REIGN is the perfect combination of addictively engaging writing (an amazing storyline and sophisticated dialogue), stunning visualizations (from the gorgeous wardrobes to the creative sets and stunning locations); it is a delight for all your senses. Instantly addictive, REIGN is the show that you need to be watching.
Orlando Jones, Nicole Beharie, Tom Mison (photo credit: Jennifer Schadel)
SLEEPY HOLLOW (Fox)
Never has the character of Ichabod Crane engaged you like this. From the iconic short-story of the man who fought the Headless Horseman, comes the series you do not want to miss. With the inclusion of actual bits of history, biblical references and fantastical science fiction, SLEEPY HOLLOW will leave you craving more, not only the supernatural, but storylines that will amaze your intellectual mind.
ALMOST HUMAN (Fox)
ALMOST HUMAN brings two of the most in-depth characters on television; one is a human man and one is an, almost human, android. This show is not only thrilling and exciting with its storylines and visual effects, but leaves you asking: who-is-teaching-who to be more human.
Jennifer Morrison and Colin O’Donoghue (photo credit: Jennifer Schadel)
ONCE UPON A TIME (ABC)
In the land of fairytales, ONCE UPON A TIME invites you to examine: who is truly “good” and who is truly “evil”? ONCE UPON A TIME introduces our favorite fairytale characters from a different perspective. For example, the Evil Queen is willing to sacrifice herself for her adoptive son; Peter Pan is the most evil of them all; and we are all rooting for Captain Hook to win the girl and be our hero. It is an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable deviation of the traditional fairytales…and we can’t wait to see what is next!
ARROW (CW)
Amazing writing, amazing acting, amazing fight scenes and just about everything else that is amazing on television, and it comes together in one of the best shows on television. From its complex and enjoyable storylines, ARROW is for both television and comic book fans alike. Its superhero characters are not only enjoyable to watch, but you are able to relate to them as you continue to root for them. (Plus: Oliver and Felicity forever!) 
Emily Bett Rickards and Colton Haynes (photo credit: Jennifer Schadel)