American Invasion

It used to be standard fare for a drama in the UK to only last a few episodes a season. Everything from Tinker Tailor Solider Spy and Boy from the Blackstuff, to Sherlock and Luther all only having 3-5 episodes in any run. It made for dramas that were compelling, very detailed and hard not to lose interest in.

It's taken awhile for American networks to come around to the same concept, but as more and more small networks see the potential that a Walking Dead or Breaking Bad can have, they're churning out new and original programming where quality is very much placed over content. Here are some of our favourite new American series to check out:

-Rectify
It's only six episodes, and some critics have said the story is too slow for American audiences, but this original series by Sundance is required viewing. Rectify is the story of Daniel Holden (Aiden Young) who is released from prison after being on death row for 19 years. He returns to his home town where everyone has their own opinion on whether or not he's innocent. While you might think the story is all about his innocence, the real power lies in watching Daniel try and adjust to real life and catch up on everything he's missed.

-Top of the Lake
Lords of the Rings made New Zealand out to be a lush and beautiful place. Top of the Lake uses the backdrop as a sign of nothing but dread. Elisabeth Moss (West Wing, Mad Men) plays a young detective trying to figure out who got a 12 year old girl pregnant. She has to deal with corrupt cops, a drug lord who runs the area and most bizarrely a group of middle aged women who set up a community by the lake. Its less Law & Order and more Dragon Tattoo.

-House of Cards
It may be a remake of a beloved BBC show but this American reboot has completely changed the landscape of American TV. Its noted as being the first big TV show that wasn't even shown on a network and streamed on Netflix. Kevin Spacey plays a South Carolina governor in a political drama that shares more with Richard III than it does with The West Wing.

-Bates Motel
A 'contemporary prequel' to Psycho might sound as much of a joke as Gus Van Sant's remake of the Hitchcock classic, but Bates Motel is a surprisingly good show. Vera Farmiga plays the infamous mother, currently widowed, who decides to buy and run a motel with her son Norman. The show eschews any sort of convoluted plot to tie in with its maker and instead has a strong focus on family life, even if we all know how it's going to end up.

Appy Viewers

More and more we're seeing ourselves using TV as a split medium. When we sit and watch our favourite shows we're also on our laptops, tablets and phones. Whilst it's nice to see what your friends are saying about your favourite shows on Facebook and Twitter, there are a number of apps out there that aim to enhance your viewing experience. Here is what we think are the top 5 TV apps on the market:

1.Getglue.
This is an app that aims to get you talking about your favourite shows. Simply connect the app with your Facebook account, search for whatever show you're watching and check in. Leave your thoughts and see what others around world think of your opinion.

2.TV Guide.
With a title as simple as this you don't need to know much else, but this app has more functions than you'd expect. You can watch live anywhere, set reminders for yourself and if you've an internet TV you can use it as a remote.

3.Crackle.
It's a surprisingly little app that offers unrivalled content. The Sony owned service lets you watch hundreds of their old movies and shows for free, as well as offering their own new content. We recommend watching Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee.

4.Zeebox.
Like the idea of watching TV with all your mates round, but not bothered to have them over? Then Zeebox could be for you. You can see what your friends are planning to watch and make your own chat rooms with anyone to talk about your currently watching. Our favourite feature of it is if you see something on TV you want to buy, Zeebox can link you to the appropriate site.

5.Miso.
If you like turning your viewing experience in to a game, then Miso could be for you. Every time you're watching something, you're rewarded with badges and points depending on how often you do it. And if you like to feel educated, the app also gives you trivia to look out for while you watch.