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It’s happened again. You’ve spent so much time watching TV that you forgot that the holiday season is upon you, and that you now have to buy a whole bunch of presents. Fortunately, your problem is also your solution. You can give the gift of TV.
And frankly, there’s probably more great TV than ever nowadays. Experimental series that are blowing everyone’s minds, emotionally resonant dramas that are breaking everyone’s hearts, and yeah, there’s still zombies in there somewhere too. There’s so much TV that finding the right TV-related gift for somebody can be a real problem.
So this year, let us do the heavy lifting for you. We’ve found the best boxed sets, the incredible new shows that your friends and loved ones (and you) just have to jump on board with, and yeah, even a couple of books. Because you can’t watch TV all the time… even though you might be happier if you could.
Top Photos: Showtime / OWN / NBC
William Bibbiani (everyone calls him ‘Bibbs’) is Crave’s film content editor and critic. You can hear him every week on Canceled Too Soon and watch him on the weekly YouTube series What the Flick. Follow his rantings on Twitter at @WilliamBibbiani.
12 Presents for TV Lovers
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American Gods: Season 1 (Blu-ray)
The first season of American Gods became one of the most talked about series on television this year, but dang it, not everybody has the STARZ channel. Give the gift of bold, fascinating and controversial television with the Season One Blu-ray set.
Photo: Lionsgate
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Big Little Lies (Blu-ray)
The acclaimed HBO mini-series Big Little Lies gave its all-star cast (Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley) some of the best roles of their careers, and got audiences across the country wondering about its mysteries. But dang it, not everybody has HBO, so give the gift of Lies.
Photo: HBO
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The Good Place: Season 1 (DVD)
One of the most ingenious sitcoms ever produced - ever - demands to be binged. Kristen Bell is a terrible person who, when she dies, accidentally winds up in the afterlife for good people. There's basically no way you can predict what happens next in The Good Place.
Photo: Shout! Factory
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Queen Sugar: Season 1 (DVD)
Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey teamed up for Queen Sugar, a TV series that's changing the way television is produced. If you're behind the times, you can catch up with the first season, now available on DVD.
Photo: Warner Bros.
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This Is Us: Season 1 (DVD)
Fans of This is Us are absolutely riveted by the drama's ability to tug their heartstrings. It's the sort of emotional experience that you will definitely want to share with your friends and loved ones.
Photo: 20th Century Fox
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Twin Peaks: A Limited Event Series (Blu-ray)
Twin Peaks came back and nobody knew what the hell to make of it, other than that it was obviously brilliant. The TV fan on your list will definitely want to explore this series, possibly even frame by frame, and the Blu-ray set is the best way to go about it.
Photo: Paramount
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The Walking Dead: The Official Cookbook and Survival Guide
Fans of the The Walking Dead have all the DVDs/Blu-rays already, but they might not have The Walking Dead: The Official Cookbook and Survival Guide. Finally, the show that makes you want to wretch is offering delicious recipes to go along with the gore!
Photo: Insight Editions
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Dalek: The Astounding Untold History of the Greatest Enemies of the Universe
The greatest villains in the history of Doctor Who have their entire saga revealed in Dalek: The Astounding Untold History of the Greatest Enemies of the Universe, a new book that every fan of the Time Lord (and his nemeses) will want to read.
Photo: Harper Design
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The Essential Fan Guide to RuPaul's Drag Race
If you can't love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else? Well, either way you should probably give them The Essential Fan Guide to RuPaul's Drag Race, a brand new book about all the contestants from one of the best reality tv shows ever.
Photo: Smith Street Books
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Bates Motel: The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
The origin of Norman Bates has been told, and now that his transformation is complete, it's time to go back and watch Bates Motel: The Complete Series all over again. It's amazing that this series worked, but damn it, it does, and it makes a great gift.
Photo: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
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Samurai Jack: The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
The tale of Samurai Jack has finally come to an end, and you can relive the entire incredible (and sometimes incredibly funny) animated adventure in Samurai Jack: The Complete Series, the perfect gift for kids and for anyone else who loves great television.
Photo: Warner Bros.
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Speed Racer: The Ultimate Collection (Blu-ray)
The iconic television series that helped introduce the art of anime to America is finally here, in its entirety, and in a replica Speed Racer head, in Speed Racer: The Ultimate Collection. The Blu-rays are available elsewhere, you've gotta get this set from Best Buy if you want the pretty danged awesome bust that comes with it.
Photo: Funimation