Outsiders

This well-produced, intriguing series offers a dramatic narrative steeped in history native to Appalachia, a mining region full of stories of survival under difficult conditions. But the show is fictional and creates an extreme universe that is ruled by brutal (and often sexist) behavior and shrouded in mystical elements, some of which are actually drawn from other cultures. However, as wild as some of the characters are, they have very raw, honest feelings that range from curiosity and selfishness to a love of family and traditions so fierce they'll do what they can to protect them.

References to things such as the traditional Elizabethan-rooted Appalachian settler dialect, meeting rituals, and serious and secretive moonshine practices make the show colorfully entertaining at times. It's also hard not to acknowledge the corruption and greed of the "outsider," which in this case is the government-supported coal-mining industry. This doesn't hide the fact that it's a gritty and violent show, but it allows you to understand some of these acts within the context of evolving events. It's certainly compelling and will probably appeal to older viewers who like this kind of storytelling.