5 Manliest Shows You Should Be Watching In 2013

The winter television landscape is generally littered with dating reality shows and re-runs of NBC sitcoms. But if you’ve been waiting around for some testosterone-driven programming, the time has come to enjoy some of the best man shows of 2013!

The Americans (FX)

After just one episode, it’s hard to believe Keri Russell ever played the much tamer Felicity Porter in the 1998 drama “Felicity.” But now she’s back as a KGB spy posing as an American housewife and mother of two in the FX action-drama “The Americans.”

Creator Joseph Weisberg packed Russell’s character, Elizabeth Jennings, with all the weapons of a great female protagonist: She’s tough, sexy, witty and, at the moment, is wearing the pants in the relationship over her undercover husband, Phillip Jennings. Aside Russell’s great start to what looks to be a successful series, you’ll have all the action that a show about Soviet spies can offer.

Top Gear (BBC)

No, not the newer version from History Channel. I’m talking about the original version from BBC. If you have BBC America in your cable lineup, then you might have been fortunate enough to catch the season premiere of the show earlier this month. If not, you might be making a phone call to your provider after watching a few highlights. You don’t have to be a petrol-head to appreciate the British humor alongside some of the world’s fastest and most powerful cars.

The Walking Dead (AMC)

Based on the popular comics, it seems like “The Walking Dead” reached the height of its intensity with last year’s episode “Killer Within.” One viewer described the brutal episode as “fueled with fear and grief,” which might be a light-hearted description.

This month, the series focuses less on the battles between man and zombie, and more about man and man. More specifically, Rick Grimes vs. Governor Phillip. I expect to see an amazing showdown at the prison where Rick and company are taking shelter.

Justified (FX)

Timothy Olyphant’s character as U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens comes back to Tuesday night with new challenges. He might have halted a criminal network last season, but the drama between his father and pregnant wife will give the season some new issues that hit close to home. Oh, you’ll still get to see the gun-slinging you love from the series, but it’s looking like the writers really want to focus in on the inner workings of Givens this year.

Game of Thrones (HBO)

The quintessential man show. “Game of Thrones” has everything sex, gore, violence, revenge, betrayal and I’m not even talking about the scenes involving the wretched King Geoffrey. HBO is famous for its Sunday night programming and this might be one of the best shows ever in the lineup. In 2012, it was the most pirated show of the year, according to Hollywood Reporter.

This show alone makes HBO worth it. The third season begins in March, so don’t miss out.