SherWeb

Once upon a time we had a magical box that lit up in technicolor, and came alive when plugged it into our wall. It was the invention that changed how the world and people would view each other, their countries and themselves for years to come. This mystical item was called a, TV.

Alright, maybe I’m being a bit drastic. But, to me (and the majority of my friends) TV is a thing of the past. Sure we use to sit around and watch our favourite cartoons, teen dramas and whatever else was on past 12am after our parents went to bed. But now, we, us, generation Y, we barely and rarely watch the box set that was once made us zombies. Oh, but we’re still zombies, just instead of being TV zombies we’re hooked on another screen – our computer’s. Thanks to modern streaming and technology we have become addicted to watching web series.

Web series are much like TV series only shorter, free and online. If you haven’t made the transition yet from TV to Web, you’re in luck because today we’re going to talk about the top five web series (as nominated by the 2010 Streamy Awards).

First let’s do a quick history lesson on web series.  Web streaming first emerged in 1995. The first web series ever released was Scott Zakarin’s, The Spot: Homicide: Second Shift. Ever since, web series have been bulldozing their way through internetland, making waves through our internet channels and popping up when least expected.

Enough of my banter! Here are the 2010 Streamy Awards winners:

Best Comedy
Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis

Before Zach Galifiankis starred in the Hang Over he was an underground web series star. In Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis, Zach interviews popular celebrities between two plotted ferns. As I’m sure you can guess, Zach asks some pretty hilarious questions and trys to make his guests feel comfortable – all between two ferns.

Best Drama
The Bannen Way

http://youtu.be/1c-3FQap7iw

Starring: Mark Gantt as Neal Bannen
The Bannen Way centres on a third generation criminal who is tired of living the life of a con man and is determined to turn his life around after gambling away all his funds. But, just before he can do that, Bannen has to pay his debts to his mob uncle and take one more criminal job. Just like any good criminal show, The Bannen Way includes a beautiful woman, a sidekick and all powerful father-uncle duo.

Best Animated
How it should have ended

This series is pretty awesome. I think we can all attest to watching movies and thinking, “that was a crappy ending, it should have ended this way…”. Well, How it Should Have Ended does just that, it gives popular and classic movies a new ending in an animated way.

Best Companion
The Office: Subtle Sexuality

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAvGpgKQcoc

Who doesn’t love The Office? Well, here’s an online-only spin-off of the popular American TV show. Basically it’s some of the cast members showcasing their bizarre behaviour via mini online music videos. It’s somewhat like watching “extra scenes” that weren’t aired on television. So, if you love The Office, you’ll die laughing over Subtle Sexuality.

Best Reality/Documentary
The Secret Life of Scientists

This educational series focuses on introducing new American scientists. Each interview is comprised of 10 questions and at the end the scientist must spill a secret.  While the series takes a serious look at new and emerging scientific trends, cutting-edge research and interesting experiments, it also shows the humanistic side that we sometimes overlook when it comes to braineacts.

And my personal favourite, which isn’t on the list is: Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. About a year ago a good friend of mine introduced me to the Dr.Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog web series (he also produces them). At first I didn’t know what to think about it, but I soon got hooked (I had to unleash the nerd in me!). All I’m going to say about this series is it stars the much loved Neil Patrick Harris, as a villain singing his evil plans and perhaps falling in love. Try it out.

So, instead of watching reruns of CSI or Law and Order, why not change it up and watch a web series? Let’s be honest here… those CSI episodes aren’t getting any better.  Enjoy the streaming!