Which TV Series Feature Characters Who Choose To Be Alone?

A few TV series really dive into the complexities of solitude and the characters who choose their own company over others. One that really stands out to me is 'Bojack Horseman.' This animated series gives us an insightful view into the life of Bojack, an ex-television star struggling with addiction, depression, and an overwhelming sense of loneliness. He pushes people away, often out of fear of getting hurt or of hurting them himself. The show doesn't just portray Bojack as a 'loner' character; instead, it explores this choice in a painfully relatable and nuanced way. You can feel his conflict every time he retreats into his own isolation, making you root for him to reach out, yet you understand why he holds back.

Another fantastic series to consider is 'The Walking Dead.' In a post-apocalyptic world, characters like Rick Grimes and later on, Morgan Jones, find themselves in situations where they either choose solitude for preservation or are forced into it by circumstances. It’s fascinating to see how the impending doom of zombies makes the stakes of their loneliness so intense. Rick, for instance, often faces the decision between forging connections with other survivors or maintaining his distance to protect his loved ones. This theme of isolation versus connection runs deep, reflecting the broader human experience.

I'd be remiss not to mention 'Fargo,' especially with its anthology format. Each season presents new characters, some of whom choose isolation due to past traumas or the cold emotions they experience. Take Lorne Malvo, for instance; he thrives in solitude thanks to his sociopathic tendencies, expertly manipulating those around him without ever truly connecting. It's chilling yet captivating how these characters navigate their loneliness in a world that feels alien enough without the added emotional burden of relationships.

Moreover, the great 'Sherlock' offers a fresh take on the lonely genius trope. Sherlock Holmes is incredibly smart yet unbearably aloof. His choice to work in isolation can often lead to missed connections with his companion, Dr. John Watson, who embodies that warmth and empathy that contrasts sharply with Sherlock's emotional detachment. The complexity of Sherlock's character is fascinating since his isolation is often a choice, and yet you can see how much he respects and ultimately values Watson's presence—even if he doesn't always show it.

Each of these series provides a unique lens on loneliness, and I love how they reflect on our own choices to isolate ourselves at different points in life. Whether driven by circumstances or personal choice, these narratives often resonate on a deeper level. They remind us that being alone doesn't always mean being lonely. It’s a choice that can lead to growth, reflection, and sometimes, unfortunately, heartache. Just thinking about these characters makes me appreciate the depth and variety of storytelling in television!

Some shows explore this through the lens of faith. 'The Young Pope' and its sequel 'The New Pope' feature Lenny Belardo, Pope Pius XIII, who chooses a radical, isolated form of papacy. He hides from the public, issues controversial doctrines, and rejects the traditional warmth of the office. His solitude is a theological and personal statement—he believes God speaks to him in the silence, away from the corrupting crowd. He chooses to be a mysterious, remote figure, almost a deity himself. His isolation is both his strength and his greatest flaw, cutting him off from the very flock he is meant to lead. It's a stunning study of how power can be wielded from a self-imposed distance, and whether such a leader can truly be compassionate.

Let's talk about 'The Last of Us', both the game and the show. Joel's entire existence after Sarah's death is a choice to be alone. For twenty years, he operates as a ruthless smuggler, allowing no one close. His partnership with Tess is pragmatic, not deeply personal. Ellie breaks through that by force, not by his choice initially. But the pivotal moment is his decision at the Firefly hospital—he chooses Ellie, and in doing so, chooses a future of deception and guarded isolation for the two of them. The lie he tells at the end is the ultimate act of choosing a bounded, isolated world for their pair, shutting out the larger humanity that might take her away. It's a selfish, beautiful, tragic choice for solitude. His 'okay' in the finale is the sound of a man sealing himself into a life where the only person that matters is the one he must now lie to forever.

One more: 'The Crown'. Queen Elizabeth II's entire life is a study in chosen solitude. The 'alone' in 'I have to be seen to be believed' is not just physical, but emotional. She chooses duty over personal desire time and again, isolating herself from her sister, her children, and her own happiness. Her solitude is the mantle of monarchy. Prince Philip chooses a different, more resentful solitude, feeling emasculated and sidelined, which leads to his own wandering. Princess Diana's tragedy was her inability to choose solitude—she craved connection in an institution built on isolation. The show paints the crown as the ultimate gilded cage, where the choice to be alone is synonymous with the choice to rule. It's a poignant, regal take on the theme.