Drama

A series about an animal hitman doesn't sound very funny, but Pet Crazy balances its dark subject matter with a delicious sense of humor. But it's the unexpectedly tender moments, such as the husband calling to relieve his wife's suffering over their dead cat, that make this comedy something special.

I admit it; I can't get enough of trashy TV. I devour soaps, and the more ridiculous they are the better. Now I can get my fix online with the dramedy series Beverly Hills Salon. The will they won't they relationship of Jon and Piper, along with the saga of the mysterious serial killer The Gardener, has me on the edge of my seat. I just wonder when these people find the time to cut hair!

Josh Abrams looks to help teenagers find positivity in a world bogged down by negative forces with his drama series, Josh's Journal. Creating a teen drama with puppets is a unique idea, and I'm not convinced it comes off. Some episodes seem a bit preachy, but the ideas behind it are really strong.

As a closet fan of soap operas, I was thrilled to discover the entertainment channel We Love Soaps TV. Unlike so many series, this web program celebrates the often ridiculed dramatic genre.

However its emphasis on American soap operas wears thin. With the UK, Australia, and New Zealand all producing long running soaps, it's a shame they don’t get a look in, especially with so many US ones disappearing from the TV landscape.

Los Angeles based and Australian born filmmaker Clea Frost turns her attention to the web with her ambitious thriller web series, The Apocalypse Diaries. The series is carefully constructed using "found footage" recorded by Jen Frost, an ordinary girl unwittingly trapped in post apocalyptic Los Angeles. The fast moving plot and high tension help keep viewers hooked.

Pioneer One is one of the most ambitious drama series I've seen on the web. Equal parts political thriller and science fiction, the complex series unfolds slowly, rewarding its viewers for their patience. With episodes clocking in at more than half an hour a piece they may seem like a slog for the YouTube generation, but their depth is impressive.

Hear the words "lesbian dramedy" and you'll probably think of girl on girl action designed to titillate male viewers or a stereotypical barrage of flannel jokes. Girl/Girl Scene bucks the trend with its honest portrayal of the lives of young lesbians. Its dramatic episodes are lengthier than the average webseries at around 45 minutes each, but this works in their favor the creators can get below the surface.

Intelligent writing and well-drawn characters help to make Poker Girls one of the most compelling drama series on the web. The series goes far beyond card games as undercover cop Summer uses the poker world to become closer to the crims she's attempting to put away. There's a strong emphasis on girl power, but there should still be enough here to encourage blokes to tune in.

Susan Miller and Tina Cesa Ward introduce us to a new set of best friends in the drama series Bestsellers. Women from a variety of generations come together for a weekly bookclub, and regular gabfest. The diversity of women helps it appeal to a cross-section of its female target audience.

AIDAN 5 pushes the boundaries of the futuristic science fiction webseries with its gritty narrative, mix of hand-drawn art and live action footage, and shoestring budget. It's clearly a labor of love for the cast and crew of volunteers, and their passion shows. Every episode seems to end on a cliffhanger which has us hanging out for the next.