Due to production shutdowns, some shows didn't get to bring out their new seasons or season finales in 2020. However, that doesn't mean that there wasn't enough great television to fill out a top 10 list, quite the opposite actually. Still once again it's important to note that I prefer to make more of ''favourite shows'' lists rather than ''best'' because that's just way more fun and usually makes room for shows of all genres. There was plenty of comedy to help you forget the difficult year as well as fun entertaining shows from big franchise machines (Star Wars, DC etc.). And whenever you got enough of those, there was still beautiful heavy dramas to experience and delve into. This following list is full of shows that I whole-heartedly recommend for you to check out, no matter the genre.
Special Mentions
Amazing shows that I catched up to in 2020 so they weren't featured in earlier lists, deserving special shout-outs.
SUCCESSION
• Season two of 'Succession' was a massive step up and the first one was already good enough to deserve a recommendation. There is such richness in the characters.
FLEABAG
• I know, I know, I'm late to this party since the show wrapped up with this second season. It is still peak comedy in terms of building up jokes and timing, also an improvement from the first season.
UNBELIEVABLE
• Gut-wrenching miniseries based on a true story, features some wonderful acting from Merritt Wever, Kaitlyn Dever and Toni Collette.
WHEN THEY SEE US
• Another miniseries based on true events which also features a great cast performing at the top of their range. Gorgeously shot, too.
PEAKY BLINDERS
• Show that has gone up and down as far as quality goes but the fifth season manages to shake things up in a refreshing way. Amazingly crafted show still.
Now, the top 10 TV shows of last year:
10. FEEL GOOD (season 1)
• Most fast-paced comedy of the year which just flies by with its swift dialogue and sharp jokes. It also has room to grow if it gets picked up for another season.
Read our review
9. RAMY (season 2)
• One of two shows along with the next one that I didn't review but it is still a high recommendation. Adding Mahershala Ali to act against the star/writer/producer Ramy Youssef elevated the show thematically while the episodes without Ramy (the character) himself also added new perspectives.
8. THE MANDALORIAN (season 2)
• Perhaps the most impressive looking show of the year but 'The Mandalorian' also thrives because there are two great main characters that you actually care about. VFX, sound design, score, it's all there.
Read our review
7. WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (season 2)
• One series that has no right to be good as it is. In its second season (sensing a theme here), the vampires of Staten Island are even more witty while also providing a ''volleyball coach'' episode that I haven't stopped thinking about.
6. DOOM PATROL (season 2)
• Without a proper season finale, 'Doom Patrol' doesn't pack as big of a punch as when debuting but it still might be the most underrated show when it comes to character work. A great score too if that is your kind of thing.
Read our review
5. OZARK (season 3)
• In its third season, 'Ozark' is finally starting to deliver on its promise. Every episode is just great performances after another and this season's addition of Tom Pelphrey in a supporting role even backed up that further. Let's see how the fourth season wraps the story up.
Read our review
4. THE BOYS (season 2)
• 'The Boys' came out with possibly the biggest surprise of the year with its second season; it is no longer just an edgy, fun show but now there is a balance for the characters and something to say as well. Doesn't hurt when you have the best villain on TV with Homelander, played menacingly by Antony Starr.
Read our review
3. THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT (miniseries)
• Who knew that sports action would make a return in the form of a miniseries about a chess prodigy? The word ''beautiful'' is the right word for 'The Queen's Gambit' as it is one of the most flawless executions of production design, costumes and cinematography working together.
2. UNORTHODOX (miniseries)
• Now, 'Unorthodox' came straight out of left field for this list. The most unique show in terms of storytelling and dialogue in a long time and Shira Haas in the lead role delivers a mind-blowing performance.
1. BETTER CALL SAUL (season 5)
• It's been a long time coming but 'Better Call Saul' is here to stay as prestige television. Miraculously, the show has managed to get better with every season (such a rare feat) and that is mostly due to best-in-format writing. The thing is that it also has awards-worthy acting and editing to push it to the limit.
Read our review
See you in 2021.
