Whether you're a cord-cutter or still among the cable faithful, it's hard to ignore the abundance of good TV shows available these days. Binging became even bigger in 2020 as TV viewers sought distractions from the COVID-19 pandemic. New stars are being created by the day, and a diversity of untold stories are being unleashed to the viewing public.
Many new series are based on recent hit books, but plays and movies are also a tried-and-true source for material. The emergence of streaming has led companies like Apple TV+ to seek content to keep up with established giants聽Netflix and Hulu, while traditional TV power players like HBO and NBC also tried to get in on the streaming pie. However, there are plenty of broadcast shows still making an impact, and niche channels like National Geographic are proving they can be just as adept at producing quality shows.
Many of the year's best shows were geared toward younger audiences, from the drama inside Brooklyn high schools to the exploits of teenage bounty hunters. But there were also reboots of high school shows from a generation ago that landed well among both adults and younger generations. Movie stars like Cate Blanchett and Chris Rock are appearing on TV more often, and true-crime dramas seem to always reel in an audience. This year also saw the end of some great prestige dramas, including one that forever changed the way we view the world of spies.
As we approach the end of the year, gathered data from on the best TV shows of 2020 and ranked them according to Metascore. Ties are broken by ranks assigned on Metacritic's site. New series and old series with new seasons were considered alike, as were limited series and docuseries. To qualify, the show had to have a Metascore and a 2020 release date. Comedy specials, although included under TV on Metacritic, were not included. Scores are updated as of Dec. 9, 2020.
Click through to find out what show is #1 and what to add to your queue.
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- Metascore: 68
- Release date: April 3, 2020
This science fiction drama is based on the . The series follows a fictional Ohio town and the influence of the local Center for Experimental Physics on its residents. Rebecca Hall leads聽alongside Jonathan Pryce.
- Metascore: 68
- Release date: Oct. 16, 2020
Adapted from Katie Cappiello鈥檚 鈥溾 鈥淕rand Army鈥 is a teen drama based at the fictional Grand Army High School in Brooklyn. This Netflix series stars Odessa A'Zion鈥攖he daughter of Pamela Adlon, who has her own show, "Better Things," and who you may remember as the voice of Bobby Hill on 鈥淜ing of the Hill.鈥
- Metascore: 68
- Release date: Jan. 12, 2020
This HBO crime drama is based on . The series follows the murder of a boy in a small Georgia town and stars Ben Mendelsohn.
- Metascore: 68
- Release date: Sept. 27, 2020
Inspired by the critically acclaimed 1996 film, 鈥淔argo鈥 premiered in 2014 and has drawn in some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Billy Bob Thornton and Kirsten Dunst starred in previous seasons, and the latest saw in a lead role.
- Metascore: 69
- Release date: June 17, 2020
This Hulu teen drama takes place in the same cinematic universe as the film "Love, Simon." Previously unknown actors like anchor the show, which follows teens along their journeys toward discovering their sexuality.
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- Metascore: 69
- Release date: Sept. 25, 2020
鈥淎 Wilderness of Error鈥 is a five-part series based on an Errol Morris book examining the case of suspected murderer Jeffrey MacDonald. The FX production is directed by , who previously helmed a series about Robert Durst.
- Metascore: 69
- Release date: May 1, 2020
As Apple TV+ has tried to break into the streaming game, 鈥溾 has been a pleasant surprise hit. The British comedy follows a couple struggling to start a family.
- Metascore: 69
- Release date: May 27, 2020
The first HBO Max entry on this list, 鈥淟egendary鈥 is a reality series based on . Megan Thee Stallion was one of the judges in the first instalment, and the show has been .
- Metascore: 69
- Release date: March 18, 2020
Based on a novel by Celeste Ng, 鈥溾 uses a whodunit premise to explore the lives and families of two women from different backgrounds. The show, which premiered on Hulu, stars Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon.
- Metascore: 69
- Release date: May 11, 2020
"Trial by Media" has a pretty explanatory title鈥攖he show chronicles court cases that may have been influenced by media coverage. Premiering on Netflix, the show was executive produced by someone familiar with lots of media coverage: .
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- Metascore: 69
- Release date: Nov. 9, 2020
This British drama depicts graduates aiming for a job at a prestigious investment bank. One of the executive producers is , who formerly held high-ranking positions in programming for the BBC, and 鈥淕irls鈥 auteur Lena Dunham directs an episode.
- Metascore: 70
- Release date: Feb. 14, 2020
Fans of 鈥淗igh Fidelity鈥 likely saw the 2000 film or read the Nick Hornby book of the same name. from its predecessors, as it centers on record store employees obsessed with music and their own relationships.
- Metascore: 70
- Release date: Feb. 21, 2020
鈥淕entefied鈥 provided a welcome fresh perspective on the pursuit of happiness, centering on a Mexican-American family. The show tackles topics like gentrification but also serves as a聽 to East Los Angeles.
- Metascore: 70
- Release date: Sept. 14, 2020
This British drama follows two characters on a mysterious island, where the locals are full of secrets. stars in this compelling mix of mystery, horror, and action.
- Metascore: 70
- Release date: April 12, 2020
"Belgravia" is a historical drama centered on an affluent neighborhood in London. As it takes place in the 19th century, there are plenty of balls, dukes, and duchesses, as well as lots of intrigue in this series written by , who previously created Downton Abbey.
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- Metascore: 71
- Release date: Feb. 6, 2020
鈥淜aty Keene鈥 is a spin-off of the popular 鈥淩iverdale鈥 series. Focused on a young woman trying to make it in the New York City fashion industry, 鈥溾 echoes 鈥淭he Devil Wears Prada.鈥 Lucy Hale stars as the title character.
- Metascore: 71
- Release date: August 14, 2020
There鈥檚 a longstanding stereotype that Americans are ambivalent about soccer. When NBC purchased rights to air Premier League games from England, the network introduced a character, Ted Lasso, to be a spokesperson for green soccer fans. 鈥 performance as Ted Lasso was so well-received that Apple TV+ made a show based on the character.
- Metascore: 71
- Release date: Jan. 12, 2020
Another British historical drama, 鈥淪anditon鈥 is based on an unfinished manuscript. Many British viewers were so enthralled by the drama that when it ended after only eight episodes.
- Metascore: 71
- Release date: May 27, 2020
An age-old classic works even in the streaming era. 鈥溾 brings back favorites like Bugs Bunny, Wile E. Coyote, and Daffy Duck, introducing them to new audiences.
- Metascore: 71
- Release date: Sept. 25, 2020
Who knew a show following bakers in the U.K. could become such a cult phenomenon? American audiences have gobbled up "" with some TV critics claiming it's .
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- Metascore: 71
- Release date: Jan. 24, 2020
The comedy 鈥淪hrill鈥 is based on 鈥淪hrill: Notes from a Loud Woman鈥 by Lindy West. The Hulu show features big-name executive producers Lorne Michaels and , and it centers on a young professional (Aidy Bryant) juggling professional aspirations, body-image issues, and relationships.
- Metascore: 71
- Release date: March 5, 2020
鈥淒evs鈥 is one show pushing for more diversity in Hollywood, as it stars Tokyo-born in the lead role. The sci-fi series explores the perils of technology, but also concepts like free will.
- Metascore: 71
- Release date: Feb. 9, 2020
The adventures of Carrie Mathison came to an end in 2020鈥攐r so we thought. The finale of this spy thriller tantalized fans, ending鈥攁t least for now鈥攁 show that prestige TV with its detail, twists and turns, and memorable dialogue.
- Metascore: 71
- Release date: Feb. 3, 2020
Fast-food fans of a certain age remember becoming enraptured by McDonald鈥檚 Monopoly game, where customers collected Monopoly properties to try to win prizes. This series explores ultimately worth millions of dollars.
- Metascore: 72
- Release date: May 8, 2020
This animated show places an alien family on Earth, where they try to determine if humans are a worthy species or not. The sitcom was created by the same guys behind cult favorite ""
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- Metascore: 72
- Release date: May 8, 2020
Will Ferrell and Adam McKay have been benefactors for a plethora of comedic hits, and Liz Feldman鈥檚 鈥淒ead to Me鈥 is the latest in this lineage. The show features Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini, whose characters bond in therapy. for her role.
- Metascore: 72
- Release date: March 4, 2020
鈥淭wenties鈥 is a heartfelt coming-of-age comedy that portrays the hurdles and ambitions of a trio of Black women. The show, created by , was picked up for a second season on BET.
- Metascore: 72
- Release date: Nov. 25, 2020
This reboot features a majority of the old Bayside High gang, now adults trying to reel in their own mischievous teens. Only (Screech) did not reprise his role. Many critics were surprised that .
- Metascore: 72
- Release date: August 14, 2020
After a car accident gone awry, teens in this Netflix drama attempt to become bounty hunters. Despite the unique premise, the show was .
- Metascore: 72
- Release date: July 8, 2020
Based on a true story, "Stateless" recounts the travails of , who was unlawfully detained in Australia. The show features acting heavyweights like Cate Blanchett and Dominic West and takes an intense look at Australia's of visitors without visas.
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- Metascore: 72
- Release date: July 15, 2020
鈥淭he Capture鈥 is a British crime drama about a special agent trying to clear his name. English actress Holliday Grainger stars with Famke Jannsen and Ron Perlman in the BBC drama, which made a in its first season with only six episodes.
- Metascore: 73
- Release date: April 6, 2020
Another British drama, 鈥淒eadwater Fell鈥 chronicles a Scottish doctor who loses his family in a fire. The show was called 鈥渋rresistible鈥 by and has drawn comparisons to the show 鈥淏roadchurch.鈥
- Metascore: 73
- Release date: Feb. 7, 2020
Rob McElhenney, of 鈥淚t's Always Sunny in Philadelphia鈥 fame, brings the laughs in this comedy on Apple TV+. The show was co-created by McElhenney and 鈥淚t鈥檚 Always Sunny鈥︹ . The show also stars F. Murray Abraham.
- Metascore: 73
- Release date: July 9, 2020
This documentary from comedian Amy Schumer follows her through her pregnancy and her preparation for a standup special. The film is shot with selfies and other strategies typical of .
- Metascore: 73
- Release date: Dec. 7, 2020
It took more than two decades for the novel "A Suitable Boy" to be made into a TV series, but now viewers can enjoy this Indian coming-of-age classic. Mira Nair directed this BBC Studios .
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- Metascore: 73
- Release date: June 2, 2020
Based on a podcast, 鈥淒irty John鈥 retells a twisted story of secrets. Amanda Peet and Christian Slater starred in the most recent season鈥斺滵irty John鈥 is credited as one of the shows making podcasts a 鈥溾 for TV studios.
- Metascore: 74
- Release date: April 5, 2020
This British war drama follows several storylines in various countries across Europe during World War II. Differing from other war-period pieces, 鈥淲orld on Fire鈥 focuses on , as opposed to soldiers and generals.
- Metascore: 75
- Release date: July 30, 2020
Comedian Sarah Kendall created and stars in 鈥淔rayed,鈥 which follows a woman returning to Newcastle to learn she is despised by locals. In real life, Kendall is a in British comedy.
- Metascore: 75
- Release date: May 31, 2020
鈥淨uiz鈥 is based on a play by James Graham telling the story of . After winning 1 million pounds on a game show, he is mired in controversy and scandal in the years following.
- Metascore: 75
- Release date: Jan. 4, 2020
An age-old classic gets an update in Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat's version of "Dracula." The show was praised for its but after a spicy start.
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- Metascore: 75
- Release date: May 15, 2020
Who knew a comedy drama about Catherine the Great was what we needed in 2020? 鈥淭he Great,鈥 starring Elle Fanning, is a satirical look at 18th-century Russia, but it also introduced the of Catherine the Great to audiences unfamiliar with the history of Russian dynasties.
- Metascore: 75
- Release date: April 12, 2020
Will two former lovers reunite over a single word? 鈥淩un鈥 leads us toward this climactic decision and stars , formerly of 鈥淣urse Jackie鈥 fame.
- Metascore: 75
- Release date: Oct. 15, 2020
Dennis Nilsen was a Scottish serial killer, and . If you like 鈥淒es,鈥 ITV has a collection of similar miniseries based on British criminals.
- Metascore: 75
- Release date: Oct. 15, 2020
The first new 鈥淪tar Trek鈥 series since 鈥淓nterprise,鈥 鈥淪tar Trek: Discovery鈥 gives us new tales about the crew of the USS Discovery. Sonequa Martin-Green, whom you may recognize from 鈥淭he Walking Dead,鈥 shines as the lead, and the show has been .
- Metascore: 75
- Release date: March 6, 2020
Originally a documentary, "Hillary" was split into a four-part miniseries for Hulu. The production digs into the life of , giving an inside look at her political career.
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- Metascore: 76
- Release date: Oct. 30, 2020
Jon Favreau鈥檚 鈥淪tar Wars鈥-inspired series was one of the most talked-about shows of 2020. Before the series returned, diehards of the franchise dissected Easter eggs, cameos, and leaked stills to grasp any information about the Jedis鈥 journeys. Many critics believe the show has the 鈥ar Wars鈥 franchise.
- Metascore: 76
- Release date: Nov. 15, 2020
In 鈥淢urder on Middle Beach,鈥 Madison Hamburg attempts to The series is an emotional roller coaster with a first-person perspective, although the .
- Metascore: 76
- Release date: Nov. 26, 2020
鈥淭he Flight Attendant鈥 is based on a novel by Chris Bohjalian. The show鈥檚 main character, Cassie Bowden, is a flight attendant who comes upon a dead body. The HBO series has been called a 鈥溾
- Metascore: 76
- Release date: Jan. 23, 2020
鈥淪tar Trek: Picard鈥 takes us into the world of retired Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Patrick Stewart reprises his role as the iconic character, and the show has been a big draw for CBS鈥 .
- Metascore: 76
- Release date: August 23, 2020
This HBO series explores the mysterious NXIVM cult. Former members detail being inside the cult and the emotional aftermath after escaping leader Keith Raniere. The first season seemed to only of the darkness behind NXIVM.
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- Metascore: 76
- Release date: Sept. 16, 2020
鈥淐hallenger: The Final Flight鈥 is an introspective look at the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. The show received kudos for recounting a 鈥溾
- Metascore: 76
- Release date: March 20, 2020
At the beginning of the pandemic, it seemed by Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin. 鈥淭iger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness鈥 exposed viewers to the complicated world of big-cat conservation and its critics but also spliced in criminal activity, romance, and murder mysteries.
- Metascore: 77
- Release date: Sept. 10, 2020
This musical comedy show is . 鈥淛ulie and the Phantoms鈥 was .
- Metascore: 77
- Release date: Jan. 8, 2020
A reboot of a popular 1990s series starring Neve Campbell, 鈥淧arty of Five鈥 focuses on a Mexican family trying to adjust after deportations. Amy Lippman and Christopher Keyser created both series, and the new 鈥淧arty of Five鈥 was .
- Metascore: 77
- Release date: March 27, 2020
"Ozark" has been one of Netflix's pillars of original content thanks to its intense drama and intrigue. star as a couple who relocate their family to the Ozarks after Bateman's money-laundering scheme goes awry.
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- Metascore: 77
- Release date: May 1, 2020
Based on the film 鈥淪kate Kitchen,鈥 this HBO show follows an all-female skateboarding crew. 鈥淏etty鈥 stars talented newcomers Dede Lovelace and Moonbear, who add life to the show with their .
- Metascore: 77
- Release date: Sept. 14, 2020
This drama follows teenagers coming of age on a military base. Chlo毛 Sevigny stars with appearances from Blood Orange and . 鈥淲e Are Who We Are鈥 was noted by critics for providing a .
- Metascore: 77
- Release date: August 30, 2020
鈥淟ove Fraud鈥 is a true-crime drama about , an internet stalker and conman. The show for its inside look at the mind of a criminal and the emotional toll on the women he targeted.
- Metascore: 78
- Release date: July 30, 2020
This British comedy follows a teenager who tries to hide her turbulent home life from her friends. 鈥淚n My Skin鈥 has been a favorite of fans for its character work and 鈥溾
- Metascore: 78
- Release date: June 25, 2020
A satirical comedy, "Search Party" follows a group of colleagues who become involved in a missing-person search. Michael Showalter, noted for his work on "The State" and "Wet Hot American Summer" is a co-creator. "Search Party" has earned renown for its .
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- Metascore: 79
- Release date: April 15, 2020
Mockumentaries can easily hit or miss, but 鈥淲hat We Do in the Shadows鈥 has won acclaim for the crisp writing of Jemaine Clement, who based the show on a 2014 film he wrote. Kayvan Novak, Natasia Demetriou, and Matt Berry have crisp comedic timing, and the show has featured a cadre of like Tilda Swinton, Evan Rachel Wood, and Nick Kroll.
- Metascore: 79
- Release date: Jan. 16, 2020
Australian comedian Josh Thomas scored a hit with this series on Freeform. Although that platform may not be as big as other streaming and cable options, 鈥淓verything's Gonna Be Okay鈥 . The series is about a young man attempting to become caretaker to two half-siblings.
- Metascore: 79
- Release date: August 16, 2020
Based on a Matt Ruff novel, 鈥淟ovecraft Country鈥 unfolds as a man searches for his missing father. The show does a good job of on screen.
- Metascore: 79
- Release date: Sept. 23, 2020
The aptly named 鈥淎gents of Chaos鈥 explores possible Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The two-part series interviews key figures and to answer one of the biggest political mysteries of our time.
- Metascore: 79
- Release date: Oct. 23, 2020
You may be living under a rock if you haven't heard about "" The chess show became all the rage in late 2020, even leading to skyrocketing sales of . The show revolves around a chess prodigy played by actress Anya Taylor-Joy.
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- Metascore: 80
- Release date: April 27, 2020
helped create 鈥淣ever Have I Ever,鈥 which is partly based on her upbringing. The show has received praise for .
- Metascore: 80
- Release date: April 5, 2020
Over a two-year period, at least 30 African American children went missing or were murdered in Atlanta. for two of the crimes, and this show picks up the story as other previously closed cases are reopened.
- Metascore: 80
- Release date: Sept. 4, 2020
Based on 鈥淭he Boys鈥 comic book, this Amazon Prime Video series explores the depths of . Unlike some comic stories, the good guys don鈥檛 always win. A of 鈥淭he Boys鈥 is now in the works.
- Metascore: 81
- Release date: May 29, 2020
An animated sitcom from the minds of Josh Gad, Loren Bouchard, and Nora Smith, 鈥淐entral Park鈥 follows a family who lives near the famed landmark and tries to prevent it from being taken over. Kristen Bell and Stanley Tucci are among the voice actors, and some critics have written that .
- Metascore: 81
- Release date: Jan. 8, 2020
At the beginning of the year, people became enthralled by Netflix's "Cheer"鈥攊ncluding NFL star . The docuseries follows competitors on their way to the National Cheerleading Championship and received several .
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- Metascore: 82
- Release date: Oct. 2, 2020
鈥淜ingdom of Silence鈥 is a captivating look at the career of Washington Post journalist and the events surrounding his killing. The show goes in-depth on journalism ethics, U.S.-Saudi relations, and the complicated life of a dissident, truthseeker, and critic.
- Metascore: 82
- Release date: March 16, 2020
This show is a fascinating alternate-timeline look at the buildup to World War II and the controversial figure of . Full of 鈥渨hat-ifs,鈥 the show posits a world where the aviation hero becomes the U.S. president and embraces fascism.
- Metascore: 82
- Release date: June 28, 2020
鈥淚'll Be Gone in the Dark鈥 is a true-crime series about the journey in telling the tale of the Golden State Killer. The documentary follows the late as she writes a book about one of the country鈥檚 most notorious serial killers. Amy Ryan provides narration.
- Metascore: 82
- Release date: April 29, 2020
Based on Sally Rooney鈥檚 novel, 鈥淣ormal People鈥 extracts a wonderful love story in the Irish countryside. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal are the show鈥檚 breakout stars, starring as schoolmates who come from opposite social circles to unite in . Their story is backed by gorgeous, lush scenery.
- Metascore: 82
- Release date: April 20, 2020
From the creators of the popular "Adventure Time" cartoon comes the animated series "The Midnight Gospel." Protagonist Clancy Gilroy travels through various universes encountering mystery, mayhem, and interesting subjects for a "spacecast." The show's stands out in a crowd of adult animated shows.
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- Metascore: 83
- Release date: May 29, 2020
Comedian Ramy Youssef provides a fresh perspective of Muslims living in America with an assist from Oscar winner Mahershala Ali. Youssef struggles to live both within the boundaries of his Egyptian community and in the greater world with its conflicting moral values. 鈥淩AMY鈥
- Metascore: 83
- Release date: Jan. 17, 2020
Gillian Anderson of聽鈥淭he X-Files鈥 fame plays聽a sex therapist on 鈥淪ex Education.鈥 Her son on the show, played by Asa Butterfield, is a teenager who starts his own sex-therapy sessions at school. The show is noted for its to complicated subject matter and its emphasis on public health.
- Metascore: 83
- Release date: March 19, 2020
鈥淔eel Good鈥 is a British comedy centering on relationships in a comedy club. Drug use and openness are two major themes, and the result is a .
- Metascore: 83
- Release date: Nov. 21, 2020
A documentary based on the groundbreaking book by Ta-Nehisi Coates, 鈥溾 includes some of the most notable and powerful voices in African American culture. Coates, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, and Angela Davis all make appearances in a series that features readings and clips from a performance of a staging of the book at Harlem鈥檚 Apollo Theater.
- Metascore: 84
- Release date: March 24, 2020
A reboot of a popular series from over three decades ago, the new version of "One Day at a Time" centers on a Cuban-American family. The show has had its since its 2017 debut but appears to be nearing its end after another cancellation. Justina Machado was a standout as Penelope, the family matriarch.
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- Metascore: 84
- Release date: April 9, 2020
A spin-off of 鈥淭he Good Wife,鈥 this show focuses on female lawyers at a high-powered law firm. 鈥淭he Good Fight鈥 has won over critics for its stories based on and its use of .
- Metascore: 84
- Release date: Oct. 4, 2020
Ethan Hawke delivers in the historical dramedy 鈥淭he Good Lord Bird.鈥 The show follows abolitionist soldiers led by John Brown (Hawke) in events leading up to the Civil War.
- Metascore: 85
- Release date: Jan. 17, 2020
鈥淟ittle America鈥 shines a light on in the U.S. The show has been credited as being one of , thanks to short tales of strife, hope, and patriotism.
- Metascore: 85
- Release date: August 3, 2020
This documentary series takes an inside look at the dealings of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Because of the rare access granted the filmmakers, many controversies arose, until after the 2020 elections.
- Metascore: 85
- Release date: March 26, 2020
One of the few shows to feature Yiddish, "Unorthodox" is based on the book "Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots." It follows a woman in an unhappy marriage who flees her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. The show especially thanks to the performance of lead Shira Haas.
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- Metascore: 85
- Release date: July 12, 2020
P-Valley takes place in the unique setting of a Mississippi Delta strip club. The show captures , with an emphasis on the struggles of .
- Metascore: 85
- Release date: Nov. 19, 2020
Like so many series these days tackling millennial-specific conflicts, 鈥滻 Hate Suzie鈥 is about an actress whose phone is hacked, which leads to the release of private pictures. is being lauded for her leading role, and the show .
- Metascore: 85
- Release date: Nov. 15, 2020
Who knew British royalty could be so ? Another show that became (virtual) water-cooler talk toward the end of the year, 鈥淭he Crown鈥 dramatizes the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Because of the liberties taken on the show, the U.K. government has asked Netflix to on the show鈥檚 credits.
- Metascore: 86
- Release date: June 7, 2020
Michaela Coel鈥檚 dark comedy is about a social media celebrity entering the literary world who tries to recount the events of a night out. The HBO show takes a and provides important context in telling stories about such topics.
- Metascore: 87
- Release date: April 15, 2020
This historical drama starring Cate Blanchett and Rose Byrne chronicles the push to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. The show highlights the work of pioneers like and Gloria Steinem alongside .听
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- Metascore: 87
- Release date: July 3, 2020
with 鈥淭he Baby-Sitters Club,鈥 and this generation gets a Netflix series. The show was chock-full of nostalgia for viewers who may have been familiar with the namesake books or movie鈥攊n another nostalgia trip, the show featured 1990s icon Alicia Silverstone.
- Metascore: 87
- Release date: June 10, 2020
Following four medical professionals at Lenox Hill hospital, this Netflix hit exposed the detail and pressure of working with lives at stake. Subjects were praised for their 鈥,鈥 and being released during the pandemic, 鈥淟enox Hill鈥 created even more empathy for essential workers.
- Metascore: 89
- Release date: April 30, 2020
Five years after the series finale of 鈥淧arks and Recreation鈥 aired, the crew of the Pawnee Parks Department returned for a one-off special. Adam Scott, Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza and others all showed up, and the episode benefitted .
- Metascore: 89
- Release date: Feb. 14, 2020
An important miniseries about LGBTQ+ representation in the television industry, 鈥淰isible: Out on Television,鈥 is narrated by stars like Margaret Cho and Neil Patrick Harris. The called the show the best offering on Apple TV+.
- Metascore: 90
- Release date: April 19, 2020
With the ability to watch many shows at any time, there are few must-see TV events that everyone seems to watch together. "" released during the beginning of the pandemic, was one of those events. The 10-part series followed the Chicago Bulls during their heyday, providing inside looks and untold stories of Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, and other key personnel on one of America's most revered sports teams.
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- Metascore: 91
- Release date: Jan. 31, 2020
A cult classic, 鈥淏oJack Horseman鈥 continues to combine the absurd with gut-busting comedy like few animated shows. Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, and Paul F. Tompkins star as voices on what is the greatest animated show of all time. 鈥淏oJack Horseman鈥 has also drawn praise for .
- Metascore: 92
- Release date: March 16, 2020
Based on novels by Italian author Elena Ferrante, this series follows fictional character , who recalls a friendship with a missing bestie. 鈥淢y Brilliant Friend鈥 became a surprise hit for HBO Max .
- Metascore: 92
- Release date: Feb. 23, 2020
Fans of 鈥淏reaking Bad鈥 have embraced 鈥淏etter Call Saul,鈥 the spin-off that chronicles lawyer Saul Goodman (played by Bob Odenkirk). After five seasons, the show has proved to be just as good as its predecessor, with predicting 鈥淏etter Call Saul鈥 will soon surpass 鈥淏reaking Bad.鈥 Who knew Albuquerque was so interesting?
- Metascore: 93
- Release date: Oct. 29, 2020
Steve James, director of the seminal documentary 鈥淗oop Dreams,鈥 scores again with 鈥溾 This documentary miniseries follows the recent mayoral election in Chicago and creates a gripping narrative of social injustice and politics. 鈥淐ity So Real鈥 exposes Chicago鈥檚 problems, but as one of the most dynamic cities in the U.S.
- Metascore: 93
- Release date: Sept. 18, 2020
Cringeworthy middle school memories have never been portrayed better. Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle have a tackling thongs, cultural identity, and crushes in a uniquely fresh way. Extra kudos to them for , despite actually being in their 20s and 30s.
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