One Day at a Time
This overlooked gem made its debut on Netflix back in January, starting the year on strong footing. One of the few examples of a remake done right, this update on Norman Lear's classic 1970s sitcom is an absolute delight.
The Handmaid’s Tale
Margaret Atwood’s seminal feminist work came alive on Hulu and became a phenomenon, inspiring memes, political protests and Halloween costumes. But amid all the hubbub, it’s easy to forget the Emmy-winning series was deep and visually rewarding. It felt stretched at times but was always grounded in Elisabeth Moss’ sumptuous leading performance.
Dear White People
Creator Justin Simien expanded and deepened the story from his 2014 film, and the resulting Netflix series was one of this year's most affecting TV shows . Vivid, vital and cleverly told, Dear White People smartly balanced its humor and commentary.
Alias Grace
Alias Grace was not as flashy or as trendy as Handmaid's, the other Margaret Atwood adaptation, but was as beautifully and masterfully told. Anchored by a staggering performance from Sarah Gadon, this Netflix period mystery upended the way pop culture usually portrays gender and violence.
The Deuce
A different series about the rise of the pornography industry in the 1970s might have been an exploitative mess, but HBO's drama managed to strike the right tone in the hands of The Wire alums David Simon and George Pelecanos, and the result was a simmering delight packed with great performances and lush period details.
The Gifted
In the increasingly crowded field of superhero TV series, Fox's X-Men-adjacent adventure hit all the right notes with its action, casting and storytelling, in a series familiar enough to be easily understood and unique enough to stand out.
GLOW
Perhaps the most downright fun new series this year, Netflix’s period piece about the formation of the female wrestling squad, is an absolute treat, from the strong ensemble to the wrestling moves to the glorious 1980s hair.
The Bold Type
Freeform's The Bold Type could have easily been a knockoff of late '90s rom-coms, but instead it's an empathetic portrait of three women in their mid-20s contemplating their careers, love lives, health, financial futures and more. The season finale, about sexual assault survivors supporting one another, is even more poignant in a post-Harvey Weinstein world.
Star Trek: Discovery
A darker and more complex take on the beloved franchise, Discovery was a risky move that paid off with each episode. After the CBS All Access series' bumpy start, the narrative and cast, led by the strong Sonequa Martin-Green, began to soar.
