#20 – What We Do in the Shadows
If you’ve wondered what it’s like for four vampires sharing a house in modern-day Staten Island, New York, look no further than the FX comedy, “What We Do in the Shadows.” Based on the 2014 hit feature film of the same name by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, the documentary-style show follows Nandor (Kayvan Novak), Guillermo (Nandor’s familiar, played by Harvey Guillén), Laszlo (Matt Berry), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) and Mark Proksch as Colin Robinson, an energy vampire, as they oddly interact with one another in the course of their daily lives, from grocery shopping to failed attempts at world domination.
Featuring the same physical comedy and dry, egotistical dialog, the TV adaptation elicits as many laughs as the original film. The 10-episode series premiere has been the recipient of rave reviews from both critics and viewers alike, and you won’t have to wait long to see more misadventures from this neurotic group of undead, as Season 2 is set to be released in 2020. – Brittany Norvell Priest
#19 – Bojack Horseman
It’s pretty interesting that “Bojack Horseman” was the first show to make the jump from streaming to cable syndication. At first glance, a cartoon about a washed-up celebrity horse with crippling depression seems pretty niche. A program in which humanized animals and people talk candidly and seriously about their innermost insecurities seems like the sort of show that was destined to make great use of streaming television. Eventually, though, the uncomfortable honesty and visual absurdity found a wider audience, as people found themselves resonating with the characters on a profound level.
The final season of “Bojack” is being released in two parts: The first part is up on Netflix now, with the second part scheduled to be released in 2020. After five seasons, the characters are layered and complex, with backstories to match. The newest season might not be the strongest, but it has an intense setup for what is sure to be a memorable finale. “Bojack” continues to be one of the densest and most honest shows out there, streaming or otherwise. – Zac Fallon
#18 – Letterkenny
I was just about to leave a friendly game of cards with several friends in North Knoxville earlier this year when one of the gents implored that we all check out a clip of a show before we left. In that clip, three incredibly Canadian roughnecks were throwing around a baseball and giving each other the business. It was one of the funniest things I saw all year, and just like that, I was hooked. Over the next few weeks, I saw “Letterkenny” everywhere. I slowly worked my way through all the seasons, and while the latest is perhaps not as sharp as earlier seasons, the show’s presence on this list serves as a lifetime achievement award. There are some rather peculiar segments in this show, and some characters are more engaging than others, but there’s at least one gut-laugh in almost every episode. It was originally created by Crave, but it is hosted by Hulu now, and it’s worth a look if you enjoy witty writing, dry humor, cold openings and/or cheesy fight scenes. – Rusty Odom
#17 – Killing Eve
“Killing Eve” is a beautifully made binge-fest of obsession between a clever yet unfulfilled MI5 officer (Sandra Oh) and a couture-wearing psychopathic assassin who is bored with her life (Jodie Comer). Superbly dark and intriguing with the occasional bit of humor, the show is simply captivating. Female-led and so brilliantly acted it’s almost impossible to stop watching. – Jessica Karp
#16 – Stranger Things
While “Stranger Things” took a bit of a detour in Season 2, the show’s third installment went back to the basics. Eleven and the gang were as good as ever in Season 3, and the show seems to be perfectly set up for a conclusion in its fourth. There’s a chance that we get another run after that one, but all signs point to one last hop into this fantastical world where demons are fought by a group of kids and a few resourceful townspeople in Hawkins, Indiana. This show leans heavily on ‘80s nostalgia in every way, but viewers wouldn’t have it any other way. It pays homage to show-runners of the past while still building its own place in the lexicon of lighthearted horror entertainment. It will be sad when this show is over, but it will be fascinating to see where its cast goes in the future. – RO
#15 – When They See Us
This four-part miniseries on Netflix, based on the events of the 1989 Central Park jogger case, is one of the most powerful, emotionally gripping series of the year. Following five boys falsely accused of rape and assault, the confusion and turmoil of their experience gets personal, reminding us that the race to solve a crime and find justice can be reckless and ignorant and that sometimes, even when all the facts are there, truth somehow ceases to exist. This shocking and painful story of our criminal justice system gone awry is told through incredible performances from a young cast, which earned the show 11 Emmy nominations, including one for outstanding limited series. “When They See Us” is more proof that history and lessons can be taught – and often are most effective – when delivered through film and television. – MM
#14 – Russian Doll
Natasha Lyonne of “Orange Is the New Black,” stars in Season 1 of this comedy-drama as main character Nadia, a New York City partygoer whose 36th birthday celebration never seems to end. She seems caught in a full-on “Groundhog Day” loop of repeating the same events each day only to “reemerge” to relive the same fate after a series of unfortunate deaths.
The Netflix original series was written and co-created by Lyonne, Amy Poehler and Leslye Headland, and it leaves viewers wondering if Nadia will ever be able to fix her fate or if she will be stuck forever living the same day/death over and over again. I guess we’ll have to wait for Season 2 to find out! – BNP
#13 – Succession
HBO has found a new powerhouse drama with “Succession,” a beautifully constructed story of dysfunction and struggle in a world corrupted by fortune and fame. This intelligent, dialogue-driven drama thrives due to a carefully crafted and intriguing cast that may be one of the best ensembles on television. The interactions amongst these characters is rarely dull but often fast-paced, witty and honest, shifting the direction of the entire story. Through incredible scriptwriting, each character is carefully dissected, revealing their struggles and complexities, making these wealthy, often spoiled humans relatable, in the process taking what for most of us is an unfamiliar world and making it very real. Accompanied by perfectly placed humor and a fantastic score, the show’s intensity and unpredictability have us excited for Season 3. – MM
#12 – Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Following four consecutive Emmy wins for outstanding writing in a variety series, the “Last Week Tonight” crew somehow continues to exceed expectations with each new season. The smartest show on television has crafted a near-perfect blend of news, politics and comedy, smothered in metaphors and elaborate nonsense that actively contributes to a more informed society. The mix of deeply researched topics, presented with artistic simplicity and creative humor, produces an experience that no other show delivers. From setting the world record for biggest cake just to spite Turkmenistan’s leader to orchestrating a Broadway-type performance in Times Square to call out a coal tycoon, the show goes above and beyond to make a point and ensure it sticks. Oliver has created a new format that only he can deliver: a brilliant display of news satire that is intelligently structured and deserving of the coveted Emmy dominance. – MM
#11 – The Politician
In Ryan Murphy’s newest unhinged soap-y dramedy, an all-star supporting cast of TV and film veterans surrounds a precocious group of wealthy teens at San Sebastian High in SoCal as the kids duke it out for the coveted role of class president. With a political future on the line, ambitious Payton Hobart (in a breakout performance from Ben Platt) stops at nothing to turn the tides of popular opinion in his favor. It’s a romping dark comedy replete with suicides, ghosts, kidnappings, affairs and more than a little manipulative and duplicitous behavior from Payton, his supporters and his rivals, all of whom are attempting to get what they want. – Luke Brogden
#10 – True Detective
After a disappointing second season, HBO’s anthology crime drama returned with the rising Mahershala Ali and Stephen Dorff as a detective pair investigating the disappearance of two children in the Ozarks. Taking place across three time periods, “True Detective” crafts an intricate, unpredictable story that transitions seamlessly, leaving you diligently trying to put together the pieces. Ali is stellar in all ages of his character, continuing to prove his flexibility as an actor, and Dorph produces the best performance of his career. The interaction between the two feels natural yet contentious, creating an uncomfortable friendship that adds to the suspense. Returning to what worked in Season 1, “TD” brings a fresh story to a familiar structure that keeps you guessing, asking questions and rooting for the truth. – MM
#9 – Veep
The seventh and final season of “Veep” takes Selena Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) on the campaign once again for President of the United States. It’s the only fitting way to conclude the impressive run of this political satire that surrounds Louis-Dreyfus in her strongest performance to date. It often takes more than one viewing to catch (or understand) all of the jokes packed into a single episode. The comedic chemistry between cast members is exceptional, ensuring constant laughter over fast-paced, metaphor-filled interactions that are massively intelligent and creative. David Mandel and his writing crew get better every season, solidifying the show’s legacy and raising the bar for political satire. Always timely, relevant and relentless, we were lucky to have this underrated comedic masterpiece as long as we did. – MM
#8 – Mandolorian
Baby. Yoda. For readers who somehow haven’t seen the thousands of memes proving the immediate fan frenzy over this new favorite character inhabiting the Star Wars universe, let’s briefly recap: In the first episode of the series, the protagonist – an unnamed, perpetually masked Mandalorian bounty hunter in the tradition of (but chronologically after) Jango and Boba Fett – is on his newest job, sent by a creepy warlord portrayed by none other than famously dour director Werner Herzog. After shooting up a fortified outpost, the Mandalorian discovers that his mark is a pitiful yet delightful tiny baby Yoda. He is simply referred to as “the kid” or “the child,” but apparently with his race, at 50 years old he still exhibits behavior of a precious pre-vocal toddler. Fans have speculated this could be a descendent of Yoda – and maybe even a lovechild of Yoda and Yaddle (who appeared on the Jedi Council in past films). But one thing is for sure: The buddy-film relationship/dynamic between the expressionless Mandalorian and the strangely powerful child he’s decided to leave everything else behind to protect, is nothing short of magical. – LB
#7 – The Good Place
Just how good do you have to be to get to heaven? “The Good Place” has spent four seasons addressing that question. Aside from several exciting subplots, it primarily is a comedy based on morality. Seeking the answers to all of life’s biggest questions even after life as we know it ends, the show has packaged some of the world’s most complex ideas into a sitcom that still is genuinely entertaining. It is common for the characters to casually cite Kant or Plato, but it’s equally common for them to make a joke about the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.
In a world full of reboots and sequels, it’s nice to see that even the networks have some originality left in them. “The Good Place” is unlike anything else out there. It even sports a completely original love story with Jason and Janet. Let me reiterate that it is a COMPLETELY original love story – no rehashed boy-meets-girl cliché here. The show has managed to stay funny throughout all the twists and turns the characters have undergone, and it’s managed to stay watchable even as it reinvents itself every season. Trying to talk about this show without including any spoilers is almost impossible; I’ve done my best. – ZF
#6 – Watchmen
With executive producer Damon Lindelof’s previous works, “Lost” and “The Leftovers,” there’s been a significant love/hate relationship amongst viewers. “Watchmen” is no different, but for very different reasons. It’s a bold move to tell this story of racial tension and white supremacy through this television genre, but Lindelof makes it work. Underneath this realism lies a fantasy world that is intelligent, complicated and thrilling. The two worlds are anchored by Angela Abar/Sister Knight, played by Regina King in a daring role that is sure to expand her career. This fresh story, set decades in the future from the previous franchise, allows those unfamiliar to gain a strong foundation of the past while actively experiencing the twists and turns of a realistic, modern-day dilemma. Each of the storylines are built at their own speed, teasing and intriguing viewers in a deliberate, unique and intelligent fashion, all leading up to an incredible finale. – MM
#5 – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Created and written by Amy Sherman-Palladino of “Gilmore Girls” fame, “Maisel” also stars TV heavyweights Tony Shalhoub as Miriam’s father – a formerly uptight professor who has become a beatnik philosopher – and Alex Borstein (Family Guy) as her no-nonsense, streetwise agent. Recently picked up by Amazon for a fourth season, “Maisel” is as marvelous as the name of the show implies. Hilarious, witty and full of scenic and fashion flair, it is the perfect series to binge this holiday season if you’re not already a huge fan. – BNP
#4 – The Crown
For many younger boomers to older Gen Xers, this is the British royal family they know best. The events of this year’s third season of “The Crown” are set between 1964 and 1977, which cover the lead-up to Prince Charles’ investiture and Queen Elizabeth’s silver jubilee commemorating her 25th year on the throne. Elizabeth and her extended Windsor family continue to be confronted with an increasingly modern and progressive world – with some adapting better than others.
For younger viewers who may have been more familiar with the Princess Diana era or the lives of her sons William and Harry, this season is a historical revelation, elucidating less familiar stories like Charles’ friendship with a Welsh nationalist professor, the royals’ reaction to the mining tragedy at Aberfan and the American moonwalk and the failed coup attempt involving Lord Mountbatten.
Viewers thirsty for relationship drama will no doubt enjoy the love … uh … square with Charles, Camilla, her future husband Andrew Parker-Bowles and Princess Anne. They’ll also enjoy the fierce love/hate relationships and affairs of Princess Margaret and Lord Snowden, as well as the incredulity of the older royals’ manipulative methods of “managing” the love lives of the younger generations. Beautifully shot, lit, edited, scored and acted (Olivia Coleman inhabits her role with all her being), this season is a must-see. – LB
#3 – Chernobyl
This epic, historically based, dramatic miniseries was probably responsible for more new subscriptions to HBO (and Google searches about topics related to nuclear physics) than any other series in 2019. It probably was the most talked-about show of the year, too. Jared Harris (Lane Pryce on “Mad Men”) is a scientist brought to key Soviet secret city Chernobyl (think of a Ukranian Oak Ridge) after the infamous nuclear reactor meltdown that released untold amounts of poisonous radiation into the atmosphere, creating magnificent logistical obstacles to contain and costing thousands of lives to various diseases.
The pacing, costumes, sets and especially the acting all are amazing, but for many viewers who may not have been alive during the debacle or ever studied it in much depth, the colossal avalanche of trivia surrounding the event – like the Soviets allocating millions of dollars and thousands of men to hunt, kill and dispose of all infected wild animals in the area or that an entire layer of the Earth’s crust within a certain radius of the blast was either turned up and replaced or paved over – leaves viewers in awe of the dark majesty and complexity of nature, history and science. – LB
#2 – Fleabag
Oh, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, where do I begin to describe the utter brilliance that is this BBC Three comedy? Picked up by Amazon, the second and final season of the self-aware dramedy broke hearts, the fourth wall and one very costly Women in Business Award is TV at its absolute finest. What started by Waller-Bridge as a one-woman stage show was picked up in the U.K. but was not widely known or well-received until its broader distribution this year. It subsequently swept the 2019 Emmy awards, though, propelling PWB to becoming a household name and a cultural phenomenon while definitively turning a black jumpsuit into the ultimate symbol of female empowerment.
Season 2 follows the main character, known only to the audience as Fleabag, as she struggles with love and loss while navigating through life in London. Written with the grittiest, most honest dialog ever to grace TV sets, she falls in love with the Hot Priest (Andrew Scott), watches as her father marries her godmother (Olivia Coleman) and supports her uptight sister Claire (Sian Clifford) through one very pencil-esque haircut. To be fair, this is a very simplified version of a season in which the first episode alone could inspire a dissertation, so I’ll just leave you with this tweet by comedian Kumail Nanjiani: “Ok we can stop making TV now. I just finished Fleabag, and we’re all done here.” – BNP
#1 – Barry
“Barry” is a show with no weaknesses. The cast is spectacular; Bill Hader won an Emmy for each season he’s played the titular character, and they are well-earned. He plays a hitman, certainly dealing with PTSD at the very least, who decides to take an acting class. Through acting exercises, he starts to understand how to express his emotions and uncorks a slew of bottled-up memories by doing so. Hader has been doing an extraordinary job with a tough role, but he is surrounded by a supporting cast that is keeping pace with him.
The writing, directing, set design, editing and all the other things that make TV great are being executed at clinical levels on this show. It feels like a movie, never fails to make you laugh and maintains a fast-paced, action-packed plot. HBO has made a habit of putting out fantastic, high-quality programming, but even under that lens, “Barry” feels particularly special. It’s the type of show that you watch as soon as it comes out – not because you can’t wait to see what happens, but because you want to go on the ride again. – ZF
