Best of 2017: The 47 Shows That Rocked My Year
As we live in this era of Peak TV, where the motto is “so many shows, so little time”, you have to just admit you’re not going to see…
As we live in this era of Peak TV, where the motto is “so many shows, so little time”, you have to just admit you’re not going to see everything. It’s not possible. So focus on what you’re truly interested in watching. Figure out your own must-see TV sked. Work it. Live in it. Obsess over it. These are the shows that filled me with all the feels in 2017. If you see something you missed, add it to your watchlist. Hopefully you’ll find your new favorite show.
47) The 100 (The CW)
Skaikru’s fight for survival took a dark yet riveting turn as the Second Praimfaya (or Nuclear Apocalypse) arrived. Season four ended with a time jump and our favorite characters separated with hope of a reunion at the top of the season five wish list.
46) Supergirl (The CW)
The princely Mon-El may have dominated season two of the Arrowverse’s best series, but the current season saw a much-needed shot of feminism with Odette Annable’s debut as Samantha Arias (aka Worldkiller Reign). The girl power that radiates from the friendship of Sam, Kara Zor-El and Lena Luthor is everything. This makes the war for Earth’s survival between Supergirl and Reign more than just the prizefight of the season — its stakes are much more personal and therefore much higher.
45) The Bold Type (Freeform)
This fresh, funny and addictive series focuses on three friends trying to make it in NYC while finding their way in the workplace. Katie Stephens, Aisha Dee and Meghann Fahy are the besties figuring out who they are and what they want in life. The show doesn’t shy away from the issues real women deal with, which makes this drama all the more inspiring.
44) Liar (SundanceTV)
It started out like most dates. Only when it was over she claimed he raped her. He denied it. Joanne Froggatt and Ioan Gruffudd tear into their roles as the teacher who accuses the father of one of her students of drugging and sexually assaulting her. The twisty tale has you guessing and second-guessing until the end.
43) The Path (Hulu)
Meyerism isn’t the most fascinating movement, but the lives of its members are positively captivating. Creator/showrunner Jessica Goldberg opened up the floodgates, ramping up the angst, secrets and suspense as Eddie left the group; Sarah stepped up to co-lead with Cal, who’s narcissism and fear began to leave their marks in more obvious ways; and the mystery behind Steve’s death came to light. The core trio of Aaron Paul, Michelle Monaghan and Hugh Dancy make the series downright addictive.
42) Supernatural (The CW)
As a die-hard fan since Day One, no is more surprised and proud as I am the Winchesters are kicking serious ass in season 12. The British Men of Letters as last year’s Big Bad was inspired (oh, Ketch. You’re such a dick, but I love you anyway); as was the return of the boys’ long-dead, much-missed mom Mary (it’s a long story). Season 13 is continuing the trend with Lucifer’s nephilim son Jack fighting alongside Sam and Dean to bring back Mary from an alternate world while working out his place in this one (nope, not even gonna try to explain that backstory). Bottom line: When the brothers finally retire, it’s gonna suck.
41) Channel Zero: No-End House (Syfy)
Horror anthology “Channel Zero” came back stronger for its second installment. Creepy, suspenseful and with a big beating heart that stems from the tragic father-daughter relationship between Amy Forsyth and John Carroll Lynch, “No-End House” starts as your standard horror tale before taking a deep dive into the ties that bind and the fear of never letting go.
40) Wynonna Earp (Syfy)
She came. She saw. She delivered. This can be said for both showrunner Emily Andras and Wynonna herself. The Earp heir (the fantastic Melanie Scrofano) learned she was pregnant in season two, but that didn’t stop her from cracking wise, kicking ass, strengthening family bonds and giving birth. She also dropped one hell of a bomb on fans that is going to have some major repercussions.
39) Top of the Lake: China Girl (SundanceTV)
Elisabeth Moss had a big year on television. But this sequel to the first-rate “Top of the Lake” got lost in the cacophony for her other series of 2017. Detective Robin Griffin is back and, yes, this time it’s personal. While not everything works this time out, most of it does. Moss is phenomenal and she’s got back up from a strong supporting cast including Nicole Kidman, David Dencik and Gwendoline Christie.
38) Doctor Who (BBC America)
Peter Capaldi’s final series as The Doctor is his best. Introducing Pearl Mackie as the delightful Bill alongside the returning Matt Lucas as the endearing Nardole as the Tenth Doctor’s companions was a stroke of genius on departing showrunner Steven Moffat’s part. Bill is The Doctor’s best companion since Donna Noble, in part because Moffat didn’t dump a bunch of non-essential baggage on her. She has a past, but it doesn’t intrude on her present. Both she and Nardole will suffer no fools when it comes to The Doctor and it’s clear both the man flying the T.A.R.D.I.S. and Capaldi love them all the more for it. Capaldi’s farewell soliloquy in “Twice Upon a Time” is the perfect capper for this most unique and (at least by me) loved of The Doctors.
37) Van Helsing (Syfy)
Vanessa Van Helsing came into her second season with guns blazing and her show had absolutely no trouble keeping up with her. The vampire action-drama expanded its world and mythology while keeping fans on their toes with unexpected (yet well thought out) plot twists and a revolving door of characters that put “The Walking Dead” to shame. Missy Peregrym joined our motley crew in one of the most seamless character integrations I’ve seen in a while. And a big shout out to Christopher Heyerdahl’s disturbing, nightmare-inducing portrayal of Sam, who may have the biggest character arc over the past two years. Put another way: Sam would have Negan for lunch. But not before he had some fun with him first.
36) Humans (AMC)
Doubling down on what made the first season so engaging, the near-future sci-fi brought in Carrie-Ann Moss for the departed William Hurt and raised the stakes for the synths and their human allies. For every win, there was a bigger loss. The show wears its heart on its sleeve, but is smart enough to make sure you’re invested in the story. Showrunners Jonathan Brackley and Sam Vincent have crafted an absorbing series that makes you think and feel while giving your nerves a workout.
35) The Magicians (Syfy)
Quentin, Julia, Eliot, Margo, Penny and Alice did not have an easy time of it in season two. To borrow from “Once Upon a Time”: Magic comes with a price. It wasn’t all darkness and portents. There was a magical heist, as well as lovely character moments that heightened and strengthened the relationships. Oh! And there was music and singing, too. Seriously. It was awesome. Olivia Taylor Dudley, Hale Appelman and Charles Mesure were the year’s MVPs. This is the network’s crown jewel.
34) Homeland (Showtime)
Since we’ve been free of Brody, the Claire Danes-led spy drama has consistently found its footing and has barely looked back, which only has been a boon to the storytelling. Season six had a lot going for it, including two fantastic turns by series stalwart Rupert Friend and Elizabeth Marvel as the recently elected POTUS. The show may no longer be the flavor of the month, but it still manages to engage.
33) At Home With Amy Sedaris (TruTV)
An homage and an original, Sedaris’ ode to the local access lifestyle shows of the 1970s and ’80s is a joy to experience. The actress plays multiple roles in addition to a variation of herself, who gives viewers tips on cooking, crafting, decorating and more. As various characters pop in to annoy, help and/or do nothing at all, the comedy is as sharp as one of Amy’s kitchen knives. Famous faces drop by, too, including Paul Giamatti, Stephen Colbert, Jane Krakowski and my personal favorite, Michael Shannon.
32) Sweet/Vicious (MTV)
Not going to lie: This cancellation still hurts. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson created a female-positive, take-no-prisoners look at campus life with her vigilante tale of two women who join forces to take down those who target female students at their college. Intelligent, funny, compassionate and, um, sweet and vicious, it was ahead of its time. In a #metoo world that arrived months after the series ended, I would love to see Jules and Ophelia get a second chance on a more supportive network/streaming platform.
31) Rosehaven (SundanceTV)
Best friends Daniel and Emma live (in his mother’s house) and work (at his mother’s real estate agency) together in the same Tasmanian town. A quirky, sparkling comedy from Luke McGregor and Celia Pacquola, who also write the series and star as Daniel and Emma, it’s heartfelt and hilarious as the duo navigate the small town and life’s absurdities, like falling in love — no, not with each other.
30) The Halcyon (Ovation)
The World War II drama introduces us to the workers at the titular hotel as they navigate not only the repercussions of the war, but their pasts, their love lives, the guests and each other. A handsomely produced soap that sucks you in not just to the various stories but also has you invested in the characters, thanks to strong performances from the entire cast, including Steven Mackintosh and Olivia Williams.
29) I’m Sorry (TruTV)
Andrea Savage created and stars in the year’s best new comedy as a comedy writer juggling marriage, motherhood and life in general. Savage stacks her supporting cast with ringers: Tom Everett Scott as her husband (#relationshipgoals), Jason Mantzoukas as her writing partner and friend, and Kathy Baker and Martin Mull as her divorced parents. The show is observant and hilarious.
28) Jane the Virgin (The CW)
The telenovela with more heart than The Doctor killed off Michael, jumped ahead three years and hit its current midseason hiatus with Jane and Rafael closer than ever (could reconciliation become a reality?). The series has lost none of its humor, romanticism or suspense which is amazing news for its fans. Star Gina Rodriguez directing an upcoming episode in the second half of the season makes 2018 a little brighter.
27) Girls (HBO)
Hannah Horvath has left the building. The dramedy ended on a strong if divisive note, but it ended on Lena Dunham’s terms. The final season gave us two exceptional episodes: “American Bitch,” featuring Matthew Rhys as a favorite author of Hannah’s who sexually harasses her during an interview in his home, and “What Will We Do This Time About Adam?”, which finally resolves the Hannah/Adam relationship.
26) Younger (TVLand)
The romcom was on fire in season four and I’m not just talking about that scene between Liza and Charles in his office. Finally cluing in Kelsey on Liza’s real age and introducing Charles’ ex-wife revitalized the show, but after Josh and his new bride blackmailed Liza into going along with their green card marriage, it’s time to let Diana and, especially, Charles in on Liza’s charade.
25) One Mississippi (Amazon Prime)
Tig Notaro’s sweet and understated dramedy took on sexual harassment in the workplace during its second season with Tig’s producer Kate (played by Notaro’s real-life wife Stephanie Allynne) being subjected to her boss’ masturbation during a one-on-one meeting. The series, based on Notaro’s life, doesn’t shy away from mature subject matter, but it also doesn’t let it drag down the show, allowing humor and humanity to shine through the darkness. Another highlight: Seeing Tig’s widowed stepdad Bill (a lovely turn from John Rothman) find love in the arms of the like-minded Felicia (Sheryl Lee Ralph).
24) The Sinner (USA)
Based on the novel by Petra Hammesfahr, the limited(?) series gripped you from the opening minutes ensuring you follow Cora Tannetti (a career-best turn from Jessica Biel) and Detective Harry Ambrose (Bill Pullman, giving a brilliant reminder he’s more than While You Were Sleeping and Independence Day) down the rabbit hole as they work to figure out why Cora killed a man on the beach in broad daylight in front of eyewitnesses.
23) Endeavour (PBS)
In the aftermath of Joan Thursday’s departure for parts unknown, Morse and her father DI Fred Thursday continued to solve Oxford’s murder mysteries while mourning her loss and trying to locate her. The absence hit the Thursday household particularly hard as Mrs. Thursday dealt with depression, but unfortunately it’s always darkest before the dawn.
22) Orphan Black (BBC America)
The fate of the Leda clones has been decided. After five years and lots of intrigue, betrayal and sestras playing sestras, John Fawcett, Graeme Manson, Tatiana Maslany and the cast and crew wrapped up the drama in a highly satisfying (though highly emotional) fashion. Few shows stick the landing in their final year, but as the season played out, it was clear the tale of Sarah, Alison, Cosima, Helena and Rachel (and Felix and Donnie and Art and Kira and Mrs. S) would be one of love, heartache and empowerment. Miss you guys, already.
21) Good Behavior (TNT)
Blackmail. Betrayal. Self-destruction. All in a season’s work for the family crime drama. It’s also just another day in the life of Letty Raines (the astonishing Michelle Dockery). Season two saw Letty implode her life and hit rock bottom; Javier (Juan Diego Botto, all sex, steel and heart-melting goodness) get sucked back into his family’s drama, particularly as it affected his beloved sister; and the duo feeling the push/pull of their relationship flow through every other aspect of their lives. Feeling warm? That’s the idea.
20) Queers (BBC America)
You don’t need a sprawling cast to make a big impression. This miniseries features eight characters — one per episode — telling their story in the same pub at different points in time. No two stories are the same, yet each is personal, honest and deeply affecting. Alan Cumming, Rebecca Front, Ian Gelding, Kadiff Kirwan, Russell Tovey, Gemma Whelan, Ben Whishaw and Fionn Whitehead comprise the sterling cast.
19) The Exorcist (FOX)
Proof not every film-to-series adaptation is a waste of your time, this take on the William Peter Blatty novel (as well as the movie and its sequels) defies expectation by delivering for two straight years a horror story that rivals anything on the silver screen. Alfonso Herrera, Ben Daniels and Kurt Egyiawan are joined in season two by John Cho, Brianna Hildebrand and Zuleikha Robinson to form a dynamic cast that will happily scare the crap out of you. PS: Send all nightmares in care of executive producers Jeremy Slater, Jason Ensler and Sean Crouch.
18) Fargo (FX)
Season three began with the promise of double the (Ewan) McGregor. In the end, my love for Carrie Coon knows no bounds. (I will go back and watch “The Leftovers”. I wasn’t ready before. I am so ready now.) McGregor delivered a wonderful double turn as twins Emmit and Ray Stussy, but the supporting cast, including Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Olivia Sandoval, Michael Stuhlbarg and David Thewlis, aren’t exactly slackers. Creator/writer Noah Hawley crafted a twisty mystery that, despite what you may have heard, really doesn’t disappoint.
17) Search Party (TBS)
Each episode of this underseen mystery-comedy goes by so fast you can’t help but wish each one was longer. But sometimes the best things come in small packages. Picking up where season one’s cliffhanger left off, the fallout steamrolls Dory, Drew, Elliott and Portia; leaving the group fractured and one of them definitely worse off by the end of season two. Funny, intelligent and original, you need to catch up — like yesterday.
16) Black-ish (ABC)
The topical network comedy is never shy about tackling social issues, but luckily it also never forgets to make its audience laugh while making those same people think. That said, the series’ heart is in its central family: the Johnson’s. Rainbow’s pregnancy and the arrival of little Devante have shaken up the clan’s routine — and for once, that’s a good thing.
15) Mr. Robot (USA)
Creator Sam Esmail took his hacker suspense-drama out of neutral and hit the gas, running every stop sign and red light that lined his path. Directing every episode from season three and writing a few, as well, he has reinvigorated the show with an urgency that also seeped into the characters. Bobby Cannavale’s arrival as Whiterose’s agent of chaos and cleanup could not have come at a better time.
14) The Americans (FX)
The calm before the storm. That is the best way to describe season five of the superb spy drama. Ahead of the final season (debuting March 28), the show slowed down, digging deeper into its characters and setting the stage for its much-anticipated endgame. Not everyone appreciated the approach, but when showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields say dos vedanya later this year, expect that tune to change.
13) American Gods (Starz)
Forget for a moment creators Bryan Fuller and Michael Green are no longer with the show. Remember the wondrousness they gave life to as it sprang from the pages of Neil Gaiman’s fantastic book. The Coming to America sequences. Shadow Moon and Mr. Wednesday. Bilquis devouring her lovers. Salim and The Jinn. Media in all her forms. The ballad of Laura Moon’s life and death. Even the production design, cinematography, direction and score are delectable.
12) Big Little Lies (HBO)
Ladies rule. It’s an indisputable fact. Liane Moriarty’s novel put five women front and center. David E. Kelley honors those characters in his sparkling adaptation (except for that pointless affair Reese Witherspoon’s Madeline has with the play director. Ugh). Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz and Laura Dern embue these women with strength, intelligence, passion and a wicked sense of humor. If only more projects on screens both big and small would put women in such a light.
11) The Good Place (NBC)
Heaven, Hell or inbetween, there’s no denying this comedy marches to the beat of its own drummer. Thank God. From ethics lessons to clown chic to Tahani’s incessant name-dropping, there’s so much to love. The cast is perfect, the writing clever. Yeah, but is it funny? If you have to ask, you’re not watching. If that’s the case, shame on you.
10) Better Things (FX)
Pamela Adlon’s wise, insightful and wistful dramedy has no problem putting women front and center. The triple threat ceded an ep to Celia Imrie, allowing the inimitable actress time and space to show us how Phil isn’t indefatigable despite what she may want us to believe. Adlon also gives the actresses who play the daughters of her character Sam (Mikey Madison, Hannah Alligood and Olivia Edward, all amazing) moments to show each is more than just the offspring of the main character. This doesn’t mean Sam is infallible. Far from it. While she does her best, Adlon reminds us constantly Sam is no saint — which makes her the most relatable person in the room.
9) Insecure (HBO)
Issa and Molly’s worlds became way more complicated in season two. Both men and the workplace became landmines they each had to navigate. Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji bring strength to the drama (even when their characters aren’t feeling it) and strong comic timing to the comedy. Rae, Prentice Penny and Melina Matsoukas have crafted a thoughtful, hilarious series that lets us into the characters’ headspace and into their lives.
8) Game of Thrones (HBO)
Winter is here. The end of the road is on the horizon. With these facts in mind, season seven whipped through its stories at a breakneck pace, but seemingly ever mindful of its destination. Sure, certain travel times confounded the space-time continuum. Otherwise, the journey toward the beloved drama’s conclusion was even more gripping as various characters were introduced to each other right and left, making fandoms squeal ecstatically and hunger for more in equal measure. The night is dark and full of terrors as the final season won’t bow till 2019. Nothing like a series-to-date rewatch to keep the direwolves at bay.
7) Broad City (Comedy Central)
Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson took no prisoners in the comedy’s first winter-set season. Five episodes stand out: “Sliding Doors”, which shows how Ilana and Abbi first met (or not) in the spring of 2011; “Mushrooms” follows the girls through their day while high (and literally animated); “Witches” has Ilana realizing she hasn’t had an orgasm since Trump was elected, while Abbi discovers her first gray hair and reacts accordingly; “Florida” sees the girls visiting The Sunshine State with Ilana’s family — and they like the change of scenery a little too much; and the girls celebrate their “Friendiversary” in grand style — even though Abbi totally forgot. Grab your bestie and enjoy.
6) You’re the Worst (FXX)
Another show airing its penultimate season that is not showing its age, Stephen Falk’s dark, honest and (not in the traditional sense) romantic comedy resumed its twisty tale of love, sex and friendship by starting this batch of episodes with Jimmy out on his own in the middle of nowhere. Unafraid to take risks with its storytelling and characters, the series rewards viewers with a little growth for Jimmy, Gretchen, Edgar and Lindsay, a lot of reprehensible behavior and some of the sharpest wit on television. Who could ask for anything more?
5) The A Word (SundanceTV)
The Hughes clan returns and the world is a little brighter for it. Changes are afoot for everyone, but not everyone is embracing the changes. A beacon of hope amid the craziness of today’s world, this delightful drama is filled with heart-wrenching moments, relatable characters (Max Vento’s Joe and Christopher Eccleston’s Maurice are standouts) and will have you laughing more often than you think.
4) Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (The CW)
A musical comedy that deals with romance, relationships and mental illness? Don’t run screaming from the room! Embrace this magical unicorn! Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna’s genius brainchild has a dark underbelly (not to mention a pitch-black sense of humor) you won’t find in most of its ilk, but that’s just part of its charm. The show is finally delving into the madness behind Rebecca’s methods, allowing Bloom (who also stars as Rebecca) and her fantastic cast to find new aspects of their characters — which means more reasons to sing. I call that a win-win.
3) Bates Motel (A&E)
The tragi-noir that is Bates Motel ended on a beautifully satisfying note. Death and violence were present and accounted for, but so were love and peace. Not everyone survived the final chapter. Those who did not, their fates were inevitable whether we or they wanted to admit it. Those who did, earned their rewards, so everyone is happy and relieved. Like “The Exorcist”, “Bates Motel” has no right to be as good — not to mention as emotionally satisfying — as it is. Thank you Kerry Ehrin, Carlton Cuse, Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore, Max Thieriot, Olivia Cooke, Nestor Carbonell, and the amazing cast and crew for giving us five seasons of murder, mayhem and Normero.
2) Legion (FX)
Noah Hawley had a big year with his take on the “X-Men” universe (Legion, aka David Haller, is Charles Xavier’s son) and “Fargo”. He could have just presented what would have been your average comics adaptation. Instead he bended, twisted, sculpted. Melted it down, shaped it. There was color, sound, light, darkness. Everything was tangible yet not everything could be grasped. Our minds were blown. Our appetites not satiated. This set the bar so high it won’t be seen for years.
1) The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
The year’s most empowering series plays like a near-future early-warning alert in these terrifying times. Adapted from Margaret Atwood’s novel, the series introduces us to a world where child-bearing women are forced to serve their masters in every way. Harrowing, impassioned, righteous and a force to be reckoned with, the handmaids — and the series — show us nothing should be taken for granted. There are things worth fighting for. As Offred says: “They should have never given us uniforms if they didn’t want us to be an army.”
Honorable Mention
12 Monkeys (Syfy); Anne With an ‘E’ (Netflix); Arrow (The CW); Broadchurch (BBC America); Brooklyn Nine-Nine (FOX); Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (BBC America); The Gifted (FOX); The Girlfriend Experience (Starz); The Good Doctor (ABC); Grantchester (PBS); Great News (NBC); Grey’s Anatomy (ABC); Grimm (NBC); iZombie (The CW); Loaded (AMC); Madam Secretary (CBS); The Mayor (ABC); Portlandia (IFC); Remember Me (PBS); Ripper Street (BBC America); Riverdale (The CW); Sherlock (PBS); Teachers (TV Land); Timeless (NBC); The Tunnel: Sabotage (PBS); and Will (TNT).
Joanne Thornborough is pop culture junkie with a particular love for film, TV and the printed word. Find her at @cinelitchick on Twitter and Instagram.