Best Television of 2021: My Top 14 — So Far
It’s been a smorgasbord of delights when it comes to television during the past six months. For the first time ever, two travelogues earn…
It’s been a smorgasbord of delights when it comes to television during the past six months. For the first time ever, two travelogues earn spots on this list. They join a musical, two LGBTQ+ series, a few superheroes, and a Queen. If the first half of the year was this good, I can’t wait to see what’s next. See who made the cut below. If your fave isn’t there, maybe a future favorite did.
14) Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (NBC)
This musical romantic comedy-drama left everything on the floor for its now-final season giving fans a nifty twist/cliffhanger that would have made for a fun season three. Jane Levy and a stacked cast, including fellow standouts Alex Newell, John Clarence Stewart, and Alice Lee, pulverized our feels on a weekly basis and will be missed. No heart song required.
13) Queen of the South (USA)
For five seasons, Alice Braga held court as the drug queenpin who led with her head while listening to her heart. Watching her Teresa Mendoza rise from girlfriend of a drug runner to one of the most powerful smugglers in the world was a privilege. Her arc is everything a full-bodied character deserves. (My beloved Pote, played by the show’s secret weapon Hemky Madera, also deserves a huge shout out.) The queen is dead. Long live the queen. Salud!
12) Chad (TBS)
Nasim Pedrad delivers a pitch-perfect performance as the titular 14-year-old Persian boy who desperately wants to fit in despite perpetually standing out — and not always in the best ways. This coming-of-age comedy is akin to Hulu’s PEN15 in its basic conceit of adult women playing teenage characters, but follows its own hilarious beat. Saba Homayoon, Paul Chahidi, and Ella Mika are superb as Chad’s relatable family.
11) Men In Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham (Starz)
Outlander stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish travel across Scotland, hitting a variety of locations, including some that were featured in the drama series based on the Diana Gabaldon novels. The men revel in their tour of the country as well as the opportunity to hit the road together, their chemistry making for a delightful experience. Eight episodes are not nearly enough, so please give us more, Starz!
10) Batwoman (The CW)
After Ruby Rose left following season one, expectations were uncertain coming into the new season. Thanks in large part to Javicia Leslie’s Ryan Wilder as the woman now under the cowl, the DC Comics series made nearly everyone say, “Kate who?” While original bat lady Kate Kane casts a giant shadow over season two, Leslie and the returning cast thrive as a stronger show emerges as a result, making Batwoman a welcome addition to the superhero roster, regardless of network or streaming service.
9) The Gloaming (Starz)
This supernaturally tinged Australian mystery/procedural gives off Dublin Murders vibes (coincidentally both shows aired on the same network in the U.S.) without walking the exact same path. A woman’s death reunites detectives Molly McGee and Alex O’Connell (Emma Booth and Ewen Leslie, both fantastic), whose tragic pasts may be connected to the current case. Haunting and suspenseful, it packs an emotional punch.
8) Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy (CNN)
Tucci’s superb travelogue/culinary pilgrimage fascinates while undoubtedly making you yearn to taste every bite he puts into his mouth (not to mention every sip that passes his lips). Not satisfied to just be a food travel show, he dives into the background of each location he visits, sharing political history as well as cultural. This proves the stomach makes the perfect gateway to connect with anyone, but also that food alone isn’t nourishing enough.
7) Back (Sundance Now)
This fiendishly clever, deliciously droll dark comedy finally made its way back (see what I did there?) to our screens after a three-year absence. Estranged foster brothers Stephen and Andrew (the equally terrific David Mitchell and Robert Webb) are still screwing with each other’s heads, only Andrew has now added Stephen’s ex Alison to his hit list. Expertly executed by writer-creator Simon Blackwell and his cast, I sincerely hope there will be a series three, regardless how long the wait.
6) WandaVision (Disney+)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first official series (sorry everyone else, particularly Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Punisher; yeah, that covers the Netflix shows) may have been bumped up thanks to the pandemic, but what a treat for MCU fans as well as sitcom lovers, in general. Original, insightful, romantic, thrilling, WandaVision is everything an MCU fan could want. Leads Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany have been never better and they get a strong assist from Teyonah Parris, Randall Park, Kat Dennings, and the magnficent Kathryn Hahn.
5) Breeders (FX)
What a difference a time jump makes. After a strong debut season, the dark family comedy-drama hit its stride by aging up Paul and Ally’s two kids a few years. In tightening the focus on its familial unit, including Paul’s parents and Ally’s mum and her boyfriend, season two delivered brilliantly, setting up what could be a very interesting dilemma/dynamic for year three. Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard anchor the series beautifully.
4) Everything’s Gonna Be Okay (Freeform)
Josh Thomas’ charming comedy grew up in its second season allowing its characters to evolve while experiencing the pandemic as most of us have. Having Nicholas (Thomas) become friends with Matilda’s girlfriend’s mom is a highlight of a very satisfying season that also sees Genevieve getting a boyfriend with wonderful results, and Matilda entering a non-traditional relationship with Drea with unexpected results. The stage is set for a sure to be amazing season three. You will renew your best show, right, Freeform?
3) Pose (FX)
In its final season, the groundbreaking drama spends the majority of its time wrapped up in its feelings and making sure you feel everything the major players do. The highs are euphoric and the lows have us hugging ourselves — regardless there were lots of tears. Going out on a high is not an easy feat, but co-creator/showrunner Steven Canals, the writers and the impressive cast owned every second.
2) Mr Inbetween (FX)
The year-and-a-half wait between seasons was torture, but oh so worth it. Always bringing its A-game, each episode of year three has been a gift. Ray’s daughter is growing up, much to his chagrin, and the now-teenager is challenging him in ways he never saw coming. His father also has returned to his life, no longer the threat he had been for most of it. The day job’s still there adding a layer of quiet introspection as Ray’s very particular set of skills will never not be required. Creator-writer-star Scott Ryan and director Nash Edgerton remain a potent one-two punch. Long may their partnership be fruitful.
1) It’s a Sin (HBO Max)
Russell T. Davies is quite simply one of the best writers working in television. Following up his exquisite Years and Years with this masterpiece can only be accomplished by a true maestro. It’s a Sin is set in 1980s London during the early days of the AIDS crisis, focusing on a group of young, mostly gay friends (led by a terrific Olly Alexander) who want it all, but find out it’s not as easy as they thought in a world where friends and strangers are falling victim to a vicious disease with no cure. The cast is first-rate with newcomers (including a fantastic Lydia West) holding their own with the likes of Neil Patrick Harris, Stephen Fry, and a take-no-prisoners Keeley Hawes.
BEST OF THE REST:
All Creatures Great and Small (PBS), The Bold Type (Freeform), Carmen Sandiego (Netflix), Miss Scarlet and the Duke (PBS), and Wynonna Earp (Syfy).
Joanne Thornborough is pop culture junkie with a particular love for film, TV and the printed word. Find her at @cinelitchick on Twitter.