Best TV of 2019: My Top 17 — So Far
For the hundreds of shows that have aired on one platform or another, here are my picks for the best of what I’ve seen. There’s a lot I…
For the hundreds of shows that have aired on one platform or another, here are my picks for the best of what I’ve seen. There’s a lot I haven’t watched (may even get to some of it in the next six months), but what I have consumed has been rather good and, in some cases — like the 17 titles below — fantastic. Take a look for yourself. May you find something new to add to your queue. #sorrynotsorry
17) The Passage (FOX)
This vampire series is nothing like the others — so naturally, FOX killed it. Based on Justin Cronin’s book trilogy, young Amy Bellafonte (a terrific Saniyya Sidney) is thrown into a world where vampires are real thanks to a botched government experiment and she may be the key to a cure. The relationship between Amy and Agent Brad Wolgast (Mark-Paul Gosselaar, proving his turn in “Pitch” was no fluke) grounds the show and provides its beating heart.
16) At Home With Amy Sedaris (TruTV)
Sedaris’ kitschy homage to those DIY shows cable access channels were famous for continues to march to the beat of its own drum. A roster of cool guest stars (Rose Byrne and Michael Shannon to name but two) prove they are not only game, but hip to Sedaris’ unique brand of comedy. Think “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” for the home ec crowd.
15) Now Apocalypse (STARZ)
Apocalyptic, sci-fi sex romp. Got your attention? Good. Writer-director Gregg Araki’s addictive, delightful, hilarious and sweet comedy is like nothing else on this list — or on television. After Ulysses starts noticing some weirdness going on in the world around him, things only get more twisted (in both good and unusual ways). Avan Jogia, Kelli Berglund, Beau Mirchoff and Roxane Mesquida play off each other wonderfully, respectively bringing a different energy that fuses to form the core for this fantastic ragtag ensemble.
14) Jane the Virgin (The CW)
In the final chapters of this always engaging telenovela, Jane Gloriana Villanueva and her family have been put through the emotional ringer. There have been Xiomara’s cancer fight, a presumed dead spouse returning, heartbreak, whatever’s going on with Sin Rostro and a few HEAs among many other plotlines. So, yes, it’s business as usual. wouldn’t have it any other way.
13) The Bold Type (Freeform)
Season three sees a sea change for our intrepid trio both personally and professionally. It all culminates when Jane and boss Jacqueline co-author a #MeToo story that has far reaching and unexpected consequences for Scarlet Magazine. All this, plus nuanced performances from Katie Stevens, Aisha Dee, Meghann Fahy, Melora Hardin and Nikohl Boosheri. Season four, where are you?
12) Brooklyn Nine-Nine (NBC)
The comedy has made good use of its new lease on life with a strong season that more than compensated for the rare misstep (or two). The Scully-Hitchcock prequel we never knew we needed might have been the most brilliant thing the series has ever given its fans — which is saying something. Most shows in their sixth season are on their last breath. The gang at the Nine-Nine are saying, “Hold my beer,” and then challenging those shows to a dance-off.
11) Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (The CW)
The journey of Rebecca Bunch and the gang from West Covina has been a wild and crazy one. Our girl has gone to the brink, but fought her way back — and all with a song in her heart. This wonderful, original, hilarious, heartfelt and heartbreaking musical will be sorely missed. I eagerly await the next act of everyone associated with this series, especially creator-writer-star Rachel Bloom.
10) American Princess (Lifetime)
Every now and again, the home of “television for women” reminds us they are capable of airing more than movies (and reality shows)about females who are psychopaths and/or sociopaths. Case in point, this delightful series about a woman who bails on her wedding after finding her fiancé getting a blow job on the day of their nuptials, only to wind up joining a local renaissance fair. It’s quirky, smart and funny with characters instead of caricatures. Hands down, one of the best shows you’re not watching.
9) I’m Sorry (TruTV)
Straight up: This is one of the best comedies currently airing. It’s 10-episode order is never enough, nor is the 30-minute run time. Andrea Savage’s wickedly smart series has a keen observation streak and is flat-out hilarious. The cast’s chemistry is nothing to laugh at though. A truly perfect ensemble continues to knock it out of the park. Please don’t let there be another two-year wait between seasons.
8) Luther (BBC America)
The latest series of the dark detective drama saw DCI John Luther return in fine form. Even better? The enigma that is Alice Morgan was lured out of the shadows along with him after her alleged death at the end of series three. Best of news of all is the show returned with a gripping four-parter that reminded us why it’s never smart to underestimate “Luther” (the show and the man).
7) The Good Place (NBC)
Michael Shur’s afterlife comedy continues to twist and turn its narrative as it sets up its upcoming final season. Getting to know our core characters better by having them come to terms with their pasts as a way of moving them forward is brilliant. A show that knows its endgame and how to make its way towards it deserves all our love and respect.
6) Killing Eve (BBC America)
Queerbating debate aside, there’s no denying the cat-and-mouse game between Eve and Villanelle reached new heights. Few people came out unscathed. As the ladies walked the fine line between love and hate (or at the very least between fascination and obsession), that same line became blurred until it all but disappeared. Will it come back into focus following the events of the season two finale? Only time will tell.
5) You’re the Worst (FXX)
Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose. That’s not this show. Stephen Falk’s masterpiece never lost sight of its characters’ motivations, thereby avoiding making them more palatable for mass consumption. It also never avoided discussing the hard topics (e.g. Gretchen’s depression). The fact the comedy never lost its wit (or its wits) and continued to be flat-out hilarious while making you feel for the foursome at its core is a testament to its brilliance.
4) Broad City (Comedy Central)
Abbi and Ilana made NYC their bitch one last time as the girls made their way into the world. Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer lit a fuse when they first debuted the show on the web, only for its move to television to be the accelerant. Now, they’ve blazed a trail not only for themselves, but for other women looking to make their mark.
3) State of the Union (SundanceTV)
An introspective dramedy served in 10-minute morsels, this series focuses on a separated couple who meet for a drink before their joint therapy sessions. Each episode has the pair (played to perfection by Rosamund Pike and Chris O’Dowd) dissecting a different aspect of their relationship. Writer Nick Hornby injects a warm, sharp and spiky humor into the proceedings as Stephen Frears provides the fly-on-the-wall direction that puts you in the pub with our weary protagonists.
2) What We Do In the Shadows (FX)
Proof that vampires don’t need to be mopey, emo douchebags, Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement adapt their 2014 film with its tongue still firmly lodged in its cheek. Four selfish and mildly inept vampires live on Staten Island with an eager yet increasingly jaded familiar. It may not sound like much, but its logline is only the beginning. The best new series of the year (a title that will be hard to take from its cold dead hands), it also has the benefit of being the funniest, smartest and most clever shows of the past few years.
1) Better Things (FX)
Pamela Adlon’s baby is growing up. The creator-writer-director-star pushes this superlative slice-of-life series into new directions, allowing it to explore the world on levels both macro and micro. As Sam (Adlon), her daughters and mom navigate the joys and pains of living, we’re taken on a transformative journey not just for them but us, as well.
Honorable Mentions:
The 100 (The CW); Call the Midwife (PBS); A Discovery of Witches (Shudder/Sundance Now); Game of Thrones (HBO); Grown-ish (Freeform); Happy! (SYFY); I Am the Night (TNT); iZOMBiE (The CW); Les Miserables (PBS); Miracle Workers (TBS); Mrs. Wilson (PBS); Supergirl (The CW); and Victoria (PBS).
Joanne Thornborough is pop culture junkie with a particular love for film, TV and the printed word. Find her at @cinelitchick on Twitter.