We are only halfway through the year and the brilliant TV shows have already started to line up. So let's take some time and appreciate the shows that entertained us so far.
This list is just my list, feel free to drop yours in the comments section. Note, this list includes only the shows which have aired and finished their season/series run in the past six months, so no inclusion of Betty, Dave, and Loki.
15. Starstruck (HBO Max) - B+
This rom-com is one of the best imports so far for the new streaming service. The Britcom has a great cast in addition to the good chemistry between the leads. The breezy fun 20-minute odd episodes fly by which makes it easy to binge. Renewed for a second season.
14. Invincible (Prime Video) - B+
Another good addition for Prime Video on the dark superhero front. After the pilot, the show trod a familiar path for a few episodes. But the last few not only made the season interesting but also paved a way to set the story nicely for the upcoming seasons. Renewed for two more seasons.
13. Rutherford Falls (Peacock TV) - B+
Though not as good as the other Michael Schur comedies, this show has a lot of potential to grow in the future. The show spoke on important topics without losing its comedic roots. Jesse Leigh and Michael Greyeyes excelled in the show's first outing. Not yet renewed.
12. Lupin (Netflix) - B+
A purely fun show filled with some detailed escapes of the lead Assane Diop. Backed by the great performance from Omar Sy. It is one of the 2021s easily binge-able shows. Renewed for a third part.
11. Girls5Eva (Peacock) - B+
Created by the first-time creator, Meredith Scardino comes this funny wacky show. This show has assembled one of the best casts of the year so far. With catchy songs and Tina Fey, Robert Carlock -esque comic sequences the show hit the right spots most of the time. Happy that the show has been renewed for a second season.
10. Kominsky Method (Netflix) - A-
The final season of the Chuck Lorre show blended the laughs and emotional moments nicely, resulting in a solid season. The addition of Kathleen Turner to the main cast balanced the missing Alan Arkin. The chemistry between Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner was so so good. The supporting cast too had their moments to shine and they did pretty well throughout. Final season.
09. Superstore (NBC) - A-
They did a really good job of giving the perfect end to the 'essential' show. The writers should be applauded for wrapping it up exceptionally despite the cancellation announcement coming just a few weeks before the start, after its winter break. Except for handling Amy's storyline of leaving for California the show did pretty well in the final season. This show handled the pandemic storyline well. Final season.
08. Mythic Quest (Apple TV+) - A-
This show became consistent in its second outing and turned out to be a quintessential workplace comedy currently on air. It expanded the story by giving more screen time for the supporting characters. The show also managed to keep the central storyline interesting and gave a very good end. Not sure of the third season.
07. We are Lady Parts (Peacock) - A-
By avoiding the cliched conservative parents trope the show stayed fresh throughout its run. The pacing of the show also has to be appreciated. The cast's chemistry, writing, and a very good mix of musical numbers made this show pop. Not yet renewed.
06. Master of None (Netflix) - A
The long-awaited third season premiered this May and it did not disappoint one bit. Though one might miss Dev and his antics, Moments in Love manages to overcome that with a strong story. The camera work and the direction along with the acting department excelled. Both the 4:3 aspect ratio and the steady angle made the story feel even more intimate. The fourth episode dealing with the pregnancy issues of the main character is one of the best this year has had to offer so far. Not yet renewed.
05. It's a Sin - (HBO Max) - A
Another imported show another victory for HBO Max. With just five episodes the show not only managed but excelled in conveying the message they set to deliver with a punch. With a great cast, the show managed to tell such a tragic story in a light-hearted manner without losing its edge anywhere. Limited Series.
04. Underground Railroad (Prime Video) - A
Not an easy watch but a must-watch. The story and its gripping screenplay went hand in hand to make this a fantastic show. The cast was perfect as were each frame. The production design team has to be appreciated. Barry Jenkins' direction was good in every episode. Limited Series.
03. Mare of Easttown (HBO) - A
Another show where the cast was brilliant throughout. Not only Kate Winslet but also every other actor was perfectly cast. And all of them delivered their best. Along with the central mystery, the writers managed to keep the personal issues of the lead at the forefront. This made the show even better. From a thriller show, expecting unexpected twists and turns is a norm but they managed to keep the mystery a mystery until the last minutes of the finale. Kudos to them. Limited Series.
02. Feel Good (Netflix) - A+
First off this season did a remarkable job of wrapping up the character arcs within just six episodes. The personal journeys of each character were well defined and told in an emotionally funny way. My personal favorite was the thrilling fourth episode involving Mae's choice which could affect her professional career. Final season.
01. Hacks (HBO Max) - A+
The best of the year and a well-deserved one. From the very start, the show had a huge potential. It just became more and more brilliant each passing week. Jean Smart is as brilliant as ever. Hannah Einbinder was awesome in her role too. The show somehow cracked a way to handle some important topics light-heartedly yet being emotionally resonant. This makes the show more interesting. Renewed for a second season.
Honorable Mentions:
Close Enough (HBO Max) - B+
MODOK (Hulu) - B+
This is Us (NBC) - B+
Made for Love (HBO Max) - B
WandaVision (Disney+) - B
Watch this space for the best episodes so far list...
Check out our other reviews and lists and please don't forget to subscribe if you like our content.
コメント