Top 10 Best TV Shows of 2020
#10: “Rick and Morty” (2013-) - Season 4.5
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Airing its first half in late 2019, the fourth season of this iconic animated series dropped its second half in May 2020. While we only got five episodes, they were five instant classics, showing no signs of dipping in quality. If anything, the series is only getting more inventive, experimental, and meta with age. The season’s standout is the Emmy-winning “The Vat of Acid Episode,” which is distinguished by an almost-five-minute montage that balances humor, romance, and tragedy with virtually no dialogue. It’s like the opening of “Up” with a few twisted twists. Although “Rick and Morty” works great as an episodic comedy, the season finale advances several ongoing story arcs in thrilling and unexpected ways, leaving us especially excited for Season 5.
#9: “Ted Lasso” (2020-) - Season 1
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We all know that Jason Sudeikis is a talented comedian, but sometimes we forget that he’s also a highly versatile actor. He can go from playing a hateable villain in something like “Colossal” to the most lovable person on the planet in “Ted Lasso.” Sudeikis shines as the titular character, an optimistically naive coach who doesn’t realize that he’s being set up to fail. Despite having the odds stacked up against him, it’s impossible not to be won over by Ted’s charm. This makes it all the more frustrating and emotionally conflicting from those who are betting on Ted to fumble. In a year where it’s been easy to be cynical, we could all use a show like “Ted Lasso” in our lives.
#8: “PEN15” (2019-) - Season 2.0
The first season of this coming-of-age cringe comedy amassed a loyal following with its first season. That following has only grown with the first half of Season 2. Although stars Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle didn’t meet in real life until college, they couldn’t be more authentic playing life-long BFFs here. Even more impressive, you totally believe that these two 30-something-year-olds as 13-year-old seventh graders. “PEN15” will resonate with anybody who felt like a weirdo in middle school, especially if you grew up in the year 2000. The show is also honest in its portrayal of divorce, bullying, and teenage angst. If you have a true friend to be awkward with, though, the fond memories will outshine the ones you’d like to forget… but can’t.
#7: “The Last Dance” (2020)
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Michael Jordan is the very definition of a living legend and not just in terms of basketball. This Emmy-winning documentary series explores Jordan’s unparalleled career, both on and off the court. Through interviews and never-before aired footage, we’re given an in-depth look at Jordan’s dynamics with his teammates, bosses, and the game he loves. Along the way, it touches upon historic moments we’re all familiar with, such as Jordan’s first retirement, and stories you probably didn’t know about, such as Dennis Rodman’s Vegas vacation. Whether or not you’re old enough to remember MJ’s final season with the Chicago Bulls, “The Last Dance” will constantly catch you off guard. Nowhere is this more apparent than with Jordan’s retrospective accounts, which overflow with honesty and raw humanity.
#6: “The Mandalorian” (2019-) - Season 2
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Fans remain divided over the recent “Star Wars” movies, but “The Mandalorian” seems to be bringing balance. The first season quickly exploded into a television phenomenon, solidifying Disney+ as a formidable contender in the Streaming Wars. While Season 2 isn’t without surprises, it continues to deliver more of what made the first season so gripping: intense action, immersive atmosphere, and “Baby Yoda” being adorable - even when he’s eating alien eggs. Above all else, this season embraces the western roots that inspired the “Star Wars” franchise. If Clint Eastwood is the Man with No Name, then Mando will be remembered as the Man with No Face. Even with the main character’s face covered most of the time, few shows are stronger on a visual storytelling level.
#5: “Better Call Saul” (2015-) - Season 5
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“Better Call Saul” has been a slower burn compared to the consistently heart-racing “Breaking Bad.” This penultimate season was a major boiling point, however, seeing Jimmy McGill dive headfirst into the chaotic life of Saul Goodman. “Better Call Saul,” as well as its predecessor, has always been about the study of change. Since the first episode, we all knew that Jimmy would one day be eclipsed by Saul. The character who’s arguably transformed the most, though, is Kim Wexler. Throughout this season, in particular, we’ve watched Kim evolve from a professional career woman to a wild card who surprises even Jimmy. Their relationship has made Season 5 the most fascinating yet and we’re on edge to find out what happens to them in the end.
#4: “I May Destroy You” (2020-)
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Given the current climate, it’s not surprising that so many recent shows have dealt with sexual consent. This British dramedy is one of the most unique and realistic examples. Part of that’s because our protagonist doesn’t entirely remember the encounter and the audience is also in the dark. Piecing together the events of that night, she’s taken to places that are shocking, devastating, and at times darkly humorous, which only adds to the uncomfortable tension. In addition to starring, “I May Destroy You” was created, written, co-directed, and executive produced by Michaela Coel, who previously left her mark with the sitcom “Chewing Gum.” This series feels like Coel’s big breakthrough, though, guaranteeing we’ll be hearing a lot more about her in the years to come.
#3: “BoJack Horseman” (2014-20) - Season 6.5
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Being a self-destructive cartoon character, some may compare BoJack Horseman to Rick Sanchez, Brian Griffin, or Eric Duckman. We’d go as far as to compare him to Don Draper, Walter White, or a Tennessee Williams protagonist. We could also draw parallels to more than a few once-loved celebrities who weren’t what they seemed. As hilarious as this series can be, its tragic turns never failed to surprise us, and BoJack’s years of reckless behavior finally caught up to him in the final eight episodes. The penultimate “The View from Halfway Down,” in particular, is a masterpiece of animation, writing, and symbolism. It set the stage for a fitting finale that did what the show has always done best: balancing silly moments with poignant ones.
#2: “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-20) - Season 6
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Over the course of six seasons, “Schitt’s Creek” went from having a respectable cult following to sweeping the Emmys in every key comedy category. In many respects, this sitcom’s rise to success parallels the Rose family’s comeback. For those who were just discovering “Schitt’s Creek,” it was the perfect show to binge in a year like 2020. All hope seems lost for the once-wealthy Roses when they arrive in the small town. Through love, friendship, and personal growth, however, they blossom like never before. The final season reminds us that even when you’re up a creek without a paddle, a happy ending may be waiting around the bend. Although we’d love to see more of the Roses, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect farewell. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “The Haunting of Bly Manor” (2020) A Perfectly Splendid & Spine-chilling Successor to “The Haunting of Hill House” “What We Do in the Shadows” (2019-) - Season 2 Even Funnier Than Season 1, This Is the Definitive Vampire Mockumentary Series “Tiger King” (2020) The Perfect Distraction from the Madness of 2020 “Ramy” (2019-) - Season 2 A Funny & Insightful Exploration of the American Muslim Experience “Stargirl” (2020-) - Season 1 Another Bright Spot in DC’s Live-Action TV Library
#1: “The Boys” (2019-) - Season 2
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There are no shortage of superhero shows currently on the air, although “The Boys” stands out as the funniest, the most shocking, and the most relevant. The series not only encourages us to take a closer look at the fictional superheroes we idolize, but also the celebrities, politicians, and corporate giants we blindly choose to place our faith in. Season 2 only upped the ante as Homelander teamed up with Aya Cash’s Stormfront, making for one of television’s most intimidating couples. The Boys, meanwhile, picked up a few allies of their own, accumulating with a mindblowing showdown. Speaking of which, that final twist couldn’t have us more pumped for Season 3. Until then, we’ll continue to marvel at Season 2 in all of its bombastic glory.
