In the streaming era, pursuing binge-worthy TV has never been more exciting. We’ve sifted through the offerings to bring you the most enthralling series of the year.
From gripping dramas to hilarious comedies, these shows will keep you hooked. Join us as we explore the must-watch TV of the year.
Criteria for Selection
Before we dive into our top picks, we must understand the criteria that guided our selection. Here are the key factors we considered:
- Quality of Storytelling: We assessed how well each show engaged its audience through its narrative, plot development, and storytelling techniques.
- Acting and Character Development: This criterion focuses on the cast’s performances and the depth of character development, ensuring viewers connect with the characters on screen.
- Viewer Ratings and Reviews: We considered the feedback and ratings from viewers and critics to gauge overall audience satisfaction and acclaim for each show.
List of Must-Watch TV Shows
In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming entertainment, these exceptional TV series have captured the hearts of audiences and left an indelible mark on the world of television.
From thrilling dramas to mind-bending mysteries, these shows are a testament to the power of storytelling.
“Stranger Things”
This supernatural thriller takes you back to the 1980s in the small town of Hawkins, where a group of friends must confront mysterious government experiments and supernatural forces.
Key Highlights:
- Endearing ensemble cast of kids
- Nostalgia-inducing ’80s references
- Intense suspense and supernatural phenomena
“The Crown”
Delve into the inner workings of the British monarchy as “The Crown” chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, revealing the personal and political challenges she faced.
Key Highlights:
- Exquisite period details and costumes
- Gripping portrayals of historical events
- A deep exploration of royal relationships
“Breaking Bad”
Witness the transformation of a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher into a ruthless drug lord in this gripping crime drama.
Key Highlights:
- Bryan Cranston’s Emmy-winning performance
- Complex moral dilemmas and ethical twists
- A rollercoaster of suspense and action
“Game of Thrones”
Enter the epic world of Westeros, where noble families vie for power, dragons soar, and political intrigue runs deep in this fantasy series.
Key Highlights:
- Complex characters with shifting allegiances
- Epic battles and breathtaking cinematography
- Shocking plot twists and memorable dialogue
“The Mandalorian”
Set in the “Star Wars” universe, follow the enigmatic Mandalorian bounty hunter as he traverses the galaxy’s outer reaches in this space-western adventure.
Key Highlights:
- Intriguing, morally ambiguous characters
- A Baby Yoda sensation
- Expansive world-building and action-packed episodes
“The Queen’s Gambit”
Immerse yourself in the world of competitive chess as a young orphaned prodigy battles her demons while challenging the male-dominated chess scene.
Key Highlights:
- Anya Taylor-Joy’s compelling performance
- Stunning chess matches and strategy
- Exploration of gender equality in sports
“The Witcher”
Based on the book series, this dark fantasy show follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter with supernatural abilities, in a world filled with magic and danger.
Key Highlights:
- Henry Cavill’s charismatic portrayal of Geralt
- Complex characters and intricate lore
- Visually stunning creatures and battles
“Black Mirror”
It is an anthology series that explores technology’s unsettling and thought-provoking side effects on society, offering dark and cautionary tales.
Key Highlights:
- Provocative commentary on the digital age
- Mind-bending storytelling and speculative fiction
- Social commentary that hits close to home
“Fleabag”
This witty and emotionally raw comedy-drama follows the life of a sharp-tongued, conflicted protagonist as she navigates love, family, and personal growth in contemporary London.
Key Highlights:
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s brilliant writing and acting
- Unapologetic humor and vulnerability
- Relatable exploration of modern relationships
“Mindhunter”
Dive into the early days of criminal psychology and profiling as FBI agents interview serial killers to solve complex cases, all while unraveling the mysteries of the human mind.
Key Highlights:
- Psychological cat-and-mouse games.
- Deep character development.
- Chilling and suspenseful storytelling.
These shows offer a rich tapestry of genres, characters, and narratives, promising an unforgettable journey for every viewer. Enjoy your immersive binge-watching experience!
Honorable Mentions
While we’ve highlighted the cream of the crop, a few hidden gems deserve a spot on your watchlist. Though not on the top list, these shows offer unique storytelling and compelling performances that shouldn’t be missed.
“The Expanse”
A space opera set in a future where Earth, Mars, and the Asteroid Belt are on the brink of war. The show excels in its realistic depiction of space travel, complex political intrigue, and character development.
Strengths:
- Rich world-building and attention to scientific detail.
- Engaging exploration of sociopolitical dynamics.
- Well-drawn characters with moral ambiguity.
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
It is a comedy-drama set in the 1950s, following Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a housewife who discovers her talent for stand-up comedy. The series shines in its witty humor, strong character arcs, and vibrant period aesthetics.
Strengths:
- Rapid-fire, clever dialogue, and humor
- Empowering narrative of a woman finding her voice
- Nostalgic charm and fashion of the ’50s
“Westworld”
The boundaries between reality and artificial intelligence blur in a futuristic theme park where guests interact with lifelike android hosts. The show is known for its philosophical themes, intricate plotting, and mind-bending narratives.
Strengths:
- Deep exploration of consciousness and free will
- Complex, interconnected storylines
- Strong performances by the cast, including Evan Rachel Wood and Anthony Hopkins
“Peaky Blinders”
Set in post-World War I Birmingham, England, this crime drama follows the Shelby crime family as they rise to power. The show is praised for its gritty atmosphere, compelling characters, and historical backdrop.
Strengths:
- Atmospheric cinematography and period detail
- Cillian Murphy’s charismatic portrayal of Thomas Shelby
- Tense, character-driven storytelling
“The Umbrella Academy”
A dysfunctional family of adopted super-powered siblings reunites to solve the mystery of their father’s death and prevent an impending apocalypse. The series offers a unique blend of superhero tropes and dark humor.
Strengths:
- Quirky, well-defined characters with distinct powers
- A mix of family drama, action, and time-travel elements
- Offbeat, irreverent humor
These shows may not have made the top list, but they stand out for their compelling narratives, performances, and unique qualities. Enjoy exploring these hidden treasures in the world of television.
Where to Watch
Now that you know which TV shows to dive into, it’s equally important to know where to find them. Here’s where you can stream or watch these captivating series:
- “Stranger Things” – Netflix
- “The Crown” – Netflix
- “Breaking Bad” – Netflix
- “Game of Thrones” – HBO Max (formerly HBO Now/HBO Go)
- “The Mandalorian” – Disney+
- “The Queen’s Gambit” – Netflix
- “The Witcher” – Netflix
- “Black Mirror” – Netflix
- “Fleabag” – Amazon Prime Video
- “Mindhunter” – Netflix
- “The Expanse” – Amazon Prime Video
- “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” – Amazon Prime Video
- “Westworld” – HBO Max
- “Peaky Blinders” – Netflix
- “The Umbrella Academy” – Netflix
These streaming platforms provide easy access to a wide range of engaging TV series, ensuring you can enjoy them conveniently.
The Bottomline
In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, these must-watch TV shows have delivered exceptional storytelling, captivating performances, and unforgettable moments.
As we conclude this year’s binge-worthy experiences, let these captivating narratives continue to inspire and entertain. Happy watching!