Year two of this never-ending pandemic brought us a beautiful harvest of television, especially returning shows that had production stalled during the first year of COVID.

One little mini-theme that runs across a lot of the shows on my list – are humans good or bad? The poisonous misanthropy of Succession or The White Lotus stands in stark contrast to the hopeful optimism of Ted Lasso or For All Mankind, but somehow both feel true in this great age of contradictions.

Anyway, usual disclaimer that I’m not a TV writer or any great arbiter of quality, just an IT guy who likes to list the things I enjoyed during the year.

1. Succession (HBO Max). Fun fact – I drafted this list in mid-December before I had seen the final two episodes, and had the third season of Succession listed in the Honorable Mentions. Then I saw the second-to-last episode and moved it up to #7. Then I saw the season finale and moved it to first. The emotional twists and turns of that last episode, wowza.
2. The White Lotus (HBO Max). Like Succession, this show gives a shrewd insight into the brutality of wealth and privilege. Unlike Succession, Mike White’s resort hotel set dramedy also gives equal time to the perspectives of the staff that have to put up with the rich narcissists that float through their workplace. Customer service is rough these days.
3. We Are Lady Parts (Peacock). I have never been able to resist a good show or movie about a band. Something about watching musicians coming together and overcoming their differences to rock out just flutters my heart. This British import is heartfelt, hilarious, beautiful, and way too short. I wish all the people I recommend it to had Peacock so they could watch it…
4. For All Mankind (Apple TV). The second season of this alternate history astronaut show sees the results of the US and Soviet Union establishing rival moonbases and coming into conflict as the show’s timeline continues to diverge from our own. The season ends in thrilling fashion with some harrowing action set pieces and a reminder that space exploration can inspire great heroics and bring people together.
5. Midnight Mass (Netflix). I’m not usually a horror guy but this tale of supernatural dread (in a place called “Crockett Island”, naturally) blew me away. The acting is superb, particularly Hamish Linklater as a mysterious priest who arrives in town and begins a string of strange occurrences. The fifth episode “Gospel” was my favorite episode of television this year.
6. Hacks (HBO Max). This tale of a young comedy writer working for an older comedian struggling to stay relevant hit all the right notes for me. The acerbic chemistry between the two leads, the wonderful performance from Jean Smart, and the insight into the actual business of stand-up comedy was just what I was looking for. Also made me a bit nostalgic for my Vegas days.
7. Only Murders in the Building (Hulu). The very definition of a “cozy mystery” where charismatic actors solve a low-stakes murder mystery. Perfect feel-good pandemic watching, and as I’m sure is news to no one – Steve Martin is very funny.
8. Ted Lasso (Apple TV). Slight disappointment coming off a very perfect first season, but that’s to be expected. A few weak episodes couldn’t keep this off my top ten list as the brilliant cast and sharp writing continue to make this one of the best shows out there.
9. Brand New Cherry Flavor (Netflix). Another horror entry – this bizarre tale of witches, curses, and filmmaking in 90’s Hollywood feels like it came off a forgotten VHS tape unearthed in a serial killer’s closet. Gives off a grungy surrealist vibe and sticks in your subconscious.
10. The Marvel Shows – (Disney Plus). None of these shows (WandaVision, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, and Hawkeye) are great television or could make this list on their own, but I enjoy the Marvel films and I appreciated the MCU’s strong move into television this year – producing four pretty good shows that were always entertaining and often put some familiar characters in some new and unexpected places. In a down year for Marvel films, the TV shows kept me engaged in the universe and excited for more Marvel content down the road.

Honorable Mentions: Mythic Quest, You, Squid Game, The Other Two, Mare of Easttown, Girls5eva, Maid, The Chair, Tuca and Bertie, Doom Patrol, Rutherford Falls, Schmigadoon, Rick and Morty, Flack, Wellington Paranormal

Still on my list to watch/finish: The Great (my favorite show of last year – we’re two eps into the second season and it seems as great as ever), Station Eleven, Yellowjackets, Reservation Dogs, Too Close, Starstruck.

Preferred the book: Wheel of Time, Underground Railroad, Sweet Tooth, Y: The Last Man, Nine Perfect Strangers

One great episode almost saved the show: Lupin (pilot), The Nevers (finale), Shadow and Bone (finale)

Amazing prior year shows that I caught up with in 2021: Warrior, Bridgerton.