This is a “favorites” list, not a “best” list. I didn’t have time to watch everything, nor is it ranked solely on quality. I also considered my enjoyment of the show and how long it stayed with me. Also, this article was written in 2017, so “this year” refers to 2017 and not 2018. I’m sorry for any confusion.
2016 was a phenomenal year for TV. “Stranger Things” was a surprise smash. “Atlanta” brought Donald Glover to the celebrity stratosphere. “The People v. O.J. Simpson” was bursting with amazing Emmy-deserving performances. If “Peak TV” wasn’t a well-used term among TV critics before 2016, it certainly was after.
If 2017 didn’t surpass 2016 for TV, it certainly came close, and that is an achievement in and of itself. It was a year for great final seasons, exciting new dramas, surprising comedy gems, and some shows’ best seasons yet.
Of course, as we are in the era of “Peak TV,” I didn’t have time for everything. The most notable shows I didn’t watch were “Twin Peaks,” “The Deuce,” “Black Mirror,” “The Americans,” “Mindhunter,” “Alias Grace,” and “Better Things.”
All of the following ranked shows have my sincere recommendation and the descriptions contain minor plot details. Please enjoy.
11. Rick and Morty (Adult Swim)
Image via Metro
2017 was a complicated year for “Rick and Morty.” The show became a huge mainstream success, becoming the highest rated comedy on TV. But its rabid fanbase became toxic, rioting at McDonald’s and harassing the show’s female writers. “Complicated” is also a good word for how I feel about this year’s third season. (And no, it’s not because I don’t get it.) To start with the positives, this season had some of the best TV episodes of 2017. “The Rickshank Rickdemption” was an amazing April Fool’s surprise, boasted amazing action, and had more twists than a pretzel. “The Ricklantis Mixup” was another great surprise, weaving together compelling vignettes with characters all voiced by one man. And of course, “Pickle Rick” was just insane. The show had weaker moments like the uninspired “Rickmancing the Stone,” the convoluted “Rest and Ricklaxation,” and the disappointing finale. Also, if I have to hear Rick give his narcissistic speech on life at the end of another episode, it will be officially more annoying than Jerry and Beth’s marital troubles. Regardless of my criticism, “Rick and Morty” is still deserving of a spot on this list, as it still wows me with its always creative storytelling, its animation, and its epic battle sequences.
10. Mr. Robot (USA)
Image via Screen Rant
“Mr. Robot” found its groove again in its third season, and I couldn’t be happier. Leaving behind the manipulative storytelling of season two, “Mr. Robot” placed a greater emphasis on moving the plot, while still saving plenty of surprises for viewers. The show impressed on multiple fronts. The performances, specifically from Rami Malek, Christian Slater, Grace Gummer, Carly Chaikin, and Bobby Cannavale, were as praiseworthy as ever. The camerawork was enthralling, with the “single take” episode being a great example. This season’s dueling themes of redemption and revenge were also compelling. There were some flaws, most notably the pacing and questionable character arcs (Tyrell and Angela). The overarching narrative of the show has also become pretty convoluted. Nonetheless, “Mr. Robot” is still unlike anything I’ve seen on TV, and if you still haven’t seen this tech thriller, catch up now on Amazon Prime.
9. Big Little Lies (HBO)
Image via HBO
HBO’s mom-murder-mystery was one of my favorite surprises of the year. While it originally looked like a fluffy low-investment summer miniseries, it turned out to be something much better and affecting. Firstly, by keeping both the victim and culprit under wraps, its structure as a murder mystery was really different and fun. More importantly, the show was about much more than just the murder, as it succeeded as a character study as well. While the show could sometimes be too over-the-top, it explored many important topics like domestic and sexual abuse. On this note, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley’s performances, the former as a wife stuck in an abusive marriage and the latter as a vengeful rape survivor, were incredible. At seven episodes, I flew through “Big Little Lies,” and I’m sure you will too.
8. Catastrophe (Amazon Prime)
Image via Hollywood Reporter
“Catastrophe” is one of the most criminally under-watched TV comedies. I’ve never met someone who’s even heard of it. This is a travesty. Created, written by, and starring Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan, “Catastrophe” is a hilarious and crushing comedy-drama that found its best tonal balance yet in season three. Every year, it delivers a tight six-episode season that always leaves you wanting more. This year, the show covered infidelity, parenting, money troubles, death, and alcoholism without ever feeling cliched. Its stars also continue to have brilliant comedic chemistry and timing. Please binge this.
7. The Good Place (NBC)
Image via Hollywood Reporter
First of all, congratulations to “The Good Place” for being the only network TV show on this list. Secondly, congratulations to “The Good Place” for continually being one of the most surprising, fun, and thoughtful comedies on TV. This show was a much-needed gem in the fall 2016 TV season, and it only improved when it returned in 2017. It boasts great twists, fun visual gags, and an impressive message of what it takes to be a genuinely good person. Best of all, “The Good Place” has an amazing ensemble cast. Veteran actors Kristen Bell and Ted Danson bring their A-games and newcomers William Jackson Harper (Chidi), Jameela Jamil (Tahani), D’Arcy Carden (Janet), and Manny Jacinto (Jason) are a delight. Janet may be my favorite TV character of 2017. The first season can be streamed on Netflix, and I urge that you do.
6. American Vandal (Netflix)
Image via Business Insider
As I always do when I recommend this show, I’ll start by saying, “Yes, this is a parody crime documentary about finding who drew dicks on high school teachers’ cars.” It is this and so much more. “American Vandal” succeeds with flying colors as a comedy, drama, and parody. As a comedy, it’s hilarious. The show absolutely nails high school culture, including texting “hey” with a few extra y’s, speculating on whether handjob rumors are true, or SnapChatting an entire party. As a drama, the show gives real weight to the central conflict. As a parody, the show is brilliant. Inspired by “Serial” and “Making a Murderer,” “American Vandal” nails cliffhangers, narration, and fan theories. Its parodying of YouTube may be some of the funniest material in the whole show. As all great parodies should, “American Vandal” critiques the genre by exploring the consequences of making a documentary. And of course, this show is anchored by Jimmy Tatro’s great performance. At eight episodes, “American Vandal” is a binge that should not be missed.
5. BoJack Horseman (Netflix)
Image via The Beat
On its fourth season, “BoJack Horseman” continued its three-season streak of critical acclaim, and it was wholly deserving. It continued to mix brilliant voice acting (Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, and Aparna Nancherla were the standouts), ridiculous sight gags, and cutting moments of humanity to great effect. The core plot of BoJack forming a relationship with Hollyhock (Nancherla) provided some much-needed warmth for the often-dreary main character and allowed this season to have more hope than usual. Princess Carolyn’s relationship issues provided great drama and heartbreak (see the episode “Ruthie”). While Diane, Mr. Peanutbutter, and Todd’s arcs could have been stronger, this season proved again that “BoJack” can rely on more than just its titular character. I would also be remiss if I didn’t praise the animation and storytelling risks taken in episodes like “Stupid Piece of S***” or “Time’s Arrow.”
4. Halt and Catch Fire (AMC)
Image via Bleeding Cool
“Halt and Catch Fire,” AMC’s period tech drama, had a weird run. Its first season was underdeveloped and had clear “Mad Men” influences. But with each subsequent season, the show improved, especially with its amazing third and fourth seasons. In this year’s fourth and final season, “Halt and Catch Fire” proved itself to be one of the best character-driven dramas on TV, and it’s too bad it ended without much of an audience. This season improved upon the show’s complex web of relationships and made each character even more human. The core theme of how success can be at odds with love, friendship, and happiness provided a strong through-line for each character and it culminated in a near-perfect series finale. The performances, especially from Mackenzie Davis and Kerry Bishé, were award-worthy. I will really miss seeing these characters and this show on screen.
3. The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Image via Cosmopolitan
“The Handmaid’s Tale” was the last show I watched this year. By then, it had won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series and had received nonstop critical acclaim since its premiere in April. Suffice to say, I had high expectations. But “The Handmaid’s Tale” blew them all away. Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel about a totalitarian misogynist society translates perfectly to screen. Second to “Mr. Robot,” “The Handmaid’s Tale” was one of the best-directed shows this year, and its use of color, tight shots, and focus shifts created an absolutely gorgeous viewing experience. The show’s plot moved quickly and provided actually useful flashback sequences. It was exciting, relevant and especially scary as hell. June/Offred is my favorite TV protagonist in a long time and Elisabeth Moss’ performance is certainly deserving of her Emmy. “The Handmaid’s Tale” is undoubtedly my favorite new series of 2017 and I cannot wait for season two.
2. Better Call Saul (AMC)
Image via New Hampshire Public Radio
How has this show not won an Emmy yet? “Better Call Saul” has great performances, complex characters, and strong writing. That’s without mentioning that it’s a spin-off to “Breaking Bad,” one of the most beloved dramas of the last 10 years, which “Better Call Saul” may be better than. Season three of “Better Call Saul” was its best yet. Its two storylines, Jimmy’s (Bob Odenkirk) escalating feud with his brother (Michael McKean) and Mike’s (Jonathan Banks) one-man war with the cartel, both explored the moral gray area that showrunners Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould explore so well. Odenkirk’s performance of a man trying to find success while choosing what’s right is incredible, and performances from McKean and Rhea Seehorn (Kim) are great as well. Even if you haven’t seen “Breaking Bad,” watch “Better Call Saul.” (It’s on Netflix and so is “Breaking Bad,” so watch both.)
1. The Leftovers (HBO)
Image via IGN
What would you do before the impending end of the world? That’s the question posed by the third and final season of “The Leftovers,” and it made for the best (and my favorite) character drama of the year. “The Leftovers” was never a ratings powerhouse, so it’s a miracle it had a final season in the first place. Showrunner Damon Lindelof had a clear vision for the final season and it was executed beautifully. Spanning multiple decades, this season explored themes of faith, family, and finding the will to live. Its final episode may be my favorite series finale ever, as it magically reiterated the show’s message: we are all we have, and that can be enough. I’m getting choked up just thinking about it. Of course, the show wouldn’t be nearly as good without its performances from Justin Theroux (proving himself as a seriously talented actor), Christopher Eccleston (Matt), Amy Brenneman (Laurie), and the Emmy-deserving Carrie Coon (Nora). This show will be missed.
Other shows I watched that didn’t make the list
Recommended: “GLOW,” “Master of None,” “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Silicon Valley”
Enjoyable: “South Park,” “Arrow” (S5), “Broadchurch,” “Orphan Black,” “The Last Man on Earth”
Passable: “Legends of Tomorrow” (S2), “The Flash” (S3)
Advertisements Share this:
