Best TV of 2021
Ted Lasso (s2)
Comedy Drama / 12 Episodes / 30 - 49 minutes each
I recommended this show to everyone and unfortunately many people thought I was just pushing a soccer show. It’s clear now, after the plethora of awards that it won, that it is so much more than that. I loved season 2. It really moved on from the fish out of water storyline and rehashing of the original promotional commercials, and felt more settled and mature. I found myself tearing up at nearly every episode. The introspection of male mental health, vulnerability, and strong non-toxic masculinity were excellent. Pop culture needs more Ted Lassos. I fell in love with the team and characters. Jamie and Sam are incredible characters that buck the stereotypical trend.
You’ll like it if… you like Bill Lawrence’s style (Scrubs, Spin City, Shrinking, Cougar Town), or heartwarming shows shows like Schitt’s Creek or This is Us. Barry also has a similar protagonist who truly challenges and subverts classic stereotypes for their character’s role.
Foundation (s1)
Science Fiction / 10 Episodes / 45 - 69 minutes each
The book is sitting on my shelf and is up next after Seeking You and Forever Peace. This is the epic sci-fi fantasy space show that I’ve been waiting for, for years. It has more Fantasy / Empire vibes than sci-fi explicitly, but it’s a great and wild ride that is a severe departure from the book, whilst maintaining the same spirit.
You’ll like it if… you like For All Mankind or the Expanse (someday, I’ll write a larger post about how I find all three connected and amazing). If you like Dune, this is definitely up your alley, and to a broader extent Westworld.
For All Mankind (s1)
Historical Science Fiction / 10 Episodes / 46 - 82 minutes each
This is a must see for anyone who is interested in space. Or the space race. Or the Cold War. It’s just a fascinating take if the USSR beat the USA to the moon, and both countries continued to invest and survive. Each season takes place in a decade. And it’s very cool so far. The characters are deep and complicated. It is so optimistic, beautiful, and makes you wish for this alternative world.
You’ll like it if… you like The Expanse or Foundation… I mean, they really all go hand in hand. Or you’ll like it if you didn’t quite like Man in the High Castle’s absurd plot, but enjoyed a bit of alternate history portion of it.
Dickinson (s1)
Historical Comedy / 10 Episodes / < 30 minutes each
Emily Dickinson lived in Amherst, MA, where I went to university. I remember her house clearly, and they did an excellent job recreating it. Hailee Steinfeld does a wonderful job recreating this coming of age period story with little to no historical accuracy. Her sister (in the show) Lavinia, sort of steals the spotlight over the course of the show, but the cast is great. It’s highly modern and surreal, but it works. Emily Dickinson did in fact buck conventional trends for women in her time. Something very difficult to do then, and now.
You’ll like it if… you like The Great. Do you sense a trend? This section seems to often overlap with my other recommendations… I’ll add Anne with an E, Gentleman Jack, and Little Women to this comparability group too.
What If…? (s1)
Superhero Cartoon / 9 Episodes / < 30 minutes each
Disney Plus (as of October, 2023)
It’s much more enjoyable than the full Marvel films since it has a more comic book / sci-fi energy to the show. Really leaning into the fun speculative nature of being a fan. Like the name of the show implies, What If… this happened, or that happened. Etc. And while it starts off as an anthology, it actually weaves the stories together quite nicely.
You’ll like it if… well it probably only makes sense if you’ve watch a majority of the Marvel films. The most similar show to it is probably Loki, another Marvel Cinematic Universe option. Outside of that, The Umbrella Academy and Altered Carbon seem to have similar themes and styles.
Honorable Mentions
Only Murders in the Building (s1), a weird fun trio that shouldn’t work together, but do. They make fun of true crime, which makes it ideal for both fans and detractors of the genre. Set in NY there are plenty of recognizable locations and the third season is even better!
Maid, is an incredibly depressing mini series on the financial difficulties of many working Americans and how that affects every facet of their lives. I begged Margaret Qualley’s character to take every shortcut offered to her, but it felt like a fair consession since so many people don’t have her luck, good looks, or narrative plot armor.