The ranking of the 10 best TV shows of 2020 may vary depending on the critic or viewer’s preferences, but here are some of the most acclaimed and popular TV series of the year:
- Schitt’s Creek (Pop TV/Netflix) – a Canadian sitcom about a wealthy family who loses their fortune and has to live in a small town, with a total of six seasons and 15 Emmy wins.
- The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix) – a miniseries based on the novel by Walter Tevis, about a young orphan who becomes a chess prodigy in the 1960s, with a breakout performance by Anya Taylor-Joy.
- Better Call Saul (AMC) – a crime drama prequel to Breaking Bad, about the early years of lawyer Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman, with five seasons and a total of 39 Emmy nominations.
- Normal People (BBC Three/Hulu) – a romantic drama based on the novel by Sally Rooney, about the complex relationship between two Irish teenagers from different social backgrounds, with breakthrough performances by Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal.
- The Mandalorian (Disney+) – a space Western series set in the Star Wars universe, about a bounty hunter who protects a child from various threats, with a breakout character called Baby Yoda.
- I May Destroy You (BBC One/HBO) – a drama series created, written, and starring Michaela Coel, about a young woman who tries to piece together the events of a sexual assault, with critical acclaim for its bold and nuanced storytelling.
- Lovecraft Country (HBO) – a horror-drama series based on the novel by Matt Ruff, about a Black family who confronts supernatural terrors and racism in the 1950s Jim Crow America, with an ensemble cast led by Jurnee Smollett and Jonathan Majors.
- The Crown (Netflix) – a historical drama series about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, with four seasons and multiple Emmy wins, with the latest season exploring the 1980s and introducing new cast members.
- What We Do in the Shadows (FX) – a mockumentary horror-comedy series based on the film by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, about a group of vampires who live in Staten Island and deal with modern life and rivalries, with a loyal cult following.
- Ramy (Hulu) – a comedy-drama series created, written, and starring Ramy Youssef, about a young Muslim-American who tries to balance his faith, family, and identity in a diverse but challenging world, with a Golden Globe win for Best Actor in a Comedy.
