Ranking my Top 20 Television Shows of 2021: Which Shows Made The Cut?

It’s that time of year again! As we get closer and closer to approaching 2022, I thought it would be the perfect time to count down my Top 20 TV Shows of 2021. 

While some returning shows continued strong, others fell off slightly. Meanwhile, some other new shows completely captivated my attention, paving their way into my top 20.

Without any further delay, let’s get to my list!

My Top 20 Television Shows of 2021 are:

20

Shadow and Bone

Image courtesy of Netflix

Based on the popular book, this fantasy series packed a punch in a good way. There was a lot to keep track of in this magical world, but plenty to be excited about, making this a great binge-watch with terrific characters.

19

The Sex Lives of College Girls

Image courtesy of HBO Max

 

This show was such a pleasant surprise. It had an unrated Mean Girls vibe and was actually really funny and charming. I am so thrilled that this show got picked up for a second season and I can’t wait to see more!

18

Kevin Can F… Himself

Image courtesy of AMC

 

One of the most unique shows I have ever watched! I really thought this show was genius and it had such an interesting and dark concept. If you are looking for something new and different, give this show a whirl. It’s worth it!

17

Panic

Image courtesy of Prime Video

 

I really loved this show so much. I thought it was going to be really gimmicky and instead it was so addicting! The dynamic between the characters was fantastic and there was a romance brewing to swoon over and then some! I’m really disappointed it wasn’t picked up for a second season, but I think things wrap up enough in the first season to satisfy fans for the most part.

16

Hawkeye

Image courtesy of Disney+

 

This show had the perfect mix of action and humor. This unlikely partnership was actually really sweet and I thought that the show had a nice wholesome vibe that is family friendly. Plus, the dog is awesome! What’s not to love?

15

My Name

Image courtesy of Netflix

 

One of the most powerful female characters I have seen on television in a long time! This revenge series was so gritty and consuming. It brought up so many emotions, but I was there for the journey and I’m really glad that I gave this show a chance!

14

Yellowjackets

Image courtesy of Showtime

 

Dark and twisted with a cast to die for! This series is very much LOST meets The Wilds, but it has a lot of reveals still remaining. The past and present collide in this addicting series and I’m excited to see what season two brings to the table as well!

13

Hellbound

Image courtesy of Netflix

 

This South Korean horror drama series may be one of the most disturbing things I have ever watched, brought to us from the director of Train to Busan. In a lot of ways, this show is about how dangerous misguided faith in the wrong hands can be, as it shows how easily humanity can fall apart when real fear comes into play.

12

Who Killed Sara? (Seasons 1 and 2)

Image courtesy of Netflix

 

This show is the definition of a guilty pleasure thriller. There is the perfect blend of soap-opera drama mixed in with a compelling murder mystery that will throw so many twists and turns at you, that you will completely dismiss how ridiculous some of them are and just enjoy the ride.

One of the most addicting series of the year for sure!

11

Dexter: New Blood

Image courtesy of Showtime

 

I didn’t really know what to expect with this new series, but wow it has been absolutely brilliant! The show managed to bring back the original vibe of the series while creating something new and relevant for Dexter without overdoing it. I’m completely hooked! 

10

You (season 3)

Image courtesy of Netflix

 

My favorite season yet! The move to the suburbs was the right call for our favorite serial killers. The dynamic between Joe and Love really made this season exceptional and I was invested the entire time! Talk about a binge-watcher’s dream!

9

Mare of Easttown

Image courtesy of HBO Max

 

Emotionally stirring, an out-of-this-world performance by Kate Winslet, a heartfelt partnership, and a compelling mystery. This show was so well made and really showed off Kate’s range in the best way possible.

8

Clickbait

Image courtesy of Netflix

 

Another really addicting show and premise! I was hooked from the opening episode and I could not stop watching this show. As soon as I thought I had figured something out about the mystery, I was thrown in another direction and the show did a really fantastic job of keeping you guessing right up until the very end!

7

The Witcher (season 2)

Image courtesy of Netflix

 

A fantasy adventure filled with gore, laughs, and epic moments! This season really found its way and the dynamic between the main characters really elevated this show in so many ways, making it the perfect show to binge-watch before the end of the year. I loved it!

6

Lucifer (Final Season)

Image courtesy of Netflix

 

It’s not easy ending a series and I thought that Lucifer managed to truly make a final season for the fans. The episodes were fantastic, the characters all got a chance to truly shine and that ending had me in tears in the best way possible! I will miss this show but I do think that it really stuck the landing, which is far from easy to do!

5

The Innocent

Image courtesy of Netflix

 

My favorite Harlan Coben series yet! This series was beyond addicting. It had so many moving pieces but when everything came together, I was so beyond impressed with this particular mystery.

4

Only Murders in the Building

Image courtesy of Hulu

 

This show was so much fun! It had a really great mystery at its core, but the interaction between the characters and the clues they uncovered kept me laughing as well. It had the perfect balance of quirky humor and murder mystery fun. This show was such a wonderful surprise and I can’t wait to watch the second season!

3

WandaVision

Image courtesy of Disney+

 

This show was so unique and interesting. At first, I was slightly confused by what I was watching and yet I was entertained all the same and I loved the TV nostalgia thrown in. The show quickly transformed into something so amazing over the episodes. I looked forward to every single episode and by the time I got to the end, I was so emotionally changed by what I had witnessed.

Perfection!

2

Midnight Mass

Image courtesy of Netflix

 

An interesting take on horror with a Stephen King vibe that just worked! This series was disturbing on so many levels, but it also brought us so many beautiful and poetic moments too. I thought that the performances were absolutely incredible, creating a chilling series worth talking about!

Drum roll please…

1

Squid Game

Image courtesy of Netflix

 

If you haven’t watched Squid Game yet, you are missing out! This show quickly became one of the most watched shows all over the world and with good reason! This show sucks you in right from the start. The premise may seem odd, but once you start watching, you quickly become immersed into this story with relatable characters and games that will keep you on your toes!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments about your favorite television shows of 2021. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl