Television in 2021 truly had a ‘feast or famine’ mentality; with so many people seeking distraction and entertainment from the comfort of their couch, there was a plethora of content available. Competition was tough among the streaming platform juggernauts, with each putting out shows that captivated and enthralled audiences. It’s next to impossible to give attention to every great release of the year, but there were definitely quite a few that simply can’t be ignored.
Whether viewers are fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, impressive ensembles, historical dramas or murder mysteries, 2021 was a year in television that offered a little bit of everything. While some movies floundered at the box office, it seemed as though television was releasing hit after hit shows. Let’s take a look at some of the best TV shows of 2021.
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WandaVision
Disney+
The first television series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe features Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany reprising their roles as Wanda Maximoff and Vision, power couple extraordinaire. The show pays homage to past sitcoms, with the duo living in a reality that takes them through the different decades of television and their respective tropes. With a talented supporting cast including Kathryn Hahn, Debra Jo Rupp, Kat Dennings and Evan Peters, WandaVision was groundbreaking for the MCU and took audiences by storm. The premise alone was a fun and unique concept that was powerfully executed. Critics praised the series and it received numerous accolades, including a massive 23 Primetime Emmy Award Nominations.
Mare of Easttown
It should come as no surprise that Kate Winslet once again delivered a memorable and powerful performance with her role on the HBO Max limited series Mare of Easttown. The premise follows Winslet as Marianne “Mare” Sheehan, a detective sergeant in Easttown, Pennsylvania who is investigating a murder in the small town. The show has been praised by critics and viewers alike, with Winslet’s portrayal as the titular character being heralded. It earned 16 nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards and won four, including Winslet winning for Outstanding Lead Actress. Of Mare of Easttown, the BBC declared, “Winslet makes an unglamorous return to TV…and her fierce, ordinary heroine is gloriously real.”
The White Lotus
HBO
Satirical dramedy The White Lotus is an HBO original series that features a talented ensemble cast, including Jennifer Coolidge, Steve Zahn, Murray Bartlett and Connie Britton. Set at the titular tropical resort in Hawaii, the show follows the lives of the resort workers and guests as they interact over the course of a week. The picture-perfect paradise quickly loses its magic and beauty as their own personal struggles and issues come to light with each passing day. The White Lotus earned critical acclaim and an approval rating of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, with Jennifer Coolidge specifically being praised for her role. Rolling Stone writer Alan Sepinwall perfectly captured the essence of the show in his review, saying it is, “frequently uncomfortable, sometimes poetic, occasionally hilarious, and deeply idiosyncratic throughout.”
Loki
Tom Hiddleston returns as everyone’s favorite mischief maker Loki in a series that finds an alternate version of the Norse god having created a new timeline. Occuring after the events of Avengers: Endgame, Loki features the character being brought to the secretive Time Variance Authority (TVA) where he meets agent Mobius M. Mobius. Owen Wilson joins the MCU as Mobius and together he and Loki develop a mentor/mentee relationship. Loki is tasked with fixing the timeline or being erased from existence, going on a fun and wild journey through time. The show received positive reviews and was a hit among fans, with the debut episode being the most watched series premiere on Disney+.
Ted Lasso
Warner Bros. Television Distribution / Apple Inc.
Saturday Night Live alum Jason Sudeikis portrays the titular character of this AppleTV+ original, which follows an American college football coach who is hired to oversee an English soccer team. Lasso’s wholesome, optimistic demeanor is endearing and he uses it to his advantage when attempting to gain acceptance among the English market. The show has resonated with audiences everywhere, with many finding comfort in the uplifting tone and charming premise. Ted Lasso was nominated for 20 Primetime Emmy Awards its first season, a record for a freshman comedy. Sudeikis has won an Emmy Award and Golden Globe for his portrayal, and the series continues to receive nominations for its second season.
The Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad is a fantasy historical drama that tells the story of people attempting to escape slavery via magic realism; in the series it is an actual subterranean train. The show follows the enslaved Cora, who wants to escape from Georgia to freedom by taking The Underground Railroad. Though in reality it was a network of safe houses and secret routes, the show is based on the book of the same name, by Colson Whitehead. With a talented cast including Thuso Mbedu, Joel Edgerton, William Jackson Harper and Aaron Pierre, and created by Moonlight maestro Barry Jenkins, The Underground Railroad was praised by critics and viewers. It has earned both Emmy, Golden Globe and Independent Spirit award nominations.
Nine Perfect Strangers
Hulu
Hulu miniseries Nine Perfect Strangers features nine strangers who gather for a 10-day retreat at Tranquillum House, founded by Nicole Kidman’s Masha Dmitrichenko. As with The White Lotus, Nine Perfect Strangers includes an ensemble cast with talent like Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans, Michael Shannon and Regina Hall, following the group of strangers as they discover secrets and shocking truths about their fellow guests. The powerful performances of the A-list cast truly elevates the plot and the series became the most-watched Hulu original at the time of its release.
Squid Game
Squid Game is a South Korean survival phenomenon that took the whole world by storm, garnering international attention and critical acclaim. The drama series features a cast including Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon and HoYeon Jung as they enter a contest where 456 players risk their lives playing deadly children’s games. All players are in deep financial debt and are fighting to win a massive prize, resulting in violence and brutality. Upon its release, Squid Game became Netflix’s most-watched series, amassing more than 1.65 billion viewing hours in its first month. Critics and audiences globally are in agreement that the show is a massive hit; it has also been nominated for four Golden Globe Awards.
Only Murders in the Building
Comedy dream team Steve Martin and Martin Short pair up in the mystery comedy series Only Murders in the Building, which follows three strangers who are obsessed with the same true crime podcast. When a mysterious death occurs in their apartment building, the neighbors band together and start their own program to solve the case. Co-starring Selena Gomez, Amy Ryan and Aaron Dominguez, the Hulu series earned a reported 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It has also received numerous accolades, including Satellite, Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe Award nominations. A second season is currently in the works.
Hacks
The HBO dramedy series Hacks follows the professional relationship between a comedy stand-up legend and young comedic writer, as they team up to further their respective careers. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder portray the reluctant duo, as the show shines a light on the dark realities of the comedy world. Hacks has earned universal acclaim upon its release, winning three Primetime Emmy Awards including Outstanding Writing, Outstanding Directing and Outstanding Lead Actress for Jean Smart. The show has also been nominated for three Golden Globes and a second season has been greenlit.
