While 2020 has proven to be a trying year, throughout it all, television has provided a much-needed distraction from the mayhem around us. Although the film and television industry itself incurred many financial losses, this year also helped to change the landscape of the industry through the expansion of streaming. With theaters closed and many productions forced to shut down, many major studios used 2020 as a time to rethink how audiences would continue to consume entertainment. While the answer to this problem is still being navigated by studios, in the meantime streaming has become the primary tool to keep fans engaged, offering a slew of content ready to be streamed with the touch of a button.
From Carol Baskin to Catherine The Great, 2020 saw the emergence of many characters, both fictional and non-fictional, on the small -screen. With these characters came many amazing stories that excited us, scared us, inspired us, and dared us to dream even while stuck in quarantine. While there were so many amazing series that came out this year, here are our top TV shows of 2020.
I May Destroy You
This year actress, comedian, director, and producer Michaela Coel channeled her own personal trauma into her television series I May Destroy You. Written, directed, and produced by Michaela Coel the show follows Arabella, a Twitter- star -turned -novelist who after a night out is sexually assaulted. Unable to remember the details of the night before she seeks the help of friends to uncover what happened the night before.
You can watch it here on HBO
The Queen’s Gambit
This record-breaking limited series, starring Anya Taylor-Joy follows the life of an orphaned chess prodigy, as she struggles to battle the male-dominated world of chess as well as her own addiction.
Available on Netflix
Lovecraft Country
This critically acclaimed HBO series, stars Journee Smollet, Jonathan Majors, and Michael K. Williams, as a science fiction loving Atticus ‘Tic’ Freeman hits the road with his childhood friend Lettie and uncle during the 1950s to locate his father. However, during their journey, they unlock a family secret that comes with mystery, surprises, and horror.
Available on HBO
Umbrella Academy (Season 2)
This hit Netflix series took audiences by storm when it first debuted in February of 2019, however, since then the series has managed to outdo itself with its second season. In 1960’s Texas, we found the Hargreeves children once again trying to prevent the apocalypse, while up against familiar villains like The Handler, as well as a set of new and unexpected foes.
Available on Netflix
The Great
In this historical comedy, the rise of Catherine The Great is documented through the clandestine plotting of Catherine’s coup, as well as her own transformation from wife to Queen.
Available on Hulu
Little Fires Everywhere
This Emmy-nominated show stars Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon as two dueling mothers from entirely different backgrounds. As their jarring personalities clash, their scuffles go from inconsequential to catastrophic permanently changing the lives of both women.
Available on Hulu
Insecure Season 4
After a year-long hiatus, Insecure is back and better than ever. Starring Issa Rae and Yvonne Oriji, this season focused on the fractured friendship between Molly and Issa as their tenuous relationship tittered on the edge of destruction. As the women grappled with their increasing disdain for one another, their drama was only further heightened by romances gone wrong, and work problems.
Available on HBO
Mrs. America
Placing a spotlight on a long-ignored aspect of American history, Mrs. America follows the intense battle for and against the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Starring Uzo Aduba, Rose Bryne, and Cate Blanchette, the show has received widespread acclaim for its all-encompassing approach.
Available on Hulu
Harley Quinn
Since her live-action debut in The Suicide Squad, Harley Quinn has gained widespread popularity with mainstream audiences. Known for her zany personality and killer moves with a baseball bat, the Gotham City criminal has found a home on the small screen as well with the Harley Quinn animated series. Voiced by Kaley Cuoco, the show depicts a teamed-up Harley Quinn taking Gotham by storm after a messy break-up with Joker.
Available exclusivity on HBO Max
Vida
This underrated drama series follows the lives of two latinx sisters forced to return home after a sudden death in the family. Heralded for its representation and authentic storylines, Vida has won over its share of fans with its wit and heart.
Available on Starz
