My Year in Television (2021)

Welcome to my seventh annual TV shows of the year list. I didn't watch as much this year as I did in 2020, probably because we weren't in lock-down for several months. But I still managed to keep up with the majority of shows I had seen previously and got around to twenty new series that debuted in the last calendar year. Below you will get: My Top 25, honorable mentions, fail of the year, and my watch list. Here we go:

25) Cobra Kai Season 4 (Netflix)- The Karate Kid spin-off continues to find new ways to refresh the tried and true sports formula in unexpected ways. I watched the entirety of the new season in two days. While I obviously enjoyed it, and the writing staff certainly has a lot of good ideas on how to create tension within individual episodes, I wish they would focus a little more on season and series long arcs that reward the more attentive viewers.

24) You Season 3 (Netflix) - Despite this show being incredibly formulaic, the inner monologue heavy, voyeuristic template works. Penn Badgley continues to shine in the main role as a charming sociopath. His charismatic performance is the only way the show works given he plays such an evil protagonist. The other way the writers help restore empathy for his character is by giving him an even more evil co-star (Victoria Pedretti).

23) Search Party Season 4 (HBO MAX) - The writers of this show do such a tremendous job of resetting the narrative in unexpected ways. Right when a character or plot line has seemingly run its course, they mix it up and keep the audience on its toes. Similar to Cobra Kai though, writing to maximize an individual episode or an individual season instead of the series as a whole limits the heights a show can reach.

22) Sex Education Season 3 (Netflix) - I binged all three seasons of this show in 2021, and it quickly became one of my favorite coming-of-age television shows I've ever seen. While each successive season is slightly less appealing than the last (I found season 1 to be absolute perfection), it still manages to provide compelling moments for the majority of characters in the ensemble cast. My biggest issue with the newest season is that the cast is way too big at this point, making it tough to give adequate screen time to everyone. The writers continue to drag out the will-they-won't-they romantic tension between Otis and Maeve when it probably should've been resolved sometime near the end of season 2.

21) Lupin Parts 1 & 2 (Netflix) - This show is the definition of fun. Omar Sy (The Intouchables) stars as the titular character, and he absolutely oozes charisma. This takes the heist format and makes a bunch of entertaining, stand alone episodes. The logic of the narrative and some of the heists fall apart if you think about it too hard - - but here's my suggestion - - don't.

20) Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 11 (HBO) - It's been 21 years since season one aired, and this is still one of the most consistently funny programs in circulation, in no large part due to creator and star Larry David. I didn't find this to be quite as good as season 10, but not every season can be a home run.

19) Ted Lasso Season 2 (Apple TV+) - This collection of 11 episodes featured some outstanding content as well as a few duds. At times it felt like the writers didn't have much of a plan for certain characters following their season 1 arc. When this show is good though, it's REALLY good. I can't think of too many pieces of media that manage to give stereotypical characters such depth and humanity.

18) Dopesick (Hulu) - This series takes a similar approach to Chernobyl, showing a tragedy (the Opioid Epidemic) from the perspective of the instigators as well as the victims. Michael Keaton stars as a doctor in a small town that gets duped by a Purdue Pharma salesman to sell Oxycontin. The show has a shifting timeline that doesn't detract from the quality but doesn't seem to add much either. Despite only being 8 episodes, there still ended up being some story lines and characters that felt unnecessary.

17) Allen V. Farrow (HBO) - This four part documentary series provides never before seen footage and commentary relating to the sexual assault allegations of Woody Allen. Similar to the Michael Jackson documentary, Leaving Neverland, the guilt of the subject is hard to dispute. The strength and courage of the victims to participate in this project is inspiring. Having them describe the pain and confusion they have to endure from having a father figure abuse them is truly heartbreaking.

16) Midnight Mass (Netflix) - The newest series from Mike Flanagan (Haunting of Hill House) is probably his least accessible work to date. That's not to say it isn't worthwhile, just that it requires patience from the viewer and an appreciation of thematic storytelling. The ending of episode 5, titled "Book V: Gospel," is one of the most harrowing TV moments of 2021.

15) Master of None Season 3 (Netflix) - In its five chapter third season, Aziz Ansari stays primarily behind the camera and allows one of his co-stars from the first two seasons, Lena Waithe (Denise), to get more of the spotlight. Each chapter highlights different stages of the two leads' life (Naomi Ackie is excellent as Denise's partner, Alicia). Episode 1 details the early stages of their romantic relationship, episode 2 shows how the relationship breaks down, episodes 3 and 4 show the two separated and trying to live apart, and episode 5 provides a reunion that may or may not culminate in them getting back together. I found it really moving and well made, and I'm shocked at how little fanfare it's received.

14) Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 8 (NBC) - Given the current state of relations between the public and the police, it made sense for this show to wrap up. The writers did a good job of slowly shifting the series towards out-of-office settings, while not shying away from addressing police misconduct. I will certainly miss this show, as this and The Good Place are probably my favorite sitcoms from the 2010's. Like The Good Place, B-99 ended things on a high note.

13) Pen15 Season 2 Part 2 (Hulu) - After releasing 7 episodes in 2020, we got another 8 in 2021, which ultimately ended up being the last batch of the series. As I've said before about this show, using adult actresses to portray seventh graders allows for a lot more leeway in showcasing darker subjects. It's tough to watch but always enlightening, as it delves into sexual trauma, ethnic identity, and parental alienation.

12) Pose Season 3 (FX) - Another beautiful series that sadly came to a close. It's unfortunate that one of the lead actors, Ryan Jamaal Swain (Damon Evangelista), had a family tragedy that forced him to leave the show, as his character was one of my favorites. The writers managed that absence as gracefully as possible, and we still got plenty of the trademarked Pose realness.

11) How to with John Wilson Season 2 (HBO) - Episode 2, titled "How to Appreciate Wine," is maybe my favorite episode of television I watched in 2021. The show has many of the things that made the debut season so fantastic, including loads of fun b-roll footage, great narration, and interviews with the bizarre people that inhabit New York City. I didn't find this season to be quite as consistently excellent as season 1, but it's still well worth the watch.

10) The Silent Sea (Netflix) - This Korean Sci-Fi series focuses on a space mission to the Moon. The crew attempts to recover a mysterious substance that could solve the world's water shortage. The visuals are stunning, and the writers do a wonderful job of slowly filling in the narrative pieces for the audience. The pace is intentionally methodical, which allows for time to be spent on character backstory as well as allowing the setting itself to become an integral part of the experience.

9) Painting with John (HBO) - There's not much I can say that would make this show sound appealing. The entire show is simply a guy making amateur paintings and showing you around his estate while telling stories from his life. It sounds boring, but fortunately John Lurie is one of the more eccentric and interesting human beings that has ever lived. His paintings are also quite good. Lurie's former band, The Lounge Lizards, feature prominently on the soundtrack. Also, if you like this and you haven't seen Fishing With John, put that at the top of your queue.

8) Scenes From a Marriage (HBO) - If you appreciate two stellar actors getting an opportunity to essentially flex their performative muscles, then this is a show for you. Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain are superb as a couple that are going through marital challenges. The five part miniseries delves into subjects like abortion, infidelity, gender power dynamics, and much more.

7) Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) - Martin Short and Steve Martin came up with an inventive way to break the fourth wall by having their characters create a podcast. By having the program be an investigation into a murder that occurred in their apartment building, the podcast story line is the exact thing the audience is watching. The two comic legends bring their collective wit to the screenplay, and the result is a funny and engaging product.

6) Insecure Season 5 (HBO) - This is one of many shows that drew to a close in 2021. I'll miss it for a variety of reasons, including its stellar soundtrack, gorgeous cinematography, and the Molly and Issa relationship, which is simply one of the best platonic friendships ever brought to the screen. Hopefully the brilliance of this series will bring about more opportunities for black creators, writers, show-runners, directors, cinematographers, actors, and crew.

5) The Great Season 2 (Hulu) - For a series that began as effectively 100% satire, the writers of this Hulu series have molded it into a poignant and thrilling drama. Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult effortlessly blend humor with bite, and the tone of the show vacillates between the two with aplomb.

4) Station Eleven (HBO MAX) - A drama based on a post apocalyptic world that materializes due to a deadly flu. The flu has a 99% fatality rate, and the show shifts timelines, in moments showing different characters at the outset of the outbreak (year zero), and then later in year twenty. At first I found myself only interested in the year zero content, but as the show progressed, and I learned more and more about the characters backstories and how they are all interconnected, the more I became enthralled with every element that the show had to offer.

3) Squid Game (Netflix) - This is apparently the most watched Netflix series ever. While some popular pieces of media don't deserve the acclaim, this Korean series manages to be both immensely watchable and contain fully fleshed out characters. The tug-of-war section in episode 4 and the marble game in episode 6 are a couple of my favorite moments.

2) Blindspotting (Showtime) - This series is a spin-off sequel to the mesmerizing 2018 film of the same name. It follows Ashley (Jasmine Cephas), the wife of Miles, who has to navigate her husband being sent to prison, moving in with her mother-in-law, and explaining to her five year old son why his dad is no longer in the picture. Cephas is spectacular as the lead, and the show utilizes hip-hop, poetry, and interpretive dance to spice up storytelling conventions.

1) We Are Lady Parts (Peacock) - Why is a 6 episode Peacock original series in the #1 slot you ask? Well - - because it's that freaking good. The show follows a young, Muslim woman who joins an all female, Muslim punk band despite suffering from extreme stage fright. Most of the humor comes from her own inner monologue, as well as poking fun at the unrealistic expectations placed upon Muslim women. The show is truly delightful with a killer soundtrack as well. At under 3 hours total, it's a relatively easy watch and something I would recommend to just about anybody.

Honorable Mentions:

Wandavision (Disney+) - My favorite Marvel show by far. It manages to pay homage to the different decades and styles of sitcoms while slowly unraveling Wanda's rather unusual coping mechanisms. Also, Kathryn Hahn is a national treasure.

Dave Season 2 (FXX) - This followup failed to have the same sense of momentum and emotional climax of season 1. Season 2 still had its moments, and I found several episodes to be on par with the best in the series (Somebody Date Me, Ad Days, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).

Queer Eye Season 6 (Netflix) - The newest season finds the Fab Five going to Austin, Texas. It continues to be delightful and a perfect thing to watch if you need a pick-me-up.

Hawkeye (Disney+) - The most recent Marvel series is reasonably good. Hailee Steinfeld and Tony Dalton lift up the material and establish fun characters that hopefully will get ongoing roles in the MCU.

The Shrink Next Door (Apple TV+) - The true story this series is based on is legitimately insane. Unfortunately, the execution of bringing that great source material to the screen left a lot to be desired.

Mare of Easttown (HBO) - This limited series features a strong performance from lead Kate Winslet, who plays a small town detective that is still grieving her son's suicide. It might be too bleak for some.

The Great British Bake-off Series 12 (Netflix) - Similar to Queer Eye, delightful is the only adjective that can describe this amateur baking show.

Last Week Tonight Season 8 (HBO) - Host John Oliver spent much of his latest season on his political talk show without a live audience in a space that he referred to simply as "the void." Despite it being more awkward when a bad joke was followed by complete and total silence, the investigative reporting was still top notch.

The Problem With John Stewart Season 1 (Apple TV+) - It's great to see John Stewart back, even if it's sporadic and on a service almost no one owns. The format feels just like an extended daily show.

Modern Love Season 2 (Amazon) - This anthology series, just like season 1, has some good episodes and some mediocre ones. "Am I...? Maybe This Quiz Will Tell Me" is my favorite from the new season. Also would recommend "Strangers on a Train."

Loki (Disney+) - Regardless of how you feel about the quality of the show (I liked it), this feels like the most vital Marvel show to watch to have an understanding of where the MCU is headed.

Gordon Ramsey Uncharted Season 3 (National Geographic) - Yet another really fun season of Gordon Ramsey traveling the world and testing his cooking skills against local chefs.

This is Us Season 5 (NBC) - The writers made the admirable attempt to incorporate COVID-19 into the story. But it was so surface level that I don't think it made an impact on anyone watching and it certainly didn't alter the narrative.

The Circle Season 3 (Netflix) - This is officially my favorite reality show. I watched all three seasons in 2021 and the most recent collection of contestants were dynamite. #TeamKai

Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Disney+) - This was quite hit or miss, and it seems to be the most divisive Marvel show to date. I thought the Wyatt Russell character and performance was utterly captivating, but found the main villain's (Karli Morgenthau) actions to be counter to her own belief system. The writers seemed to bring up a lot of interesting subjects, without any idea of how to pay them off in a satisfying manner.

Fail of the Year:

Handmaid's Tale Season 4 (Hulu) - This show has become a parody of itself at this point. Its focus is too narrow and it's pacing is too deliberate. With a flawed main character that never evolves, and antagonists that never get their just due, what is there to care about? I could get into specifics on a bunch of really awful writing choices, but I try to keep these lists as spoiler free as possible. I would advise anyone starting this show to stop watching after season 2.

Watchlist:

Succession (HBO)

Yellowjackets (Showtime)

1883 (Paramount+)

The White Lotus (HBO)

Reservation Dogs (Hulu)

Hacks (HBO MAX)

In Treatment (HBO)

Mythic Quest (Apple TV+)

Maid (Netflix)

It's a Sin (HBO MAX)

The Underground Railroad (Amazon)

For All Mankind (Apple TV+)

Work in Progress (Showtime)

Hellbound (Netflix)

The North Water (AMC+)