After spotlighting 2020’s 10 best TV shows, it’s time to honor the new series that in their first year managed to break through the glut of broadcast, cable and streaming content. That task is tough enough on its own, but Covid-19 was especially challenging for new shows: The timing of the pandemic production shutdowns meant that the broadcasters were only able to launch a handful of new shows in the second half of the year—none of which were strong enough to make it onto this list.
Instead, incredible new shows from streaming services—including a pair of upstart platforms—comprise the bulk of this year’s best-of freshman lineup. Here are the 10 new shows that you should start binge-watching immediately.
10. Never Have I Ever (Netflix)
Netflix has established itself as the go-to destination for YA content, but nothing resonated like this coming-of-age comedy, created by Mindy Kaling, about a first-generation Indian American sophomore (newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, who is magnificent) navigating high school with her two best friends, while still struggling to come to terms with the recent death of her father. It movingly, and often hilariously, touches on themes both personal and universal.
9. P-Valley (Starz)
A premium cable network airing a series about a Mississippi Delta strip club called the Pynk sounds like a throwback to HBO and Cinemax’s “Skinemax” era, but the show’s titillating location is merely a backdrop for riveting drama. Katori Hall adapted her play that looks at the grit behind the glitter, focusing on an enthralling group of small-town characters with big dreams, including Uncle Clifford, the Pynk’s non-binary owner, played by Nicco Annan.
8. The Great (Hulu)
The title refers to its main character, Catherine the Great (played by a stunning Elle Fanning), but it’s an accurate description of the show itself as well. The comedy-drama hybrid is an only-occasionally-factual look at Catherine’s rise, following her arranged marriage to Russian Emperor Peter III (Nicholas Hoult, having the time of his life playing a cruel dimwit). If The Crown is a bit too stuffy for you, this might be more to your liking (as long as you don’t mind the occasional severed head).
7. The Flight Attendant (HBO Max)
Based on the novel by Chris Bohjalian, this drama follows a hard-partying flight attendant (Kaley Cuoco) who wakes up in a hotel bed next to a dead man—and the conspiracy she finds herself, and those closest to her, drawn into. After a dull launch slate of new shows, HBO Max has found its first must-watch series, which zips along like a great beach read—complete with a huge cliffhanger at the end of each episode to help propel you into the next one. It’s still unclear what direction the show can go in once the murder mystery is wrapped up, but it’s been a fun, breezy ride so far.
6. Central Park (Apple TV+)
For its first foray into adult animation, Apple TV+ scores with an animated musical comedy—from the Bob’s Burgers creators—about a family living in Central Park (where the dad is the park manager), battling the hotel heiress trying to turn the land into condos. The cast is packed with Broadway vets, which includes Hamilton alums Daveed Diggs and Leslie Odom Jr., and The Book of Mormon’s Josh Gad, who also executive produces. In each episode, they belt out memorable original songs like “Weirdos Make Great Superheroes,” written by Sara Bareilles.
