Top TV Shows Of 2020: A Year In Review

Hey guys, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the awesome TV shows that lit up our screens back in 2020! It was a year filled with unexpected twists, binge-worthy dramas, and hilarious comedies that kept us entertained during a challenging time. This year, the TV landscape offered us a diverse range of genres and stories, from gripping thrillers to heartwarming family sagas. So, grab your popcorn, and let's dive into some of the best TV shows of 2020!

The Pandemic's Impact on Television in 2020

Alright, before we get to the shows, let's be real: 2020 was a wild year, right? The COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down, and the TV industry was no exception. Production shutdowns, remote work, and all sorts of new challenges emerged. But you know what? Despite all of that, the creative folks in Hollywood delivered some seriously amazing content. Streaming services really shined, becoming our go-to for entertainment. They stepped up their game big time, offering more content than ever before and creating some of the most talked-about shows of the year.

The pandemic also shifted viewing habits. Folks were stuck at home, turning to TV as a source of comfort, escape, and connection. Binge-watching became a national pastime, and the ability to stream episodes on demand was a huge lifesaver. Plus, with movie theaters closed, TV shows, and streaming series, often became the main entertainment source. Production teams had to get creative, finding ways to film safely and adapt to the new normal. The result? A year of television that was both reflective of the times and a welcome distraction from them. It was truly a year where television became even more important in people's lives, providing a sense of normalcy and community when we needed it most. We can say that the pandemic did not stop Hollywood from creating great content, but rather pushed it to become even more creative and innovative. These changes impacted the selection of the best TV shows in 2020.

Top TV Shows: The Must-Watch List

Now, let's get to the main event: the shows! Narrowing down the top TV shows of 2020 was tough because there were so many gems to choose from. But we've compiled a list of some of the absolute must-sees, based on popularity, critical acclaim, and, of course, our own personal favorites. So, without further ado, let's jump into the list. Remember, this is just a starting point; there are tons of other great shows out there. This list should give you a good idea of what to watch and what you might have missed.

The Queen's Gambit

Guys, have you seen The Queen's Gambit? If you haven't, stop reading this right now and go watch it! This Netflix miniseries took the world by storm, and for good reason. It follows the story of Beth Harmon, a young orphan who becomes a chess prodigy. The show's visuals are stunning, the story is compelling, and Anya Taylor-Joy gives a career-defining performance. The series masterfully blends the world of competitive chess with Beth's personal struggles, including addiction. It's a visually beautiful and emotionally gripping story about talent, obsession, and overcoming adversity. From the fashion to the set design, everything about The Queen's Gambit is top-notch. It's a must-watch, even if you don't know the first thing about chess. The popularity of the show also sparked a huge interest in chess, with sales of chess sets skyrocketing after the show's release. It really shows the power of great storytelling and the impact that TV shows can have on popular culture.

Ted Lasso

Next up, we have Ted Lasso. This Apple TV+ series brought a much-needed dose of optimism and warmth to our screens. Jason Sudeikis stars as Ted, an American football coach hired to coach a professional soccer team in England, despite knowing nothing about the sport. The show is hilarious, heartwarming, and full of lovable characters. It's the perfect feel-good show, offering a positive message about kindness, friendship, and believing in yourself. Ted Lasso resonated with audiences because of its genuine heart and its ability to make you laugh and cry in the same episode. The show's success proved that you can create great TV without resorting to cynicism or negativity. It is one of the shows that made 2020 a special year for TV.

The Crown (Season 4)

For those who love historical dramas, The Crown continued to deliver in its fourth season. The Netflix series delves into the life of Queen Elizabeth II and the British royal family. Season 4 introduced Princess Diana and explored the tumultuous relationship between her and Prince Charles. The acting is phenomenal, the production values are incredible, and the storytelling is captivating. The season provided a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal period in the royal family's history, sparking conversations and debates about the monarchy. It's a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and anyone interested in the lives of the royals. The Crown has consistently been praised for its beautiful cinematography, stunning costumes, and accurate historical settings. It's a show that will keep you glued to your seat.

The Mandalorian (Season 2)

Star Wars fans, rejoice! The Mandalorian's second season kept the Star Wars spirit alive and well on Disney+. This series follows a lone bounty hunter as he navigates the galaxy with his adorable companion, Grogu (aka Baby Yoda). The show is a visual spectacle, with stunning special effects and action sequences. The second season expanded the Star Wars universe and introduced new characters and storylines that delighted fans. The Mandalorian revitalized the franchise and proved that Star Wars could thrive in a television format. It's a must-watch for any Star Wars fan, and it's also accessible enough for newcomers to enjoy. With its great characters, great storylines and fantastic special effects, The Mandalorian became a worldwide hit.

I May Destroy You

I May Destroy You is a powerful and thought-provoking series created by Michaela Coel. It explores themes of sexual assault, consent, and trauma in a raw and honest way. The show is both heartbreaking and inspiring, offering a unique perspective on these important issues. Michaela Coel's performance is incredible, and the show's writing is sharp and insightful. I May Destroy You sparked important conversations about consent and sexual violence, and it has been critically acclaimed for its bravery and honesty. It is a show that leaves a lasting impact on viewers and is one of the most important series of 2020. This show is very important to watch and analyze.

Other Notable TV Shows from 2020

Besides the main shows mentioned earlier, other great TV series deserve some love. Many other shows contributed to the diverse TV landscape of 2020. Here are some of the other popular series of 2020 that are worth mentioning and watching.

Lovecraft Country

This HBO series blended horror, sci-fi, and historical fiction, and it's set in the Jim Crow South. It follows a Black family as they fight against both supernatural monsters and racial injustice. The show is visually stunning, and its themes are timely and important. The series has received rave reviews for its amazing cast, directing and production. Even if the series was canceled after only one season, it is worth a watch.

Normal People

Normal People, based on the novel by Sally Rooney, tells the story of two young people navigating love, loss, and growing up in Ireland. The show is beautifully shot and emotionally resonant. Its amazing storytelling makes it unique. It's a show that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Unorthodox

This Netflix miniseries explores the life of a young woman who escapes an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn. The series has received rave reviews for its unique perspective and its powerful story. This series is also worth a watch.

Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness

This docuseries took the world by storm with its bizarre and captivating story about the world of big cat owners. This show is one of the most popular series of 2020, even if it is a documentary series. The series provided much-needed entertainment during the beginning of the pandemic.

The Rise of Streaming Services

2020 was the year that streaming services really took center stage. With people stuck at home, platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max saw a huge surge in subscribers. These platforms invested heavily in original content, resulting in some of the best TV shows of 2020 being streamed. The competition between these services fueled innovation and led to more diverse and high-quality programming. It's a win-win for viewers, who now have access to a vast library of content at their fingertips. The success of streaming services also changed the way the TV industry operated, with more emphasis on on-demand viewing and binge-watching. The rise of streaming services has completely changed the TV viewing experience.

Conclusion: A Memorable Year for Television

So, there you have it, folks! Our look back at some of the top TV shows of 2020. It was a year that challenged the industry and viewers alike, but it also delivered some truly memorable television. From historical dramas to sci-fi adventures to heartwarming comedies, there was something for everyone. Whether you were binge-watching to escape reality or simply looking for some entertainment, TV provided a much-needed escape. If you've missed any of these shows, we encourage you to check them out. You might just find your new favorite series. Thanks for tuning in to our 2020 TV recap, and here's to even more amazing shows in the years to come!