What’s the Best TV You’ve Seen in 2020?
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What is the best TV you've seen in 2020, whether it's movies, documentaries, mini-series, or television shows?
I don't know about you guys, but not only do I have a ton of wrapping to do, but I also may do more joint-viewing with family members (either local or via synced “watch parties”), so I thought this might be a fun open thread.
For my own $.02, I've watched and enjoyed the following — I tried to include notes on what had lots of sex, sex talk, or swearing, in case you're trying to decide what to watch with children, young adults, conservative adults, or older adults in the mix.
- The Queen's Gambit (Netflix miniseries): Great for viewing with friends or by yourself — some sex and drug references but nothing crazy.
- Emma (movie): It features the same actress as The Queen's Gambit and is delightful.
- The Social Dilemma (Netflix documentary about the dangers of social networks): I just recommended to my parents last night! Highly recommend.
- Succession (HBO series): We binged all the seasons and can't wait for more (just FYI, lots of swearing and sex talk).
- Selling Sunset (Netflix reality show): Kate got me hooked! I mostly work out while watching it, but I could see it being great for wrapping presents also (no sex, some swearing).
- The Crown (Netflix series): My husband and I have really enjoyed all of the seasons; this past one was particularly fun because they hit the Charles & Diana drama (plus, Margaret Thatcher!).
- Great British Baking Challenge (MANY seasons available on Netflix): Very safe viewing if kids are around!
- The Great (Hulu series): I enjoyed watching this fictionalized version of Russian empress Catherine the Great (NB there's lots of sex if you're watching with older people)!
I'm looking forward to:
- Bridgerton, because of course I am: Shonda Rhimes is adapting for Netflix one of my earliest favorite historical romance series.
- WW84: Yeeee! Looks great, and critics seem really pleased.
- The latest season of The Expanse (just started on Amazon Prime) — we haven't started watching it yet but this is one of my father's and husband's favorite shows. I haven't read the books but I also enjoy the show!
- I just started the new season of Home for Christmas on Netflix this morning while doing a YouTube walking workout on another device (because of course I did). It's not ideal for wrapping presents because it's subtitled, but it's lovely if you're looking for something to watch with friends (but lots of sex, sex talk, and swearing!).
I'd particularly love any recommendations you guys have for recent(ish) documentaries. What have you seen that blew your mind that could also be good viewing while 1) wrapping presents or 2) watching with a group?
So let's hear it, readers — what have been the best shows, movies, documentaries and more that you've seen in 2020?
Stock photo via Stencil.
I am currently watching Safe on Netflix and it is so good! Suspenseful, interesting characters and only 8 episodes so it isn’t a big time investment!
TaskMaster is my wrapping watching for 2020. Also my show I watch while doing my facial cleansing routine at night. And whenever I need a giant laugh.
Derry Girls
IT Crowd
The Queen’s Gambit was AMAZING. I was thrilled when it turned out to be a miniseries and then so sad when we made it to the end a few days later!
Agreed! The Queen’s Gambit was – bar none – the best thing I watched all year.
Not new, but finally watched Penny Dreadful on Netflix. Very tightly written & drawn on classic Victorian ( and other) characters, so very absorbing.
My top ten: The Queen’s Gambit, Ted Lasso, Never Have I Ever, Normal People, The Crown, The Good Lord Bird, Great British Bakeoff, What We Did in the Shadows, The Good Fight, The Good Place.
On Netflix:
Hollywood
Broadchurch
Dead to Me
Ozark
Bodyguard
Derry Girls
Dirty John
In the Dark
Bloodlines
Cheer
The politician
Selling Sunset
Dear White People
On Amazon Prime:
The Americans
Billions
The Newsroom
Homeland
Sports Night
Downton Abby
On Netflix:
Hollywood
Broadchurch
Dead to Me
Ozark
Bodyguard
Derry Girls
Dirty John
In the Dark
Bloodlines
Cheer
The politician
Selling Sunset
Dear White People
On Amazon Prime:
The Americans
Billions
The Newsroom
Homeland
Sports Night
Downton Abby
A lesser-known show I enjoyed this year is This Way Up (on Hulu). Smarta$$, slightly dark humor I absolutely loved
I’ve watched more TV this year than ever before. Just binged seasons 1 and 2 of Virgin River in one weekend. I kind of love it (for what it is).
Other shows I’ve enjoyed this year:
Unorthodox
Never Have I Ever
The Babysitters Club
Derry Girls
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (Although it made my pregnant hormonal self cry buckets. Like, loud ugly crying.)
And of course…so much rewatching of Schitts Creek and The Good Place, for comfort.
I loved Roadkill with Hugh Laurie, though I somehow managed to miss recording the final episode (don’t tell me!). I also enjoy Transplant, with a hot young Pakistani-Canadian actor.
Loved Home for the Holidays on Netflix! So good!!!
Just finished The west wing, maybe I was the only person that have not seen it but seeing it as the same time of the 2020 campaing was great (And totally in love with Sam first and Josh later) (And I do not know what was the bigger surprise if who plays Zoe or who is playing Josh in the Handmaids tale, 6 seasons to realize, gosh).
I really love it, going to my forever top ten. Something in the same level? I have seen The wire & 10 ft under.
From 2020: Fleabag, Derry girls, Dark, Unorthodox, Better things, Evil, The good fight, El ministerio del tiempo, La casa de papel, Mrs America, The Crown, The Marvellous mrs Maisel, Succession, The mandalorian, Unbelievable, The Morning Show, Euphoria, Bad Education
What… Nobody’s watched Yellowstone? I’m going craaaaazy waiting until next June for season 4!