Here Are The Top 10 TV Shows That Got Me Through 2020
By Lily Scheckner
By Lily Scheckner
I think we can all agree that 2020 was… not a great year. We were all confined to our houses, forced to do school through a computer. We didn’t see our family and friends. Some of us might have even lost someone. So in this chaos, we took whatever solace we could. I turned to a variety of distractions; books, movies, and lots and lots of writing. But something else that helped me was watching TV shows. I got lost in different worlds, each one unique and magical, when ours was so bleak. Season after season, the allure of connecting with fictional characters was enticing after spending so many months isolated and alone. So without further ado, in no particular order, here is my breakdown of the top 10 TV shows that got me through 2020.
1. The Good Place
Can you say absolute genius? The Good Place managed to put together quite the combination, humor and moral philosophy, and still make it work. This amazing TV show follows Eleanor (Kristen Bell), a self-described Arizona dirtbag, who somehow ends up in the show’s version of heaven after she dies. With the help of a moral philosopher named Chidi (William Jackson Harper), Eleanor embarks on a journey to make herself a better person. This show has some of the greatest worldbuilding I’ve ever seen, and has given me a good laugh or a good cry when I need it. You will forking love it! All seasons on Netflix now.
2. Gilmore Girls
This is the perfect TV show to watch with your mom (unless that isn’t cool now a days?).
The 7 seasons, plus a 4 part reboot, follow young mother Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and daughter Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) as they navigate school, work, love, and life. The show is full of delightful characters, such as Sookie St. James (played by the incomparable Melissa McCarthy) and Dean Forester (Jared Padalecki of Supernatural fame). I truly can’t recommend this show enough! Also, Team Jess forever. All seasons on Netflix now.
3. The Umbrella Academy
This science fiction style TV show is a must see for anyone who hasn’t already. It has made me laugh out loud too many times to count, and it also has an amazing plot. The 7 adopted children of Reginald Hargreeves each have a marvelous superpower, except one. The siblings must deal with tragedy, romance, and time travel as they learn to trust and collaborate with one another. I must also mention the wonderful performance of 16-year-old Aidan Gallagher, who stole the show with his dry witted portrayal of an old man trapped in a young body. You can find my article on the star of The Umbrella Academy, Elliot Page, here. All seasons on Netflix now, and more on the way!
4. Veronica Mars
I know, I know. Another TV show starring Kristen Bell. But what can I say? She’s amazing in both. Long before Riverdale, Veronica Mars was the mystery style teen drama to beat--and it was actually good. In the small town of Neptune, California, the titular character of Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) is an outcast of the high school hierarchy. With assistance from her private investigator father, Veronica embarks on a spine-chilling journey to solve the mystery of her best friend’s (Amanda Seyfried) death. I have rewatched this show obsessively over quarantine, and--actually, I’m going to go watch it again right now. All seasons on Hulu.
5. Glee
Oh goodness. While Glee was a relatively lighthearted show, it has taken on a certain air of sadness over the past year. Most people know what I’m talking about; the tragic death of Naya Rivera, one of the show’s beloved stars. I, along with countless others, waited with baited breath as the police dragged the lake for Naya’s body, and when she was found, Gleeks went into full-on mourning. It has been heartbreaking to watch Glee knowing that not one but three of the main actors are deceased, but it is a great way to honor Naya Rivera’s beautiful legacy. All seasons on Netflix now.
6. The Office
I feel like this show doesn’t need much an explanation. It is an absolute classic in every possible way. Now I have to admit something quite embarrassing… I had never seen The Office before this year. And I’m glad I didn’t! Watching this piece of comedic genius was only made more enjoyable in quarantine. The 9 season show stars Michael Scott (Steve Carrell) as the lovable, idiotic boss of a Scranton paper company and follows all the employees of Dunder Mifflin, especially the legendary love story of Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer). If you haven’t watched The Office, please just do it. Also, bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica. All seasons on Peacock now, and the first three seasons are free.
7. Once Upon A Time
There are very few really good fantasy TV shows out there, but one of them is definitely Once Upon A Time. Each season contains elaborate fairy tales interwoven into one cohesive plot. The story begins when Henry (Jared Gilmore) seeks out his biological mother Emma (Jennifer Morrison) in Boston. When he brings her back to his hometown of Storybrooke, she soon realizes that everything is not quite as it seems. With the help of Snow White/Mary Margaret, Prince Charming/David Nolan, and The Evil Queen/Regina Mills, Emma attempts to free the Storybrooke citizens from the curse trapping them and their memories inside. I totally recommend this show--but please, for your own sake, skip season 7. All seasons on Disney+ now.
8. Schitt’s Creek
This show is simply the best (you all know what I’m referring to). Every single character is unique and hilarious. The setting is magnificent. And while everybody wanted more seasons of this beautiful comedy, the finale tied it up perfectly. The 6 seasons follow the Rose family, including John (Eugene Levy), Moira (Catherine O’Hara), David (Daniel Levy), and Alexis (Annie Murphy) who lose all of their money and are forced to move to a very small town. Together, they must work through financial, romantic, and familial issues. All seasons on Netflix now.
9. Sherlock
While this is one you may not see much anymore, Sherlock is the perfect show for any hardcore mystery fan. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, it is the perfect balance of humor and thriller. The series is based on the original novels by Arthur Conan Doyle and manage to bring a touch of the modern world to an old story. Some of my favorite episodes include: “A Study In Pink,” “A Scandal in Belgravia,” “The Reichenbach Fall,” “The Empty Hearse,” “The Final Problem,” and the very best episode, “The Sign of Three.” All seasons on Netflix now.
10. The Vampire Diaries
I watched The Vampire Diaries for the first time in quarantine at the insistence of my best friend. Like many of you out there, I was unfairly prejudiced against all vampire related entertainment (thanks, “Twilight”). But after watching, I can genuinely say that this can join the ranks of Once Upon A Time as a really, really good fantasy TV show. There are so many different creatures, each one with a unique backstory. Each character is incredibly engaging. The quality does not decline over the course of the seasons, despite the departure of the main character, Elena (Nina Dobrev), in season 7. With one of the strongest ensemble casts I’ve ever seen, I couldn’t help but put this show on my Top 10 list. All seasons on Netflix now.
Honorable mentions: Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn 99, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Everything Sucks!, Never Have I Ever, Stranger Things, The Originals, Outer Banks, One Day At A Time, Supergirl, and The Crown.
*Note: Not all of these shows might be appropriate for you! Make sure to consult with parents/guardians before turning on the TV.
Image Sources:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1843230/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3526078/
https://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Diaries-poster-36-inch/dp/B011BN5NW4
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4955642/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/611574824369816332/
1. The Good Place
Can you say absolute genius? The Good Place managed to put together quite the combination, humor and moral philosophy, and still make it work. This amazing TV show follows Eleanor (Kristen Bell), a self-described Arizona dirtbag, who somehow ends up in the show’s version of heaven after she dies. With the help of a moral philosopher named Chidi (William Jackson Harper), Eleanor embarks on a journey to make herself a better person. This show has some of the greatest worldbuilding I’ve ever seen, and has given me a good laugh or a good cry when I need it. You will forking love it! All seasons on Netflix now.
2. Gilmore Girls
This is the perfect TV show to watch with your mom (unless that isn’t cool now a days?).
The 7 seasons, plus a 4 part reboot, follow young mother Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and daughter Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) as they navigate school, work, love, and life. The show is full of delightful characters, such as Sookie St. James (played by the incomparable Melissa McCarthy) and Dean Forester (Jared Padalecki of Supernatural fame). I truly can’t recommend this show enough! Also, Team Jess forever. All seasons on Netflix now.
3. The Umbrella Academy
This science fiction style TV show is a must see for anyone who hasn’t already. It has made me laugh out loud too many times to count, and it also has an amazing plot. The 7 adopted children of Reginald Hargreeves each have a marvelous superpower, except one. The siblings must deal with tragedy, romance, and time travel as they learn to trust and collaborate with one another. I must also mention the wonderful performance of 16-year-old Aidan Gallagher, who stole the show with his dry witted portrayal of an old man trapped in a young body. You can find my article on the star of The Umbrella Academy, Elliot Page, here. All seasons on Netflix now, and more on the way!
4. Veronica Mars
I know, I know. Another TV show starring Kristen Bell. But what can I say? She’s amazing in both. Long before Riverdale, Veronica Mars was the mystery style teen drama to beat--and it was actually good. In the small town of Neptune, California, the titular character of Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) is an outcast of the high school hierarchy. With assistance from her private investigator father, Veronica embarks on a spine-chilling journey to solve the mystery of her best friend’s (Amanda Seyfried) death. I have rewatched this show obsessively over quarantine, and--actually, I’m going to go watch it again right now. All seasons on Hulu.
5. Glee
Oh goodness. While Glee was a relatively lighthearted show, it has taken on a certain air of sadness over the past year. Most people know what I’m talking about; the tragic death of Naya Rivera, one of the show’s beloved stars. I, along with countless others, waited with baited breath as the police dragged the lake for Naya’s body, and when she was found, Gleeks went into full-on mourning. It has been heartbreaking to watch Glee knowing that not one but three of the main actors are deceased, but it is a great way to honor Naya Rivera’s beautiful legacy. All seasons on Netflix now.
6. The Office
I feel like this show doesn’t need much an explanation. It is an absolute classic in every possible way. Now I have to admit something quite embarrassing… I had never seen The Office before this year. And I’m glad I didn’t! Watching this piece of comedic genius was only made more enjoyable in quarantine. The 9 season show stars Michael Scott (Steve Carrell) as the lovable, idiotic boss of a Scranton paper company and follows all the employees of Dunder Mifflin, especially the legendary love story of Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer). If you haven’t watched The Office, please just do it. Also, bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica. All seasons on Peacock now, and the first three seasons are free.
7. Once Upon A Time
There are very few really good fantasy TV shows out there, but one of them is definitely Once Upon A Time. Each season contains elaborate fairy tales interwoven into one cohesive plot. The story begins when Henry (Jared Gilmore) seeks out his biological mother Emma (Jennifer Morrison) in Boston. When he brings her back to his hometown of Storybrooke, she soon realizes that everything is not quite as it seems. With the help of Snow White/Mary Margaret, Prince Charming/David Nolan, and The Evil Queen/Regina Mills, Emma attempts to free the Storybrooke citizens from the curse trapping them and their memories inside. I totally recommend this show--but please, for your own sake, skip season 7. All seasons on Disney+ now.
8. Schitt’s Creek
This show is simply the best (you all know what I’m referring to). Every single character is unique and hilarious. The setting is magnificent. And while everybody wanted more seasons of this beautiful comedy, the finale tied it up perfectly. The 6 seasons follow the Rose family, including John (Eugene Levy), Moira (Catherine O’Hara), David (Daniel Levy), and Alexis (Annie Murphy) who lose all of their money and are forced to move to a very small town. Together, they must work through financial, romantic, and familial issues. All seasons on Netflix now.
9. Sherlock
While this is one you may not see much anymore, Sherlock is the perfect show for any hardcore mystery fan. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, it is the perfect balance of humor and thriller. The series is based on the original novels by Arthur Conan Doyle and manage to bring a touch of the modern world to an old story. Some of my favorite episodes include: “A Study In Pink,” “A Scandal in Belgravia,” “The Reichenbach Fall,” “The Empty Hearse,” “The Final Problem,” and the very best episode, “The Sign of Three.” All seasons on Netflix now.
10. The Vampire Diaries
I watched The Vampire Diaries for the first time in quarantine at the insistence of my best friend. Like many of you out there, I was unfairly prejudiced against all vampire related entertainment (thanks, “Twilight”). But after watching, I can genuinely say that this can join the ranks of Once Upon A Time as a really, really good fantasy TV show. There are so many different creatures, each one with a unique backstory. Each character is incredibly engaging. The quality does not decline over the course of the seasons, despite the departure of the main character, Elena (Nina Dobrev), in season 7. With one of the strongest ensemble casts I’ve ever seen, I couldn’t help but put this show on my Top 10 list. All seasons on Netflix now.
Honorable mentions: Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn 99, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Everything Sucks!, Never Have I Ever, Stranger Things, The Originals, Outer Banks, One Day At A Time, Supergirl, and The Crown.
*Note: Not all of these shows might be appropriate for you! Make sure to consult with parents/guardians before turning on the TV.
Image Sources:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1843230/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3526078/
https://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Diaries-poster-36-inch/dp/B011BN5NW4
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4955642/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/611574824369816332/