10) The Rehearsal: This show is a crazy experiment and goes insane places. I can’t believe how much money HBO gave Nathan Fielder. I was laughing and disturbed at the same time.
9) Bluey: Bluey is the show I watched the most of this year. My children love the show, but it is so much more than that. This show makes me want to be a better, more engaged parent. It is hilarious and heart-felt and tells beautiful stories in 15 minutes. More adults without children need to watch it because it is one of the best shows on television.
8) Our Flag Means Death: What a fun show! I loved the characters, and it seemed like they were having so much fun making this. It is unlike anything else, and I can’t wait for season two. I hope more people hear about this show and give it a shot because in the time of dark, anti-hero TV shows, Our Flag Means Death shins bright.
7) Ms. Marvel: Ms. Marvel brought so much joy each week and Iman Vellani, who plays Ms. Marvel, is a star. She lights up every scene she is in. The Achilles heel of most of Marvel’s shows/movies are the villains and I felt this show had a better one than most.
6) The Bear: I feel like The Bear is the most realistic look at what it is like to work in a kitchen of a restaurant and how hard it is to run one. It feels grounded and real and is about the relationships within the kitchen.
5) Stranger Things: I think season 4 of Stranger Things was a return to form. The tension and stakes felt higher and the introduction of the Hellfire Club and its leader Eddie Munson, played by Joseph Quinn, added a much-needed new character to this season.
4) White Lotus: Season 2 of White Lotus continues what was great in season 1. The characters are so well written and fun to hang out with. Each group is telling their own story and Jennifer Coolidge is such a delight.
3) House of the Dragon: I was very worried about a spin-off of one of my favorite shows and yet, it delivered. It felt more contained and smaller than Game of Thrones got at the end of its run. The best part of Game of Thrones was always smart people talking smartly in rooms and House of the Dragon brought back more of this.
2) Andor: The best compliment I can give Andor is it revived my love of Star Wars. This is the Star Wars show I always wanted. No Skywalkers, no familiar locations. There is a fast galaxy, show me what is going on out there. The show takes its time, develops interesting characters, and then pays them off with incredible set piece moments. The cinematography is also a standout.
1) Severance: This show blew me away! I was waiting every week to see where this mind-bending show would go. The characters and acting are top notch and Severance is one of the few shows that nails the ending. I was left with my jaw on the floor. I can’t recommend this show enough.
