2020 was the year for television and streaming services. Cooped up in our homes, TV became our main source of entertainment and ‘What do you want to watch tonight?”, became our weeknight mantra.
So of course, I had to collate my top 10 favourite TV shows that I watched in 2020. There’s something for everyone in this list, a bit of romance, comedy, sci-fi, adventure, reality, sport and even a series all about Zoom calls. I highly recommend you give these shows a watch if you haven’t already.
These shows are not listed in any particular order and weren’t all made in 2020 – this was just the year that we discovered them.
Love life
A romantic comedy series that explores deep notions of love, loneliness, rejection and self-doubt. I went into this series thinking it would be a light and fluffy watch, but something about it hit me to my core. I found it to be an extremely realistic portrayal of relationships, and the various forms they take during the course of one’s life. A must watch.
Where to watch: STAN
Schitt’s Creek
The hype over this show is real. It’s a six season Canadian-comedy series that follows the once-wealthy Rose family. They suddenly find themselves bankrupt with their only remaining asset being a dead-beat town named Schitt’s Creek. I’ll admit it took me a few episodes to get into the show but once I did, I was hooked. The character development in this show is phenomenal and will leave you in tears by the end.
Where to watch: NETFLIX
The Mandalorian
Do not be discouraged if you’re unfamiliar to the Star Wars universe as The Mandalorian is an accessible watch for anyone who enjoys fast paced action/adventure storylines with comedic moments spattered throughout. With stunning visual effects and a masterful score, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It explored identity, relationships and lengths one will go to save those they love. Plus, Pedro Pascal plays our main character Mando, need I say more?
Where to watch: Disney+
The Great
A comedy-drama series that pushes the genre of historical fiction, The Great is set in anti-historical 18th century Russia and tells the story of Catherine the Great. What I loved about this series was the casting, as it follows the likes of Hamilton by having culturally diverse actors. It was also fantastic watching a period piece that refreshingly follows a female fighting her way to the top.
Where to watch: stan
Normal People
Based on the best-selling novel, Normal People intimately follows two Irish teenagers as they romantically weave in and out of each other’s lives as they grow into adulthood. This is probably one of the best and closest book-to-screen adaptations I have watched and is filled with stunning cinematography and intensely raw acting. This series feels real and shows how communication is at the core of the human experience.
Where to watch: stan
World's Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji
This documentary series follows 66 international teams of adventure athletes as they race in a non-stop multi-day expedition across Fiji, traversing mountains, jungles, lakes and oceans. This show was intense, inspirational and so addicting to watch. The contestants come from all walks of life and what I loved about this race is that it wasn’t about winning but rather about finishing. This is the Amazing Race on steroids and is hosted by Bear Grylls.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Sex Education
This show follows high school students as they navigate through the awkward and unknown world of sex and relationships. What I loved about this show was its honesty. It portrays realistic stories of sex and love through a diverse cast of characters and doesn’t romanticise the ‘coming of age’ experience. I am eagerly awaiting its season 3 return.
Where to watch: Netflix
Staged
Who would have thought we would be watching a show about communicating solely through conference calls? This fourth wall breaking, genre-bending comedy was a delight to watch – I found myself laughing out loud multiple times throughout the series. This quick-witted show highlights the resourcefulness and heart that can come to life out of a global pandemic.
Where to watch: ABC iView
The Clinton Affair
I discovered this documentary series through a podcast and was enthralled from episode one. It investigates the political scandals of Bill Clinton and the history leading to his impeachment proceedings in the 1990s. In particular, it examines the affair involving Monica Lewinsky through archival footage and exclusive interviews. It was refreshing to watch a series that stood up for Lewinsky and put the President in his place.
Where to watch: SBS On Demand
The Last Dance
I feel like everyone and their mum watched this series when it came out. But for good reason. Documenting Michael Jordan’s remarkable career and in particular, the Chicago Bulls’ 1997-98 season, this miniseries was so easy and enjoyable to watch. The editing was fantastic, the interviews insightful and overall provided a really great overview of this monumental period in sports’ history.
Where to watch: Netflix
What were your favourite TV shows of 2020? Leave them in the comments below so we can all get to watching them in 2021!
Please note: The images used in this post are not my own and no copyright infringement is intended.