Shows I Started Watching In 2020
Show:
Succession (2018)
Why Though:
I don’t know why I fronted on HBO’s ability to make good TV. I had plenty of people I respect telling me to watch this show and I just didn’t want to. I think once you get past the first episode, the show really starts to shine. There are some extremely funny moments as well as revenge plots that truly embrace the long play so it really works for me. The three characters in this gif (Tom, Cousin Greg, and the amazing Gerri) but this is one of those shows that gives you a lot of options for a favourite character.
Will I Keep Watching:
I can’t wait to watch more!
Show:
The Act (2019)
Why Though:
I feel like there’s an episode of a podcast about this but that didn’t take away from some very tense moments on this show. Everyone brings their A-Game in terms of acting in this show. It does seem like Joey King stays bald though which is an interesting flex. The part of the show that kept me going though was how the once “trapped” Gypsy Rose set her traps for those around them and exerted her new found confidence on those around her.
Will I Keep Watching:
I can’t imagine they’ll do another season of this particular story but I’d watch more stories like this.
Show:
PEN15 (2019)
Why Though:
Two women play grade 7 aged girls and it somehow doesn’t come off as inappropriate or too weird. That’s quite the magic trick. I started watching because I remembered Maya Erskine from Man Seeking Woman and it was a nice bonus that I was introduced to Anna Konkle. It feels like two truly transformative performances that have to be seen to be believed.
Will I Keep Watching:
100%
Show:
South Side (2019)
Why Though:
Thanks to fellow Watchmen enthusiast, B Black, I was introduced to this show! I am forever in his debt. The show follows the various denizens of the south side of Chicago. A pair of less than desirable cops, some drug dealers, and a pair of “entrepreneurs” stuck in a dead end job. Every character provides ample opportunity for hilarity and Lil Rel shows up a couple of times to keep things exciting.
Will I Keep Watching:
Most definitely!
Show:
On Becoming A God In Central Florida (2019)
Why Though:
As someone who was recently reminded that the Spider-Man movies did Kirsten dirty. It’s lovely to see her take the lead in a show like this that gives her plenty of opportunity to show off her skills. I mean we all saw Fargo season 2 and pretty much everything else she has done, it’s just nice to see her continue to leave those spidey films in dust. Pauline and I are fascinated with MLMs and so this show was a must watch.
Will I Keep Watching:
I think so. Not sure really. Who knows? I mean probably yeah.
Show:
This Way Up (2019)
Why Though:
The show is really funny even though it’s dealing with the aftermath of a nervous breakdown. This only further proves that funny things that can turn sad very quickly are my thing. I remember Aisling from that Paul Rudd Multiplicity show last year but the fact that she was writing this show while filming that and I’m completely with her throughout this whole show definitely means that she’s joining the amazing leads list. She doesn’t have to do all the work on her own, like any great show, but it’s nice to know that she could carry the show all on her own.
Will I Keep Watching:
Yup. I need more of this show now!
Show:
Godfather of Harlem (2019)
Why Though:
This show is about Bumpy Johnson coming out of prison into the “new” world. But it also features Malcolm X as a supporting character. I didn’t have time to be excited about the Swizz Beatz produced soundtrack or having a Forest performance last more than the length of a film. The gauntlet was thrown down when I was told that this was the definitive portrayal of Malcolm X like there was never a Denzel movie. I’ll say this, it’s a great performance considering it’s not supposed to pull focus from Bumpy. But all it took was the first episode where Bumpy pushes back against the Italians who don’t respect him for me to know this show is the goods.
Will I Keep Watching:
Slowly but surely, yes I will continue to watch this show.
Show:
Mixed-ish (2019)
Why Though:
I had to complete the Kenya set right? Plus they lured me in with the promise of Tracee narrating each episode and Zack Morris having to hang out with Black people like those Lark rumours are true or something. It’s fine. I don’t know how Tika Sumpter turns into Anna Deavere Smith but I’m glad she’s front and center all the same. If you like Black-ish a lot then this watered down version that recycles some of its predecessor’s tricks will suffice. I will say that at least Grown-ish feels like something different!
Will I Keep Watching:
Probably if there’s nothing else on.
Show:
Ramy (2019)
Why Though:
I initially started because I found Ramy’s self deprecating award acceptance quip about no one knowing who he is showed a confidence that must translate into a good show. But, in a much more real sense, I saw that one of the best actors ever was in season two. Luckily for me, the first thing that got me to watch was true and I didn’t find myself waiting for the show to get to Mahershala throughout season one. It’s hard to be on Ramy’s side. He is a Muslim who only really wants to be Muslim at truly inconvenient times for everyone around him. I mean that’s just one symptom of how truly selfish he is, but episodes that focus on his sister, mother, and father make it all worth it. It’s funny, heartfelt, and yes can turn sad real quick, so I’m here for it!
Will I Keep Watching:
Without a doubt.
Show:
Avenue 5 (2020)
Why Though:
I started watching because I love Veep and this is by Armando Iannucci. It’s ok. I think it has a lot of bright spots, but it’s hard to give this a true golden seal of approval given the pedigree of the creator. One thing that makes this a bit more interesting is the Josh Gad character and the title of the show is supposed to be a huge Sub at Trump who once claimed he could kill someone on 5th Avenue and still get elected. That’s something right?
Will I Keep Watching:
The way it ends, I have to right?
Show:
Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens (2020)
Why Though:
I wasn’t a big fan of Awkwafina until she sucker punched me with that amazing performance in Jumanji! JK IMAGINE THOUGH! No! The Farewell made me a fan and I find this show to be funny at times especially since I know what she’s capable of when she’s doing the dramatic thing. I don’t feel there is some big story being told. Basically, Nora wants to grow up so the show kind of revolves around whether or not she’d be able to actually move out of her father and grandmother’s place. In a year like 2020, it was nice to have a show like this to throw on but I don’t know that it’s at the top of my list of new favourites.
Will I Keep Watching:
Sure, why not?
Show:
The Outsider (2020)
Why Though:
I certainly had high hopes. This show just didn’t connect with me despite all the great actors involved like Ben, Cynthia and what looked like Jason Bateman in Ozark mode. But what ended up happening was something that felt like it was making me work too hard to understand let alone enjoy its story. I’m sure there are a bunch of people who enjoyed this and I’m glad as well as jealous.
Will I Keep Watching:
I hope I never have to make this decision for real.
Show:
High Fidelity (2020)
Why Though:
I liked Zoe just fine before this but I always find that she doesn’t get a chance to fully show off her talents. Like how they just iced her off camera in the X-Men movies. Then comes High Fidelity. They finally found the perfect vehicle for Zoe and then they cancelled it! I’m fuming. Maybe I’ll calm down by the time I get all my thoughts out. I actually liked the original film but the gender swapped definitely helped this adaptation. Seeing things from a female point of view felt fresh while also letting you do a deeper dive into some of the same beats of the original movie. Add to that the great supporting cast and soundtrack and you’ve got the perfect show for me.
Will I Keep Watching:
I’m still angry this show is no more.
Show:
Dave (2020)
Why Though:
Not only is this one of my favourite shows of the year because of THAT Gatta episode, but this is what made me take Lil Dicky a bit seriously. Like he’s not making it onto a top 10 list on this site but he knows how to make a great TV show that can be hilarious and sad so good stuff! The cameos are great, the songs are very fun, and who doesn’t love watching a privilged white guy excel at something black people thought they had in the bag? Just kidding, kind of.
Will I Keep Watching:
I wish I was watching new episodes right now!
Show:
Unorthodox (2020)
Why Though:
I’m all for going beyond the surface level knowledge of a different culture. But if you mix in someone finding their own voice among other people who say they have the same beliefs and you’ve got a nuanced stew going, baby! It also helped that English was pretty limited so I was forced to watch the screen the whole time! Less phone screen time, YAY! Ok now that she’s proven that she can actually act, let’s get her into a comic book movie! Like a Batgirl movie or something!
Will I Keep Watching:
I can’t imagine digging deeper into this story but if they’re willing to make more, I’m down to keep watching.
Show:
#BlackAF (2020)
Why Though:
As I mentioned, I’m somehow invested in the Kenya TV shows. I thought maybe this would have a Curb effect where once swears could fly I’d have a better time. It really does just feel like Black-ish with a different cast and while the actors will probably grow on me, they don’t feel as immediately distinct as the Johnsons. Still, who doesn’t want to watch Rashida Jones do her thing more often?
Will I Keep Watching:
Yeah…
Show:
Defending Jacob (2020)
Why Though:
Of course I was going to watch a show with the person who is a big reason I will quietly say that Captain America has the best Super Hero franchise right now - those movies just kept getting better. It can’t all be punching Thanos and dancing with Peggy (and her niece) though! What if Chris got a chance to play a lawyer and the father of a potential murderer? Defending Jacob answers that question in the most entertaining way.
Will I Keep Watching:
I didn’t think it was an option but I would keep watching if the opportunity presented itself.
Show:
Never Have I Ever (2020)
Why Though:
As someone who stuck with The Mindy Project and watched Late Night, I have to admit to myself that I’m a fan of Mindy Kaling’s writing even if she only made it to the 12th best Office character! I think Mindy really hit her stride with this show. It’s got the funny/sad thing on lock as a girl learns to process her feelings about the circumstances around her father’s death and how she deals with being left with her mother. It even has a love triangle you see coming from a mile away while still being pretty engaging when it takes center stage!
Will I Keep Watching:
Of course.
Show:
Run (2020)
Why Though:
Run has a pretty interesting premise. Two former lovers have agreed that if one texts the other “Run” and that person texts back “Run” they’ll meet up for a train ride that abandons whatever life they’re currently living. The show keeps peeling back layers as to why that would be and features General Hux and the nicest adult from Nurse Jackie? It was also written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and yet it never really connected with people. Pauline and I were enjoying ourselves though.
Will I Keep Watching:
I’m pretty sure it’s cancelled which is a shame because I feel like it was picking up steam.
Show:
The Last Dance (2020)
Why Though:
I am well aware that Michael Jordan is a living legend. What have I not seen Space Jam??? But I guess I always just thought, yeah he was great then but he’s inspired so many people to get better that he probably wouldn’t stand out as the clear cut best these days. This docuseries erased that nonsensical thought from my head. Watching MJ’s old footage and getting a deeper dive into what makes him take (all scored by a stellar soundtrack) made it clear MJ would have elevated the league no matter what year he came out. Plus every episode works like a mini underdog story about a team that needs to prove something and I found myself cheering for them to win even though I knew how it all ended.
Will I Keep Watching:
It’s over but I will never be mad at another Jordan documentary!
Show:
Betty (2020)
Why Though:
A bunch of young women carve out their space in the male dominated world of Skateboarding. I enjoyed meeting new actors and personalities but don’t remember huge moments. It’s like a less cartoonish or funny Broad City. That’s not a bad thing, the show is just operating on a different vibration and it takes all sorts of shows to even out one’s viewing habits!
Will I Keep Watching:
Yeah I enjoyed hanging out with these characters.
Show:
Hollywood (2020)
Why Though:
This may come as a surprise to you but I’m really into movies! So much so that this What If.. version of Old Hollywood felt like it was written specifically for my enjoyment. It was great seeing Laura Harrier who I noticed in Spider-Man: Homecoming and felt really stepped up her game in Blackkklansman really get a chance to strut her stuff in a TV Show. It even made me a Darren Criss fan? Either way, it brought Pauline to tears, so you know this show is not playing around.
Will I Keep Watching:
This was fun take on how things could’ve gone. I’d take another trip to this fantasy world for sure.
Show:
I Know This Much Is True (2020)
Why Though:
Speaking of Marvel alumni really stepping up their game, Mark Ruffalo who some people feel determined to misunderstand as it pertains to the Hulk in Endgame, plays twins and I genuinely would forget it was the same actor. That sounds like a joke, but it is the most sincere and loving compliment I could give this show. Considering the show starts with someone cutting off their hand as a sacrifice, the show isn’t very showy which meant it took a bit for me to push through, but my good friend Ian really liked it so I stuck with it and I’m glad I did.
Will I Keep Watching:
I liked it but can’t say I’d be eager to dive back in.
Show:
Little Fires Everywhere (2020)
Why Though:
As I write this, season 3 of Movies vs. Matrimony is wrapping up, so that means I’ve been dealing with A LOT of Reese Witherspoon this year! This is the show that is overtly dealing with Reese’s white privilege and I enjoyed the ride it took me on. Was I a fan of everything the amazing Kerry Washington was asked to do throughout the season, nope, but I get the show wanted both leads to feel compromised when really I just wanted to dig into Reese and Pacey’s compromised family. Leaving Kerry and her daughter to be the innocent put upon protagonists.
Will I Keep Watching:
I do feel like there are still characters who need their comeuppance so yeah, bring on another season!
Show:
Love Life (2020)
Why Though:
Is'n’t this the one where the guy from High Fidelity (I’m still mad this show was cancelled) shows up and possibly gets with Anna Kendrick who totally should join a super hero property already… like maybe a teacher or a villain in a Young Avengers or something… except she can’t seem to make love work? I genuinely forgot I watched this except for the fact that I took notes this year on which shows I watched. It’s fine.
Will I Keep Watching:
Seemed pretty well wrapped up, but yeah I’d keep watching I guess.
Show:
Upload (2020)
Why Though:
It’s not the best looking show but it put Andy Allo squarely on my radar while giving Robbie Amell more to do than be dead in the Arrowverse! It’s also created/written/thought of by Greg Daniels who is only dealing with one dud if you ask me (I couldn’t get past the first episode of Space Force). The show is about what if you could curate your loved one’s after life? But I’m hear between the budding love story between Robbie and Andy’s characters!
Will I Keep Watching:
Yes please!
Show:
Harley Quinn (2020)
Why Though:
It’s been a great year for Harley. I started out loving her second appearance on the big screen and then I got my hands on this AMAZING animated extension of that movie. It’s not really but it feels so meta that I get where the movie might have even taken cues from this show that aired in the states last year first. I’m a big advocate for avoiding movies or shows just bout the “villains” but it does seem like this show found a way for me to understand that Harley still can go up against the other villains and doesn’t have to worry too much about Batman. It’s a bloody and foul languaged joy ride that everyone should check out!
Will I Keep Watching:
I never want this show to end.
Show:
I May Destroy You (2020)
Why Though:
Michaela wasn’t content to just have one of the best British comedies. She went ahead and created a drama that felt like it was looking straight into my soul. The show deals with consent and self destructive behavior. It will make you confront some inner demons so be ready if you’re going to jump into this show. It’s so well written and acted though that you may not go on the journey of introspection I did.
Will I Keep Watching:
I just want more great TV from Michaela, not sure we need to go back to these characters.
Show:
Perry Mason (2020)
Why Though:
I knew this as a movie for RDJ first and I couldn’t wait for my dad and I to watch it together. The theme song which isn’t one of the best but is etched into my brain form sitting next to or around my father while he watched the show back in the day. Welp. This show isn’t that. I can’t be mad at that with Tatiana Maslany, the Mr. Rogers and Americans guy joining forces (by the end) with TV’s Lucius Fox the cast is stacked. It’s just so far removed from the show as I remember it word to the baby with it’s eyes sewed open. It’s dark … like real dark, and slow but interesting nonetheless.
Will I Keep Watching:
I’ll give the second season a try.
Show:
The Great (2020)
Why Though:
Historical fiction must be my thing. I thought I only liked The Favourite because of Yorgos Lanthimos, but it turns out that writer Tony McNamara is no slouch. I loved watching Elle Fanning’s Catherine (the great) fall out of love with Nicholas “I’ve Been BEAST/Could’ve been Batman” Hoult’s Peter only to almost find her way back to at least liking him while he went from trying to kill her to falling in love with her. Yes the show does play on what we know happened in real life but there is room for things to play out differently. Also thank you so much for the colour blind casting. Just because it’s set in Europe during this time doesn’t mean that the only people of colour have to be prisoners or servants.
Will I Keep Watching:
Yes we all need to see how this all plays out.
Show:
Lovecraft Country (2020)
Why Though:
I’ve got complicated feelings about Lovecraft Country. They all basically boil down to I’m either too dumb for it (a very real possibility) or it’s just too un even (hopefully not the case). That first episode featuring the threat of a sundown state really set the bar high for mixing real world terror with the occult. Fellow Uncolonized podcaster, Gavin and I tend to think they didn’t stick to that winning combination consistently. Having said all of that Jonathan Majors, Jurnee Smollett, Courtney B. Vance, Aunjanue Ellis, and Wunmi Mosaku must be protected at all costs!
Will I Keep Watching:
It can only get better, right?
Show:
Ted Lasso (2020)
Why Though:
Apparently this is a character from commercials? And yet here we are, one of my favourite shows of the year features a character from commercials! Jason puts in work every year and though he’s probably the 26th best SNL cast member, he’s number one in this show that takes the Harvey (1950) approach to storytelling. A well meaning person is not corrupted and perseveres in the end by being sticking to their guns and continuing to be nice to people. I loved watching him win over his boss, players, and even some of the fans throughout the season.
Will I Keep Watching:
Nothing would please me more than to have more episodes of this show to watch.
Show:
We Hunt Together (2020)
Why Though:
This is another show that has me doubting it lived up to the promise of its pilot episode but it still managed to keep me interested till the end and leave room for me to see where they can continue this story. The secret weapon here was Babou Ceesay who plays a NICE man who is dealing with a crumbling marriage and a new murder case to solve on his first day on a job that marks a serious pivot in his career path. Instead of playing a tortured Idris Elba in Luther type (which I would have also loved) he continues to be nice till the moments where he snaps. The villain of the show also keeps things interesting. All and all it’s not without its charms!
Will I Keep Watching:
Yeah I gotta see what happens next.
Show:
Ratched (2020)
Why Though:
I don’t know why but I’ve been on the Sarah Paulson train since 12 Years a Slave and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest has always had a place in my heart so here we are. I’m definitely going to watch the prequel on Netflix. Not only did this show look amazing but it featured some great performances including one of my choices to be the new Batman (if that Robert Pattinson stuff doesn’t workout … although it seems like it’s going to be truly great), Finn Wittrock. All that and Ratched stays scheming and intimidating others just the way I’d like to see.
Will I Keep Watching:
MORE RATCHED! MORE RATCHED! MORE RATCHED!
Show:
Sneakerheads (2020)
Why Though:
This show definitely makes you lean in while two estranged friends form a rag tag team to track down some exclusive sneakers. King Bach stressed me out so much in this show. You’d think it’d be the lead ( who totally should be considered for a Green Lantern in the upcoming show) but he was clearly written to not have much of a back bone and it so I’m left wondering why a friend would blow up another friend’s life so much. Anyway, if you want a happier Uncut Gems with less threat of death then Sneakerheads is for you.
Will I Keep Watching:
I don’t think my blood pressure could take another season.
Show:
We Are Who We Are (2020)
Why Though:
Jack Dylan Grazer got my attention in the IT films and completely won me over in Shazam! So I just knew I had to see this show. Plus it has Scott Mescudi rounding out his year of appearing happier than sad. What I didn’t anticipate was that not only would those two satisfy my expectations of them but I’d get to meet Scorcese’s daughter and a whole cast of black actors who steal the show including Jordan Kristine Seamón. American kids growing up on an Italian army base and figuring out sexuality and identity made by the guy who brought you Call Me By Your Name (yeah those guys show up too if you keep your eyes peeled… which I did not initially). The show truly feels like a moving work of art.
Will I Keep Watching:
I would be into another season for sure.
Show:
The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
Why Though:
This show is great for getting you excited about Chess and for feeling better about saying you’re an Anya Taylor-Joy fan because, other than Emma this year, New Mutants really threatened to bring her star back down to earth. The show doesn’t really seem interested in the consequences of continued drug abuse and thinks it got away with a magical negro… but we caught it. So what you’re left with is a great “sports” story. And that ain’t bad at all!
Will I Keep Watching:
Yes. But I doubt there will be more.
Show:
The Undoing (2020)
Why Though:
Did you know Aquaman’s mom really be acting in things?! JK Nicole Kidman has been killing it on TV and on the big screen for quite some time. I will say, though, this show seemed to be building up a much bigger mystery than what we actually got. Maybe I’m missing something though. It really felt like the undoing was going to be more self inflicted than it turned out to be. Also what was the point of having this American family played by a British man (who got to keep his accent), an Australian, a British boy, and a Canadian grandpa? All questions I hope are answered later? No I just want to know what’ really going on with Nicole’s character. There is more to her story, I just know it.
Will I Keep Watching:
I don’t see them coming back but I still feel like more closure is needed so yeah.
Show:
Saved By The Bell (2020)
Why Though:
It can’t be stated enough, I loved the original Saved By the Bell. I guess that means that I should hate on this reimagining like everyone else, but I truly enjoyed it. Especially the way they used the Black and Latinx students to underscore how wack the original prototypes were. In addition to the very funny (and sad) realizations Slater comes to throughout the season, this show STARS (yeah first billed) Haskiri Velazquez doing something completely different than what she does in the amazing 40 Year Old Version! And I’m all for actors showing range.
Will I Keep Watching:
Call me stupid. I want to keep watching this show.
Show:
Small Axe (2020)
Why Though:
Go off SHURI! It’s unclear if the great Steve McQueen views this as 5 movies or TV but it’s on TV so here we are. I can’t really talk about arcs over episodes but I can let you know it’s great seeing Black stories being told outside of North America and with Caribbean accents and music! It feels like being a kid at your grandparent’s high school reunion while the reminisce. As such, I really enjoy this show.
Will I Keep Watching:
If Steve is still doing it then yes.
Show:
Your Honor (2020)
Why Though:
I’m only two episodes in (at this point only 3 are available) and I must say that this is must watch tv! Now I’ve known Bryan Cranston was an amazing actor ever since Power Rangers but for some reason I wasn’t looking forward to seeing him lead another show. Turns out I’m an idiot, I love watching this man create a world of lies and have to keep it all together…. I don’t want to say too much about what happens just know there are people from The Wire and Boardwalk Empire in this show making it very tense and really well acted.
Will I Keep Watching:
YES. A THOUSAND TIMES YES!
-YG