2019 Fall TV Scorecard

Critics Consensus: Bafflingly bad, the only mystery is how The I-Land got made in the first place.

Starring: Kate Bosworth, Natalie Martinez, Alex Pettyfer

Critics Consensus: An appealing cast can't make up for Almost Family's appalling premise.

Starring: Brittany Snow, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Emily Osment, Mustafa Elzein

Critics Consensus: An impressive array of surprising -- and utterly deserving -- wins can't save the 71st Annual Emmy Awards from its own host-less chaos.

Critics Consensus: A twisty thriller that never quite comes together, Truth Be Told's commitment to the true crime at its center is less interesting or engaging than the family drama orbiting in the periphery.

Starring: Octavia Spencer, Lizzy Caplan, Aaron Paul, Elizabeth Perkins

Critics Consensus: Though Bluff City Law's procedural proceedings often feel outdated, fans of Jimmy Smits and Caitlin McGee may find comfort in its familiar beats.

Starring: Jimmy Smits, Caitlin McGee, Barry Sloane, Michael Luwoye

Critics Consensus: Sunnyside settles for broad comedy over the specific insights its subject matter craves, shortchanging its superb cast and timely topics in the process.

Starring: Kal Penn, Joel Kim Booster, Kiran Deol, Dianna Maria Riva

Critics Consensus: While Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser's chemistry remains charmingly in tact, Mad About You's relevance does not.

Starring: Helen Hunt, Paul Reiser, Cynthia Harris, Cloris Leachman

Critics Consensus: Though it's capable cast is clearly game, an over-reliance on gore and a grimly -- and at times comically -- convoluted narrative blurs See's boldvision.

Starring: Jason Momoa, Sylvia Hoeks, Alfre Woodard, Hera Hilmar

Critics Consensus: Solid performances and a fast pace move Reprisal along, but its style over substance approach is all pulp, little juice.

Starring: Abigail Spencer, Rodrigo Santoro, Mena Massoud, Madison Davenport

Critics Consensus: While Treadstone is as action-packed and frenetically paced as you'd expect from the Bourne universe, it lacks the narrative momentum and cohesion necessary to set it apart.

Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Brian J. Smith, Omar Metwally, Tracy Ifeachor

Critics Consensus: An appealing aesthetic and promising ensemble can't quite liven up Nancy Drew, a broody and bland mystery that follows too closely in the footsteps of the shows it aspires to be.

Starring: Kennedy McMann, Tunji Kasim, Alex Saxon, Leah Lewis

Critics Consensus: While Carol's Second Act earns high marks for bringing Patricia Heaton front and center, awkward plotting and lackluster jokes hold it back from living up to its star's high standards.

Starring: Patricia Heaton, Kyle MacLachlan, Ito Aghayere, Jean-Luc Bilodeau

Critics Consensus: Groundbreaking, but unfortunately grating, Bob (Hearts) Abishola undermines its own progressive premise with underwhelming humor that relies too heavily on outdated stereotypes.

Starring: Billy Gardell, Folake Olowofoyeku, Christine Ebersole, Matt L. Jones

Critics Consensus: Dollface has all of the right parts: a talented cast, a promising premise, and plenty of surreal intrigue -- if only its shallow vision of feminism didn't undermine them.

Starring: Kat Dennings, Brenda Song, Shay Mitchell, Esther Povitsky

Critics Consensus: Though it shows promise, Prodigal Son sidelines a spectacular Michael Sheen in favor of a more pedestrian procedural that often drifts too deeply into the grotesque.

Starring: Tom Payne, Michael Sheen, Bellamy Young, Lou Diamond Phillips

Critics Consensus: While All Rise can't quite rise above the shows it aspires to be, it shows potential for future growth while providing a decent showcase for Simone Missick.

Starring: Simone Missick, Wilson Bethel, Marg Helgenberger, Jessica Camacho

Critics Consensus: While The Politician can't uphold all of its tantalizing promises, it delivers just enough soapy satire in a sumptuous setting to keep Ryan Murphy fans invested -- though its unlikely to win him many new votes.

Starring: Ben Platt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Lange, Zoey Deutch

Critics Consensus: A solid cast and some decent jokes set the table, but The Moodys's stale take on a curmudgeonly Christmas is too bah humbug in a bad way.

Starring: Denis Leary, Elizabeth Perkins, François Arnaud, Chelsea Frei

Critics Consensus: As unique as Dolly herself, Heartstrings' many tales of heartache and love don't always play, but strong performances and a sense of tension should be enough for fans of music and melodramaalike.

Starring: Dolly Parton, Delta Burke, Gerald McRaney, Michele Weaver

Critics Consensus: Perfect Harmony's precarious premise doesn't always hit the right notes, but a charming cast and and a few clever jokes inspire hope that with a little more practice it could really sing.

Starring: Bradley Whitford, Anna Camp, Geno Segers, Will Greenberg

Critics Consensus: Though The Morning Show at times feels more like a vanity project than the hard-hitting drama it aspires to be, there is pleasure to be had in watching Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon give it their all.

Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Steve Carell, Billy Crudup

Critics Consensus: Though it won't be for everyone, Transparent's singular musical finale grants its audience closure while giving its groundbreaking characters something they never expected: something resembling a happy ending.

Starring: Gaby Hoffmann, Amy Landecker, Jay Duplass, Judith Light

Critics Consensus: Respectful, if not exactly riveting, Craig Viveiros' reimagined The War of the Worlds's wandering narrative undermines its strong performances.

Starring: Eleanor Tomlinson, Rafe Spall, Rupert Graves, Nicholas Le Prevost

Critics Consensus: Though its sumptuous setting and design often outshines its storytelling, Catherine the Great remains a seductive, if scattershot, period drama thanks to the great Helen Mirren.

Starring: Helen Mirren, Andrew Rothney, Antonia Clarke, Clive Russell

Critics Consensus: While it at times feels more like a dress rehearsal, Encore! has just enough charm to keep theater lovers in their seats.

Starring: Kristen Bell, Stephen Schwartz, Ali Stroker, Roger Love

Critics Consensus: Guided by an excellent turn from Jessica Biel, Limetown sustains and impressively creeping atmosphere that makes up for its occasionally fuzzy plotting.

Starring: Jessica Biel, Stanley Tucci, Omar Elba, Sherri Saum

Critics Consensus: Jack Ryan's second season is both more refined and more predictable, doubling down on its espionage set-pieces while toning down its titular character's moral complexities to create a more straight-forward spy show.

Starring: John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, Noomi Rapace, Michael Kelly

Critics Consensus: Daybreak's blend of soapy teen drama and post apocalyptic horror has some truly inspired moments, even if it feels like you've seen a few of them before.

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Krysta Rodriguez, Colin Ford, Sophie Simnett

Critics Consensus: Though it shoots for the moon and falls somewhere in orbit, For All Mankind's impressive vision of history has the potential for real liftoff if it leans into the things that set it apart instead of settling for more of the same.

Starring: Joel Kinnaman, Michael Dorman, Wrenn Schmidt, Sarah Jones

Critics Consensus: As Disenchantments's pieces slowly fall into place it grows deeper in character and world building to become a more fully realized show -- if only those pieces would fall just a little bit faster.

Starring: Abbi Jacobson, Nat Faxon, Eric André, John DiMaggio

Critics Consensus: Audacious and aspirational, Dickinson's bold blend of period-drama and millennial milieu definitely won't be for all, but those looking to break free from the doldrums of their viewing life may find some kind of hope in its singular vision.

Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Toby Huss, Jane Krakowski, Adrian Enscoe

Critics Consensus: Carried by its charming cast, Modern Love sweet and simple sensibilities are easy enough to enjoy, even if its quaint portrait of modern life in New York City doesn't always ring true.

Starring: Sofia Boutella, John Slattery, Laurentiu Possa, Catherine Keener

Critics Consensus: Though at times Generation Q doesn't quite stand on its own, it has style and charm to spare and announces a new phase for The L Word that will please new and old fans alike.

Starring: Arienne Mandi, Fortune Feimster, Jacqueline Toboni, Jennifer Beals

Critics Consensus: Thrilling, but a bit tired, Dublin Murders's grim subject matter is no doubt gripping, but for some it may feel a little like djvu.

Starring: Sarah Greene, Killian Scott, Antonio Aakeel, Ned Dennehy

Critics Consensus: Though it needs more time to develop its own identity to truly soar, Batwoman's fun and stylish first season is a step in the right direction for representation and superhero shows alike.

Starring: Ruby Rose, Meagan Tandy, Camrus Johnson, Nicole Kang

Critics Consensus: While fans of the man will find much to like in this quirky and upbeat -- if not terribly educational -- docuseries, those not already attuned to his particular sense of style may not appreciate The World According to Jeff Goldblum.

Starring: Jeff Goldblum

Critics Consensus: Though fans may find what they've been looking for in its nostalgic stylings, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series follows a little too closely in its predecessors steps to truly be the start of something new.

Starring: Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Matt Cornett, Kate Reinders

Critics Consensus: Short and sweet, Forky Asks a Question is fun and funny enough to work for fans.

Starring: Tony Hale, John Ratzenberger, James Brinkley, Bob Peterson

Critics Consensus: While not quite as impressive as its legendary subject matter, An American Saga is a beautifully rendered and raw exploration of the Wu-Tang journey.

Starring: Ashton Sanders, Shameik Moore, Dave East, Siddiq Saunderson

Critics Consensus: While it needs more time to establish its own comedic voice, mixed-ish and its appealing cast are off to a sweet and smart start.

Starring: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tika Sumpter, Christina Anthony, Arica Himmel

Critics Consensus: The daemon is in the details and while His Dark Materials' visual splendor and exceptional performances deftly capture the essence of Philip Pullman's seminal novels, it could use a little more magic.

Starring: Dafne Keen, Ruth Wilson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, James McAvoy

Critics Consensus: As visually spectacular as ever, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's witty banter flies with comedic fury -- but shallow social commentary and wandering storylines highlight the show's increasingly superficial tendencies.

Starring: Rachel Brosnahan, Michael Zegen, Alex Borstein, Tony Shalhoub

Critics Consensus: Strange, surreal, and surprising, Living With Yourself takes a minute to come together, but once it does it proves to be a clever rumination on identity driven by Paul Rudd's impressive dueling performances.

Starring: Paul Rudd, Aisling Bea, Bridget Everett, Zach Cherry

Critics Consensus: With an exceptional cast and a big heart to boot, Bless the Harts's particular worldview won't be for everyone, but it fits quite nicely into Fox's Animation Domination line-up.

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Jillian Bell, Ike Barinholtz

Critics Consensus: While its family drama and superhero aspirations don't quite come together, compelling performances and a sense of wonder keep Raising Dion afloat and suggest that with a little more guidance it could become something great.

Starring: Alisha Wainwright, Ja'Siah Young, Michael B. Jordan, Jason Ritter

Critics Consensus: Mrs. Fletcher is an empathetic and poignant -- if at times incomplete -- character study that proves the perfect showcase for the luminous Kathryn Hahn.

Starring: Kathryn Hahn, Jackson White, Casey Wilson, Owen Teague

Critics Consensus: Another set of spellbinding episodes that fare well as solid horror entries with an emphasis on being wary of going Into the Dark.

Starring: Giorgia Whigham, Scott Evans, Molly Hagan, Britt Baron

Critics Consensus: Though a bit uneven, Criminal's claustrophobic stylings and constantly twisting narratives pair nicely with its visual experiments, creating a crime drama that's equal parts creepy and captivating.

Starring: Katherine Kelly, Lee Ingleby, Nicholas Pinnock, Mark Stanley

Critics Consensus: Though Titans's sophomore season suffers from a slight slump at the start, it quickly resets itself, building on the momentum from its first season while laying fascinating framework for where the show could go.

Starring: Brenton Thwaites, Teagan Croft, Anna Diop, Ryan Potter

Starring: Jenna Coleman, Ewen Leslie, Asher Keddie, Alex Dimitriades

Critics Consensus: While Peaky Blinders's fifth season suffers somewhat from superficial characterization, it remains one of TVs most visually thrilling endeavors.

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle

Critics Consensus: Though Servant's slithering mystery often wanders into dark, crowded corners, its claustrophobic atmosphere and powerful performances build enough tension to keep viewers hooked.

Starring: Lauren Ambrose, Toby Kebbell, Rupert Grint, Nell Tiger Free

Critics Consensus: Poldark's final season gives fans exactly what they want: emotionally involving period drama fueled by exceptional chemistry with just the right amount of ridiculousness.

Starring: Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ellise Chappell, Beatie Edney

Critics Consensus: Though at times stodgy, The Spy's exploration of a real-life hero remains engaging thanks to a moving performance from Sacha Baron Cohen.

Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Noah Emmerich, Hadar Ratzon Rotem, Waleed Zuaiter

Critics Consensus: An expansive -- if not always deep -- history of the genre as seen through Ken Burns' expert eye, Country Music works as both a crash course for new listeners and a refresher for old-timers.

Starring: Peter Coyote, Dayton Duncan, Bobby Braddock, Ray Benson

Critics Consensus: A near-perfect blend of slasher tropes and American Horror Story's trademark twists, 1984 is a bloody good time.

Synopsis: In the summer of 1984, five friends escape Los Angeles to work as counselors at Camp Redwood; as they adjust to their new jobs, they... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Leslie Grossman, Cody Fern

Critics Consensus: Warm and funny, The Unicorn finds humor in unexpected places and shows off a whole new side of the talented Walton Goggins.

Starring: Walton Goggins, Rob Corddry, Michaela Watkins, Omar Miller

Critics Consensus: A strong voice cast and an even stronger grasp of what makes its titular antiheroine so beloved make Harley Quinn a violently delightful -- and surprisingly insightful -- addition to the DC animated universe.

Starring: Kaley Cuoco, Lake Bell, Alan Tudyk, Jim Rash

Critics Consensus: Driven by an unsettlingly compelling Lizzy Caplan, Castle Rock's second chapter opens the borders of its titular town without losing any of its creeping atmosphere.

Starring: Lizzy Caplan, Tim Robbins, Paul Sparks, Yusra Warsama

Critics Consensus: Claustrophobic and compelling, Cheat's well-matched leading ladies energize a suspenseful script to create a compulsively watchable game of cat and mouse.

Starring: Katherine Kelly

Critics Consensus: Much like the crime at its center, A Confession is often grueling, but an honest approach to a horrible situation proves equally gripping.

Starring: Martin Freeman, Imelda Staunton, Siobhan Finneran, Charlie Cooper

Critics Consensus: Smartly-written and effectively unsettling, Evil works best when it dares to delve into the depths of the uncomfortable questions it poses.

Starring: Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson

Critics Consensus: A heartwarming and powerful glimpse into the lives of some real life heroes, Marvel's Hero Project finds inspiration in a new generation of innovators.

Critics Consensus: Compelling, but challenging, The Devil Next Door can be uncomfortable viewing, but essential interviews and an empathetic eye come together to shed light on an important story.

Starring: Eli Gabay, Eli Rosenbaum, Lawrence Douglas, Ted Henry

Critics Consensus: What The End of the F***ing World's second season lacks in urgency it makes up for in character development, diving deep into the darkest creases of the leading pair's memories to emerge a darkly funny meditation on love and trauma.

Starring: Alex Lawther, Jessica Barden, Wunmi Mosaku, Naomi Ackie

Critics Consensus: Olivia Colman shines, but as The Crown marches on in reliably luxurious fashion through time it finds space for the characters around her, providing ample opportunity for the appealing ensemble to gleam, too.

Starring: Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies, Helena Bonham Carter, Jason Watkins

Critics Consensus: From its iconic hosts to the caliber of its competitors, Rhythm+ Flow is full of personality and -- most importantly -- talent, helping it standout in the crowded world of musical competitions.

Starring: Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, T.I.

Critics Consensus: Bittersweet and beautifully performed, Looking For Alaska is the rare adaptation that deviates from its source material only to find something even better.

Starring: Kristine Froseth, Charlie Plummer, Denny Love, Jay Lee

Critics Consensus: Smart and scary with the most unsettling pair of eyes since Nicolas Cage in Vampire's Kiss, Marianne is pure nightmare fuel.

Starring: Victoire Du Bois, Lucie Boujenah, Tiphaine Daviot, Ralph Amoussou

Critics Consensus: Action-packed and expertly-crafted -- if at times a bit too withholding -- The Mandalorian is a welcome addition to the Star Wars universe that benefits greatly from the cuteness of its cargo.

Starring: Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito

Critics Consensus: Though the strangeness of reality threatens to one-up it, Silicon Valley's final season is funny, fearless, and still playing by its own rules to the very end.

Starring: Thomas Middleditch, Zach Woods, Kumail Nanjiani, Martin Starr

Critics Consensus: Led by an outstanding Allison Tolman, Emergence avoids becoming just another mystery-box mess with strongly-written characters that will keep viewers caring no matter the resolution.

Starring: Allison Tolman, Alexa Swinton, Owain Yeoman, Ashley Aufderheide

Critics Consensus: As sharply dressed as it is smartly written, Godfather of Harlem walks familiar blocks to its own beat and makes a strong first impression.

Starring: Forest Whitaker, Vincent D'Onofrio, Ilfenesh Hadera, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy

Critics Consensus: Mr. Robot returns with a thrilling final season that is sure to surprise and satisfy its audience.

Starring: Christian Slater, Rami Malek, Portia Doubleday, Carly Chaikin

Critics Consensus: Delightfully eerie, Creepshow captures the spirit of the original while forging its own spooky path.

Starring: Adrienne Barbeau, David A. MacDonald, Madison Thompson, Afemo Omilami

Critics Consensus: Bold and bristling, Watchmen isn't always easy viewing, but by adding new layers of cultural context and a host of complex characters it expertly builds on its source material to create an impressive identity of its own.

Starring: Regina King, Jeremy Irons, Don Johnson, Jean Smart

Critics Consensus: Bittersweet and brilliant to the very end, BoJack Horseman's final season manages to keep surprising viewers with its empathy and depth, solidifying its place as one of TV's greatest offerings.

Starring: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul

Critics Consensus: Heartbreaking and powerful, Unbelievable transcends familiar true-crime beats by shifting its gaze to survivors of abuse, telling their stories with grace and gravity.

Starring: Kaitlyn Dever, Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, Dale Dickey

Critics Consensus: As beautifully animated and well-written as ever, but with added stakes and even more fleshed-out characters, She-Ra just keeps getting better.

Starring: Aimee Carrero, Karen Fukuhara, Amanda Michalka, Marcus Scribner

Critics Consensus: The delightful Lily Singh breathes fresh air into the world of late-night comedy with an energetic new show that's willing to play with the format in ways that will keep viewers looking forward to staying up A Little Late.

Starring: Lilly Singh, Adam Rippon, Meghan Trainor, Shan Boodram

Critics Consensus: An unsettling journey into yet another case of justice gone awry, The Confession Killer is a tense and disturbing entry into the Netflix's growing catalogue of true crime documentaries.

Starring: Nan Cuba

Critics Consensus: Epic in every sense, Genndy Tartakovsky's Primal is a stunning feat of visual storytelling.

Starring: Aaron LaPlante, Tom Kenny, Jon Olson, Laëtitia Eïdo

Critics Consensus: As radically hilarious as it is relatably uncomfortable, Work in Progress is a stunning debut from co-creator and star Abby McEnany.

Starring: Abby McEnany, Theo Germaine, Karin Anglin, Celeste Pechous

Critics Consensus: A wild philosophical ride to the very end, The Good Place brings it home with a forking good final season.

Starring: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil

Critics Consensus: Like the characters at its center, Big Mouth's third season continues to grow, taking on complicated new issues with the same gross-but-utterly-empathetic eye that made it so lovable in the first place.

Starring: Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Maya Rudolph, Jason Mantzoukas

Critics Consensus: Driven by the marvelous Daisy Haggard, Back to Life questions what it means to be a person with humor, heart, and a genuine sense of surprise.

Starring: Daisy Haggard, Richard Durden, Geraldine James, Adeel Akhtar

Critics Consensus: Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland hit pause on serialized storytelling to focus primarily on self-contained exploits, which hit far more often than they miss in this uproariously funny season.

Starring: Justin Roiland, Sarah Chalke, Spencer Grammer, Chris Parnell

Critics Consensus: A kaleidoscopic existential crisis, Undone bends the rules of space, time, and rotoscoping to weave a beautifully surreal tapestry that is at once fantastical and utterly relatable.

Starring: Rosa Salazar, Angelique Cabral, Bob Odenkirk, Constance Marie