(Photo by Amazon Prime Video)
2020 Winter TV Scorecard
Updated as of March 22, 2020
We’ve tracked the best (and worst) cold-weather TV and streaming offerings since mid-December, gathering a list of all the premieres this season – series, miniseries, and TV movies across cable, broadcast, and streaming – and ranked them by Tomatometer. And now it’s time to say goodbye. We’ve closed down the list as of March 19, the last day of winter.
The final list of 110 titles includes every eligible new TV season or streaming movie that premiered since December 13, with highlights like The Witcher on Netflix, AMC’s Better Call Saul, The Expanse on Amazon Prime Video, Star Trek: Picard on CBS All Access, the final season of Schitt’s Creek on Pop, Freeform’s Party of Five, HBO’s The New Pope, 9-1-1: Lone Star on Fox, Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens on Comedy Central, Katy Keene on The CW, Briarpatch on USA Network, Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet on Apple TV+, the final season of Homeland on Showtime, High Fidelity on Hulu, Outlander on Starz, Togo on Disney+, and more!
To be included, each TV show on the list must have received at least 10 critic reviews, while TV movies had to have at least 20 reviews. So if you’re wondering why your favorite show or TV movie isn’t on here, it likely just doesn’t yet have enough reviews to qualify under our criteria. And remember: a Certified Fresh badge generally means that a show or film has earned the respect of the majority of reviewers weighing in (at least 20 for a TV season and 40 for films), including some of the industry’s top critics.
Just added: Visible: Out on Television (miniseries), Queen Sono: season 1, Brockmire: season 4, Motherland: Fort Salem: season 1, Feel Good: season 1
#109
Critics Consensus: It'll be the last thing most viewers want, too.
Synopsis: When she helps her father broker an arms deal, a reporter becomes involved in the story she's trying to break.
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#108
Critics Consensus: Drama for drama's sake does not a great movie make, but boy is it fun to watch A Fall From Grace unravel.
Synopsis: When a woman is indicted for murdering her husband, her lawyer thinks there may be a conspiracy at play.
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#107
Critics Consensus: Despite its top talent, Indebted isn't a bill worth paying.
#106
Critics Consensus: With as many narrative threads as words in its title, Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector buries a compelling Russell Hornsby in a pile of plot.
#105
Critics Consensus: Though it benefits from Paltrow's charms, The Goop Lab's pseudoscience holds little water and its stiff format is often more boring than enlightening.
#104
Critics Consensus: Sticks and Stones may not break any bones, but its mundane melodrama may hurt your viewing experience.
#103
Critics Consensus: Parasite's sweep and some strong performances -- including the singular Janelle Monáe's opening number -- couldn't save a listless ceremony from its own host-less chaos.
#102
Critics Consensus: An apathetic performance from Ricky Gervais can't quite sink the 77th Golden Globes, but scattered moments of hope, from unexpected winners to heart-felt speeches, can't quite save it either.
#101
Critics Consensus: 6 Underground is loud, frenetic, and finally preposterous -- which is either bad news or a hearty recommendation, depending how one feels about the movies of Michael Bay.
Synopsis: Six individuals from all around the globe, each the very best at what they do, have been chosen not only
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#100
Critics Consensus: While the buddy cops at the center of Spenser Confidential are plenty affable, the comedy never arrives as this half-hearted vehicle goes purely through the motions.
Synopsis: To unravel a twisted murder conspiracy, a former police detective returns to Boston's criminal underworld.
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#99
Critics Consensus: While those looking for a stylish new procedural with a few unexpected nuances will find much to like, Deputy sticks too closely to its genre guns to break any new ground.
#98
Critics Consensus: While Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser's chemistry remains charmingly in tact, Mad About You's relevance does not.
#97
Critics Consensus: Undoubtedly original, but unfortunately bland, Utopia Falls's attempts at social commentary too closely resemble an after school special to make an impact.
#96
Critics Consensus: A promising premise and superb ensemble can't save Messiah from its own bland storytelling.
#95
Critics Consensus: While Amazing Stories' aspirations are admirable, it feels more like a dated retread than a heartfelt reboot.
#94
Critics Consensus: Though it doesn't always come together, AJ and the Queen is a sweet, sometimes off-the wall adventure that's fun to watch even when it's fumbling.
#93
Critics Consensus: This radical retelling of Charles Dickens' classic parable struggles to justify its oppressive tone and edgy flourishes, although Guy Pearce is suitably haunting as the haunted Ebenezer Scrooge.
Synopsis: Scottish business tycoon Mr. Scrooge faces some big changes when a trio of atypical spirits pay him a visit at
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#92
Critics Consensus: Though it rarely rises above 'watchable,' fans of period crime series may enjoy passing time with Vienna Blood's charismatic cast anyway.
#91
Critics Consensus: Interrogation's "interactive" qualities are interesting, but ultimately get in the way of what could be a satisfying dramatic experience.
#90
Synopsis: Three young witches with basic training in combat magic prepare to defend the country against looming terrorist threats by using
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#89
Critics Consensus: DAVE can be just as off-putting as Lil Dicky's rap persona with its abundance of genitalia jokes and self-aggrandizement, but beneath the raunchy veneer is a surprisingly self-aware show with a sweet core.
#88
Critics Consensus: Despite being predictable and a bit uneven, Cobra's great cast and intriguing premise deliver an electrifying and bingeable first season.
#87
Critics Consensus: Despite a strong start, Sanditon's soapy drama quickly dissolves into nothing more than just another beautiful, melodramatic period piece.
#86
Critics Consensus: Though at times more melodramatic than meaningful, Spinning Out's campy, guilty-pleasure exterior hides a surprisingly thoughtful exploration of living with a mental illness.
#85
Critics Consensus: Propelled by a strong cast and even stronger sense of justice, Hunters' stylish first season doesn't always hit the mark, but when it does, it strikes pulpy paydirt.
#84
Critics Consensus: Though Tommy at times undermines unexpected twists with predictable solutions, it's still a decent new procedural thanks to the endlessly watchable Edie Falco.
#83
Critics Consensus: If Avenue 5's maiden voyage isn't as smooth as its creative clout implies, it's still a hilarious step in a completely new -- while still enjoyably caustic -- direction for creator Armando Iannucci.
#82
Critics Consensus: Thanks to a charming cast and infectious energy, Troop Zero is more than the sum of its instantly familiar parts.
Synopsis: Misfit Birdie Scouts enter a national competition.
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#81
Critics Consensus: Though Locke & Key at times struggles to strike a consistent tone, it captures enough of the essence of its source material to provide a fiendishly fun and sufficiently spooky time.
#80
Critics Consensus: Though the world of The Witcher at times feels only half-formed, Henry Cavill brings brawny charisma to a series teeming with subversive fantasy elements and dark humor.
#79
Critics Consensus: Though it at times buckles under the emotional weight of its source material, All The Bright Place succeeds on the strength of Elle Fanning and Justice Smith's charming and tender performances.
Synopsis: After meeting each other, two people struggle with the emotional and physical scars of their past. They discover that even
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#78
Critics Consensus: Stargirl's feel-good story hits familiar coming-of-age beats, but self-assured performances and an earnest mission worn proudly make it a tune worth listening to.
Synopsis: An unassuming high school student finds himself inexplicably drawn to the free-spirited new girl whose unconventional ways change how they
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#77
Critics Consensus: Raw yet rewarding, Lost Girls overcomes uneven storytelling with powerful performances and a willingness to resist easy catharsis.
Synopsis: Determined to find her missing daughter, a desperate woman launches a personal investigation that leads police to the unsolved cases
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#76
Critics Consensus: A delicious blend of horror and humor that more-or-less balances modern sensibilities and the character's beloved legacy, Dracula is a frighteningly fun -- if not always faithful -- time.
#75
Critics Consensus: Horse Girl proves unwilling or unable to explore the deeper themes it addresses, but this unusual drama is anchored by Alison Brie's committed performance.
Synopsis: A woman's surreal dreams affect her perception of reality.
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#74
Critics Consensus: Thrilling visuals and the substantial chemistry of its well-matched leads make The Aeronauts an adventure well worth taking.
Synopsis: In 1862 headstrong scientist James Glaisher and wealthy young widow Amelia Wren mount a balloon expedition to fly higher than
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#73
Critics Consensus: If not as outlandishly fun as its predecessor, 9-1-1: Lone Star still packs an entertaining punch and is a great showcase for the handsomely self-aware Rob Lowe.
#72
Critics Consensus: Bloated, but intriguing, The Most Dangerous Animal of All's commitment to the truth makes it a solid first step into the true crime field for FX.
#71
Critics Consensus: Addictive, but problematic, Love Is Blind is undeniably binge-able, but its version of romance often comes off more toxic than aspirational.
#70
Critics Consensus: Though it hits the occasional sour note, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist manages to carry a pretty enjoyable tune, thanks in large part to the always charming Jane Levy.
#69
Critics Consensus: Though it can't help but feel a little incomplete given the circumstances, The Killer Inside crafts a compelling overview of a series of tragic events.
#68
Critics Consensus: To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You may feel like little more than an amiable postscript to its predecessor, but fans of the original should still find this a swoonworthy sequel.
Synopsis: As her relationship with Peter continues to grow, Lara Jean reunites with another recipient of one of her old love
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#67
Critics Consensus: Though Little Fires Everywhere at times plays it too safe, sparks fly when it lets well-matched leads Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon dig into the difficult questions it does dare to ask.
#66
Critics Consensus: Briarpatch's ambiance is at times more intriguing than the simmering mystery at its center, but a captivating Rosario Dawson and surreal setting ensure it's never less than watchable.
#65
Critics Consensus: Doctor Who's twelfth outing adds welcome nuances to Jodie Whittaker's Doctor and some scary new layers of horror to some of the series' most terrifying villains.
#64
Critics Consensus: Though The Pale Horse bristles with brutal thrills, it's convoluted mystery at times sedates the suspenseful proceedings.
#63
Critics Consensus: Hillary faces the impossible task of consolidating a full life into four hours -- still, it serves as an insightful, often powerful exploration of Hillary Clinton's life and legacy.
#62
Critics Consensus: Strangely earnest, The Circle at times struggles to find the drama, but those looking for a weirdly compelling social experiment may find themselves more invested than expected.
#61
Critics Consensus: Nora From Queens showcases Awkwafina's charming brashness and surrounds her with an equally delightful cast -- especially scene stealer Lori Tan Chinn -- but it could stand to walk a less familiar comedic beat.
#60
Critics Consensus: A hauntingly beautiful meditation on humanity, Devs' slow unfurling may test some viewers patience, but fans of Alex Garland's singular talents will find much to chew on.
#59
Critics Consensus: If a bit too slight, Shrill continues Annie's journey of self discovery with compassion while also shining a welcome spotlight on some of the show's strong side characters.
#58
Critics Consensus: Westworld successfully reboots itself by broadening its scope while tightening its storytelling clarity -- although some may feel that the soul has been stripped from this machine in the process.
#57
Critics Consensus: Though The Outsider's slow burn isn't always satisfying, it remains watchable thanks to its excellent performances -- especially series standout Cynthia Erivo.
#56
Critics Consensus: Gorgeous effects and a simple, solid, story help Lost in Space's second season find itself on stronger ground.
#55
Critics Consensus: Tense and thrilling, White House Farm teeters on too long, but maintains its hold with gripping performances and glossy production values.
#54
Critics Consensus: If not quite as addicting as its source material, The Stranger has a strong cast and enough tension to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
#53
Critics Consensus: Visceral, if at times vapid, Dare Me's slow-burning thriller pairs nicely with its moody atmospherics to create a deft exploration of the interiority of teen life.
#52
Critics Consensus: A provocative addition to the growing slate of shows about parents behaving badly, Breeders' take on the realities of child-rearing are as hilarious as they are cringe-inducing.
#51
Critics Consensus: A weird and whimsical journey into the unknown, Dispatches from Elsewhere's experimental approach doesn't always coalesce, but committed performances and a genuine sense of wonder make it a trip worth taking.
#50
Critics Consensus: Familiar, but in a fresh way, Next in Fashion may not rewrite the rules of fashion competition shows, but exciting new talent and Tan France and Alexa Chungs winning chemistry make it worth tuning in.
#49
Critics Consensus: Homeland returns to form with a tautly thrilling final season that fittingly finishes the job Carrie Mathison started all those years ago.
#48
Critics Consensus: While not quite there yet, a clearer sense of purpose and more defined characters push Altered Carbon's sophomore season one step closer to the brilliance of its source material.
#47
Critics Consensus: Though it skips the occasional beat, High Fidelity's fresh take on a familiar track is as witty as it is emotionally charged, giving a curmudgeonly charming Zoë Kravitz plenty of room to shine.
#46
Critics Consensus: An addictive thriller whose greatest weakness is that it is at times too withholding, ZeroZeroZero will stick with you long after the credits roll.
#45
Critics Consensus: Guided by Nicholas Pinnock's powerful performance, For Life eschews procedural pitfalls with a sturdy, empathetic script and an impressive ensemble to bring it to life.
#44
Critics Consensus: A disturbing new mystery reminiscent of Broadchurch, Deadwater Fell is gripping, even if the plot doesn't always hold water.
#43
Critics Consensus: As awkward and charming as adolescence, but with twice the supernatural twists, I Am Not Okay With This' first season at times veers into shallow territory, but Sophia Lillis' strong performance keeps it afloat.
#42
Critics Consensus: As addictive -- and relevant -- as ever, Narcos: México's sophomore season is definitely more violent, but it never spoils the rich drama fans have come to love.
#41
Critics Consensus: Like something out of a movie, McMillions effectively -- if not always artfully -- captures the chaos of this once-in-a-lifetime, very real con and the colorful cast of characters at its center.
#40
Critics Consensus: A cautionary tale that hits close to home, The Plot Against America's handsomely realized revisionist history is disturbingly relevant, making it difficult, but essential viewing.
#39
Critics Consensus: Anchored by the incomparable Patrick Stewart, Picard departs from standard Starfleet protocol with a slower, serialized story, but like all great Star Trek it tackles timely themes with grace and makes for an exciting push further into the final frontier.
#36
Critics Consensus: Penn Badgley's perversely endearing serial stalker keeps looking for love in all the wrong places during a second season that maintains the subversive tension while adding some welcome variations on the series' formula.
#35
Critics Consensus: Led by outstanding performances from its well-matched leads, The Two Popes draws absorbing drama from a pivotal moment in modern organized religion.
Synopsis: Behind the Vatican walls, Pope Benedict and the future Pope Francis must find common ground to forge a new path
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#34
Critics Consensus: Katy Keene definitely has style to spare, but its greatest strength is its warm, joyous tone that sparkles in a sea of gritty YA TV.
#33
Critics Consensus: A deliciously hellish thrill ride from start to finish, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina just keeps getting better.
#32
Critics Consensus: Though its predecessor's shadow looms large, devout fans will still find much to like in The New Pope's exploration of power dynamics and sumptuous strangeness.
#31
Critics Consensus: Queen Sono's twisty, taut thrills are matched with epic action sequences and soapy delights, making Netflix's first South African series a smashing good time.
#30
Critics Consensus: By focusing on its strong ensemble and the character moments fans have come to love, Runaways ends its three season run on an exciting -- and surprisingly introspective -- high note.
#29
Critics Consensus: If at times a bit blunt, Gentefied's gente-centric approach to the realities of gentrification is as strikingly personal as it is hilariously relatable.
#28
Critics Consensus: An endearing and exciting underdog story that benefits greatly from its stars (canine and human alike), Togo is a timeless tale, well-told.
Synopsis: Togo is the true story set in the winter of 1925 of champion dogsled trainer Leonhard Seppala and his lead
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#27
Critics Consensus: Cop-doctors finally get their due in Medical Police, a show that works almost as well as a good old fashioned action-adventure as it does a delightfully absurd satire about doctor-cops.
#26
Critics Consensus: Miss Americana provides an engaging if somewhat deliberately opaque backstage look at a pop star turned cultural phenomenon.
Synopsis: Pop singer Taylor Swift reveals intimate details of her life while showcasing backstage and onstage concert footage.
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#25
Critics Consensus: Carried by series leads Matt Berry and Susan Wokoma, Year of the Rabbit is a superbly silly and delightfully subversive period piece.
#24
Critics Consensus: Sharply written and hilarious relatable, Twenties is another impressive series from creator Lena Waithe that also announces Jonica T. Gibbs as a talent to watch.
#23
Critics Consensus: Entertaining for longtime fans as well as casually interested viewers, Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool burnishes the legacy of a brilliant artist.
Synopsis: An exploration of the musician's archival photos and home movies.
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#22
Critics Consensus: Sweetly poignant and warmly witty, Everything's Gonna Be Okay is as big-hearted and nuanced as the well-written characters at its center.
#21
Critics Consensus: Joyous, heartfelt, and very human, Little America's thoughtful collection of immigrant tales is as inspirational as it is relatable.
#20
Critics Consensus: Honey Boy serves as an act of cinematic therapy for its screenwriter and subject -- one whose unique perspective should strike a chord in audiences from all backgrounds.
Synopsis: When 12-year-old Otis begins to find success as a television star, his abusive, alcoholic father returns and takes over as
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#19
Critics Consensus: Outlander's romantic ardor doesn't burn as bright in this fifth season, but the Frasers remain an enthralling pair as they try to forge a home together.
#18
Critics Consensus: Still ticked off, but with more timely themes, Curb Your Enthusiasm's tenth season feels fresher than ever.
#17
Critics Consensus: With an inspirational troupe of teens and willingness to engage in the tougher trials facing the sport today, Cheer perfectly captures the highs and lows of what it takes to be a cheerleader.
#16
Critics Consensus: With spectacular musical numbers, a smartly silly sensibility, and just the right amount of existential dread, John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch is a joyous reminder that kindness and comedy can in fact go hand in hand.
Synopsis: Emmy Award Winning Comedian John Mulaney aims to recapture the magic of that bygone television era when children sang songs
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#15
Critics Consensus: With a strong cast and empathetic storytelling, Party of Five's timely reinvention adds a new layer of urgency while still honoring the original series.
#14
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.
#13
Critics Consensus: A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon retains the charm of its small-screen source material while engagingly expanding the title character's world.
Synopsis: When a UFO crash-lands near Mossy Bottom Farm, it's up to Shaun the sheep and his animal friends to help
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#12
Critics Consensus: Sex Education's sophomore season definitely has more going on, but by treating each new subject with care and humor, it leaves plenty of space for its characters to grow.
#11
Critics Consensus: The Kingmaker aims a disquieting spotlight at the private life of a divisive public figure -- as well as the ways in which unchecked power seduces and corrupts.
Synopsis: Filmmaker Lauren Greenfield examines the controversial history of Filipino politician Imelda Marcos and her family.
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#10
Critics Consensus: Grounded by Bob Odenkirk's endlessly nuanced, lived-in performance, Better Call Saul's fifth season is a darkly funny, vividly realized master class in tragedy.
#9
Critics Consensus: A majestic journey around the world with more on its mind than just jaw-dropping landscapes, Seven Worlds, One Planet is prime David Attenborough goodness.
#8
Critics Consensus: A satisfying conclusion to a great American comedy, Brockmire's final season is a bittersweet home run.
#7
Critics Consensus: Well-crafted and often powerful, Visible: Out on Television is as vital and vibrant as the community at its center.
#6
Critics Consensus: Sharp and singular, Better Things just keeps getting better.
#5
Critics Consensus: Castlevania's stunningly animated third season continues to build on the game's lore by diving deeper into its characters with humor, heart, and a lot of bloody action.
#4
Critics Consensus: Smart, suspenseful, and superbly shot, Giri/Haji is a near-perfect crime thriller with a surprisingly sharp sense of humor.
#3
Critics Consensus: Witty, warm, and with just the right blend of wisdom and wisecracks, Schitt's Creek's final season is the perfect farewell to the Roses and the town that changed their lives.
#2
Critics Consensus: An intimate portrait of addiction and love, Feel Good is at once sweetly charming, uncomfortably complicated, and completely worth falling for.
#1
Critics Consensus: Smart and thrilling as ever, The Expanse's fourth season doesn't miss a beat, successfully navigating network changes without losing any of its rich character work or narrative complexities.
* Due to a technical issue, the score for season 5 of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow won’t show up in this view. It stands at 99% with 13 season-level reviews, as well as episode-level reviews with scores that also count toward its season score.
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