Best-Reviewed Miniseries & Limited Series 2020
Do these titles look familiar? They also appear scattered across our best-reviewed new series category, starting with the top series of both categories, Michaela Coel’s powerful drama I May Destroy You. FX limited series Mrs. America comes in again at No. 2. The series stars Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, Uzo Aduba, Margo Martindale, Tracey Ullman, Sarah Paulson, and more – given all of that star power, it’s no wonder the title is in the top 5 of multiple categories. It’s worth noting that No. 4 The Virtues, from filmmaker Shane Meadows and starring Stephen Graham, debuted internationally in 2019, but didn’t make it to the U.S. market until 2020 on streaming service Topic.
The order of the rank below reflects the Adjusted Score as of December 31, 2020. Scores might change over time.
Adjusted Score: 107393%
Critics Consensus: I May Destroy You is at once brave and delicate, untangling the trauma of sexual assault with dark humor and moments of deep discomfort all held together on the strength of Michaela Coel's undeniable talent.
Adjusted Score: 107466%
Critics Consensus: Mrs. America captures the complicated life and times of Phyllis Schlafly with poise and style to spare, brought to vivid life by a superb ensemble led by another masterful performance from Cate Blanchett.
Adjusted Score: 106377%
Critics Consensus: Its moves aren't always perfect, but between Anya Taylor-Joy's magnetic performance, incredibly realized period details, and emotionally intelligent writing, The Queen's Gambit is an absolute win.
Adjusted Score: 102235%
Critics Consensus: Stephen Graham gives a masterful performance in Shane Meadows' deeply personal depiction of trauma, gifting viewers with a raw account of self-destruction and a hopeful promise of renewal.
Adjusted Score: 102580%
Critics Consensus: Ethan Hawke dazzles in The Good Lord Bird, an epically irreverent adaptation that does right by its source material's good word.
