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.

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I May Destroy You: Miniseries

98%

74%

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.

Starring: Michaela Coel, Weruche Opia, Paapa Essiedu, Marouane Zotti

Mrs. America: Miniseries

96%

70%

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.

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Uzo Aduba, Elizabeth Banks, Rose Byrne

The Queen's Gambit: Miniseries

96%

94%

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.

Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Marielle Heller, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Moses Ingram

The Virtues: Miniseries

100%

88%

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.

Starring: Stephen Graham, Juliet Ellis, Niamh Algar, Helen Behan