Best-Reviewed New Series 2020
Lucky are the 2020 TV series that finished production before the pandemic shutdowns began; a hellscape of frustrating delays were in store for those that hadn’t. Fortunately, quality didn’t suffer in this strange and challenging television atmosphere. Proof lies in the Golden Tomato Award winner and finalists of our Best-Reviewed New Series category; eight of the 10 series are Certified Fresh at 96% and above on the Tomatometer, starting with our winner, HBO’s I May Destroy You from star and creator Michaela Coel. The top five series are diverse women’s stories: Coel’s devastating tale of assault, the historical lessons of Mrs. America, Netflix’s chess winner The Queen’s Gambit, the friendship and fun of The Baby-Sitters Club, and lesbian love story Feel Good.
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: 105127%
Critics Consensus: Sweet, sincere, and full of hope, The Baby-Sitters Club's grounded approach honors its source material while updating the story for a new generation.
Adjusted Score: 103704%
Critics Consensus: An intimate portrait of addiction and love, Feel Good is at once sweetly charming, uncomfortably complicated, and completely worth falling for.
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: 102829%
Critics Consensus: Anchored by the charming Midori Francis and Austin Abrams, Dash & Lily is a delightful rom-com adventure with plenty of holiday cheer.
Adjusted Score: 102501%
Critics Consensus: A stunning, lyrical piece of neon noir, P-Valley explores the unseen lives of strippers in Mississippi through Katori Hall's singular gaze, celebrating the beauty of the craft without sugarcoating the challenges.
Adjusted Score: 103877%
Critics Consensus: Kaley Cuoco shines as a hot mess in The Flight Attendant, an addictively intriguing slice of stylish pulp that will bring mystery aficionados to Cloud Nine.
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.
