Best-Reviewed New TV Shows 2017

The dominance of the streaming services is front and center in the New Show category — eight out of 10 series topping our shortlist are streaming titles. Netflix claims four slots, Amazon has two, while Hulu and CBS All Access each hold one.

The order of the rank below reflects the Adjusted Score as of December 31, 2017. Scores might change over time.

Alias Grace: Miniseries (2017)
99%

#1

Adjusted Score: 103442%

Critics Consensus: Biting social commentary and Sarah Gadon's hypnotic performance make Alias Grace a worthy addition to the Margaret Atwood adaptation catalog.

Starring: Sarah Gadon, Kerr Logan, Paul Gross, Anna Paquin

Directed By: Mary Harron

Dear White People: Season 1 (2017)
95%

#2

Adjusted Score: 98048%

Critics Consensus: Timely, provocative, and sharply written, Dear White People is an entertaining blend of social commentary and incisive humor.

Starring: Logan Browning, Brandon P Bell, Antoinette Robertson, DeRon Horton

Directed By: Justin Simien, Yvette Lee Bowser, Stephanie Allain, Julia Lebedev

The Good Fight: Season 1 (2017)
98%

#3

Adjusted Score: 100783%

Critics Consensus: An auspicious beginning for CBS All Access, The Good Fight solidly follows its predecessor while allowing for new storytelling styles, a wider narrative scope, and a chance for its lead to explore new territory with a relatable human struggle.

Starring: Christine Baranski, Cush Jumbo, Rose Leslie, Delroy Lindo

Directed By: Robert King, Michelle King, Ridley Scott, David W. Zucker

The Handmaid's Tale: Season 1 (2017)
94%

#4

Adjusted Score: 101495%

Critics Consensus: Haunting and vivid, The Handmaid's Tale is an endlessly engrossing adaptation of Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel that's anchored by a terrific central performance from Elisabeth Moss.

Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, Yvonne Strahovski, Alexis Bledel

Directed By: Bruce Miller, Warren Littlefield, Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears

Sneaky Pete: Season 1 (2015)
97%

#5

Adjusted Score: 97597%

Critics Consensus: Suspenseful, smart, and terrifically cast, Sneaky Pete is part dramedy, part crime caper, and all in all entertaining.

Starring: Giovanni Ribisi, Margo Martindale, Marin Ireland, Peter Gerety

Directed By: Graham Yost, David Shore, Bryan Cranston, James Degus

GLOW: Season 1 (2017)
94%

#6

Adjusted Score: 100168%

Critics Consensus: With spot-on 1980s period detail, knockout writing, and a killer cast, GLOW shines brightly.

Starring: Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Marc Maron, Sydelle Noel

Directed By: Jenji Kohan, Tara Herrmann, Liz Flahive, Carly Mensch

Mindhunter: Season 1 (2017)
96%

#7

Adjusted Score: 101836%

Critics Consensus: Mindhunter distinguishes itself in a crowded genre with ambitiously cinematic visuals and a meticulous attention to character development.

Starring: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Hannah Gross

Directed By: David Fincher, Joshua Donen, Charlize Theron, Ceán Chaffin

The Defiant Ones: Miniseries (2017)
100%

#8

Adjusted Score: 100659%

Critics Consensus: The Defiant Ones is a compelling, comprehensive portrait of two visionaries that illuminates both their colorful pasts and their historic influence on the music industry.

Starring: Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine, Bono, David Geffen

Directed By: Allen Hughes, Allen Hughes, Doug Pray, Andrew A. Kosove

The Vietnam War: Miniseries (2017)
96%

#9

Adjusted Score: 98252%

Critics Consensus: The Vietnam War revisits a dark chapter in American history with patience, grace, and a refreshing -- and sobering -- perspective informed by those who fought.

Starring: Peter Coyote

Directed By: Ken Burns, Lynn Novick

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Season 1 (2017)
94%

#10

Adjusted Score: 98509%

Critics Consensus: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is an upbeat addition to Amazon's original offerings, propelled by a playful yet poignant performance by Rachel Brosnahan.

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

Directed By: Amy Sherman-Palladino, Daniel Palladino, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Daniel Palladino