Best-Reviewed Returning TV Shows 2016

Even after the early buzz of a splashy first season has died down, these shows have continued to maintain a high level of quality that’s earned notice from the critics.

The order of the list reflects the scores as of December 31, 2016, but the number displayed on the Adjusted Tomatometer may change as more reviews keep getting added after the end of the year.

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Transparent: Season 3

Adjusted Score: 101433%

Critics Consensus: Uniquely its own, and compelling and poignant as ever, Transparent continues to transcend the parameters of comedic and dramatic television with sustained excellence in its empathic portrayal of the Pfefferman family.

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Starring: Jeffrey Tambor, Gaby Hoffmann, Amy Landecker, Jay Duplass

Directed By: Joey Soloway, Joey Soloway, Silas Howard, Stacie Passon

Catastrophe: Season 2

Adjusted Score: 100814%

Critics Consensus: Catastrophe delivers a strong second season that deepens the drama while remaining spit-take funny.

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Starring: Sharon Horgan, Rob Delaney

Directed By:

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Season 2

Adjusted Score: 101047%

Critics Consensus: Not letting up in season two, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is still odd in the best of ways, wonderfully building on its unique comedy stylings and brilliantly funny cast.

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Starring: Ellie Kemper, Jane Krakowski, Tituss Burgess, Lauren Adams

Directed By: Tina Fey, Robert Carlock, Jeff Richmond, Jack Burditt

The Americans: Season 4

Adjusted Score: 101072%

Critics Consensus: With its fourth season, The Americans continues to deliver top-tier spy drama while sending its characters in directions that threaten to destroy their freedoms - and their lives.

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Starring: Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Noah Emmerich, Holly Taylor

Directed By: Joe Weisberg, Joel Fields, Graham Yost, Justin Falvey

You're the Worst: Season 3

Adjusted Score: 100855%

Critics Consensus: You're the Worst continues to chart serious territory with intelligence, heart, and noxious wit in its third season, even as the anti-rom-com's damaged narcissist protagonists slowly start to get over themselves.

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Starring: Chris Geere, Aya Cash, Desmin Borges, Kether Donohue

Directed By: Stephen Falk, Stephen Falk, Wendey Stanzler

BoJack Horseman: Season 3

Adjusted Score: 100983%

Critics Consensus: Skillfully puncturing the idea of celebrity and our culture's bizarre obsession with it, BoJack Horseman's third season continues its streak as one of the funniest and most heartbreaking shows on television.

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Starring: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul

Directed By: Steven A. Cohen, Noel Bright, Will Arnett, Aaron Paul

Supergirl: Season 2

Adjusted Score: 92344%

Critics Consensus: The arrival of the more famous cousin in Supergirl does nothing to detract from the show's lead, who continues to deliver strength, action, and relatability.

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Starring: Melissa Benoist, Chyler Leigh, Mehcad Brooks, David Harewood

Directed By: Greg Berlanti, Allison Adler, Andrew Kreisberg, Sarah Schechter

American Crime: Season 2

Adjusted Score: 96431%

Critics Consensus: American Crime's intense second season infuses a complicated, topical story with genuine emotion, and patiently allows its narrative arc to develop without sacrificing momentum.

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Starring: Felicity Huffman, Timothy Hutton, Lili Taylor, Elvis Nolasco

Directed By: John Ridley, Michael J. McDonald, John Ridley, Gregg Araki

Better Call Saul: Season 2

Adjusted Score: 97984%

Critics Consensus: Better Call Saul continues to tighten its hold on viewers with a batch of episodes that inject a surge of dramatic energy while showcasing the charms of its talented lead.

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Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Michael McKean, Rhea Seehorn

Directed By: Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould, Mark Johnson, Melissa Bernstein