Best-Reviewed TV Dramas 2018

It’s hard to stand out in such a crowded field packed with top-tier TV series, but YouTube Premium made a major splash with its highest-profile original scripted series to date: the Karate Kid sequel series Cobra Kai. Ralph Macchio and William Zabka return to their roles from the film franchise as older Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence reignite their rivalry — and join forces to win a coveted Golden Tomato.

The order of the rank below reflects the Adjusted Score as of December 31, 2018. Scores might change over time.

#1

Cobra Kai: Season 1
100% 95%

#1

Critics Consensus: Cobra Kai continues the Karate Kid franchise with a blend of pleasantly corny nostalgia and teen angst, elevated by a cast of well-written characters.

Starring: William Zabka , Ralph Macchio , Courtney Henggeler , Tanner Buchanan

#2

Vida: Season 1
100% 78%

#2

Critics Consensus: Vida explores familiar familial ground from a fresh perspective to create an earnest and heartfelt take on identity and what it means to belong.

Starring: Melissa Barrera , Mishel Prada , Ser Anzoategui , Maria-Elena Laas

#3

Better Call Saul: Season 4
99% 96%

#3

Critics Consensus: Well-crafted and compelling as ever, Better Call Saul's fourth season deftly balances the show it was and the one it will inevitably become.

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

#4

The Deuce: Season 2
99% 84%

#4

Critics Consensus: The Deuce's excellent character-driven drama returns with even more immersive world-building and a welcome focus on its leading ladies, carried by a tour de force performance from Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Starring: James Franco , Maggie Gyllenhaal , Gary Carr , Margarita Levieva

#5

The Bold Type: Season 2
100% 82%

#5

Critics Consensus: The Bold Type presents an aspirational yet refreshingly realistic portrait of young women's careers, friendships and love lives in a big city.

Starring: Katie Stevens , Aisha Dee , Meghann Fahy , Sam Page