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.

Cobra Kai: Season 1

#1

Adjusted Score: 103122%

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.

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

Directed By:

Vida: Season 1

#2

Adjusted Score: 102462%

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.

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

Directed By: Rose Troche, Rashaad Ernesto Green, Alonso Ruizpalacios, Catalina Aguilar Mastretta

Better Call Saul: Season 4

#3

Adjusted Score: 100968%

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.

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

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

The Deuce: Season 2

#4

Adjusted Score: 101133%

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.

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

Directed By: George Pelecanos, David Simon, James Franco, Nina Kostroff-Noble

The Bold Type: Season 2

#5

Adjusted Score: 101803%

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.

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

Directed By: Sarah Watson, David Bernad, Ruben Fleischer, Victor Nelli Jr.