Best-Reviewed TV Movies/Miniseries 2016

Though one TV movie did make the cut, this category was dominated in 2016 by outstanding miniseries — a format that has blossomed in recent years to tell some of the most gripping stories on television. Every one of these is worth the time commitment.

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.

Roots: A New Vision: Miniseries (2016)
96%

#1

Adjusted Score: 98013%

Critics Consensus: A powerfully impressive -- and still relevant -- update on a television classic, Roots boasts remarkable performances, deep emotion, and occasionally jarring beauty.

Starring:

The Night Of: Miniseries (2016)
94%

#2

Adjusted Score: 98642%

Critics Consensus: The Night Of is a richly crafted, exquisitely performed mystery that will keep viewers enthralled and leave them devastated.

Starring: John Turturro, Riz Ahmed, Michael Kenneth Williams, Bill Camp

Directed By: Steven Zaillian, James Marsh, Steven Zaillian, Richard Price

The Night Manager: Miniseries (2016)
91%

#3

Adjusted Score: 94296%

Critics Consensus: The Night Manager's smart writing and riveting story are elevated all the more by Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston's captivating performances.

Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, Hugh Laurie, Tom Hollander

Directed By: Susanne Bier

11.22.63: Miniseries (2016)
83%

#4

Adjusted Score: 86103%

Critics Consensus: Though the execution feels almost as dated as the period it represents, 11.22.63 gradually reveals a compelling, well-performed series of events.

Starring: James Franco, Chris Cooper, Sarah Gadon, Daniel Webber

Directed By: Stephen King, J.J. Abrams, Bridget Carpenter, Bryan Burk

#5

Confirmation (2016)
84%

#5

Adjusted Score: 85501%

Critics Consensus: Stellar performances and gripping subject matter help Confirmation overcome production values that occasionally feel as dated as the infamous real-life case it covers.

Synopsis: Nominated to the Supreme Court in 1991, Judge Clarence Thomas (Wendell Pierce) must testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee after... [More]

Starring: Kerry Washington, Wendell Pierce, Greg Kinnear, Jeffrey Wright

Directed By: Rick Famuyiwa