Best TV Shows 2021

Critics Consensus: Part loving homage to TV history, part off-kilter mystery, WandaVision is a wonderfully weird and strikingly bold step into the small screen for the MCU - and a perfect showcase for Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany.

Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Teyonah Parris, Kathryn Hahn

Critics Consensus: Only Murders in the Building's silly approach to true crime obsessives is at once hilarious and insightful, thanks in large part to its extremely charming central trio.

Starring: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Aaron Dominguez

Critics Consensus: Grounded by a career-best Kate Winslet, Mare of Easttown's ambitions at times exceed its reach, but its central mystery is supported by such strong sense of place and character it hardly matters.

Starring: Kate Winslet, Julianne Nicholson, Jean Smart, Angourie Rice

Critics Consensus: A delightful diversion from the MCU as we know it, Loki successfully sees star Tom Hiddleston leap from beloved villain to endearing antihero -- with a little help from Owen Wilson -- in a series that's as off-kilter, charming, and vaguely dangerous as the demigod himself.

Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Sophia Di Martino, Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Critics Consensus: A prickling debut that pulls few punches, Hacks deftly balances its sharp critiques of the comedy world with more intimate moments, all the while giving the incomparable Jean Smart a role worthy of her talents -- and an excellent partner in Hannah Einbinder.

Starring: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Rose Abdoo

Critics Consensus: As comforting as a buttery biscuit from a friend, Ted Lasso's sophomore season is a feel-good triumph that plays into the show's strengths while giving its supporting team more time on the pitch.

Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Jeremy Swift

Critics Consensus: With bold animation, bloody action, and an all-star cast led by the charming Steven Yeun, Invincible smartly adapts its source material without sacrificing its nuanced perspective on the price of superpowers.

Starring: Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, Seth Rogen

Critics Consensus: Fans already buying what Sucession is selling will be pleasantly surprised to find its third season in crackling form - even if it gets a little too real from time to time.

Starring: Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin

Critics Consensus: It may be too much of a good thing for some viewers, but The Beatles: Get Back offers a thrillingly immersive look at the band's creative process.

Starring: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr

Critics Consensus: Propelled by an exquisite cast, empathetic writing, and a distinct visual style, It's a Sin is an incredible feat of small-screen magic.

Starring: Olly Alexander, Lydia West, Nathaniel Curtis, Keeley Hawes

Critics Consensus: A genre mashup that blends smoothly, Yellowjackets presents an absorbing mystery with plenty of sting.

Starring: Melanie Lynskey, Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci, Tawny Cypress

Critics Consensus: Emotionally engaging, superbly acted, and incredibly entertaining, Sweet Tooth will satisfy fantasy fans of all ages.

Starring: Christian Convery, Nonso Anozie, Adeel Akhtar, Stefania Owen

Critics Consensus: Infectious energy, great songs, and a magnetic cast come together to make We Are Lady Parts a rocking comedy that is as subversive as it is hilarious.

Starring: Anjana Vasan, Sarah Kameela Impey, Faith Omole, Juliette Motamed

Critics Consensus: Aimless afternoons yield absurd delights in Reservation Dogs, a low-key comedy that deftly captures the malaise of youth and Rez life thanks in no small part to its impressive central crew.

Starring: D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Devery Jacobs, Paulina Alexis, Lane Factor

Critics Consensus: Smartly written, sharply performed, and sentimental without losing its sense of humor, Mythic Quest's stellar second season solidifies its place as one of TV's best workplace comedies.

Starring: Rob McElhenney, Charlotte Nicdao, Ashly Burch, Imani Hakim

Critics Consensus: With a superb ensemble and Barry Jenkins' singular eye, The Underground Railroad delicately translates its source material into a powerfully humane series that is as challenging as it is necessary.

Starring: Thuso Mbedu, Chase W. Dillon, Joel Edgerton, Aaron Pierre

Critics Consensus: Starstruck doesn't rewrite the rom-com datebook, but with a quick wit and a star-making turn from the dynamic Rose Matafeo it's easy to fall for anyway.

Starring: Rose Matafeo, Nikesh Patel, Emma Sidi, Minnie Driver

Critics Consensus: Carried on the wings of its cast's incredible chemistry and the strongest writing of the series so far, What We Do in the Shadows' third season is scary good.

Starring: Matt Berry, Kayvan Novak, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén

Critics Consensus: Omar Sy effortlessly hits every mark in Lupin, an engrossing espionage thriller that lives up to its source material and then some.

Starring: Omar Sy, Ludivine Sagnier, Etan Simon, Antoine Gouy

Critics Consensus: Though it's entirely too short, Pose's final season is a joyously entertaining celebration of life that is not to be missed.

Starring: Michaela Rodriguez, Indya Moore, Dominique Jackson, Hailie Sahar

Critics Consensus: The rare adaptation that exceeds its source material, Blindspotting deftly takes on complicated social constructs with comedic flair, crafting a show that's as funny as it is poignant while giving its incredible ensemble --- led by the captivating Jasmine Cephas Jones -- plenty of room to shine.

Starring: Jasmine Cephas Jones, Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Jaylen Barron

Critics Consensus: The Great continues its revisionist reign stronger than before thanks to its addictive wit and marvelous cast -- huzzah!

Starring: Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, Phoebe Fox, Adam Godley

Critics Consensus: With lurid twists, wild characters, and tons of spandex, LuLaRich is oh-so-good.

Starring: Deanne Stidham, Mark Stidham

Critics Consensus: The Expanse's many threads come to a head in an excellent fifth season that expertly capitalizes on everything that makes the show work while setting the stage for an epic final season.

Starring: Steven Strait, Cas Anvar, Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham

Critics Consensus: A triumph of sketch comedy, I Think You Should Leave's sophomore season dives deeper into Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin's strange minds with manically delightful results.

Starring: Tim Robinson, Sam Richardson, Conner O'Malley

Critics Consensus: Smart, funny, and just nostalgic enough, Girls5eva's intelligent insights are brought to brilliant life by its talented quartet, whose individual gifts come together to make sweet comedic harmony.

Starring: Busy Philipps, Paula Pell, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Sara Bareilles

Critics Consensus: Time's heavy load can be challenging, but strong writing and a magnificent performance from Sean Bean make for an incredible, thought-provoking watch.

Starring: James Nelson-Joyce, Kadiff Kirwan, Bobby Schofield, Dean Fagan

Critics Consensus: Tuca & Bertie's superb second season is as vivid and sparkling as the first, diving deeper into its dynamic leads without losing any of its singular humor.

Starring: Tiffany Haddish, Ali Wong, Steven Yeun

Critics Consensus: A celebration of art and life through the eyes of a delightful curmudgeon, Painting with John is a surprising, intimate feat of TV joy.

Starring: John Lurie

Critics Consensus: Cobra Kai still delights in a fourth season that mines great fun from shifting alliances, chiefly the uneasy truce between Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso.

Starring: Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Courtney Henggeler, Xolo Maridueña