This year was not only a great year for movies but also an excellent year for television. We truly are living in the golden age of television. These are shows which in my opinion offered a smart script, compelling characters, and an engaging story which kept me coming back for more. I won’t be judging these on whole seasons unless it started and finished this year.
1. This Is Us (2016 -)
This was my favourite show last year and it’s my favourite show this year. This Is Us is a show which never disappoints. I love every single character in this show. None of the show’s success would be possible without the amazing actors and writers. The many twists and turns only work because not only are they are believable but because they feature the beloved characters. Fans are so attached to these characters that every twist affects them as if it actually happened and for that I have to simply put as number one.
Favourite Episodes: “Super Bowl Episode”, “Number One”, “Sometimes”
2. The End of the F***ing World (2018 -)
This was one of the biggest surprises of the year for me. It’s short and perfect. When I started the show I was a bit skeptical about the main two characters but by the end I was rooting for them. This couldn’t happen without the brilliant performances by the two main leads. I love its dark humour, it never goes over the top and it perfectly suits the show. The story is not only engaging and original but for once I couldn’t actually predict what was going to happen.
Favourite Episodes: “Episode 3”, “Episode 8”
3. Sharp Objects (2018)
Shocking is an understatement when it comes to describing Sharp Objects. This show is as dark and realistic as a show can get. Whenever you start an episode, it instantly transports you to Wind Gap. The characters, the writing, the music are perfect. The performances are some of the best I’ve seen this year, television and movies. Amy Adams gives one of the best performances of this year in all of entertainment. . The ending will leave you in pure shock and disbelief. The only reason it isn’t higher is because I feel that an episode or two could be taken away since not much happens in them but still an amazing ride.
Favourite Episodes: “Fix”, “Falling”, “Milk”
4. Bodyguard (2018 -)
With great performances, thrilling action and clever twists, Bodyguard easily stood out as an action show this year. It took a lot of risks proving it isn’t joking around. It’s also unpredictable which is something I can’t say many action shows or movies have achieved a lot these past couple of years. The only reason it isn’t higher is because of some pacing issues and the fact that almost every episode is over an hour long is really unnecessary in my opinion, not just with this show.
Favourite Episodes: “Episode 3”, “Episode 6”
5. Will and Grace: The Revival (2018 -)
Will and Grace is the only revival which continues to impress and prove that it can do more than be a show just for laughs. The current season features a few episodes which even though they have comedic elements thrown in often, they still talk about difficult topics. That’s why I love this show so much. It isn’t your typical sitcom with cheesy running gags and storylines. The cast is great, the characters are funnier than ever and I can’t wait for the upcoming episodes. I can gladly say that this is the only show I can count on to watch every week and be satisfied and in a better mood after an episode.
Favourite Episodes: “The Beefcake and the Cake Beef”, “Who’s Sorry Now?”, “Grace’s Secret”
6. Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016 – 2018)
I can go on about Voltron forever. This year, Voltron: Legendary Defender gave it’s A game with four seasons released in 2018. This is a show which is so important and unfortunately it’s criminally underrated. It’s incredibly atmospheric thanks to it’s unique score and stunning visuals. The characters are so beloved and I am so glad that this show tries to achieve some sort of character development unlike most shows which tend to develop the main character or the antagonist. I highly suggest you watch it. It isn’t higher on the list because if you ask me what happens in Season 5, I’ll blank. This show doesn’t really know how to separate it’s seasons.
Favourite Episodes: “Blood Duel”, “The Black Paladins”, “A Little Adventure”, “Shadows”
7. The Good Place (2016 -)
Easily one of the brightest sitcoms to ever exist. The Good Place is most probably the most creative show on television at the moment. You think it’s going to go one way, only to have it flip your theory on it’s head and does something completely unexpected. The cast and characters are comedic gold. The only reason it’s this low on my list is because I have to catch up on Season 3 and it wouldn’t be right to put it higher without watching the entire season.
Favourite Episodes: “The Burrito”, “Somewhere Else”
8. Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2018 -)
As you most probably know by now, I am a huge fan of John Krasinski but I was a bit skeptical about the show. It looked average but having actually seen it I wouldn’t say that’s the case. There are a lot of smart decisions regarding the structure of the show. While the first season is only eight episodes, the action is presented on larger scale. Krasinski and Pierce have a lot of great scenes together. I would however put more focus on Jack Ryan or at least have him do more stuff in the second season. That being said I can’t wait for more.
Favourite Episodes: “The Wolf”, “End of Honor”
9. Titans (2018 -)
I was one of the few people who thought that this show had potential. Granted the horrible trailer didn’t do the show any favors. I decided to give it a try and what I got was a show with the right amount of humor and darkness. I have yet to watch the entire season but so far I’m loving it. Brenton Thwaites is perfect for this version of Dick Grayson. I’m also loving Anna Diop’s badass Starfire. Can’t wait to binge this when I get the chance.
Favourite Episodes: “Hawk and Dove”, “Doom Patrol”
Honourable Mentions:
The only reason Legion is lower than Titans is that I am way behind on Legion and I couldn’t put it on the list. Maniac on the other hand I did watch and while it features stellar performances from Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, the story, though it’s interesting and features a lot of unique and visually creative material is stretched way too far over the course of the series.
Overall 2018 was a great year for TV shows, I clearly did not watch every single show that came out but the ones I did watch I enjoyed a lot. I also noticed how much I love NBC because three shows on this list all come from that channel, including the first pick.
What were your favourite shows of 2018?
owen is a filmaholic 