We love coming back week after week to see characters we love (or hate) go through their trials and tribulations. We forge relationships with them, and we feel their joys and pains more deeply than with characters from a movie. This year, most of the oxygen was taken up by outstanding shows like Beef, The Bear, and the closing seasons of Barry and Succession.
Succession especially went out on a high, as the Roy kids regressed to their most primal states with Kendall insisting that he deserved to be CEO since he was “the eldest boy”, fittingly forgetting about Alan Ruck’s Connor, who was probably the only character to receive anything close to a happy ending. Each of these shows could credibly make a case for entry into the pantheon of all-time great television shows.
But these weren’t the only shows worth watching this year, there’s at least a few hidden gems that deserve to be spoken of in the same breath. There’s still one long weekend left in this year, and you could easily start (and finish) at least one of the following shows before the year ends. Grab that remote, you’ll be glad you did.
Reservation Dogs
What it’s about: Four Native American teens growing up on a reservation in Oklahoma deal with the tragic death of one of their friends and resolve to fulfill his last wish by going to California.
Watch it if you liked: Atlanta, Master of None, Better Things
Why you should watch it: RezDogs is a heartwarming and life-affirming tale about growing up, wanting to leave, and realizing that home is not just a place, but a community. The show effortlessly switches between being hilariously funny (especially when one of our main characters is mentored by an absolute disaster of a spirit guide), and heart-breaking (when the entire reservation comes together to help another character’s grandmother leave this mortal coil) in turns. RezDogs came to an end earlier this year with its third season, but we can always go back home to the reservation. Mvto!
Where you can find it: Disney+ Hotstar
Slow Horses
What it’s about: A group of disgraced MI5 agents work dead-end tasks in Slough House, but somehow get caught up in unexpected missions and have to survive both - the bad guys, as well as the wrath of their own colleagues from MI5 proper.
Watch it if you liked: The Americans, Sherlock, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
Why you should watch it: Old-school spycraft meets new-age thrills in this fast-paced show. Every season is only six episodes long, covers one full mission, and usually takes place in a span of 48 hours or less. The writing is deliciously British with a healthy serving of dry sarcasm, aided by anchoring performances from Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas. It’s the perfect binge show. (Read our full review here.)
Where you can find it: Apple TV+
Poker Face
What it’s about: Charlie Cale has what she calls a bulls***t detector - she can just tell when someone is lying. Charlie uses this gift (she would call it a curse) to help people in trouble, and solve crimes along the way.
Watch it if you liked: Russian Doll, Colombo
Why you should watch it: Poker Face is a throwback to weekly procedural shows from the 80s. Think Colombo meets Murder She Wrote meets The Incredible Hulk. The show is dripping with pedigree - created by Rian Johnson (Knives Out) and Natasha Lyonne, and packed with famous guest stars including Adrien Brody, Hong Chau, Nick Nolte, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, among others. Lyonne, with her signature rasp and impeccable comedic timing, was born to play this role. It’s not really a whodunnit, but a howcatchem, where the audience always knows who committed the crime from the beginning, but the fun is in watching Charlie figure out how to catch them.
Where you can find it: Jio TV
Starstruck
What it’s about: A romantic comedy about a millennial living in London who wakes up after a one-night stand to find that she has hooked up with a famous actor. Can these two idiots get out of their own way long enough to make the relationship work?
Watch it if you liked: Lovesick, Catastrophe
Why you should watch it: New Zealand comedian Rose Matafeo creates, writes, and stars as a bumbling but charming woman who’s barely a functioning adult. The show is an absolute delight - funny and light with just the right amount of stakes and drama to keep it from being inconsequential. Like any good comedy, there’s a strong supporting cast of zany friends and co-workers. Best of all, each season is only six episodes of roughly half an hour each.
Where you can find it: LionsgatePlay, Amazon Prime Video
Happy Valley
What it’s about: In West Yorkshire, Sergeant Catherine Cawood juggles her job as a police officer while raising her young grandson, whose mother (her daughter) died by suicide.
Watch it if you liked: Broadchurch, Prime Suspect, Luther
Why you should watch it: Happy Valley is a thrilling but brutal depiction of police work centering on crimes against women. Each season follows a different case for Cawood to solve, while also navigating her personal life and protecting her grandson from his father, a remorseless criminal and a force of evil. Sarah Lancashire delivers a remarkably grounded performance as the determined but abrasive Catherine, with a show that has had three seasons in the last nine years. It’s a heavy but extremely engaging watch.
Where you can find it: Bookmyshow (rental)
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