Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #1

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#1: Undone

I haven’t experienced another show like this that so freely casts aside all accepted perceptions of how time and space work to follow a character down the rabbit hole into an entirely new way of thinking. Using animation to tell this story is enormously effective, and each half-hour installment managed to probe even more intriguing ideas. A second season was far from guaranteed, and Amazon wonderfully decided to bring it back for more astonishing journeys into the past, the present, and what’s in between.

Best Episode: “Handheld Blackjack”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #2

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#2: Our Boys

I wasn’t sure about the idea of a TV show based on the abduction and murder of three Israeli teenagers and subsequent murder of a Palestinian teenager in the summer of 2014. This series defied all of my expectations, offering a layered, deeply involving and powerful look at Israeli and Palestinian society. The performances were excellent, and this dramatization was respectful and thought-provoking, a fully subtitled drama brought to American audiences by HBO.

Best Episode: “Chapter 4: The Dawn Martyr”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #3

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#3: Doom Patrol

Superhero shows are so common these days that this could have easily been dismissed as just another entry in a never-ending sea of the same. But this DC Universe series presented antiheroes who couldn’t control their mostly unhelpful powers and then repeatedly ripped apart their realities so that they could never quite be clear on what was real. It’s a mind-bending experience to watch this admittedly quite weird show, and one that will fortunately continue when it returns for a second season.

Best Episode: “Doom Patrol Patrol”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #4

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#4: Ramy

It’s great to see a comedy series that spotlights a Muslim protagonist who (mostly) adheres to the tenets of his religion. This show feels authentic and relatable, with star and creator Ramy Youssef crafting a totally enjoyable and at times truly powerful series about real people navigating your place in the world. Fortunately, Hulu will be bringing the show back for a second season sometime this coming spring.

Best Episode: “Ne Me Quitte Pas”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #5

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#5: When They See Us

In just four episodes, this Netflix limited series managed to convey the utter horror of five innocent teenagers being accused of a crime and then sentenced by the public and a jury with respect and affirmation. Ava DuVernay was the perfect steward for this affecting tribute to these people who were only seen as monsters, effectively presented with actors in a dramatization in a way that felt just as vivid and real as a documentary.

Best Episode: “Part Four”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #6

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#6: Dead to Me

This dark comedy series centered on a tragic death and the ensuing guilt it created in those affected. Its true strength came from the casting of its two leads – Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini – who infused so much energy and personality into each of their characters and played off each other fantastically. The plot was riveting and always threw in some compelling surprises, and season two, coming soon to Netflix, is sure to be just as worthwhile.

Best Episode: “I Have to Be Honest”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #7

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#7: Watchmen

Damon Lindelof, one of the minds behind “Lost” and “The Leftovers,” was a formidable choice to adapt the acclaimed comic book of the same name into a series that was just as mesmerizing and incredible as the 2009 film, but different enough to exist in its own right. Each episode offered a new mind-blowing revelation, and casting Regina King, Tim Blake Nelson, Jeremy Irons, Hong Chau, and others made this show an unforgettable experience, one that may be contained to just one single season if Lindelof doesn’t want to continue it.

Best Episode: “This Extraordinary Being”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #8

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#8: The Morning Show

Apple TV Plus’ flagship original series attracted an impressive trio of big-name talent – Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell – and could probably have done well enough by relying on them. Instead, it crafted a complex and relevant drama about today’s issues, one that felt like “The Newsroom” in all the ways it should. It enhanced its leads with excellent supporting players, including Billy Crudup, Bel Powley, Mark Duplass, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

Best Episode: “A Seat at the Table”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #9

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#9: Unbelievable

This limited series was immersive and captivating enough from its disturbing first episode, thanks to a moving turn from young actress Kaitlyn Dever. When her fellow Golden Globe nominees Merritt Wever and Toni Collette were introduced, this show became entirely compelling, bringing a true story to life in a way that was both respectful and immensely watchable. Any opportunity to see Wever and Collette on screen in roles like this would be extremely welcome in the future, even if there isn’t more of a story left to tell here.

Best Episode: “Episode 5”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #10

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#10: The Loudest Voice

Like the recently-released film “Bombshell,” this project focused on Roger Ailes and his creation of just not a behemoth propaganda machine in Fox News but also a culture of abuse and harassment. Russell Crowe’s performance was as Ailes was incredibly strong, and setting each episode in one impactful year was a very effective device that made this portrayal of influential modern history essential viewing.

Best Episode: “2008”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #11

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#11: Mrs. Fletcher

This show was billed from the start as a limited series, but its strong presentation of a formidable lead and her desire to truly experience her life suggests that much more could be explored here. Kathryn Hahn, always a great supporting player, was a fantastic fit to play the title character, whose story was always interesting and slightly more pleasant than her wayward son’s misadventures at college. A commitment to three-dimensional supporting characters made this show above-average, and its sudden ending is the only real disappointment.

Best Episode: “Free Sample”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #12

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#12: Perpetual Grace, LTD.

It’s hard to think of an appropriate frame of reference in which to describe Epix’s bold, truly individual series. It wasn’t always easy – or even possible – to understand what was going on, but the manner in which it was presented was entirely gripping. Jimmi Simpson led an incredible cast including Luis Guzman, Damon Herriman, Chris Conrad, Dash Williams, Terry O’Quinn, Kurtwood Smith, Jacki Weaver, and Ben Kingsley. It’s a mystery why Epix has yet to renew the show for a second season, but it’s been and would surely continue to be a wild and stylized ride.

Best Episode: “Wandering Lift”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #13

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#13: The Politician

Ryan Murphy has no limits when it comes to dreaming up enormously entertaining concepts, and this Netflix series is no exception. A perfectly cast Ben Platt led a tremendously-populated ensemble in this send-up of high school, politics, loyalty, and so much more. It wasn’t always sure what it was or wanted to be, but when it worked, it really did. The second season will surely be different, but the offbeat and eccentric nature will surely still be recognizable.

Best Episode: “The Harrington Comode”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #14

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#14: Why Women Kill

It’s been a while since “Desperate Housewives” went off the air, and even longer since it was good, and it’s great to see creator Marc Cherry spring back with another fantastically imaginative, female-centric show. Ginnifer Goodwin, Lucy Liu, and Kirby Howell-Baptiste were all spectacular choices for their roles, surrounded by a terrific ensemble. Featuring an entirely new cast in season two is probably a great idea, since it ensures that the storylines should remain fresh, even if another helping of this world also appeals.

Best Episode: “I’d Like to Kill Ya; But I Just Washed My Hair”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #15

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#15: Work in Progress

To date, this show has only aired three episodes, which made me consider whether or not it was right to include on this list. I had no expectations whatsoever for a half-hour comedy that Showtime was premiering in December in the 11pm slot on Sunday nights, but this show really surprised me. Creator and star Abby McEnany is wonderful in this creative amalgam of serious drama and hilarious comedy – I look forward to seeing more of it and thinking that maybe I should have moved this even higher on the list.

Best Episode: Pilot
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #16

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#16: The Righteous Gemstones

The latest vehicle from Danny McBride was undeniably outrageous and over-the-top, but the themes of religion, corruption, and pure selfishness actually worked together very well in a fitting follow-up to “Vice Principals” and “Eastbound and Down.” McBride wasn’t the only one who was superbly cast for his own role, joined by Edi Patterson, Adam DeVine, Cassidy Freeman, Walton Goggins, and John Goodman to anchor a surprisingly sympathetic and often funny story about truly detestable people.

Best Episode: “And Yet One of You is a Devil”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #17

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#17: Shrill

I wasn’t initially completely taken with this show, but it grew on me over the course of its six episodes. Aidy Bryant, an Emmy nominee for her variety work on “Saturday Night Live,” was a perfect fit for the role of a spirited journalist who never got much of a fair shake in life. It was affirming to watch her, often comically, achieve more self-confidence and success. It’s nice to know that six episodes isn’t all we’ll get, giving this show even more of an opportunity to grow when it returns for season 2 on January 24th on Hulu.

Best Episode: “Article”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #18

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#18: Dollface

This offbeat Hulu comedy started out being a little too attached to its fantasy sequences in which its title character found herself experiencing something metaphorical in a completely literal way. Once it found its footing and abandoned that obsession, it turned into something endearing and genuinely funny, featuring great performances from star Kat Dennings and supporting actress Brenda Song.

Best Episode: “History Buff”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 19 New Shows of 2019: #19

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check inn midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2019 closes out and 2020 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#19: Dickinson

Apple TV Plus’ comedy puts a wild, anachronistic spin on Emily Dickinson’s life and legacy, similar in setup to the film “Wild Nights with Emily” but given a livelier presence and energy thanks to star Hailee Steinfeld. It’s sometimes a bit untethered to reality or any sense of history, but it’s definitely a fun way of looking at a person who didn’t always get to tell her own story.

Best Episode: “I have never seen ‘Volcanoes’”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews