Best Shows of 2021
Television reached new heights in 2021, delivering an exceptional year of groundbreaking storytelling, unforgettable performances, and innovative series that captivated audiences worldwide. As streaming platforms and traditional networks competed for viewers' attention, the best shows of 2021 emerged across every genre imaginable—from pulse-pounding thrillers and epic dramas to thought-provoking documentaries and visually stunning animated series. This carefully curated collection of 21 must-watch shows represents the pinnacle of what made 2021 a defining year for television, featuring award-winning performances from breakthrough stars and established talent alike. Whether you're drawn to gripping Korean dramas, sweeping historical epics, intimate character studies, or boundary-pushing animation, these critically acclaimed series demonstrate why 2021 will be remembered as a landmark year in TV history. Each entry showcases the creative vision of talented showrunners, directors, and writers who pushed the medium forward, delivering the kind of binge-worthy content that dominated cultural conversations and earned prestigious accolades. Discover the standout television moments that made 2021 unforgettable and find your next obsession among the year's most talked-about releases.
The South African rugby team's journey to World Cup victory gets the documentary treatment it deserves in this exceptional series that captures both athletic triumph and national significance. Following players, coaches, and support staff through the 2019 tournament in Japan, directors Justin Eely and Tyla Ramsden create an intimate portrait of preparation, pressure, and perseverance. Captain Siya Kolisi and coach Rassie Erasmus emerge as compelling central figures whose leadership styles and personal stories add emotional depth to the sporting narrative. The series excels at making rugby's strategic complexities accessible while never losing sight of what the team represented for a nation seeking unity and hope. The cinematography captures both the brutal physicality of the sport and quiet moments of doubt and determination. It's thrilling, moving, and ultimately inspiring television that transcends sports documentary conventions to tell a genuinely important human story.
Here, iconic horror host Joe Bob Briggs returns in glorious form, reviving his cult-classic brand of film commentary for Shudder's streaming platform with remarkable wit and encyclopedic genre knowledge. Each marathon-length episode features Briggs introducing and dissecting exploitation, horror, and B-movies with his trademark "drive-in totals" tallying the body counts, gratuitous elements, and practical effects that define these films. Accompanied by the delightful Darcy the Mail Girl, Briggs transforms movie-watching into an educational and hilarious experience, offering behind-the-scenes stories, cultural context, and appreciation for filmmaking craftsmanship often dismissed by mainstream critics. His tangential monologues covering everything from censorship history to regional filmmaking create a rich tapestry around each feature presentation. The series perfectly captures the communal joy of discovering weird cinema with knowledgeable friends, making even the most obscure grindhouse oddities accessible and entertaining. Whether you're a longtime horror devotee or curious newcomer, Briggs' infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for these misunderstood films makes this essential viewing that elevates its subjects while delivering non-stop entertainment.
Somber, meticulous, and utterly gripping, this documentary series from creator Stephen Michaels stands as the definitive television examination of World War I. Across ten episodes, the show combines newly restored archival footage, letters read by accomplished voice actors, and insights from leading historians to create an immersive chronicle of the conflict. What distinguishes this from other historical documentaries is its commitment to showing the war from multiple perspectives—British, German, French, Ottoman, and others—refusing to simplify the complex web of causes and consequences. The restored footage is remarkable, colorized and speed-corrected to give these century-old images startling immediacy. Producer David Chen's team has crafted something that works both as comprehensive history and powerful human drama. This is essential viewing that illuminates how the Great War shaped the modern world, presented with the gravity and care the subject demands.
This Australian animated series is a masterpiece of children's programming that adults will genuinely love watching. Created by Joe Brumm, Bluey follows a six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy and her family as they turn everyday moments into imaginative adventures. What sets this show apart is its profound understanding of childhood development and family dynamics—each seven-minute episode captures the magic of play while addressing real parenting challenges with warmth and wisdom. Voice actors David McCormack and Melanie Zanetti bring Bluey's parents, Bandit and Chilli, to life as genuinely engaged, sometimes imperfect parents who prioritize connection over perfection. The animation is vibrant and expressive, while the writing balances humor with surprisingly emotional moments that might make you tear up. Whether Bluey and her sister Bingo are playing "Keepy Uppy" or learning about disappointment, the series celebrates the importance of presence, creativity, and unconditional love in ways that resonate across generations.
Four Brazilian comedians dissect pop culture with razor-sharp wit and infectious chemistry in this outstanding comedy show that's become a cultural phenomenon. Maurício Meirelles, Marcelo Adnet, Rogerio Morgado, and Leandro Hassum create magic as they analyze movies, TV shows, and cultural trends through their hilariously absurd lens. What sets Choque de Cultura apart is its commitment to the bit—each host embodies a distinct persona that plays off the others brilliantly, creating comedic moments that feel both spontaneous and expertly crafted. The show's deep-dive into Brazilian pop culture references might challenge international audiences, but the physical comedy and timing transcend language barriers. Whether they're delivering mock-serious film critiques or breaking into unexpected tangents, the quartet maintains an energy level that's absolutely captivating from start to finish.
This culinary travelogue is an absolute feast for the senses, taking viewers on an unforgettable journey through Romania's diverse regional cuisines. Host and chef Radu Anton Roman brings infectious enthusiasm to every episode as he explores everything from Transylvanian hearty stews to Danube Delta seafood traditions, meeting local cooks, farmers, and artisans who've preserved centuries-old techniques. Created by Maria Popescu, the series beautifully captures not just the food but the cultural stories behind each dish, showing how geography, history, and tradition shape what appears on Romanian tables. The cinematography makes every meal look utterly irresistible, and Roman's genuine curiosity and respect for his subjects shines through. Whether you're a foodie or simply curious about Eastern European culture, this series will leave you hungry and booking flights.
Set in contemporary Brazil with supernatural elements lurking beneath the surface, "Ordem Paranormal" brings tabletop RPG storytelling to life with remarkable production values and genuine scares. Created by Cellbit (Rafael Lange), this web series follows ordinary people thrust into paranormal investigations within a universe where occult forces operate in the shadows. The Brazilian setting adds fresh texture to familiar horror territory, while the cast—including Luiz Lobianco, Danilo Zamboni, and Thaís Belchior—fully commits to the increasingly dangerous scenarios their characters face. What makes this series exceptional is how it balances the spontaneity of RPG gameplay with cinematic presentation, creating genuine tension and emotional investment in every twist. The practical effects and sound design punch well above the show's web-series origins, and Cellbit's worldbuilding reveals layers of mythology that reward careful attention. It's essential viewing for horror fans and actual-play enthusiasts alike.
In this series, comedian and game master Brennan Lee Mulligan leads an ever-rotating cast of performers through wildly imaginative tabletop roleplaying campaigns that showcase the absolute best of collaborative storytelling. Each season explores completely different settings—from high fantasy to noir detective stories to candy-covered kingdoms—with professional comedians and improvisers bringing characters to life with hilarious voice work and genuine emotional depth. The production values continuously improve across seasons, adding impressive sets, costumes, and battle maps that enhance rather than overshadow the performances. What makes this essential viewing is the cast's chemistry and Mulligan's brilliant ability to craft narratives that honor player choices while delivering satisfying story arcs. This is actual play content at its finest, proving the medium's capacity for entertainment that rivals scripted television.
A virtual reality playthrough of Half-Life becomes an improvised comedy masterpiece when the AI characters develop self-awareness and refuse to follow their programmed scripts, forcing the player to negotiate with increasingly exasperated digital beings. Created by the comedy collective WayneRadioTV, this brilliantly absurd series features voice actors Trevor, Holly, and Scorpy bringing distinct personalities to characters who question their existence, complain about working conditions, and debate the ethics of their virtual world. What begins as a simple gaming stream evolves into sophisticated improvised comedy with surprising emotional depth—the voice actors' chemistry and lightning-fast wit transform technical limitations into comedy gold. The conceptual framework is ingenious, and the execution is consistently hilarious, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewing. It's a landmark achievement in improvised comedy that transcends its gaming origins.
The devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, unfold hour by hour through the voices of those who experienced them firsthand in this exceptional documentary series that honors both the tragedy's victims and the resilience of survivors. Through newly recorded interviews and rarely seen footage, the six-part National Geographic series reconstructs the day's timeline from early morning through the collapse of both towers, following firefighters, office workers, Pentagon staff, and flight passengers' family members. What distinguishes this documentary from other retrospectives is its immersive, chronological approach and its focus on individual human stories rather than political analysis. The testimony of survivors, first responders, and bereaved family members carries extraordinary emotional weight, creating a powerful historical record that ensures these experiences aren't forgotten. While emotionally demanding viewing, the series handles its subject matter with remarkable sensitivity and journalistic integrity. It stands as an essential document of a day that changed history.
The members of BTS take center stage as themselves in this delightful reality series that strips away the glitz of global superstardom to reveal seven friends simply enjoying each other's company. Created as a healing retreat from their relentless schedules, the show follows RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook as they escape to a secluded forest property where they fish, cook, paint, and rediscover the simple pleasures of downtime. What makes this series so captivating is its gentle, unscripted nature—there are no manufactured challenges or dramatic confrontations, just genuine moments of friendship and self-reflection. The cinematography beautifully captures the natural surroundings, while the editing allows scenes to breathe with a meditative quality that's genuinely refreshing. For ARMY members and newcomers alike, it's an intimate portrait that showcases the bond between these artists and offers a much-needed reminder that rest is productive too.
The escalating feud between film "expert" Tim Heidecker and his increasingly unhinged co-host Gregg Turkington forms the chaotic center of this brilliantly deconstructed movie review show. What begins as a simple VHS-era throwback quickly spirals into an intricate long-form narrative involving Oscar specials gone wrong, legal troubles, mysterious deaths, and competing visions of what film criticism should even be. Created by Heidecker, Turkington, and director Eric Notarnicola, "On Cinema" commits completely to its bit across hundreds of episodes, building a dense mythology that rewards devoted viewers with callbacks and running gags that span years. The deadpan performances never crack even as situations become absurdly dramatic, and the show's willingness to let uncomfortable moments breathe creates comedy unlike anything else on television. It's a masterclass in sustained improvisation and character work that doubles as both loving tribute to and savage parody of film culture.
Set in first-century Galilee under Roman occupation, this groundbreaking series brings the Gospels to life with unprecedented authenticity and emotional depth. Director Dallas Jenkins has created something truly special by focusing on the humanity of Jesus and his followers, showing their fears, doubts, and transformations with remarkable nuance. Jonathan Roumie's portrayal of Jesus is both powerful and tender, capturing a warmth and accessibility rarely seen in faith-based media. What makes The Chosen extraordinary is how it imagines the backstories of familiar biblical figures—Matthew the tax collector, Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter—making their encounters with Jesus feel fresh and deeply moving. The crowdfunded production boasts cinematic quality that rivals major studio releases, while the writing balances reverence with genuine humor and relatable struggles. Whether you're a person of faith or simply appreciate compelling character-driven drama, this series offers something profoundly uplifting.
Intimate, revelatory, and absolutely essential, this documentary series presents The Beatles' story as told by the band members themselves through extensive interviews and breathtaking archival footage. Spanning their formation through their breakup, the eight-part series offers unprecedented access to the creative process behind the most influential band in popular music history. Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, along with insights from John Lennon's interviews, provide candid reflections on their extraordinary journey, from Liverpool's Cavern Club to global phenomenon. What makes this anthology truly special is the rare footage and demo recordings that illustrate how their songs evolved from initial ideas to finished masterpieces. The series doesn't shy from the tensions and conflicts that ultimately split the group, but it's primarily a celebration of their unmatched musical innovation and cultural impact. For Beatles fans, it's indispensable; for music lovers generally, it's a master class in creativity and collaboration.
From the BBC Natural History Unit and legendary producer Alastair Fothergill comes this breathtaking documentary series that follows five of the world's most endangered animals as they fight for survival and their families' futures. Narrated with perfect gravitas by David Attenborough, "Dynasties" achieves something truly special by focusing on individual animals rather than species in general, creating genuine emotional investment in their stories. The cinematography is absolutely stunning—intimate, dramatic, and often heartbreaking as the camera crews capture once-in-a-lifetime moments of triumph and tragedy. Each episode feels like an epic saga, whether following a chimpanzee alpha defending his position or a penguin colony battling Antarctic conditions. This is nature documentary filmmaking at its finest, combining technical excellence with storytelling that reminds us why these animals matter and what we stand to lose.
Streamer and content creator Jerma985 orchestrates this absolutely wild experimental project that's part reality show, part interactive livestream, and part fever dream, as he portrays a character living in a house where viewers vote on every aspect of his daily activities. What could have been a simple gimmick becomes genuinely fascinating television as the premise's darker implications emerge—the loss of autonomy, the commodification of existence, the disturbing crowd dynamics when thousands of anonymous voices control another person's life. Jerma's committed performance and improvisational skills transform viewer commands into surreal, often hilarious scenarios, but also moments of unexpected pathos. The technical achievement of managing real-time audience participation at this scale is remarkable, and the production team deserves credit for the ambitious execution. It's unlike anything else on this list—bizarre, innovative, occasionally uncomfortable, and thoroughly entertaining. Whether you consider it art, comedy, or something entirely new, it's essential viewing for anyone interested in where digital entertainment is heading.
Yoo Jae-suk leads this absolutely explosive Korean variety show that has defined entertainment television for over a decade! As the nation's beloved MC, Yoo guides a rotating cast of celebrities through wildly inventive games, missions, and challenges that blend physical comedy with genuine suspense. From name-tag elimination races through elaborate sets to international adventures and detective-themed episodes, Running Man delivers non-stop laughter and surprisingly heartfelt moments. The chemistry between regular cast members like Kim Jong-kook, Song Ji-hyo, and HaHa creates an infectious energy that transcends language barriers. Whether they're racing through Seoul landmarks or competing in absurd costume challenges, the show's creativity never stops. It's comfort food television that rewards long-time viewers with running gags while remaining accessible to newcomers jumping in at any episode.
In this Breaking Bad prequel, Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould trace the transformation of small-time lawyer Jimmy McGill into the criminal attorney Saul Goodman with extraordinary patience and precision. Bob Odenkirk delivers career-best work as Jimmy, a man struggling between his desire for legitimacy and his natural gift for running cons. What makes this special isn't just the connection to its parent series—it's the meticulous character work, the stunning cinematography that rivals any prestige drama, and the way it explores morality in shades of gray rather than black and white. Rhea Seehorn's Kim Wexler emerges as an equally compelling co-lead, while Jonathan Banks brings depth to the Mike Ehrmantraut storyline. The pacing is deliberately measured, rewarding patient viewers with rich storytelling that proves prequels can stand as masterworks in their own right.
An alcoholic genius scientist drags his anxious grandson across infinite dimensions for increasingly dangerous adventures, and somehow this premise has spawned one of the most brilliant animated series ever created. Dan Harmon and Justin Roilich's Rick and Morty masterfully blends absurdist humor with genuine emotional depth, never afraid to deliver devastating character moments between the interdimensional chaos and sci-fi shenanigans. The show's willingness to experiment with narrative structure—from anthology episodes to serialized storylines—keeps every season feeling fresh and unpredictable. Justin Roilich voices both title characters with manic energy, while the supporting cast, including Chris Parnell and Sarah Chalke, grounds the family dynamics. The writing is razor-sharp, packed with clever references and philosophical questions disguised as crude jokes. Whether Rick is battling alternate versions of himself or the family is dealing with relationship drama, the series consistently delivers some of the smartest and most hilarious television available.
In the twin cities of Piltover and Zaun—one gleaming and prosperous, the other dark and impoverished—two sisters find themselves on opposite sides of an escalating conflict. Created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee, this animated adaptation of League of Legends characters transcends its video game origins to become something truly special. Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell voice Vi and Jinx with emotional depth that makes their fractured relationship heartbreaking. The animation is absolutely stunning, blending 2D and 3D techniques into a visual style that feels both painterly and kinetic. Every frame is gorgeous, but the show never sacrifices storytelling for spectacle. The class warfare between the two cities provides rich thematic material, while the supporting cast—including Katie Leung's Caitlyn and Harry Lloyd's Viktor—receives meaningful development. The show works whether you know the game or not, crafting a complete narrative that explores trauma, revolution, and the cost of progress. This is animation as art, proving the medium's potential for mature storytelling.
When a young boy named Monkey D. Luffy gains the power to stretch like rubber after eating a magical Devil Fruit, he sets out to find the legendary One Piece treasure and become King of the Pirates. This epic anime adventure from creator Eiichiro Oda has been sailing strong since 1999, and for good reason—it's an absolute masterclass in long-form storytelling. The series brilliantly balances humor, heart, and high-stakes action while building one of the most richly detailed fictional worlds in anime history. Each arc introduces memorable characters with genuinely moving backstories, and the crew's bonds deepen in ways that earn every emotional payoff. Yes, the episode count is intimidating, but the journey is absolutely worth it. The pacing improves significantly after the early arcs, and once you're invested in Luffy and his Straw Hat crew, you'll understand why fans have stayed devoted for over two decades.