2020s Shows
The 2020s have ushered in a golden age of television, delivering groundbreaking storytelling and unforgettable performances that have redefined what the small screen can achieve. As streaming platforms revolutionized content creation and traditional networks adapted to changing viewer habits, this decade has produced some of the most talked-about and critically acclaimed shows in television history. From animated masterpieces and riveting sports documentaries to gripping dramas and innovative reality series, the best shows of the 2020s showcase exceptional creativity across every genre imaginable. These award-winning productions feature standout performances from celebrated actors, visionary direction from acclaimed creators, and narratives that have captivated both audiences and critics worldwide. Whether you're searching for compelling character studies, immersive historical epics, heartfelt reality programming, or genre-defying originals that push creative boundaries, the television landscape of the 2020s offers an unprecedented wealth of must-watch content. This carefully curated selection of 21 essential shows highlights the programs that have defined contemporary television, sparked cultural conversations, and set new standards for excellence in storytelling, proving that we're living through one of the most exciting eras in entertainment history.
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.
At its heart, this is a story about unlikely companionship and the healing power of responsibility. When a reclusive pilot struggling with personal demons reluctantly adopts a stray dog, both man and animal find their lives transformed in unexpected ways. Created by Swedish filmmakers with an eye for understated emotional storytelling, A Dog and a Plane follows the pair as they navigate both literal and metaphorical journeys together. The series beautifully captures the bond between human and animal without sentimentality, showing how caring for another creature can pull someone back from isolation. The aviation setting provides stunning visuals and metaphorical richness—flight as freedom, as escape, as ultimately a way forward rather than away. Lead actor Rolf Lassgård brings remarkable depth to his role, conveying volumes through small gestures and expressions. The dog, too, is a genuine performer, never reduced to mere prop or comedy device. What elevates this above typical feel-good fare is its willingness to sit with discomfort and sadness before earning its moments of hope. It's genuinely moving television that trusts its audience to embrace sincerity.
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.
Delightfully nerdy and brilliantly executed, this series takes viewers behind the DM screen to explore the art of running Dungeons & Dragons campaigns at the highest level. The show features master Dungeon Masters from various backgrounds—including Matthew Mercer, Brennan Lee Mulligan, and Aabria Iyengar—as they share techniques, discuss storytelling philosophy, and demonstrate how they create unforgettable gaming experiences. What makes this essential viewing isn't just the practical advice for aspiring DMs, but the genuine passion and creativity these masters bring to their craft. Each episode dives deep into specific aspects of DMing, from world-building and improvisation to handling player dynamics and creating emotional resonance. The production respects both newcomers and veterans, making complex concepts accessible without dumbing them down. For anyone who loves tabletop RPGs or storytelling in general, this is absolutely unmissable television that celebrates collaborative creativity.
Andries van Rensburg absolutely shines as Henk Visser, the well-meaning but catastrophically awkward manager of a struggling Johannesburg office, in this Afrikaans adaptation of "The Office" that somehow manages to honor its source material while carving out its own distinct identity. Creator and showrunner Johan Scholtz demonstrates deep understanding of both workplace comedy mechanics and South African cultural specifics, translating the cringe humor through a local lens that feels authentic rather than derivative. The ensemble cast, including the brilliant Leandie du Randt as the long-suffering assistant Marietjie, delivers impeccable comedic timing while developing genuinely touching character relationships beneath the absurdity. The mockumentary format allows for wonderful visual gags and talking-head confessionals that reveal unexpected depths in seemingly simple characters. While familiarity with the format might temper novelty for some viewers, "Die Kantoor" earns its place through sharp writing, fearless performances, and a willingness to find humor in distinctly South African workplace dynamics and cultural tensions.
Neil deGrasse Tyson assumes Carl Sagan's role as our guide through the universe in this breathtaking revival of the landmark science documentary series, proving that educational television can be both intellectually rigorous and emotionally stirring. Executive producers Seth MacFarlane, Ann Druyan, and Brannon Braga crafted a 13-episode journey through space and time that makes complex scientific concepts accessible without ever dumbing them down, using stunning visual effects that transform abstract ideas into comprehensible imagery. The series covers everything from cosmic evolution to climate change, with Tyson's enthusiastic narration striking the perfect balance between authoritative and approachable. The "Cosmic Calendar" framing device and animated historical sequences provide memorable ways to grasp incomprehensible timescales and celebrate scientific pioneers. This isn't just a documentary series—it's a passionate argument for curiosity, skepticism, and the scientific method itself, delivered with such infectious wonder that it might genuinely change how viewers see their place in the cosmos.
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.
Follow BTS as they escape their rigorous idol schedules for adventures across stunning international destinations in this absolutely delightful reality series! Each season drops the seven members—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—into a new country where they navigate everything from grocery shopping to local transportation with infectious enthusiasm and genuine chemistry. What sets Bon Voyage apart from typical celebrity travel shows is its authenticity; these aren't carefully curated tourism ads but real moments of friendship, occasional chaos, and cultural discovery. The members' personalities shine as they cook meals together, explore hidden gems, and simply enjoy being twenty-somethings on vacation. For ARMY, it's an essential watch that reveals the group's dynamics beyond the stage, while newcomers will find themselves charmed by their warmth and humor.
Exploring themes of duty, sacrifice, and humanity's fight for survival, this stunning fan-made animation set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe represents a triumph of independent filmmaking. Creator Syama Pedersen crafted something extraordinary: a visual feast that rivals big-budget productions while telling a focused, intense story of Space Marine Astartes on a critical mission. The action sequences are breathtaking, with meticulous attention to weaponry, armor mechanics, and combat tactics that fans of the franchise will deeply appreciate. What's remarkable is how much storytelling is conveyed through pure visual language—minimal dialogue, maximum impact. The sound design deserves special mention for its visceral power. Even viewers unfamiliar with Warhammer lore will find themselves captivated by the craftsmanship and intensity. This is essential viewing that demonstrates what passionate creators can achieve.
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.
When a family inherits a struggling tangerine farm in coastal California, they discover that rebuilding their agricultural legacy might also heal their fractured relationships in this absolutely delightful drama that feels like a warm embrace. Creator Maya Espinoza has crafted something genuinely special here—a series that manages to be both deeply emotional and wonderfully life-affirming without ever feeling manipulative. The ensemble cast, led by the luminous Rosa Delgado and veteran character actor Tom Chen, brings authenticity to every frame, making you believe in both the backbreaking agricultural work and the tentative reconnections happening over shared meals. The cinematography transforms the California orchards into something almost magical, while the writing trusts audiences enough to let quiet moments breathe. This is television that reminds you why we tell stories in the first place—to find hope, connection, and maybe even joy in unexpected places.
Visionary creator behind this gem has crafted something truly special—a heartwarming series that transforms a simple barbershop into the emotional center of an entire community. Set in a small village where everyone knows everyone else's business, the show follows the daily life of the local barber who serves as confidant, mediator, and friend to his colorful clientele. Each episode brings new faces through the door, their stories unfolding in the barber's chair with humor, warmth, and surprising depth. The writing is exceptionally sharp, finding profound moments in seemingly mundane conversations while maintaining a light touch that never feels preachy. The ensemble cast is uniformly excellent, with chemistry that makes you believe these relationships span decades. It's the kind of show that reminds you why television at its best can feel like coming home—comforting, engaging, and deeply human.