Our Favorite TV Shows From 2019

"I'm a Natasha Lyonne superfan, so there was no way I wasn't going to watch this show. I ended up finishing it in one night and rewatching it that weekend. I love how Russian Doll tackles death, forgiveness, and the concept of time. The performances are just brilliant. I've also had the theme song ('Gotta Get Up' by Harry Nilsson) as my alarm ever since, and it seems more and more fitting every day."

"PEN15 is an accurate-as-hell trip down memory lane, and you're truly missing out if you haven't already hopped on the bandwagon. As someone who went to middle school in the 2000s, I relate to all of the nostalgic references woven into each episode: the gel pens, the expertly crafted AIM away messages, the prank calling (which I may or may not still do), the digital camera photo shoots, the butterfly hair clips, the K-Swiss sneakers, and so much more. The Hulu show's producers and main stars — Anna Konkle and Maya Erskine — may be nearly three times as old as some of the younger actors in the show, yet their on-point acting and styling make the age gap irrelevant, as you get sucked into their characters' storylines and relatable adolescent struggles. Needless to say, I'm absurdly psyched to see what sort of shenanigans Maya and Anna get into during the upcoming second season."

"Succession is not an easy show to watch, particularly if you work in the media. It's scathing, dark, and very close to the bone, and you will feel every perfectly crafted moment like a shot to the heart (I'm still not over the episode where Roman walks into the trendy offices of a new media company and exclaims. 'Oh, look at all the fake journalists pretending to work'). But still, it's tremendously entertaining, and it does the near-impossible almost every episode by making you feel something for a bunch of characters who are truly The Worst. The Roy family are not 'flawed heroes' — they're assh*les, every single one of them (even you, Greg). But somehow, you find yourself feeling sorry for them in their darkest moments. I also have to give a particular shout-out to Matthew MacFadyen, who is relishing the role of jumped-up bully Tom so much, I've almost grown to care about him. Give that man an Emmy."

"Ava DuVernay's Netflix miniseries takes the dehumanizing media coverage of the Central Park Five and shows their individual journeys with a personal, intimate approach. When They See Us shows us who Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Antron McCray, and Korey Wise are beyond the sensational headlines, painting a crushing portrait of the unimaginably cruel hand they were dealt. It's a heartbreaking series to watch, as it seems every bit of happiness or optimism leads to tragedy until the end, but ultimately, it's a story that needs to be known."

"I'm fairly sure my voice is still hoarse from shouting 'Watch Chernobyl, you cowards!' at every passerby for the entire month of May. HBO's limited series is a riveting, painstakingly realistic account of a national tragedy that's full of so much dread and gory imagery that, at points, it feels more like something out of a horror film than an event that actually happened in our lifetime. The performances from Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgard, and Emily Watson are also nothing short of brilliant, as is the show's razor-sharp dissection of institutional decay within the Russian government."

"Despite consistent Emmy nominations for Louie Anderson (including one win in 2016), this offbeat FX comedy has mostly flown under the radar. It may not have the rabid fan base of Archer or the dedicated audience of the long-running It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, but Baskets is the network's most sincere, albeit bizarre, offering. Zach Galifianakis plays the roles of twin brothers Chip and Dale so convincingly, you'd swear he'd spliced himself into separate alter egos, while Anderson is magnetic as the Costco-loving, Bakersfield-dwelling mother hen. I'm devastated that the show has been canceled, but season four's bittersweet finale is a proper sendoff for the characters I've come to love so much."

"I had never been so excited about a show as I was for Euphoria. Everything from the casting to the cinematography is amazing. The HBO series delves into the important issues of drugs, sex, and identity in a way that no other show really has, and to top it all off, Zendaya's performance truly deserves all the praise. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, and I already can't wait for season two."

"Euphoria is visually stunning, incredibly well-acted, and the music?! Don't get me started. I found myself planning entire Sundays around it; I truly could not wait to see what would happen next, and I was insanely impressed with Zendaya's performance. There were scenes that were painful to watch, but I appreciate the show's unflinchingly honest look at addiction and mental illness (among other topics). Euphoria presented a reality that, while harsh, needs to be seen and portrayed in the media more often."

"As a huge fan of the original film, I was admittedly a little hesitant about what to expect from Jemaine Clement's TV adaptation of What We Do in the Shadows. Would it still have the same delightfully absurd energy? Would the vampire jokes hold up in 2019? In short, I should never have doubted his genius. This show is a genuinely hilarious spinoff that expands the vampiric lore introduced in the movie while weaving in a cast of quirky new characters who make this mockumentary series worth watching over and over again."

"In 2019, I worship at the altar of Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Her genius is cast under a heavenly glow in Fleabag season two, as she examines the realities of love and loss, family and friendship, all with some much-needed humor. I binged all six episodes in one sitting, then turned right back around to watch them all over again. As a self-proclaimed Claire, I'm impressed by and grateful for the vulnerability and humanity Waller-Bridge infuses into each of her characters. Am I heartbroken that there won't be a season three? Absolutely. But, like a wise (and very hot) priest once said, 'It'll pass.'"

"I could go on and on here about what a genius Phoebe Waller-Bridge is, but that's literally a story for another day. Basically, I had no idea how much I needed Fleabag. Not only was it a realistic and genuine portrayal of mental illness but also a beautiful reminder of how important it is to accept our flaws and at least try to be better."

"I have always had a thing for shows that bare all the complexities and social horrors of adolescence, and Sex Education does that in spades. It's hilarious, it's funny, and most of all, it's painfully realistic. One of the highlights is Otis (Asa Butterfield) and Eric's (Ncuti Gatwa) friendship, which serves as an emotional anchor throughout the roller coaster of the season. Otis's growth from the beginning of the season is also a great depiction of teenage sexuality that isn't stereotypical."

"I've always loved a good teen series, but in the post-Gossip Girl era, I've been hard-pressed to find one where the characters actually seem like teenagers. Not only does Sex Education bring that high school authenticity, but since the show is on Netflix, it can really go there with the titular 'sex education' in a way that network shows can't. I was instantly hooked on watching the characters go through the awkward highs and lows that come with first relationships, thanks in large part to the stellar cast, which includes a mix of fresh and familiar faces. The best part? Otis (Asa Butterfield) and Maeve (Emma Mackey) have the kind of will-they-or-won't-they chemistry that has me counting down the days until season two drops."

"It quite literally only took 15 minutes into Vida's series premiere last year for me to become hooked. The Tanya Saracho-created show returned for its second season back in May, and it centers on two Mexican-American sisters who go back to their old neighborhood in East Los Angeles to take over their late mother's bar. Aside from being an amazing example of representation — the entire cast (and the writers' room) is Latinx, more than half of them are women, and a handful of the show's main characters are queer — the show does a phenomenal job of showcasing how complex family relationships can be while also touching on issues like gentrification, class differences, grief, and homophobia. If you haven't marathoned through all 16 episodes yet, I suggest you make this a weekend to-do, pronto."

"From the second viewers hear Pray Tell say, 'The category is . . . live, work, pose,' they are locked in. Ryan Murphy's Pose captures the beauty and struggle of underground ballroom culture in the late '80s and early '90s in New York City and the authentic stories that come with it. It's heartbreaking, it's hilarious, and it's downright fabulous. The FX show tells the tear-jerking and often tragic stories of transgender characters, while spotlighting the bravery and love that's felt within the community. Together, it makes for something amazing."

"As a longtime Christina Applegate fan, I was thrilled to see her back on the small screen. I wasn't sure what I was getting into in the beginning, but Dead to Me ended up being one of the best things I watched this year. It's smart and hilarious, and it explores grief in a way that not many other shows have. And then, you know . . . James Marsden."

"Schitt's Creek is one of those rare shows that just keeps getting better season after season. Every member of the Rose family has deepened as characters and become more fully realized, all while remaining funny as f*ck. Season five is a favorite in particular for me, thanks to the unbelievably pure romance between David (cocreator Dan Levy) and his fiancé/human cinnamon roll, Patrick (Noah Reid). With the world being a massive garbage fire at all times these days, it's nice to know I can always count on Schitt's Creek for a laugh and Catherine O'Hara's pronunciation of 'bebe.'"

"Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy are comedy icons, from their career-making run on SCTV to cult-favorite Christopher Guest mockumentaries Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. They bring their delightful chemistry and comedy chops to Schitt's Creek, which has flown under the radar until the last couple of years, when it seems like everyone discovered it on Netflix (there are currently four seasons streaming) and got in on the joke. Although the first two seasons start out as a hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy focused on a wealthy, self-centered family who lose everything and are resigned to living in a middle-of-nowhere town called Schitt's Creek, the last two seasons have proven the Roses have hearts of gold. You can't help but root for their triumphs, their relationships, and Moira's many, many wigs. Cocreator and star Daniel Levy (real-life son of Eugene Levy) is so good as neurotic David Rose, you'll wonder why he only has a handful of acting credits to his name. The best parts of season five? David's relationship with fiancé Patrick, and of course Alexis's catchy song, 'A Little Bit Alexis.'"

"Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer's chemistry completely leaps off the screen. Their ongoing cat-and-mouse game is so gripping to watch, because even though they're trying to murder each other, they're also like . . . best friends? And it's kind of sweet, and sometimes even romantic? Villanelle's f*cked-up relationship with Eve is almost as beautiful as her wardrobe — I love how big of a part fashion plays in that character, and the looks are to die for. (Pun intended.)"

"We are in the middle of a Bill Hader-ssaince, and I could not be more delighted over it. The SNL alum has successfully turned into a leading man worthy of his award-winning glory with his hit HBO series, Barry. It's a violent, suspenseful, and truly rollicking good time featuring all-star performances from Henry Winkler, Sarah Goldberg, and Stephen Root and razor-sharp writing that is as startlingly raw as it is hilarious. Keep your eye on Anthony Carrigan, who is so delightfully endearing as Chechen mobster NoHo Hank. Can you even believe I just typed that sentence? Only for Barry."

"My fiancé and I stumbled across Barry by mistake, and now we're those people at parties who are all, 'You HAVE to watch it!' We're not proud of ourselves, but we stand by it — the show is incredibly clever. Not quite a comedy, not quite a drama, Barry's dark plot never gets boring. And while I love me some Bill Hader and think he's a genius, Anthony Carrigan, who plays NoHo Hank, deserves all of the awards for portraying a character that is incomparable to any other ever created. Just forward his Emmys to Goran's garage."

"Three seasons in and The Good Fight, somehow, just keeps getting better and better. Since I'd only seen a handful of seasons of The Good Wife, I didn't feel particularly compelled to check out its spinoff, The Good Fight, Diane Lockhart's spectacular suits aside. 'What more can it possibly offer me?' I naively wondered. 'And does it really merit shelling out for a CBS All Access subscription?' Well, dear reader, the answer to that first query is an insanely talented core cast of female characters — Liz Reddick (Audra McDonald), Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski), and Lucca Quinn (Cush Jumbo) — and the smartest, boldest anti-Trump politics any TV series can offer (as well as the smartest, boldest storylines of any legal procedural currently on the air, in general). The answer to that second question? Yes, paying for a month of CBS's on-demand service so I could binge all three seasons of The Good Fight was more than worth it."

"I'm not a huge fan of jumpy thrillers, but I am infatuated with true crime and serial killers much like the rest of the world. Mindhunter is a total standout in a genre saturated with both fictional and nonfictional series. The character development is straight fire in season one, and season two peels back more and more layers from our main cast, introduces more dynamic serial killers, and makes studying the psychology of a killer that much more fascinating. I will say, though, this show has definitely caused my Google searches to become a little suspect, as I imagine Holden's would have been had Google been around in 1979."

"This Is Us has evolved so much over the past three seasons, and I am eager to see how the show tops itself this year. Everyone always comments on how emotional the show is, but it's all the twists that really keep me coming back for more. I can't tell you how many hours I've wasted on Reddit scrolling through theories about how Jack died or what happened to Nicky in Vietnam. The show's writers are so thoughtful with each and every detail they put into the script, and the talented cast always delivers. I always look forward to my weekly crying session on Tuesday night as well as my in-depth discussion with my coworkers on Wednesday morning."

"After recovering from the riots and the repercussions that unfolded in the previous seasons of Orange Is the New Black, series creator Jenji Kohan wraps up the beloved series in a stunning and bittersweet way. The 13-episode final season of the Netflix show did what it does best, taking real-life issues like criminal justice reform, immigration laws, and the deeply complicated relationships between inmates and interlacing them brilliantly. While some characters have immense growth over the years like Taystee and Fig, others like Daya and Aleida fall victim to the system, and OITNB does an amazing job at showing the realities of both paths. It's rare for a series to wrap up in such a satisfying way, but OITNB does it beautifully."

"As soon as I saw promotional images for the first season of Shrill — with Aidy Bryant rocking a number of ridiculously cute outfits and one pair of to-die-for clogs — I knew I at least had to check it out, no matter how 'judging a book by its cover' that decision might have been. But, obviously, the Hulu comedy delivers, giving the SNL alum room to deliver a star-making performance as aspiring writer Annie. Shrill also offers a sharp critique of society's obsession with body image, as well as Annie's own journey to self-acceptance. The 'Fat Babe Pool Party' episode is a particular highlight."

"Dear White People's third season masterfully balances an influx of new characters with the trials and tribulations of our old favorites. From Sam trying to get over filmmaker's block to Joelle questioning her relationship with Reggie and Lionel's sexual explorations with the aid of his new bestie D'Unte, it's a fun season, and I hope the next one continues in the same vein."

"The new iteration of Bravo's behemoth of a reality series may as well be subtitled 'Not Your Mom's Project Runway.' Previous host Heidi Klum and mentor Tim Gunn are out; model Karlie Kloss and former contestant-turned-design superstar Christian Siriano are in. Upon its triumphant return to Bravo — the series resided on Lifetime for years — the set was given a refresh, new judges were added, and the contestants churned out fresh designs in what felt like the most socially conscious season in ages. Not only is the show back, but it's also truly better than ever."

"After Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum announced their departure from Project Runway, I worried the show would lose much of the charm they brought. But once I found out Elaine Welteroth, Nina Garcia, Brandon Maxwell, and Karlie Kloss were the new line of judges with Christian Siriano on board as mentor, I had high hopes — and they didn't disappoint. The show doesn't feel the same without Gunn and Klum, but it still feels fresh and fun, as if it were a new garment repurposed from vintage fabric. There are some moments that disappointed me (Tessa Clark's comments about plus-size models had me screaming at the TV, before Maxwell thankfully put her in check), but overall, I felt the same sense of energy and love for fashion watching this season as I did any other."

"Team Cockroach continues to be the worst, which makes watching them the absolute best. The most refreshing thing about The Good Place is how it manages to keep the story fresh without jumping the shark. The plot takes unexpected turns, but the characters stay true to their development, and they're still funny. It's not a surprise since Michael Schur is magic on a production team, but it's nice to know he hasn't lost his touch. Though I'm sad the next season will be the show's last, I'm also really glad they're ending on their terms and we'll be getting a (presumably) satisfying conclusion."

"Sometimes you need a show that purely serves to make you laugh, which is why I have watched The Good Place all the way through more than once. It's got an all-star cast of hilarious characters, and Kristen Bell and Ted Danson's onscreen banter in particular absolutely cracks me up. The plot is completely ambitious, so even though it's easy to watch, the story still makes you think but doesn't require you to theorize too much before letting you in on its little secrets. It's forking amazing."

"If you're looking for a show that bolsters female empowerment in a real and honest way, then look no further than Netflix's GLOW. In its third season, creators Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch flip the script and give the gorgeous ladies of wrestling a residency in fabulous Las Vegas, where they battle the hangover of the same show, night after night. Geena Davis (and her incredible gams) guest stars in an emotional and hilarious season (don't even get me started on the brilliance of episode six, 'Outward Bound'; I'm still sobbing) that proves GLOW is not only one of Netflix's greatest original series but also a full-on love letter to the '80s and female friendships."

"More people need to be singing the praises of On My Block, because it knocked the second season out of the park. The adventures of our favorite fivesome (with the beautiful addition of Jasmine, played by Jessica Marie Garcia) are still hilarious and heartwarming, but it goes deeper than that. While the show has tons of comedic moments (mostly thanks to Brett Gray's Jamal), it truly shines when the characters are at their most vulnerable and raw. One of the highlights of the season is when Ruby and Jasmine bond after his shooting and fans get to learn more about the young woman formerly known as the two-dimensional comic relief."

"The Boys is an absurd, profane, deeply entertaining, and at times wildly disturbing, piece of television. (The dolphin! The lobster! The scene with the, ahem, head!) Because of that, it just might be my favorite show of the year (period). Somehow the Amazon series not only manages to put a new spin on the tired genre of 'superheroes doing stuff,' but ends up being genuinely laugh-out-loud hilarious in the process. Karl Urban as the foul-mouthed Billy Butcher, and Erin Moriarty as the earnest, conflicted Annie/Starlight, are particular highlights."

"Before I watched the pilot back in 2014, I was skeptical that a show called Jane the Virgin could even survive one season. Boy, was I wrong, and I couldn't be more delighted about it. For the past five years, the journey of Jane Gloriana Villanueva, along with her friends, family, and next-level drama, has been one of the brightest spots in my TV lineup. Watching Jane was like catching up with an old friend, and the final season was the most bittersweet of goodbyes. It felt like time for Jane to make her final choice between Rafael and Michael (Jason?), for Sin Rostro to meet her demise, and for Jane to get that happily ever after, but there's no way to fill the void left by that familiar voice remarking, 'Straight out of a telenovela, right?!'"

"I'm as obsessed with Broad City as Ilana is with Abbi('s 'ass of an angel'). It's equal parts ridiculous, smart, and empowering, and I can't believe I'll never actually see a new episode ever again following that series finale in March. The cast make it impossible to pick a favorite character . . . but fine, if I have to, Jaime, obviously! The dialogue is so witty, it hurts, and above all, it makes you want to call your best friend to tell them how much you love them (but also judge them for not doting on you as hard as Ilana would). If you need me, catch me hysterically laughing at Jaime trying to decide if it's time to 'cut his pepito' in that incredible fur vest and skirt ensemble."