Most of the year 2020 was marred by the global spread of the coronavirus pandemic, but it still released brilliant new television series on multiple streaming platforms. Each show added to this list was released for the first time this year (So you will not see series like The Boys S2, The Mandalorian S2, etc.)and are all unique in their own right.
10. Feel Good Season 1
This semi autobiographical television series by Canadian standup comedian Mae Martin talks about her deeply personal story, which includes important subject matters such as drug-addiction recovery and gender fluidity. This series is currently available on Netflix.
Synopsis: The series follows a young comedian Mae who primarily works in comedy clubs in London. There, she meets another young woman named George and they eventually hit it off. But problems arise when both of their pasts are exposed to each other.
9. Little Fires Everywhere Miniseries
This dramatic miniseries is based on the novel of the same name written by Celeste Ng. The series talks about a mother’s love and the lengths a person will go to keep a secret hidden. Watch this series on Disney+ Hotstar.
Synopsis: Set in late 1990s Ohio, the series follow the seemingly perfect Richardson family as their lives get tangled by a mysterious woman and her daughter.
8. Never Have I Ever Season 1
This unique coming-of age story is based on multiple similar stories all around the world – the problems of fitting in when you are brought up in a completely different cultural background. John McEnroe narrates nearly the entire series while Andy Samberg narrates a single episode. Check out this web series on Netflix.
Synopsis: Follow the complicated life of a first-generation Indian-American girl as she goes through highschool.
7. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Season 1
This oddball musical series premiered on NBC back in January. The show is mainly fluff, but keeps itself interesting with brilliant music and epic dance routines. This series can be streamed on SonyLIV.
Synopsis: After an unusual event, coder Zoey Clarke magically starts hearing people’s innermost thoughts and desires through popular songs. With this unique power, she starts to reconnect with her co-workers, friends and family.
6. Defending Jacob Miniseries
This American crime drama miniseries is based on the 2012 novel of the same name by William Landay. The series tackles an extraordinary subject matter and has a stellar cast to back its brilliant writing. This series is available for viewing on Apple TV+.
Synopsis: The story follows a family as they deal with the accusation that their 14 year old son is a murderer.
5. Mrs. America Miniseries
This nine-part American historical mini-series is loosely based on the true events of the political movement to pass the Equal RIghts Amendment. The series provides a unique look at both sides and the stellar casts backs the writing beautifully. Check out this miniseries on Disney+ Hotstar.
Synopsis: As feminists across America rally to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, Phylis Schlafy, a conservative activist, opposes it.
4. I Know This Much Is True Miniseries
Mark Ruffalo was praised for his brilliant performance in this miniseries where he portrays two very different twins. The American drama is based off the 1998 novel of the same name written by Wally Lamb. This series is currently running on Disney+ Hotstar.
Synopsis: Follow the parallel lives of identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey in a story of betrayal, sacrifice and forgiveness.
3. I May Destroy You Season 1
This hard hitting series was created, written, co-directed, produced and led by Michaela Coel for BBC One and HBO. This brilliant woman tackles a rarely discussed topic in this comedy-drama – the aftermath of rape. This emotional rollercoaster of a series is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Synopsis: Arabella’s life changes irreversibly after being sexually assaulted in a nightclub and she is forced to reassess everything in her life including her career, friends and family.
2. Ted Lasso Season 1
Ted Lasso was a character portrayed by Jason Sudeikis, created for an advertisement back in 2013, to promote Premier League viewership in the United States. The character was a huge hit – so much so that Sudeikis was asked to come back and do another commercial with the same character. The character’s hilarious coaching style and popularity allowed a television series to be commissioned. Check out this comedy series on Apple TV+.
Synopsis: A small-time American football coach Ted Lasso is hired to coach a professional soccer team in England, despite having no experience coaching the sport.
1. The Queen’s Gambit Miniseries
Was there any doubt about which series would take the top spot? After this series was released, it was viewed over 64 million times. The series also renewed interest in chess, with over 3 million new subscribers joining the Chess app – chess.com, within 3 months of the series releasing. Check out this coming-of age drama miniseries on Netflix.
Synopsis: Set during the Cold War era, orphaned chess prodigy Beth Harmon struggles with various addictions in a quest to become the greatest chess player in the world.
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