Despite the name of this blog, I do occasionally venture to the small screen. I must admit, I’ve been pretty poor for keeping up with most TV series this year. The Americans came to its conclusion and swept awards ceremonies, yet I’ve never seen a single episode. The Haunting of Hill House terrified Netflix viewers all over, yet I only saw a few episodes. In the UK, The Bodyguard was the most watched BBC drama of the year, so of course I failed to see it. What I’m saying is, I’ve watched a lot of films and that should be good enough for you.
That said, I did see at least ten great shows this year, which I’ve managed to compile into a satisfying top ten. We have returning series, debuting series, homegrown series, big budget American series, tiny sitcoms and award-winning dramas – it’s been a great year. Let’s get to it!
10.
American Vandal
Sadly cancelled by Netflix after just two seasons, the hilarious mockumentary series American Vandal pushed the boundaries this year with a prolonged masterpiece of gross out humour and ridiculously-believable crime doc spoofing. Never before have poop jokes been this funny or inventive.
9.
The Good Place
Though slightly disappointing compared to its superlative first two seasons, The Good Place’s third season was still among the most intelligent and inventive television comedies of the year. Taking its time to find its feet, the season finally kicked into gear with some prolonged Earthbound antics (including the surprisingly-ripped Chidi’s existential crisis) before building up to the stunning Janet(s).
8.
Sick Of It
Back in the mid-2000s when Karl Pilkington first became famous as the dogsbody of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, did anyone imagine he would one day write and star in a sitcom as witty and bittersweet as Sick Of It? A talented writer but an even-better leading man, Karl’s world-weary performance was one of the television revelations of the year for me. Whisper it: Sick Of It is better than any solo Ricky Gervais or Stephen Merchant project to date.
7.
Better Call Saul
The little spin-off that could. Continuing to bubble away and build momentum, Better Call Saul continues to offer some of the finest acting and cinematography on television. A subplot involving a German construction team wasn’t the most exciting, but every moment with Bob Odenkirk just fizzles with energy.
6.
Atlanta: Robbin’ Season
Donald Glover’s off-the-wall comedy drama grew more confident and more experimental in its second season. Offering great showcases for Brian Tyree Henry (the chilling Woods) and Lakeith Stanfield (the Lynchian Teddy Perkins) as well as himself, Glover’s writing is sharper and his ideas continue to push the boat on what a sitcom can look like. I have no idea what he has in store for season 3, but count me in.
5.
GLOW
Powered by the manic energy and talent of Alison Brie but giving more room for its supporting characters, Netflix’s second season of GLOW was even better than the first; funnier, more dramatic, and even more in love with eighties homages. A surprisingly sweet ode to sisterhood and feminism, GLOW is the most likeable sitcom around.
4.
Barry
Frequent supporting player and unbelievable comedic talent Bill Hader finally got his moment in the spotlight in 2018. Barry, his pitch black comedy about a hitman trying to become an actor, was an astonishingly-bold and bleak take on a traditional sitcom. Hader’s performance was one of the year’s most nuanced and intelligent, believable as both amateurish actor and fearless killer, while his fondness for killing off major characters was thrilling.
3.
Killing Eve
When Phoebe Waller-Bridge announced she was following up her terrific comedy drama Fleabag with a big budget American crime series, people were undeniably nervous. Thankfully, despite all the stylish murders and gun play, Waller-Bridge retains her gift for sardonic dialogue and rich, complex female characters. Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer were the year’s great cat and mouse partnership, with Comer in particular crafting one of the most unpredictable characters in a long time.
2.
Inside No. 9
The two most talented writers working today, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton’s fourth series of Inside No. 9 might have been their best yet. Tackling Shakespearean dialogue, reverse narratives, and deeply disturbing domestic horror all led to excellent television, but it was the most serious and stripped-down episode, Bernie Clifton’s Dressing Room, that proved to be the highlight of the series, and one of the best pieces of work the duo have ever produced.
1.
Bojack Horseman
Staking its claim as the best animated series of the decade, Bojack Horseman rose to new heights of creativity and pathos in its outstanding fifth season. Will Arnett’s performance as the titular washed-up actor remains excellent, while the animation is as gorgeous as ever. However, it was the writing that really set Bojack Horseman apart this year; the twenty-minute long monologue Free Churro was a jaw-dropping one man play, while the barbed satirical commentary on male actors in Hollywood was fearless. Bojack Horseman just keeps getting better – who knows how great season six could be?
Congratulations to Bojack Horseman for its deserved Best TV Series award. Tomorrow, I’m looking at Best TV Episode, and there are some classic contenders!
By Harry J. Ford
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