End of the year lists for the best of TV are becoming increasingly futile yet increasingly necessary. With over 450 scripted shows airing this past year on broadcast, cable, and streaming, it’s impossible to watch everything. Doing a Top 10 list feels too meager, so like last year, I’ll be expanding to a Top 25. But the reality is that I’mlimitingmyself to 25. I watched some or all of well over 120 series this year, which is only a fraction of what was available. Even among all of that noise (and there was alotof mediocrity out there), there were some series that truly managed to stand out for me — alongside a host of honorable mentions, which ignores still the huge list of shows that maybe aren’tgreatbut I still really enjoyed.
There are also a large number of heralded series I just didn’t get to —Godless,Halt and Catch Fire,She’s Gotta Have It,The Leftovers, among many others — which is why Chris Cabin (who reviewed a lot of those for us) will have his own Top 25 coming up as well.
We’re both blessed and cursed to live in this era of Peak TV, because there are only so many hours in a day. But below are my favorite comedies, dramas, and miniseries from 2017 (as well as one regrettably cancelled series). This list includes the shows that surprised me, astonished me, made themselves memorable, and offered something unique. Consider it a guide to some you might have missed out on, or even forgotten from earlier this year. It’s never too late to catch up!
For more of the Best of 2017, check out Chris Cabin’stop 25TV shows of the year, Dave Trumbore’s list of thebest new animated series, Emma Fraser’s look atthe best songs on TV, andEvan Valentine’s ranking of the year’ssuperhero TV.
(A note onspoilers: I’ve tried to keep things pretty general, especially regarding the series most people haven’t heard of, but if you have any doubts then skip on to the next!)
Related:The Best TV Shows of 2017
25) Alias Grace
Season: Miniseries
Network: Netflix
Creator: Sarah Polley
A perfect binge-watch,Alias Grace(based on theMargaret Atwoodnovel) tells the true story of a young Irish immigrant to Canada in the late 1800s, who is also allegedly a murderess in a brutal double killing.Alias Gracesticks mostly to a linear narrative, charting Grace’s arrival to Canada and the circumstances that, over the years, led up to the murders. Grace narrates her own story to a curious alienist, and the plucky Irish lilt thatSarah Gadonaffects here is mesmerizing. Lusciously directed byMary Harron, there’s also a sly humor to it thanks toSarah Polley’s deft handling of the script. But more than anything,Alias Graceis a striking portrait of a young victim repeated abuse, a witness to abuses around her, and a tale of a deep friendship that serves as an oasis among the hurt. It also offers up a potential answer to the mystery that is both satisfying and still only one of many options, making it an engrossing tale that brought something new to the genre.
Network: FX
Creator: Noah Hawley
Though I mention later on in this list (spoiler!) thatNoah Hawley’s aesthetic obsession reached its apex withLegion, his third season ofFargois the most visually controlled yet. Though the overall story of a feud between two brothers (both played byEwan McGregor) wasn’t as emotionally wrought as the downfall of the central couple in Season 2,Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s brilliant hustler Nikki Swango stole the show with her fantastic schemes.David Thewliswas also great as this season’s philosophizing villain, and his henchmen (played byGoran BogdanandAndy Yu) were particularly memorable. Season 3 ended the possibility of a story focusing just on Swango and the deaf assassin Mr. Wrench (Russell Harvard, who has appeared in every season), but it’s a shame — those two made the season something special.
23) Stranger Things
Creator: The Duffer Brothers
Stranger ThingsSeason 2 might not have packed the same cultural wallop that its initial outing did, but it was a really enjoyable thing to watch. Sometimes that’s all you require from a TV show: good characters, a crazy story, and a little happiness. The family relationship between Eleven and Hopper, the silly moment between Billy and Mrs. Wheeler, and the fantastic new friendship between Steve and Dustin are just a few reasons why Season 2 was such a fun ride. Though that controversial seventh episode stunted some of the momentum, overall the Duffers again created a lovable throwback story created out of a pastiche of beloved films.
22) Man Seeking Woman
Network: FXX
Creator: Simon Rich
In the third season of FXX’s surreal but hilariously truthfulMan Seeking Woman, the man (Josh Baruchel) finally found his woman (Katie Findlay). The series handled the realities of a new and ultimately serious relationship with as much humor and heart as it did the perils of dating, hitting some emotional highs amid some of its most fantastical storylines yet. Findlay was a wonderful addition to the show, and while every season is definitely worth watching, there is something even deeper and more exceptional about the show’s third and final run. Maybe it’s hope.
21) Manhunt: Unabomber
Network: Discovery
Creator: Andrew Sodroski
Discovery took a chance on a rare scripted series for their network this summer, but one that paid off.Manhunt: Unabomber, chronicles the case of Ted Kaczynski, a.k.a. the Unabomber, who was active for almost two decades before the FBI caught him (mainly because, as the show notes, his brother turned him in). ButManhuntfocuses on the inner workings of the FBI through the lens of Jim Fitzgerald (Sam Worthington), who created “forensic linguistics” as way to help catch criminals. Like in Netflix’sMindhunter, Fitz’s path is filled with red tape, and he has to fight the institution to better it (and satisfy his own obsession with the case).Paul Bettanyis exceptional as Kaczynski, especially in the series’ penultimate episode which focuses just on his character. And whileManhunt: Unabombertakes place in the 90s and includes some well-placed cultural touchstones, its retro setting is never satirical or over-the-top. The series is an earnest portrayal of a notorious case and the fascinating but deranged (at least one of them) men at the center of it.
20) Neo Yokio
Creator: Ezra Koenig
Fans of Vampire Weekend are surely not surprised to see frontmanEzra Koenigusing the same sharp wit and catchy lyrical instincts to pen his animated Netflix seriesNeo Yokio. The manic show, in anime style, follows the daily exploits of a young magician named Kaz (Jaden Smith), a one-percenter clotheshorse who has a deep love of Toblerones and is obsessed with his ranking on the city’s Bachelor Board.Neo Yokiois a slick satire of both modern life and the rich playboys who think they own it, and as such Kaz is by far the least interesting character (although his robot butler, Charles, may be the most). But the show’s surreal style, insanely quotable script, and great soundtrack (naturally) make it one of the year’s most unique and ultimately outstanding niche offerings.
19) Baskets
Creators: Zach Galifianakis, Jonathan Krisel, Louis C.K.
In its second season,Basketselevated its game.Jonathan Krisel’s direction, especially in those first few episodes where Chip (Zach Galifianakis) is living the life of a hobo, is gorgeously styled. It becomes a surprisingly beautiful tale, but one still marked with the show’s trademark physical humor that befits Chip’s clown training. Once back in Bakersfield, the story gives more time toLouie Anderson’s exceptional Christine Baskets, Chip’s mother, including a few stand-out episodes like “Ronald Regan Library” that really highlight why that character — and Anderson’s portrayal of her — is so wonderful. ButBasketsalso backed away a little bit from as much caustic humor as Season 1 held, and instead became a little sweeter. It was the right change.
18) Hap and Leonard: Mucho Mojo
Network: SundanceTV
Creators: Jim Mickle, Nick Damici
The second adaptation ofJoe R. Lansdale’s book series,Mucho Mojo, catapultedHap and Leonardout of the realm of quirky drama into that of an essential watch. The chemistry between the leads of the hopeless romantic and hippie Hap (James Purefoy) and the gay, conservative war veteran Leonard (Michael K. Williams) continued to show a unique male friendship — especially in East Texas in the 80s.Mucho Mojoalso leaned into a much darker story than its predecessor, as the two men accidentally uncover the serial killing of black children in a poor, forgotten neighborhood. But the journey to finding that killer, in a swift six episodes, was also full of the wonderfully southern, eccentric humor that makes the series such a joy to watch. The balance between light and dark can be a difficult one, but the show continued to handle it with aplomb. An important story told well — what more could you want?
17) Better Things
Creator: Pamela Adlon
Though tainted somewhat by the show’s close association withLouis C.K.(who co-created the series and has a writing credit on most of its episodes),Better Things’ second season is a thing of beauty. Directed in full byPamela Adlon, who also stars, it is once again styled — but even more successfully — as a series of New Wave-y vignettes about a hardworking mom and her three difficult children (well to be fair, only two are difficult — the youngest is essentially an angel). Several intense episodes, including “Phil,” which focuses on the decisions surrounding aging parents, and “White Rock,” where the family absconds to have some time to themselves, are visually stunning and emotionally perceptive. Adlon’s direction is exceptional, and it plays a major role in the success of the storytelling. While most of the episodes include fantastical moments, or ones that seem that way, it all complements the series’ desire to explore true both within and without.
16) Feud: Bette and Joan
Creator: Ryan Murphy
Ryan Murphy’s style as a show creator may be a divisive one, but I think we can all admit that he assembles his best teams and best ideas when dealing with Hollywood drama. On the heels of last year’s excellentThe People vs O.J. Simpson,Feud: Bette and Joanwas another example of a highly stylized and finely wrought tale exploring California lore. In this case, Joan Crawford and Bette Davis’s high-profile hatred was examined through exceptional portrayals byJessica LangeandSusan Sarandon, not to mention a cast that also included star turns byJackie Hoffman,Alfred Molina,Stanley Tucci, andAlison Wright(among many others).Feudwas full of studio glitz and glamour, but it also dove deep into the darkness that plagued both women’s lives, and the odd connection they shared over several decades of competition and admiration. But hell hath no fury …
