In 2020 I watched a total of 18 series across Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Starz, and HBOMax. Out of the 18, 5 were new seasons of series I’d already been into, and 1 was a series whose bandwagon I hopped my ass on. (Shout out to Netflix’s #TheCrown).

Unfortunately, #TheCrown didn’t crack my personal top 10 listed below. So, without further ado, I give to you MY top 10 series of 2020.

* * *

Unlike my Top 10 Movies of 2020, these 10 were narrowed down based on how interesting the premise and plot was, then rearranged based on how different/fresh/socially critical the series was, and the final rearranging touch being those films that definitely pulled at my joy and interest the most. 

* * *

10. HBO Max’s #TheUndoing with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant

First off, I just want to give Hugh Grant a round of applause. I haven’t seen every movie of his, but in the films I have seen of him, I’ve never seen him take on a role such as this one. It was slightly uncomfortable to see him deliver this character so well, which I think is very telling.

9. Netflix’s #Containment with David Gyasi, Tiffany Morgan, Chris Wood, Kristen Gutoskie, and Christina Moses

It was so fitting to have a series at the start of a pandemic and nationwide quarantine. Would make you think there was a conspiracy or something, huh (LOL)? My best friend put me on this series, and like Bridgerton, once I started it, I had to finish. I also love stories that have parallel to intersecting storylines like the movies #NewYearsEve and #ValentinesDay. Usually anything affiliated with the idea of an apocalypse I am not as into, but I guess since this hit so close to home it felt different.

8. Starz’s #PValley with Nicco Anan, Brandee Evans, Elarica Johnson, Shannon Thorton, Parker Sawyer, Isaiah Washington, and J. Alphonse Nicholson

This was more than just a story about a strippers and a strip club, which makes sense due to the writer and creator being a Black woman. So what got me hooked was something small, yet powerful–scenes that center the power and athleticism of pole-crabatics (I am making this a word LOL). To hear nothing but the breathing of these women as they climb up the poles to perform was extremely powerful to me. From there, I fell in love with Brandee Evans and her storyline. It’s a good, ratchet drama with intentionality.

7. Netflix and Shonda Rhimes’ #Bridgerton with Regé-Jean Page, Phoebe Dynevor, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, Claudia Jessie, and Nicola Coughlan

Well, you can a look at my review of this series HERE for this justification. LOL

6. Hulu’s #MrsAmerica with Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, Uzo Aduba, Sarah Paulson, and Tracey Ullman

I remember seeing the trailer for this show, and was captivated by Cate Blanchett in the little moments I saw of her. I also love anything that incorporate historical context, or unpacks and exaggerates it. The series didn’t let me down at all, and I just enjoyed seeing these woman act they asses off together–I just love seeing women do the damn thing when on screen! YES!

5. Amazon Prime’s #TheBoys Season 2 with Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Anthony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Chace Crawford, Tomer Kapon, Laz Alonzo, Jessie Usher, Dominique McElligott, Karen Fukuhara, and Aya Cash

I’ve been hooked on this series since season 1. I’ve also said to myself that I would love to see someone take the idea of a Superhero, and turn it on it’s head by focusing on the mistakes a hero might make in the process of “saving the world.” So when this show came along, I was extremely giddy! There were a few who felt that season 2 moved too slow, or just wasn’t as good as season 1. However, I disagree. I thought the concept was very interesting. Now the ending episodes (like the last 2) felt a little rushed in some way, but as a full product the season was simply well done. And just when you thought you couldn’t stand how great Anthony Starr delivers such a disgusting character, here comes Aya Cash’s delivery.

4. Hulu’s #LittleFiresEverywhere with Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon

Oh baby! Reese and Kerry together was gold! Just absolutely amazing together. The series from beginning to end was well thought out, and never missed a beat. I just wish Kerry Washington knew how to cry on cue so that those snarls don’t go to waste LOL.

3. Netflix and Ryan Murphy’s #Hollywood with Jeremy Pope, David Corenswet, Jim Parsons, Darren Criss, Jake Picking, Laura Harrier, and Samara Weaving

This was definitely one of the most exciting series for me this year which is why I have this love for Ryan Murphy’s creative eye. I mean, come on! The damn gas station and “Dreamland!” Not to mention just the situations taking place in the particular historical context. It was beautiful, fun paced, and just a solid miniseries.

2. HBO Max’s #LovecraftCountry with Jurnee Smollett, Jonathan Majors, Michael K. Williams, Wunmi Mosaku, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Aunjanue Ellis, Jamie Chung, and Jada Harris

Different. Great cast. Thought provoking. A genre with a rarely led cast. Just perfect.

1. HBO Max’s #IMayDestroyYou with Michaela Coel, Paapa Essiedu, and Weruche Opia

A series where many can find situations that they can resonate. I know I did. This is probably one of the most important series to have on television right now. This is just a well done, powerful, and necessary series.