Pop-Culturalist.com

2016 was a banner year for television. Since the advent of streaming services creating their own television shows, tv has been catching up (and sometimes surpassing) films in creativity, production value, and quality. While there were so many wonderful returning tv shows this year, we picked out some of our absolute favorite new tv shows of 2016.

 

The Crown, Netflix

This elegantly acting, beautifully produced masterpiece has a cinematic scope that challenges television to be even bigger and better than it already is. —Parissa

Insecure, HBO

HBO took a chance on green lighting Issa Rae’s project and it paid off—big time. Issa and the entire cast became extremely relatable and as the season progressed so did the storyline. I’m totally hooked.
—Anthony

Stranger Things, Netflix

Stranger Things takes the cake. With a phenomenal cast, impeccable pacing, and a suspenseful plot, it’s hard not love this show. Not only did it leave us at the edge of our seats (or, rather, couches), but it also started the #JusticForBarb revolution and introduced us to lovable favorites like Gaten Matarazzo and Millie Bobby Brown. I need season two now! —Diane

I have to say Stranger Things because it was so unexpected. I’m not a fan of horror, and, yet, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from this show. The build-up, the tension, the acting—all combined created a pop culture phenomenon that’ll be hard for the directors to follow up on. I’m excited to see what they’ll bring to season two. —Christine

Sweet/Vicious, MTV

This fearless new series doesn’t pull any punches and tackles serious topics head on, such as sexual assualt and racism. The bravery of the writing and the talented cast kicking-butt every week make this a can’t miss series! —Lauren

This is Us, NBC

You’ll get your weekly cry in just by tuning in to this family drama. Using flashbacks in each character’s life in order to piece together how they got to that particular present moment keeps the stories fresh and relatable. Plus, Milo Ventimiglia makes a pretty hot dad! —Taraneh