Categories: RecapsTelevision

Our Favorite TV Shows in 2016

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

Photo Credit: 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

Insecure Issa RaeInsecure Issa Rae

Photo Credit: Anne Marie Fox/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

Photo Credit: 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

Photo Credit: 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

Photo Credit: 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

Taraneh

Taraneh has been happily living in NYC for over a decade, but originally hails from the Midwest. Enamored with books at a young age, she grew up making stories, playing make believe, and loving the musical and performing arts. She is great at binge-watching TV shows. Some current favorites: Schitt's Creek, A Court of Mist & Fury, Prince Harry, and The Magicians.

Recent Posts

Exclusive Interview: Devin Das and Parker Seaman Tell a Story Only Real Friends Could Pull Off in ‘Wes Is Dying’

Devin Das and Parker Seaman make films that catch you by surprise—not through spectacle, but…

2 days ago

Win Tickets to a NYC Screening of The Accountant 2

Pop Culturalist is excited to be partnering with Amazon MGM Studios to give away tickets…

2 days ago

With ‘Warfare,’ Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland Deliver the Most Unflinching War Film in Years

Warfare opens with no introductions, no origin stories, no guiding hand. What follows is not…

1 week ago

Exclusive Interview: Christopher Landon on Blending Suspense, Heart, and Nostalgia in ‘Drop’

Christopher Landon has long been a master of genre reinvention. From the biting satire of…

1 week ago

Win Tickets to a NYC Screening of Sinners

Pop Culturalist is excited to be partnering with Warner Bros. Pictures to give away tickets…

2 weeks ago

“She’s Hugh’s First Victim”: Danielle Savre Breaks Down Lena’s Past, Present, and What Could Be Ahead on ‘Found’

Ever since Danielle Savre joined Season 2 of Found as Heather, fans have been trying…

2 weeks ago