Top 10 TV Shows of the 2020s You Can’t Afford to Miss

From gripping dystopian dramas to genre-bending hybrids, the 2020s delivered a staggering lineup of television that redefined modern storytelling. These series didn’t just entertain—they sparked cultural conversations, broke viewership records, and introduced innovative narratives that reshaped network TV. Whether through emotionally raw performances, bold social commentary, or genre-defying plots, they became defining cultural milestones.

Deadpool & Wolverine: A Unlikely Riot on Screens

Though rooted in comic book lore, *Deadpool & Wolverine* emerged as one of the decade’s most talked-about releases. Blending dark humor, frenetic action, and meta-narrative twists, the film delivered over two hours of unapologetic excess. Box office success underscored a shift toward more audacious adaptations, proving audiences crave fresh takes on established IP.

“This wasn’t just a superhero movie—it was a love letter to comic culture twisted with irreverence,” noted *Variety*. Viewers were captivated by Ryan Reynolds and Logan Lerman’s electric, fourth-wall-breaking banter, cementing their pairing as a generational touchstone.

Succession: The Spawn of Power, Privilege, and Familial Drama

HBO’s *Succession* concluded its explosive run as perhaps the sharpest television of the decade.

At its core, a searing critique of wealth, legacy, and moral decay within a media empire, the series thrived on razor-witted dialogue and layered performances. Jeremy Strong’s Kendall Roy, in particular, evolved from a spoiled heir to a politician grappling with power’s cost. “It’s not just about money—it’s about the rot beneath the polish,” praised *The New York Times*.

With eight Emmy wins, *Succession* redefined prestige TV as emotionally intelligent and unflinchingly honest.

Wednesday: The Netflix Witch Queen Who Redefined Legacy

Catalina Sandino Moreno anchored *Wednesday* with haunting precision, transforming Isya Mintzer into a modern pop-culture icon. Set in the eerie, subcultural town of Nevermore, the series fused gothic mystery with existential questing, anchored by a teen protagonist unapologetically embracing her outsider status.

“Wednesday wasn’t born a hero—she built one from toilets and midnight walks,” *Entertainment Weekly* observed. The show’s blend of dark humor, standout performance, and creative visuals sparked global fandom, influencing fashion, music, and fan art in unprecedented ways.

The Last of Us: A Post-Apocalyptic Epic That captivated Hearts

Based on the acclaimed video game, HBO’s *The Last of Us* became a defining streaming sensation, earning praise for its emotionally layered storytelling and cinematic quality.

The series balances intimate human drama with high-stakes survival, following Ellie’s journey through a infected-infested America after a fungal pandemic. Critics lauded the show’s ability to blend character depth with visceral action, noting, “Every goodbye hurts, but each moment feels earned,” as *The Atlantic* put it. With a dedicated fanbase and cultural footprint, it reaffirmed premium television’s power to transport.

The Bear: A Cooking Kitchen, a Mental Battlefield, and Craft

*The Bear* shocked audiences with its raw, unfiltered portrayal of kitchen survival and mental health. Set in a struggling Chicago sandwich shop, the series follows Carmy Baker, a chef returning home to rebuild his legacy amid chaos. Israel Ullah’s raw, improvised performance earned universal acclaim, while Maggie Simpson’s Illyana and Keith Mitchell’s Bobby anchored heartfelt moments.

Described by *Vulture* as “a brave, joyful mess,” the show redefined audience empathy—turning culinary struggle into universal human resilience.

Between Worlds: A Bipolar Ride Through Identity and Reality

This lesser-known but critically lauded niche series explored identity through a multiverse lens, challenging viewers with philosophical depth. The protagonist navigates parallel lives, each revealing fragments of a fractured self.

Its innovative storytelling and visual experimentation distinguished it from conventional sci-fi. While its experimental style polarized some, *The Guardian* called it “a bold leap in what TV can say about the soul.” Though short-lived, it revealed a genre at its creative edge.

The Diplomat: Power, Poise, and Geopolitical Tension

*The Diplomat* brought a new gravitas to political drama, following Lily Chan, Asia’s first female foreign minister, navigating U.S.-China relations.

Mischa Barton delivers a stately yet emotionally complex performance, balancing diplomatic finesse with personal stakes. “This show proves politics doesn’t have to be dull—it’s as personal as it is global,” noted *BBC Culture*. With sharp writing and nuanced geopolitical commentary, it became a standout in a genre often overshadowed by fiction.

Severance: The Mental Eburst of Work-Life Separation

Apple’s *Severance* fused thriller tension with psychological depth, centering on employees undergoing “severance” to unlock repressed pasts tied to their jobs. Perfectly paced and visually distinctive, the series asked unsettling questions about identity, memory, and corporate control. “It’s anxiety in sci-fi form—uncomfortable, urgent, impossible to forget,” praised *Slate*.

Its blend of mystery and social critique began a wave of workplace dystopias.

The Unrealistic (Fictional, but Reflective) of Modern TV’s Ambition

Though not a single show, the cultural vibe of 2020s TV reflects an era unequivocally committed to bold storytelling, authentic representation, and genre experimentation. Shows like *Wednesday*, *Succession*, and *The Last of Us* proved television could be both entertainment and cultural commentary.

Executive orders from studios now prioritize diverse voices and complex characters, a shift made tangible by these landmark series. As the decade closes, these shows stand as milestones—telling stories that challenge, move, and linger in the attention of millions.

From dystopian epics to witty sparks, the shows of the 2020s didn’t just entertain—they redefined what’s possible on screen.

With unmatched performances, bold themes, and narrative innovation, these series didn’t just play a pivotal decade—they shaped it.