What are the best shows from summer 2020?
We’re coming close to the end of the season, and we started thinking about all of the best shows from summer 2020.
Even though we’re still about a month away from the official start of fall, I felt like we had an excellent summer of television, which is surprising because the pandemic caused a lot of productions to shut down. Still, from comedies to high-concept dramas, the summer of 2020 did deliver on the goods!
10. Best Shows From Summer 2020: Ramy Season 2
Technically, we’re cheating by adding Ramy Season 2 into this list because it was released at the end of May before summer officially kicked off. But I felt like it came out close enough to be considered part of the summer line-up, and it was so great and critically-acclaimed, it seemed like a shame to skip it.
If you liked Ramy‘s first season, then you probably loved the second season of the series. In my opinion, it did a lot of things better than the first season. It was funnier, darker, and the addition of Mahershala Ali was great for the show. I look forward to seeing where it goes for its third season.
9. Best Shows From Summer 2020: The Umbrella Academy Season 2
I’ll be the first to admit that I was not all that impressed by The Umbrella Academy‘s first season. The series is an unconventional superhero story based on the graphic novels of the same name by My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way.
I thought the first season was a little too slow-paced and all over the place, but Season 2 cut down the runtime of its episodes and was much better paced. Overall, it was an excellent installment in the series that made me eager for more and cemented my love for the Hargreeve siblings — particularly Diego.
8. Best Shows From Summer 2020: Perry Mason
Perry Mason is a somewhat darker and grittier reboot of the classic crime series and novels. Matthew Rhys stars as the title character, and the show is an absolutely gorgeous production. Even if you weren’t impressed with the new take on the iconic character and some of the changes (like Perry starting as a private investigator instead of a lawyer), you could not deny that HBO spared no expense when it came to creating a lush noir landscape.
While some aspects of the plot fell a little short for me, I was still fully gripped by the show thanks to the phenomenal performances, character relationships, and the writing.
7. Best Shows From Summer 2020: Brave New World
Brave New World is the first big, prestigious television project from NBC Universal’s streaming service Peacock TV. While some aspects of the show were nothing more than a retread of the content we’ve seen in other dystopia sci-fi dramas, it found its footing later in its first season thanks to the darkly comedic beats and the compelling characters.
For those unfamiliar, the series is based on the classic novel of the same name by Aldous Huxley. It’s all about a “utopia” where people do nothing but have sex and enjoy life every day, but a sinister agenda and a rebellion is simmering beneath the surface. It’s a gorgeous show to look at and fun to watch, and we’re just hoping it gets renewed!
6. Best Shows From Summer 2020: Hightown
Monica Raymund starred in the new crime drama Hightown, which premiered back in June. Working as a National Marine Fisheries officer, Jackie Quiñones (Raymund) finds a body after it washes up on the shore. Despite having no legitimate connection to the victim, Jackie finds herself wrapped up in the murder mystery while she’s struggling with her addiction issues.
The first season was a twisty, fast-paced series of episodes, and it wasn’t surprising when Hightown finally got renewed. What else was great about the show is the leading character is a lesbian. It’s always lovely to see compelling and diverse gay representation.
5. Best Shows From Summer 2020: Ted Lasso
If you haven’t heard of Ted Lasso, a character created for a series of promos for NBC Sports’ coverage of the Premier League and originated by Jason Sudeikis, you should check out the new Apple TV Plus series based around the character.
Many critics and viewers were doubtful that the character and its concept could carry a full-length comedy series on his own. Surprisingly, Ted Lasso has become an incredible gem and one of my favorite shows of the entire year. Not only is it genuinely funny and well-written, but it’s also charming and has a lot of heart. Not only that, but the series has become more of an ensemble show rather than just focusing on Lasso’s character.
4. Best Shows From Summer 2020: I’ll Be Gone in the Dark
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark was originally a true crime novel written by esteemed writer Michelle McNamara about her years-long search to find the truth about the East Area Rapist/Original Night Stalker — a man she eventually dubbed the Golden State Killer. He has since been found, arrested, and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, and many people credit McNarama’s work to his eventual capture.
Unfortunately, she passed away several years ago before she could see the fruits of her labor culminated in an arrest. Her book was extremely well-received, so it was not too surprising that it was eventually adapted into a six-episode docuseries, thanks, in part, to the assistance of McNarama’s husband, Patton Oswalt.
It’s an incredible show, and while her book is also worth reading, her show is a great sidepiece as it explores more of Michelle’s life and her process.
3. Best Shows From Summer 2020: I May Destroy You
I May Destroy You aired too late to be a contender for this year’s Emmys, but if Michaela Coel isn’t all over the awards docket next year, then something is seriously wrong. The show focuses on a young woman who is sexually assaulted and her journey to healing and learning how to cope with the trauma.
But beyond her story, the show is woven with other stories, all revolving around different kids of assault, many of which are not discussed. It navigates the world of consent with grace and nuance. The HBO series has a cast composed of predominantly composed of Black actors. It’s a very powerful story, and it’s great to see different voices and their stories reflected on-screen in such a compelling manner.
2. Best Shows From Summer 2020: P-Valley
P-Valley is everything great about summer television, it’s sexy, fun, colorful, soapy, and a little bit of mystery. The series primarily revolves around a strip club called The Pynk, run by the vibrant Uncle Clifford.
The Pynk has a distinct pecking order that gets thrown out of whack when a mysterious newcomer named Hailey shows up with lots of baggage from her old life. It’s a fantastic series created by Katori Hall, based on her play of the same name that she wrote. It received tremendous critical acclaim and has already been renewed for a second season.
1. Best Shows From Summer 2020: Lovecraft Country
As the latest premiere on this list, Lovecraft Country has only aired two episodes so far at the time of writing this article. But already, it has taken the country by storm, earning acclaim from audiences and critics. It’s also unlike any other show on this list with its radical take on H.P. Lovecraft and Jim Crow America.
It’s a trippy, sci-fi, horror series that tackles the horrors of racism in contrast with the mystical monsters of Lovecraftian lore. Like some of the other shows listed, it is based on a book of the same name by Matt Ruff. When you have executive producers like J.J. Abrams and Jordan Peele, it’s easy to see why the show succeeds on multiple levels.
However, it is showrunner and writer Misha Green who seals the deal and should receive the most credit for the wild success the show is shaping up to become.
Which television series did you think were the best from summer 2020? What shows are you looking forward to returning most?