Yesterday was about movies (click here, if you’ve missed the post), but today is all about my favorite shows of the year 2021 (or at least part 1). I thought that I’d have more trouble picking the shows or limiting it to only ten, but apparently I wasn’t as passionate about the things I’ve watched as I’ve been in previous years.
I feel like I need to clarify that I know the word “ongoing” is misleading. By that, I’ll be referring to shows that were released before 2021 and had a new or in some cases a final season airing/streaming last year. So, ongoing, in this particular case, doesn’t mean they’re still airing. I never quite know how to phrase it, but this is what I’ve established a while ago to call the ranking, so I’ll stick to it now. If you are interested in my favorite brand new 2021 shows, stick around for more posts in the upcoming days!
10. Star Trek: Lower Decks (Season 2)
I’m not known to talk about this show a lot, but it’s actually one of my favorite animated shows. It’s a fun addition to the ever growing Star Trek universe and love the adventures they go on and the humor the show provides.
9. Outer Banks (Season 2)
How did this show make it into the top 10, you may ask? I really don’t know if I can answer that and I’m the one making this freaking list … Anyway, it’s getting ridiculous now and I don’t exactly love how they’re pairing up everyone to be in a couple, but there’s still something about it that I find utterly addicting. There’s a reason I drew half the cast on repeat last year.
8. The Witcher (Season 2)
Somehow, this season didn’t hit home with me as much as the previous one and I have no idea if they’re following the books still (I think I’ve heard there was some deviation), but I’m still curious about how it all continues. The one thing I took away from the season though was that Geralt is such a dad and that Yennefer and Jaskier make the best friendship duo.
7. Locke & Key (Season 2)
I keep surprising myself with how I’m ranking this stuff, but I really enjoyed the second season. I know that it’s a far departure from the comics, but … I didn’t enjoy those and the show is much more my fit? I thought the villain was excellent this past season and I can already see where they might go with the next one. Of course, this is targeted at teens, but I can still like it. I’m here for it!
6. Sex Education (Season 3)
Otis and Maeve are honestly the least interesting part of the whole show for me, but this series kept delivering once again. They keep adding really great cast members and I love that they managed to make me like tropes I’m usually not even a fan of.
5. Lost in Space (Season 3)
What a satisfying and neat finale to the show. Yes, parts of the story were rushed, but I got really emotional in the end and isn’t that what matters the most. I felt like I actually grew up with those kiddos now and I’m kind of proud they made it.
4. A Discovery of Witches (Season 2)
It’s almost too long ago that I’ve watched it to talk about it in detail, but with the new season coming up soon, I was reminded of my actual love for it. It’s by no means flawless, but I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed the show still, despite large parts of it being set in the past and the characters all being apart and with different storylines. Maybe it’s just the cast? (It definitely has to do with the cast.)
3. YOU (Season 3)
For something that is so utterly formulaic in its storytelling, YOU just kind of works? It’s not even that anything really surprises you anymore, but you keep watching the insanity. Still surprised they weren’t caught though. And still surprised people are lusting after Joe even after … well, everything.
2. Ted Lasso (Season 2)
This season was much heavier than the previous one and I know it wasn’t for everyone, but I loved it. This representation of mental health struggles in professional sports done within the confines of a show that is bringing so many people joy, it just warms my heart. I’m looking forward to more Ted Lasso in Season 3!
1. Mythic Quest (Season 2)
Is this a surprise? I think it might be for a couple of you? Mythic Quest has wormed its way into my heart and has become one of my all time favorite shows. I’m glad they got renewed for two more seasons, because I wouldn’t want to miss these characters. For a workplace comedy (much like Ted Lasso), it has so much more depth than you might expect. Also, the obligatory episode set in the past with a different cast each season? Genius!
Honorable Mentions
I do realize there’s very little network television mentioned here, but what can you do? I definitely stream more shows than anything else. But I’ve at least got some for the honorable mentions list:
- Dickinson (Season 3)
- Nancy Drew (Season 3, which isn’t finished yet, so I didn’t want to add it to the list above)
- 9-1-1 (Season 5)
- Station 19 (Season 5, although I’m currently very pissed at them)
- Good Trouble (Season 3)
- Stargirl (Season 2)
- Love, Victor (Season 2)
- Never Have I Ever (Season 2)
- Saved by the Bell (Season 2)
- Roswell, New Mexico (Season 3)
Life and Other Disasters 
As somebody who considers herself as a tv show fanatic I have literally just seen TWO of the shows newest seasons. I’m like literally behind with everything.
cries a little *
But there are a lot of surprises here. I didn’t like Locke & Key first season so I’m not sure I want to continue. I don’t watch animation either but also Outer Banks has completely passed me so I might never get to it.. 😀
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I was so bad at keeping up with shows this past year. I don’t know what happened … but maybe you’ll find more things you’ve also watched in part 2, where I talk about new shows? (should release on Tuesday, if I didn’t mess up the schedule)
As for Locke & Key and Outer Banks … eh, I don’t think they’re for you hahaha
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Loved seeing your favorites list 💕 I also really enjoyed Locke & Key as well as Sex Education! However, I’m still behind on The Witcher and Lost in Space, I need to catch up this year 😅
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I didn’t watch nearly as much as I did in previous years, but I also really struggled putting an emotion to shows when I went through old posts. Making this list was weird haha BUT I plan on finding a new/different system to record everything. Glad you liked a couple of my picks ❤
More TV show faves are coming on Tuesday with all the 2021 releases!
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Great post! I haven’t seen any of these shows 😆 But I loved Cobra Kai – I’m not sure if that would count as ‘ongoing’😆
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Yeah, that counts! I haven’t started the fourth season yet though, so I can’t comment on it haha
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Haha no problem! I binged it all in one day 😆🙈
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I have to be in the right mood for it haha but I do like the show.
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Okay so you’ll be thrilled to know that Sex Education and Outer Banks are on my to-watch list. My sister watched and loved them (as you already know) and it’s about time I catch up with these ahah I am intrigued. I loved Never Have I Ever, it’s such a fun show to watch!
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That does make me happy to hear! Feel free to scream in my DMs at any time you want to haha
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I tend to go for Kdramas and that too when they’re finished so that I binge it in one go haha, so I don’t generally go for ongoing shows. I did watch/bimge Ted Lasso season 1 though. I should get to season 2 soon.
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Ted Lasso season 2 is very different in terms of vibes, but sticking with it will be worth it, in my humble opinion haha
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I actually just finished Witcher season 2 yesterday. Yeah, there was a lot of deviation from the books, but I still enjoyed it for the most part. And I’m looking forward to seeing season 3, whenever that is.
Also, outside of anime, I had an emotional time with Lucifer season 6. Doctor Who: Flux was okay for the most part. And Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Organized Crime both delivered this past year. I look forward to new episodes this year.
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It’s kind of embarrassing how long I haven’t watched anything Doctor Who. I never even finished Capaldi’s run …
Also, Lucifer just wasn’t for me. Sorry.
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If it helps, the recent New Year’s special was a lot of fun. And there were some amazing developments that certain sections of the fandom have been waiting a while for.
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I’d have to catch up on 2.5 seasons though. I’d have to be in a very special mood to even attempt that, to be honest.
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Should I try hypnotizing you to get you in that mood? lol
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Ahahaha no thank you, I think I’m gonna pass.
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Had to ask.
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Ted Lasso! My heart just soars every time I think of that show.
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Same!! It’s just so good!
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I just started watching 911 and now a have watched 3 seasons AND IT’S JUST SO GOOD. Buck is my fave 😪 Also should I start watching station 19? Would you recommend it? I really have to watch Ted lasso! I also really enjoyed Never Have I EVER, love victor and Sex Education.
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Buck is my favorite as well!! I especially love his dynamic with Eddie. I love Station 19 too, but I’m so mad at them for now. They’re like Grey’s Anatomy (it’s literally a spin off) and they kill too many characters. And please, if you can, watch Ted Lasso. It’s my whole joy!
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[…] in 2022, so it includes both new releases and some backlist titles. I always love when Kat @ lifeandotherdisasters does these posts, as she has some great TV Show & Movie content […]
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