The Best TV Shows Of 2017

2017 was in need of dire escapism and luckily there was plenty to offer. From premium networks, to cable tv, to even network television, this year has sharp, specific, and ballsy content to offer. This list consists of new shows and new seasons that began in 2017.

10. Legion (Noah Hawley)

FX

The superhero TV landscape seemed to slip a bit in 2017. The CW shows slipped in quality and took a backseat, Marvel's Netflix shows continued to emphasize on the same flaws as previous installments, and ABC pulled a major misstep with The Inhumans. Luckily, FX took a risk with Legion, an off-brand X-Men series that showcased innovative storytelling, career-defining performances, and the best superhero villain since Heath Ledger's Joker. Hawley and co. transport the audience into a vivid, Yellow Submarine era universe where mental illness is the true villain.

9. Big Little Lies (David E. Kelley)

HBO

Ah, Big Little Lies set the bar very high this year. The story of three women facing and overcoming societal, economic, and mental barriers in their lives, with a murder! This soapy, sensitive and self aware series has so much to say without being showy or coming off as a stylized PSA. The mystery of the show isn't who died as much as it is why that person died and how it intertwines and effects each of these women. Laura Dern and Reese Witherspoon are sensational; Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley and Zoe Kravitiz are also great in their respective roles. Kelley and director Jean-Marc Vallée both show such care and specificity for every single character that comes across the screen.

8. Game of Thrones (David Benioff, D.B. Weiss)

HBO

Yes, this season of Game of Thrones is the first that doesn't come in 1st of the year and it did lack specificity. This season, however, was all glorious payoff, seven years in the making. We have seen these characters fail, we've seen them hurt, and we have even seen them die (well, sort of). But this season represents all of the growth and maturity they have learned. In a condensed 7 episodes, the pieces of the puzzle are coming together. Many argue the show falters without the success of GRRM, but I disagree. The series did a great job of setting up the world for the TV series but the show runners are the ones who succeed in moving these characters towards a conclusion.

7. Broad City (Ilana Glazer, Abbi Jacobson)

Comedy Central

The politics of Broad CIty are intended to be as transparent as possible. With the controversial presidential election, I expected a very political season and prayed that it would not be preachy nor take away the comedy from the show. The fourth season of Broad City is the funniest, most poignant, and cohesive season of the show yet. The political messages aren't the focus but are added layers. Yes, Ilana's apartment is full of "resistance" gear, but that is Ilana. Highlights of the season: Ilana climaxing to a Michelle Obama speech; Muslim teenage girl holding a rifle to Steve Buscemi's head, in self-defense.

6. Insecure (Issa Rae, Larry Wilmore)

HBO

The second season of Insecure was confident, hilarious, and very personal. Issa's story this season involves a series of missteps and mistakes. As we continue to scream at her (and Lawrence and Molly) through our TV's, it is clear that these characters aren't going to have complete arcs where they learn every lessons in the span of 8 episodes; they don't fit into a typical narrative structure. With shockingly hilarious sex scenes (the eye!!!!!), strong writing, and a stunner of a finale, Insecure is a show that is going to be talked about in 20 years.

5. Mindhunter (David Fincher, Joe Penhall)

Netflix

I love David Fincher. I love every single film he's released (even Benjamin Button) but I couldn’t stomach House of Cards, a show that was highly stylized but progressively got worse as it continued. Mindhunter nails the same Fincher-esque style but is beautifully and deliberately paced. A study in psychosis and the deconstruction of the scientific method does not sound like a binge-worthy addition to the Netflix pantheon but Fincher and Penhall take an X-Files atmosphere and construct it as if it were Mad Men. With a multifaceted actor like Jonathon Groff in the lead (who’s resume ranges from Glee to Frozen to Hamilton) and an exceptional supporting cast, Mindhunter fires from all cylinders.

4. The Good Place (Michael Schur)

NBC

The Good Place has no right to be as good as it is. The pilot has the same vibe and energy of a one season, failed NBC comedy. However, with every episode, comes clever plotting, jaw-dropping twists and fresh gags. I have never connected to a cast of characters since The Office but The Good Place succeeds in not succumbing to the premise of the show but rather exploring the many ideas that come with death and the afterlife. Please do yourself a favor and watch the first season on Netflix.

3. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amy Sherman-Palladino)

Amazon Studios

Gilmore Girls meets Mad Men. The sharp, fast dialogue that is a staple for Sherman-Palladino is a perfect fit to the dialect from the late 1950s. Alex Borstein and Rachel Brosnahan give the best performances of the year, in TV and Film.

2. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (Rachel Bloom, Aline Brosh McKenna)

The CW

A CW show is one of the best shows on air. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend ended season 2 on a bold note. With revelations that add up so many missing pieces, season 3 of the show elevates the thematic aspects of the show to new heights. This show was designed to deconstruct it's stereotyped title and it is accomplishing that in spades. Whether that is brilliant songs (oh yea, it's a damn musical), dramatic plots, and a gradual tone shift, Crazy Ex Girlfriend is a revelation.

1. BoJack Horseman (Raphael Bob-Waksberg)

Netflix

Words cannot describe how personal BoJack Horseman is to me. This show has the best writing on TV. Each season is innovative and provokes normal barriers of an animated television series. It has comedic elements, but at it's surface, BoJack Horseman is a harrowing tale of depression and identity. It is a tragedy that this show does not receive the acclaim that non-animated shows receive. With a heart-wrenching, bittersweet, and exploratory fourth season, BoJack Horseman proves to be the best television series on the air.