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41 TV Shows That Are So Good, People Consider Them One Of The Best Parts Of 2020

"And in the end, we can get past it all with hope."

Nora Dominick
by Nora Dominick

BuzzFeed Staff

We recently asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us which TV shows helped get them through 2020. Here are some of the best reponses:

🚨Warning: There are some spoilers ahead!🚨

1. First, Schitt's Creek

Alexis walking David down the aisle and Alexis and David hugging Johnny and Moira
Pop / CBC

"Schitt's Creek has gotten me through some low points this year. It’s hilarious and heartwarming. Definitely one of my favorite shows. I’ve already rewatched it three times!"

—yuniz

Where to watch: Netflix

2. Julie and the Phantoms

Julie, Luke, Reggie, and Alex performing "Stand Tall"
Netflix

"Recently, I had a bad week where I just wasn’t feeling happy. I didn’t want to do my homework and, if I could have, I would’ve spent all day in bed. I’d been seeing TikToks on my FYP about Julie and the Phantoms, so I decided to watch it. I’ve seen it five times since then. All of the songs and the characters just made me feel so much better. I watched all of the interviews that the cast did as well and I love them and the show. I’m definitely going to watch it many more times. Also Netflix, we need a Season 2!"

—timebuddie

Where to watch: Netflix

3. Avatar: The Last Airbender

Katara comforting Aang
Nickelodeon

"It was such a difficult year for my family as we lost two close family members and two extended family members. And topping that off with just seeing news of people not wearing masks, I feel so sad and angry most of the time. Rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender was a much-needed chance to relearn about compassion and kindness."

—nichecornerr

Where to watch: Netflix

4. The Good Place

Chidi and Eleanor sitting together and Eleanor crying during the series finale
NBC

"Honestly, I don’t think I would’ve survived the darkest spots of quarantine without The Good Place. My mom is very high risk (she has stage 4 lung cancer) and I live with and take care of her. So I have spent much of 2020 beyond stressed out about doing everything I can to prevent her from getting COVID-19. I already suffer from anxiety and depression and went to some really dark mental places earlier this year. I did a full series rewatch before Season 4 aired, then watched Season 4, and then did another rewatch when the last season came on Netflix. Now I’m doing another rewatch with my boyfriend because he’s never seen it. It’s honestly been a saving grace for me. The level of compassion and kindness of this show never fails to make me cry, and all of the characters have such beautiful and fulfilling arcs. Also, it’s just really damn funny."

—jennr4ab11fa64

Where to watch: Netflix

5. Never Have I Ever

Devi, Fabiola and Eleanor hugging, and Devi standing on the beach with her mom and Kamala
Netflix

"As soon as this show came out, I watched it on my own. I immediately watched the season again with my mom and then, for a third time, with my brother and my dad. I could watch this show 10 times and never be bored of it. I really like the LGBTQ representation. My favorite character is Fabiola, because she is the most relatable to me. I'm a lesbian Afro-Latina who has to go through the struggles of coming out. Never Have I Ever just helped me get that little 30-minute laugh we all needed during this year."

—cloudycxss

Where to watch: Netflix

6. Fleabag

The Priest and Fleabag sitting next to each other
Amazon Prime Video

"Honestly, everything changed for me when I discovered Fleabag in 2020. I’ve rewatched it countless times and I love it so much. I used a quote from the show on my grad cap, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge even sent me a message about it! I can’t imagine what my life would’ve been like this year if I hadn’t been immersed into the world of Fleabag. It's so hilarious and heartfelt. I haven’t found any other show like it."

—districtrue

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

7. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Jake proposing to Amy
NBC

"I spent 2020 binge-watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine and this show has honestly made my year a whole lot better! It's so funny and wholesome and has such great characters! It made my year SO MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE!"

—that1girlthatmightnotbehuman

Where to watch: Hulu

8. Ted Lasso

Ted talking to his team in the locker room
AppleTV+

"It is so heartwarming and positive. It always makes me feel all warm and happy!"

—tessmarinblack

Where to watch: AppleTV+

9. Grey's Anatomy

The women of Grey Sloan lining the hallway for a patient
ABC

"The show has such strong characters and it gives me hope and reminds me what is important in this wild life. Doctors are heroes, especially this year, and Grey's was a perfect way to celebrate them."

—nedababic9999

Where to watch: Netflix

10. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

She-Ra and Catra looking at each other, and She-Ra, Catra, Bow, and Glimmer hugging
Netflix

"I really miss my friends, so watching this show's dynamic group go through things and risk everything for each other just really helped me a lot. Plus the LGBTQ representation helped a lot since my family is extremely anti-gay."

—jojobunny7

Where to watch: Netflix

11. Sex Education

Aimee sitting on the bus with Maeve and their friends
Netflix

"The inclusion of this show is amazing and the writing is spot on. So timely and much needed. I really appreciated this series in 2020."

—kanight

Where to watch: Netflix

12. The Vampire Diaries

Damon and Stefan reuniting and hugging
The CW

"I started watching The Vampire Diaries and it really got me through this year. I love the show so much and it's become my favorite of all time. Now I'm watching The Originals and I'm still going strong."

—justanotherfangirl101

Where to watch: Netflix

13. Community

Troy walking in with pizza and seeing everyone screaming and the apartment on fire
NBC

"Watching Community was one of the best choices I’ve made this year, and it was the first time I immediately rewatched a show once I finished it!"

—kaityo4fd497e0b

Where to watch: Netflix or Hulu

14. The Queen's Gambit

Beth playing Borgov in chess
Netflix

"The Queen's Gambit just restored my faith in Netflix and life, and made me realize your dreams are worth reaching for. I just really want to erase my memory and watch it all again."

—ashriyathampi

Where to watch: Netflix

15. New Girl

Nick, Schmidt, Winston, and Cece watching Jess sing in the car
Fox

"I started watching New Girl for the first time this year. I just got out of a relationship and just graduated college, and had no idea what I wanted in life. With the pandemic surging, it made everything so much more confusing. New Girl not only really helped me have something that made me relax and laugh, but it also helped reassure me that no matter how wild and confusing things get, it’s totally okay and normal to not have things figured out and things will work out."

—hverre04

Where to watch: Netflix

16. Once Upon a Time

Regina during the series finale getting a crown from Prince Charming and Snow White and celebrating with Emma and Hook
ABC

"The show may be dark at times, but it’s also super heartwarming and bittersweet. You really feel like you know all of the characters and there are so many good messages in the show. I relate to Regina the most because she shows that no matter what happens there’s always going to be someone there for you and that no matter what you do you can always come back from it. Also, that love can overpower anything and that hope is a choice, and a powerful thing."

—rose1406

Where to watch: Disney+

17. Psych

Gus and Shawn standing next to each other looking confused
USA

"I needed a good laugh there for a while and USA and Peacock just happened to decide to do marathons of the entire show, cast reunions, and then release the long-awaited movie. Everything just seemed to fall into place right when I needed a good laugh or fun shenanigans to smile about."

—megana459810788

Where to watch: Peacock

18. What We Do In the Shadows

Guillermo revealing himself as a slayer
FX

"I've binge-watched What We Do In the Shadows twice so far this year. It’s such an amazing, creative, and hilarious world to immerse yourself in."

—chloek40d5f4087

Where to watch: Hulu

19. Gilmore Girls

Lorelai and Rory sitting on the coach eating pizza
Warner Bros.

"I watched Gilmore Girls for the first time in 2020. It's so calming, charming, and funny. It really helped me take my mind off of this hell on earth as I imagined spending some time in Stars Hollow. After binge-watching all seven seasons in a few months, I even watched the revival (it was okay) because I was so hooked!"

—mychemicalbromance

Where to watch: Netflix

20. The Umbrella Academy

The Hargreeves kids holding hands and looking up, with Luther carrying Vanya
Netflix

"I first watched it 15 days after Season 2 dropped and I wasn't expecting to love it this much. The show is amazing! The cinematography, the story, the characters, everything is so weird but in a good way. It's definitely a must-watch!"

—marie-francel

Where to watch: Netflix

21. Outer Banks

The Pogues on their boat and John B. drinking a beer
Netflix

"A bored teen in the middle of quarantine with nowhere to go and nothing to do? Ten episodes later, I had fully escaped to OBX."

—finnegangc

Where to watch: Netflix

22. Orange Is the New Black

Taystee crying while talking to the press outside the prison
Netflix

"I binge-watched Orange Is the New Black very early on in lockdown and bizarrely it provided the perfect escapism. Things can always be worse right?"

—laureng488fcedb8

Where to watch: Netflix

23. The Haunting of Bly Manor

Jamie kissing Dani's hand
Netflix

"It had been a while since I fell completely in love with a new show like I did with The Haunting of Bly Manor. From the characters to the love stories, it was a beautiful series. In 2020, it was great to watch a show about unconditional love and found family. My friends and I all enjoyed Bly Manor, so it was great to connect over our mutual love for the au pair and the gardener's love story."

—noradominick

Where to watch: Netflix

24. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy and her friends looking at where Sunnydale used to be during the series finale
Warner Bros.

"I finally made the commitment to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer this year and I am so glad I did. The drama, the dialogue, the quick-witted and pop culture reference-heavy way Buffy, Willow, and Xander talk is so entertaining. Buffy has quickly become my favorite TV show and Buffy is my favorite protagonist of all time. Every villain or challenge the Scooby Gang fights presents such unique character situations and twists and turns. It has TOTALLY become my comfort show. Seriously don’t know what I’m going to do with myself when I finish."

—zoeeis99

Where to watch: Hulu

25. Saturday Night Live

Kate McKinnon as Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Weekend Update
NBC / Getty Images

"I’ve watched a lot of SNL this year, whether it's old clips or new clips. It keeps me laughing in these dark times. Plus, Kate McKinnon makes everything better!"

—elaineb4296ae71b

Where to watch: Peacock and Hulu

26. Normal People

Marianne holding Connell's face and while they both cry
Hulu

"I’ve probably watched the series about eight times this year because it’s so open with its depiction of mental health struggles. I also really identified with both Connell and Marianne because they were both trying to find where they fit in and as a recent college grad, that’s something I’ve been struggling with."

—meganc4b62b3da3

Where to watch: Hulu

27. Insecure

Lawrence and Issa talking
HBO

"I binge-watched and caught up right when Season 4 aired and I looked forward to my little escape. I'm so ready for the next season!"

—daniellangarcia

Where to watch: HBO Max

28. Criminal Minds

CBS

"I have watched episodes randomly in the past and never really going in order. So I decided to finally watch it from the beginning and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made this year! I have to keep talking myself out of doing it again!"

—halleealenea

Where to watch: Netflix

29. Euphoria

Rue dancing and singing during the Season 1 finale
HBO

"Even though it only has one season so far, it was a nice escape for a little while. Also it's 100% a show you can watch over and over again."

—stephanieeeposaa

Where to watch: HBO Max

30. Wynonna Earp

Wynonna and Waverly crying and pressing their foreheads together
SYFY

"This year has been rough in quarantine, but this show is filled with wit, humor, women who kick ass, and great LGBTQ representation. The fans are amazing and they have created a community of kindness and acceptance, which is something that was so comforting, especially with everything going on in the world."

—maddieg4703ca369

Where to watch: Netflix

31. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Daisy and Fitz raising a shot to Bobbi and Lance
ABC

"I started Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in January and it was the perfect show for quarantine. It’s got a little bit of everything: action, romance, humor, great villains, and wild plots. It was just the right amount of wildness to make our world’s problems not seem so bad."

—louisalollipop

Where to watch: Netflix

32. Ugly Betty

Betty arriving at Mode in her poncho
ABC

"Why did I not know how good Ugly Betty was? Thanks, 2020, I guess. You were good for something."

—paigedagnew

Where to watch: Hulu

33. The West Wing

President Bartlet arriving and talking to CJ, Josh, and Toby
NBC

"In 2020, this show can inspire and give hope. It is one of the best TV shows out there."

—sarapm

Where to watch: Netflix (until Dec. 21, 2020)

34. Teen Wolf

Stiles talking to Scott with tears in his eyes
MTV

"I watched it so many times and it helped so much with my mental health. The show has a unique way of helping me and I love how it's not only about the supernatural world but the real world too. I'm emotionally connected to almost every character on the show and I would trade this show for the world."

—annmarypes

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

35. Sense8

Sun and Nomi hugging and Lito talking to a crowd
Netflix

"I rewatched it for the millionth time this year because I needed the positivity and beautiful cinematography of this severely underrated series. It made me feel like I could handle anything because I had Sun, Nomi, Riley, Kala, Wolfgang, Capheus, Will, and Lito with me."

—carolinelee7185

Where to watch: Netflix

36. The 100

Lexa kneeling to Clarke
The CW

"Definitely The 100. I started it back in May and just finished the last season on Netflix. The show definitely had its ups and downs but it was so immersive and had such beautifully written characters that were so easy to get invested in. It was a really nice escape from reality and made me forget about all the shit going on in the real world."

—strawberrylumps22

Where to watch: Netflix

37. One Tree Hill

Lucas, Nathan, Haley, Brooke, Peyton and their friends on the river cort after graduation
The CW

"One Tree Hill was my major binge-watch for the year. I immersed myself in the universe it created and forgot about everything else. I mean it has comedy, drama, teenage angst, and quite a lot of wild plot lines, so it’s overall a fun binge-watch."

—nehadadlani

Where to watch: Hulu

38. Superstore

Amy talking to Glenn and everyone in the break room
NBC

"The characters are funny and enjoyable. The cast is amazing and does a great job at bringing these characters to life. And the series even brought a COVID-19 storyline into Season 6, which is so well-thought-out and funny. It makes 2020 so much more bearable!"

—lmpanda

Where to watch: Hulu

39. Doctor Who

David Tennant as the Doctor in his final episode
BBC America

"My husband and I finally started Doctor Who, from the 2005 revival on. It was a show we always both felt like we’d like but it had so many seasons that we didn’t know where to find the time, but 2020 sure solved that problem! The adventures provide a great escape and the theme of empathy that runs through the series has definitely been an uplifting part of this year."

—christinmcrich

Where to watch: HBO Max

40. Steven Universe

Cartoon Network

"This beautifully animated cartoon is both joyful for kids and insightful for adults. When I watch Steven Universe, I escape from 2020 but still learn about myself through the show's subtle, yet complex, themes of grief, sexuality, violence, and more."

—hiitsnicetomeetyou

Where to watch: Hulu

41. And finally, Supernatural

Sam and Dean driving
The CW

"It’s such an amazing show filled with so many memorable characters and storylines. Finding this show has honestly been one of the best things to come out of this year."

—willow0678

Where to watch: Netflix

We can't fit every show on one list, so what other TV shows got you through 2020? Tell us in the comments below!

Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.