One thing we can agree on about the year 2016 is that it was a fantastic year for television. We watched new shows that sparked us to spend our days binge-watching. Old shows with new seasons also ignited our obsessions. With the recent nominations announced for the "SAG Awards" and "Golden Globes", as well as winners announced for the "Critic's Choice Awards" (some even won Emmy's this past year), these shows solidified that they are the best. Even if some of them did not get recognized in award shows, it still has a high popularity along with high ratings, and they have their place in popular culture.
These ten shows I've selected as the best television shows of the year I chose based on popularity, award wins and nominations, and ratings. I myself am obsessed with a few of them! Here are ten shows I think were the best of 2016.
1. Stranger Things (Netflix)
I will argue that Stranger Things was the best show of 2016. It's one of the best shows I've ever seen. The cast was dedicated to their roles, the soundtrack and setting fit perfectly. It made you feel like you were watching an 80's Stephen King movie. This show was also a huge pop-culture obsession, as the child actors were as lovable off-screen as they were onscreen. The kids in this show have a bright future in Hollywood ahead of them. I cannot wait for season two!
2. Game of Thrones (HBO)
I will also argue that the "Battle of the Bastards" episode of Game of Thrones was the single best episode of 2016. I couldn't believe what I was seeing when watching that episode. The entire season was one plot twist after another. At this year's Emmy awards, the series won Best Drama, as it rightfully deserved. The anticipation for season seven is long for die-hard fans of this show. Also, I am very happy Jon Snow is alive and well.
3. The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (FX)
This Ryan Murphy created series took on the O.J. Simpson trails that took over the United States. They featured an all star cast (Cuba Gooding Jr., Sarah Paulson, John Travolta to name a few) to recreate these trails. This series dominated the Emmy's and Critic's Choice Awards, and just received nominations for the SAG awards and the Golden Globes. I highly suggest watching this show just to appreciate the acting involved in it.
4. This Is Us (NBC)
This Is Us premiered on NBC this Fall, and has stellar ratings and great reviews since it first aired. It has become a new fan-favorite show this year. It has also received recognition from the Golden Globes and SAG awards. That's pretty awesome for a brand new show. It has constant twists and turns, and leaves fans on their toes every week. It is also a great show to watch if you need a good cry.
5. The Walking Dead (AMC)
Season six of The Walking Dead finally introduced fans to villain Negan, and the premiere of season seven finally showed us the fate of the characters. It was an agonizing wait for fans, but now fans are waiting to see how they will escape the power of Negan. Even though this show hasn't had love from award shows, the show has a big, dedicated fan base that continues to watch every week.
6. Westworld (HBO)
Westworld debuted this year, and has sparked interest in viewers. It is a science-fiction western thriller. Interesting and different, right? It has been getting rave reviews and high viewership. Critics are saying Westworld is HBO's "next big hit." It has also received a good amount of nominations, and it looks like it has a bright future ahead.
7. Black-ish (ABC)
Black-ish is in its third season, and its personally a new favorite of mine. Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross are beyond hilarious, as well as the entire cast. What I love about this show is that it touches on real issues with race in America, but in a comical way. It has been nominated in past Emmy ceremonies, and this year it has earned nominations, I would love to see it win Best Comedy series.
8. Mr. Robot (USA Network)
"Mr. Robot" is a unique psychological thriller about cyber-security and computer hacking. Rami Malek, who plays the main character Elliot, has stolen the spotlight as a bright, young actor. Christian Slater also has a stellar supporting role in the show. It has won many Golden Globes and Emmy's in the past, and shows no signs of stopping. It is a complex show to understand, but is a fascinating watch.
9. Atlanta (FX)
This new comedy-drama series is created, written, produced, and stars Donald Glover, you may recognize him under his rap name, Childish Gambino. This show takes on two young rappers trying to make it in the Atlanta, GA rap scene. I am a huge fan of Donald Glover and I am so happy to see him succeed with this show. It is critically acclaimed, and Donald Glover even won a Critic's Choice award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series!
10. Better Call Saul (AMC)
Who doesn't love lawyer Saul Goodman? In its second season, fans and critics are still fans of this Breaking Bad spin-off. This show has received love from the Emmy's and Golden Globes and also gets high ratings. Saul is one of those classic TV characters that fans have gotten to know over the years and still can't get enough of.