For 364 years out of the year, I regret wasting a measurable percentage of my life in front of the TV, living life vicariously through fictional people with lives far more interesting than my own. But for ONE magical day, I can pretend that I live a life NOT wasted. You see, the ridiculous amount of time I spend on my couch isn't wasted -- no, it's the sacrifice I make in order to provide the greatest of all possible public service: sharing my favorite shows of the year so that you, too, might fall lure to their charms and be as unproductive as me.
#5 - Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) - I went into this show with low expectations and rolled eyes. Despite its buzz and acclaim, I've always had a limited tolerance for Martin Short. For as lovely a person as he seems to be, his over-the-top schtick can be a bit much. But the charm of this show easily outweighs the hammy tendencies of Short, who manages to rein it this time around. "Murders in the Building" stars Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez as a trio of true crime podcast devotees who launch their own project when a resident of their apartment building suffers an untimely end. It's a loving send-up to the kind of magical New York City living that may now only exist in fiction. The apartment building and its cast of residents/suspects becomes the real star of the show, along with an entertaining array of plot twists, red herrings, and smarter-than-average writing.
#4 - The Beatles: Get Back (Disney+) - In 1969, the Beatles allowed camera crews to follow them through the creative process that eventually became their last-released album, "Let It Be." While the resulting rooftop performance became the legendary "Let It Be" concert film, hours and hours of filmed rehearsals and behind-the-scenes footage had never seen the light of day until now, when Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson painstakingly went through it all and edited the highlights into this new multi-part documentary. For mega-fans, it's a treasure trove of insight and wonder. But even passing fans of the Beatles will marvel as songs like "Get Back" and "Something" arise from spontaneous rehearsal noodling. This honest and unfiltered gem of a documentary shows that the Fab Four were, at their heart, just four guys trying to make some solid tunes. And to see their humanity, arguments, and laughter only makes their feats all the more magical.
#3 - The Great British Baking Show (Channel 4 UK/Netflix) - When the fad of reality TV started up with shows like "Survivor" and "Big Brother," it seemed like an interesting diversion from the norm. But as networks quickly realized the popularity and financial payoffs of low-cost reality programmatic, the market became flooded with hundreds of shows promising looks at supposed "real life." But here's the thing about real life: it's often really, really boring. That's why the landscape of so-called "reality TV" quickly became the breeding ground for cutthroat competition, "real" housewives, and a laundry list of horrible people being as horrible as possible for laughs and ratings. But if nobody wants to see actual real people getting along, don't tell that to "The Great British Baking Show," a cooking competition that's actually fun and inspiring. Nobody gets in fisticuffs or shouting matches, the contestants all help one another out, and the positivity that springs forth is contagious. There's no grand prize (other than a fancy engraved plate) other than pride and the joy of cooking. It's the TV equivalent of a hug from your grandma, and it's the kind of medicine we all needed this year.
#2 - Ted Lasso (Apple TV) - My favorite line in Ted Lasso comes in the very first episode, when the owner of the struggling AFC Richmond soccer club asks, "Do you believe in ghosts, Ted?" This causes the crimally optimistic coach to reply, "I do -- but more importantly, I think they need to believe in themselves." Season 2 might not be as optimistic as those epic debut episodes, as we begin to learn that Coach Lasso's inhumanly sunny disposition is likely a defense mechanism against the fears and insecurities that plague him. Still, the show's central mission statement that good trumps evil and that hostility should be faced with compassion and humility continues to make "Ted Lasso" essential viewing in this age of division and fear. It's the vaccine we should all agree to take this year.
#1 - Mare of Easttown (HBO). I didn't want to love this show. It's dour, bleak, and unforgiving in its painting of life in small-town impoverished Pennsylvania. But its also captivating beyond words. I initially expected it to be little more than Emmy-bait for star Kate Winslet (and she deserves ALL of the awards, trust me.) But beyond Winslet's flawless performance of a deeply flawed character is a multi-layered and unapologetically real look at how grief can affect both an individual and a community. And beyond THAT is a murder mystery stunning in depth and detail, with stand-out supporting performances from Evan Peters, Jean Smart, and newcomer Angourie Rice. It doesn't leave you with a good taste in your mouth, but its a gourmet meal nonetheless. It's the best show on TV this year by a WIDE margin.
With that, we enter a new year of doubt, uncertainty, and the continued divisions that plague our world (not to mention an ACTUAL plague thrown in for good measure.) But if 2021 was any indication, nothing will stop great art. Have a wonderful new year. I'll probably spend mine in front of the TV.
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