There was quality TV everywhere in 2018, not the least of which was found on streaming services.
As a matter of fact, there were so many amazing shows that deciding what to binge watch during a long weekend could be a real challenge.
Here at TV Fanatic, we’ve taken up the task of compiling a list of the best of streaming TV that aired during 2018.
The Haunting of Hill House – Netflix
1
It’s been described as a deliciously spooky This Is Us. Both scary and well-done, The Haunting of Hill House was one of our favorite shows of the year. If you like your dramas on the scary side, you’ll need to spend a night binge-watching this show.
Star Trek: Discovery – CBS All Access
2
The newest installment in the Star Trek franchise takes place about ten years before Captain Kirk’s mission on the original series. Lead by mutineer/heroine Michael Burnham (played by Sonequa Martin-Green), this new crew has both brains and heart. Although it may leave fans arguing over specific plot points, it will never leave you bored or unengaged. Whether you are a long time fan of Trek or never watched an episode, you should check out this newest Star Trek series.
Orange is the New Black – Netflix
3
We had a love-hate thing going on with OITNB for a few years, but the sixth season was a successful attempt at breathing some creativity back into it. With decreased reliance on the relationship between Alex and Piper, what we got was the show’s most coherent arc yet.
Homecoming – Amazon
4
Homecoming has a terrific showrunner and creator, and it’s based on a unique podcast. Best of all, it has a fantastic cast that never fails to leave you in doubt as to their character’s motives or understanding of the issues. Watching it once isn’t enough. The second time around you’re enlightened even further!
GLOW – Netflix
5
The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling has a great cast, fantastic writing, and unique characters all wrapped up in the spandex-laden, glittery world of women’s wrestling. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you won’t want to miss it.
Titans – DC Universe
6
The first season was exciting and action-packed with solid performances. Even if you aren’t familiar with the comics, you’ll still find yourself engaged and eager for what’s to come.
Daredevil – Netflix
7
Daredevil Season 3 managed to fix the issues we had from the season before it. Unfortunately, long-time fans were rewarded with the show’s cancellation! However, the end of the season, despite a small cliffhanger, is still well worth checking in on.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Amazon
8
In late 1950s and Miriam “Midge” Maisel has a husband, two kids and an elegant apartment on New York’s Upper West Side but her hidden talent for stand-up comedy leads her on a journey that will change her life forever. This show will make you feel Midge’s struggle in between laugh out loud moments. If you haven’t watched it yet, you need to check it out.
Atypical – Netflix
9
Atypical has quickly become one of our favorite shows on Netflix. We love every single character, which almost never happens. They’re all well developed, relatable, and mesh together perfectly, and the actors portraying them are excellent. It’s a wonderful family comedy that’s both funny and heartwarming.
Tell Me a Story – CBS All Access
10
This show brings some of the best cast members from some of your favorite TV shows of the past few years and puts them into harrowing scenarios. Danielle Campell (The Originals) is the highlight. We thought this was going to be a fairytale series with a supernatural twist, but it’s not. It’s more about the psychological side of things, and it’s refreshing.
One Day at a Time – Netflix
11
This reboot of the Norman Lear classic follows a Cuban-American family dealing with divorce, immigration, LGBTQ rights, all without becoming preachy, thanks to some very talented storytelling. Justina Machado and Rita Morena provide knockout performances on a regular basis. One Day at a Time somehow manages to deal with current hot-button issues while still being heartwarming and a joy to watch.
The Good Fight – CBS All Access
12
A spin-off of CBS’ acclaimed network drama, The Good Wife, The Good Fight has one of the best ensemble casts on TV anywhere. As a legal drama, it’s at the top of its game and its response to the Trump-era are consistently clever and insightful. Give yourself a gift for the new year and binge watch this series. You won’t regret it.
A Series of Unfortunate Events – Netflix
13
The show fully embraced its macabre/dark comedy style for the second season. The cast improved quite a bit from the previous year and visually, it was stunningly beautiful. As a heads-up, the final season is coming out on Jan 1st.
The Handmaid’s Tale – Hulu
14
After a disturbing, if stellar first season things took an even darker turn for The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2. Although we’ll admit, it might not be for everyone, the talented cast and storytelling will guarantee you won’t forget a minute.
The Tick – Netflix
15
The Tick is a bizarre blue superhero who may just be a figment of someone’s imagination or not. Either way, we enjoyed The Tick for its absurdist awesomeness and you might too.
Jack Ryan – Amazon
16
Jack Ryan started out as a character in Tom Clancy’s series of novels and has since grown to star in numerous feature films but this is his first foray into episodic TV. Jack Ryan is a solid spy thriller with wonderful performances that will have you excited to see the character of Jack Ryan once again.
Marvel’s Runaways – Hulu
17
At one point or another, almost all teenagers think their parents are evil, but what happens if it’s actually true? If you enjoy the CW’s Riverdale then you’ll want to check out Runaways. This is a show about growing up and discovering who you are without having the best role models to turn to, which gives a unique twist to this coming of age drama.
Elite – Netflix
18
If you’re a fan of Gossip Girl, Big Little Lies, and How to Get Away with Murder, then this is the show for you. The murder mystery does not slow down and left us wanting more. The second season cannot premiere soon enough.
Sneaky Pete – Amazon
19
Criminally underrated, this series starring Giovanni Ribisi as Marius, is about a con man who is released from prison and takes over the identity of his cellmate in order to start a new life. What he doesn’t expect is that his new family has their own secrets and lies. Produced by Graham Yost and Bryan Cranston, Sneaky Pete is definitely worth your time.
Alexa and Katie – Netflix
20
This is about two best friends, one of which has battled cancer and is now in remission. It deals with a lot of critical topics in a way that’s relatable and appeals to a younger generation while being really funny. Definitely worth checking out for adults, teens, and tweens.
Forever – Amazon
21
Forever takes several issues humans grapple with all the time and tosses them into a format with which we feel very familiar. But the way they are explored are excitingly unique in showing how mundane we are as we deal with our own “forever,” whatever that may be. Confused? You won’t be for long if you take a look at this thought-provoking series.
The Ranch – Netflix
22
Despite the behind the scenes drama and cast changes, The Ranch is funny without being silly. Ashton Kutcher stars as a man who returns home to his family’s ranch in Colorado after his semi-pro football career ends in failure and plans to run the ranching business with his father, played by Sam Elliott, whom he hasn’t seen in 15 years. The performances by Kutcher and Elliott are enough to have you tune in.
Absentia – Amazon
23
Six years after disappearing and being declared dead, FBI agent Emily Byrne breaks away from her captors and returns home only to find that her husband has remarried, her son doesn’t remember her, and the world thinks she may be a serial killer. Stana Katic’s portrayal of Agent Byrne will make your heart pound and the mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat. Watch the first episode and you won’t want to stop until you’ve reached the end.
