Our Top 30 TV Shows of 2021

The Best TV Series to Watch with Your Teen, Tween or Favourite Grownup — available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Sky or Disney+

When I was compiling our top 30 TV shows of 2021, it occurred to me that I watched a lot of TV this year. I mean, a LOT. But am I bothered? Not really. My family hasn’t left the country since 2019, and after the past two years, we needed the escapism. 

Also when I was younger, sometimes my parents would accuse me of being glued to the telly. At other times, my friends would get annoyed because my nose was always stuck in a book. Then I grew up to be an arts writer, an author and a TV screenwriter. With any luck, my boys will channel their video game obsession into something creative and productive too!

As a storyteller, I am happiest when I’m immersed in stories. I’ve also learned to separate work from play. So I always watch a show with my audience hat on, before I take it apart critically or from a writer-editor’s perspective. Our top 30 TV shows of 2021 are shows that I fell in love with first as a viewer. Some of the shows are kid-friendly, some I watched with the mister and the rest I indulged in alone.

Summary: The television landscape is rife with stereotypes (particularly in older shows) and token characters of colour. But overall I was encouraged to see more racial and ethnic diversity in leading roles (e.g. Line of Duty, Bridgerton, Lupin, Swagger, Never Have I Ever 2), strong female protagonists (e.g. The Chair, Ted Lasso, Animal Kingdom, Grey’s Anatomy) and well-developed LGBTQ+ characters (e.g. Schitt’s Creek, Call My Agent, Atypical). The content on our small screens just keeps getting better and I’m looking forward to another epic year for TV in 2022.

NB: Our boys turn 16 and 13 in February 2022 so none of these series are especially suitable for much younger kids. I do have another guide to more family friendly TV shows (from ages 5+) and I’ll put together more TV guides soon. You might also enjoy our popular guide to movies for kids. We use our own discretion when picking what to watch with our children. I’ve included some age ratings and for more age guidance, you can always refer to kid and parent reviews on CommonSense Media or check out a couple of episodes first before you tune in with your kids.

Our Top 30 TV Shows of 2021

(listed in alphabetical order)

Animal Kingdom

I remember leaving the cinema somewhat traumatised after watching the movie version of Animal Kingdom. The TV series is a lot more soapy although no less gritty and boasts a stellar performance by Ellen Barkin. As the tiger mama of a criminal mob (her family), she prowls the screen and oozes lethal charisma. It’s sort of Point Break meets Fast & Furious with a dusting of Breaking Bad and a twist of Beverly Hills 90210.

Age guidance: 17+ for tons of drugs, sex and violence.

Arrested Development

We started watching this series a few years ago and got back into it in late 2021. It follows Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) and his dysfunctional family coping with their dad being jailed for shady business dealings. Bateman is a brilliant straight man to a hilarious cast. The comedy is impeccably timed and the characters (especially wannabe actor Tobias Funke) leave us crying with laughter pretty much every episode. 

Age guidance: 12+ although we’ve been watching it as a family since Jed was 10. The humour’s pretty risqué and some might find it offensive at points, so use your own discretion.

Atypical

Ezra and I have watched this show since it began and we were sad to see it come to an end in 2021. The story revolves around Sam, a teenager on the autistic spectrum and his family who are each dealing with their own personal crises. We dig its quirky humour and memorable characters like Sam’s peppy girlfriend Paige and his stoner best friend Zahid. Extra points for casting actors who are on the spectrum in real life and for its sensitive portrayal of Sam’s sister Casey coming to terms with her sexuality.

Age guidance: 13+ for some mature elements including sex, infidelity and cannabis.

Babylon Berlin

From the opening scenes of this period drama, I had no idea what to expect. The show takes you on a wild ride through late 1920s-1930s Berlin, that turbulent era between the end of WW1 and the rise of the Third Reich. We unravel a murder mystery through the intertwining stories of a haunted police officer and a part-time hooker with a head for detective work. The plot is compelling if at times confusing but it’s the acting, costumes and soundtrack that really make this series sizzle.

Age guidance: 18+ for hard drug use, violence and some intense sex scenes.

Big Shot

An NBA coach (John Stamos) with anger issues gets kicked off his team and posted to a girls’ school. I’m sure you can figure out much of the plot from that sentence alone. Sports movie and high school tropes are rife throughout the series. Still, I enjoyed tuning into it weekly with my 12-year-old. He’s obsessed with basketball and given the heavy focus on the men’s game, it was cool to see him hooked on a story about the hopes, dreams and aspirations of teen girls (both on and off the court).

Age guidance: 8+, some mature themes and a little language, but it’s squeaky clean otherwise.

The Boys

The first minute of this superhero series is like wtf and it only gets weirder. In a world where superheroes are worshipped like gods, the powerful Vought corporation manages the cream of the crop. Until a rebel group sets out to expose their dark side. The Boys features some jaw-dropping moments and it’s soaking in gratuitous violence. But it’s great fun to watch if you can handle a little (ok, a lot of) blood splatter. Definitely not one for the kiddies.

Age guidance: Don’t be too shocked if your 15-year-old watches it, especially if they’re used to violent games and movies. But it’s pretty damn violent, so I’d recommend 18+.

Bridgerton

Like pretty much every woman I know, I binge-watched this series (one friend was on her 9th viewing by the time I caught up). Based on the bestselling novels, it’s a Shonda Rhimes take on period romance with a delicious hero (Regé-Jean Page) and a diverse cast. Think Gossip Girl meets Pride and Prejudice with a pop soundtrack and a whole lotta bodice-ripping. I’m counting down the days for season 2.

Age guidance: This is one steamy show. A friend of mine was watching with her younger ones, then by around episode 5 had to send them to bed very quickly! It’s rated 15 on Netflix and I’d recommend 16+.

Call My Agent

I was a latecomer to this series but once I got into it, I couldn’t resist it. Call My Agent takes you behind the scenes of a Parisian film agency, with all the 24 hour glamour and mayhem that entails. Strong characters, sharp writing and amazing cameos from French screen royalty like Beatrice Dalle, Jean Reno, Isabelle Adjani and Juliette Binoche. There’s an American adaptation in the works but I doubt it can match the breezy charm and gutsiness of the French original. 

Age guidance: Some sex and nudity, mild drug references, quite a lot of profanity, but nothing too offensive. Netflix rated it 15 which is about right. I’ve encouraged my 15-year-old to watch it and practice his French.

The Chair

I would watch Sandra Oh (see Grey’s Anatomy below) in absolutely anything. The Chair is a limited series starring Oh as the first woman of colour to head an English department in an American university. It’s so beautifully cast and scripted that I regretted guzzling down all six episodes in about two nights straight. More please!

Age rating: A little language, sex references and light drug use. Netflix says 15 but I’d say it’s fine for ages 13+.

Cobra Kai

A reboot of the Karate Kid franchise that manages to be both woke and amusingly anti-PC. Johnny Lawrence is a deadbeat dad trying to revive the Cobra Kai brand, much to the horror of his former rival Danny LaRusso, now a successful car salesman. Their age-old feud gets passed down to a new generation as Johnny’s protégé Miguel comes up against his son Robby and LaRusso’s daughter Samantha. Cue tons of ass-kicking, romance and self-referential humour. The fight sequences are excellent and it’s hard not to root for Johnny, even at his slobbiest. We saw it twice (Ezra’s seen it three times) and can’t wait for season 4 — launching New Year’s Eve!

Age guidance: Rated 15 for intense action and violence, alcohol abuse, sex references and quite a lot of swearing. Watched it with our 12-year-old, twice. BBFC gave it a 12 rating too. Use your own discretion.

Colin in Black & White

Quarterback and ‘Take the Knee’ activist Colin Kaepernick narrates this autobiographical series, directed by Ava DuVernay (When They See Us). It captures his rise as a star athlete and the everyday racism he faced along the way. We see how Colin’s identity and political outlook were shaped by his experiences as a mixed heritage Black boy raised by well-meaning White parents in a mostly White environment. It’s an affecting coming of age tale as well as a kid-friendly primer on issues like unconscious bias and Civil Rights.

Age guidance: Rated 12 probably for some mature themes, but I’d say it’s fine for ages 9+.

Everybody Hates Chris

Jed and I have been catching reruns of this show from 2005-2009. It’s a semi-autobiographical look at the life of a 13-year-old Chris Rock (who narrates the series). Everybody Hates Chris traces his upbringing in Brooklyn. The characters are relatable and as you might expect from one of the world’s top stand-ups, the comedy is on point. I’m especially liking the ‘80s references and the interplay between Chris, his siblings and his parents (the excellent Tichina Arnold and Terry Crews). 

Age guidance: Amazon Prime Video says 12, we think it’s cool for ages 9+.

Friends

The one where we watched it all over again. Yup, in 2021 the boys and I rewatched Friends from start to finish. It’s one of those sitcoms that never gets old (although many of its ideas and attitudes are way past their sell-by date). If anything, it’s even more fun tuning in with Ross, Rachel and the gang when you know how it all ends. We loved catching up with them on the Friends reunion show too.

Age guidance: Some mature themes and content but kids ages 9+ can enjoy with adult supervision. Netflix rating is 12.

Grey’s Anatomy

I was truly late to the party on this show. But after How To Get Away with Murder came to an end, I figured I’d give GA a chance. It took me a couple of seasons to get into it and then I was obsessed. The characters from Meredith Grey and McDreamy to Christina Yang (the matchless Sandra Oh) and Miranda Bailey practically became my family members. And there are some episodes that completely blew me away in terms of writing, performances, direction and risk-taking. Creator Shonda Rhimes is a legend and the show’s commitment to ethnic and gender diversity was definitely a game changer for US primetime TV. It’s flagging a little after 17 seasons but you can’t tear me away.

Age guidance: Amazon Prime Video says 15. Some very intense and upsetting content, and lots of saucy scenes, plus mature themes. Probably best for ages 13+.

Harlem

The lives and loves of 4 women trying to make it in NYC. I was disappointed by the pilot, given the pedigree of director Malcolm D Lee (The Best Man). The humour felt forced and the characters stilted. But by episode 2, I was laughing out loud and the show really hits its groove by episode 3. Imagine Sex & the City set in 2021 and from an African American perspective. The actresses develop strong girlfriends chemistry and Season 1 ended on a proper cliffhanger. I’m hoping it gets renewed for another season.

Age guidance: Definitely 16+ for sex and nudity.

Industry

An insider look into the high-stakes world of city finance. Industry follows new recruits at a leading bank, each trying to claw their way into a permanent spot. Written by former bankers Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, it’s brimming with sex, drugs and power plays. Addictive viewing from start to finish.

Age guidance: Pretty raunchy and lots of drug use. If they’ve seen Skins, there’s nothing too eye-popping here but I’d say 18+.

Inside No. 9

From Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, the team behind The League of Gentlemen series, Inside No. 9 is hard to define. It’s a bit like an extended comedy sketch with hints of Black Mirror and Tales of the Unexpected. Each episode offers an intriguing mix of characters, twisty storyline and an often killer ending. Some episodes are a little too far out there, but on the whole, it’s 30 minutes of genius each time.

Age guidance: A weird one. Some episodes are PG, others are 16+. BBFC says 18. Use your discretion.

Line of Duty

You know that show you resist watching because everyone keeps banging on about it? Line of Duty was that show for us until this year, after season 6 wrapped, Abiye and I finally tuned in. It definitely lives up to the hype. Over 6 seasons, we get to know AC12, the police anti-corruption unit investigating a network of bent coppers linked to the OCG (organised crime group). Creator Jed Mercurio (The Bodyguard) proves once again why he’s a master of taut plotting and character development.

Age guidance: Netflix says 15. I’d agree, probably 16+ as the violence is pretty intense.

Lupin

He’s a loving dad. He’s a smooth criminal. He’s a master of disguise (although in the series, it’s pretty much always obvious who he is). Lupin is a modern take on a French literary figure — the gentleman thief Arsène Lupin. It’s an entertaining cat and mouse game between Lupin, the police chasing him and the powerful tycoon Lupin is trying to expose. Cool twists, slick settings and a very watchable lead in the form of Assane Diop.

Age guidance: It’s a 15 on Netflix for some mature content, but there’s nothing major in it and we watched with our 12-year-old.

Never Have I Ever 2

Jed and I enjoyed the first season of this series based loosely on creator Mindy Kaling’s teenage years. Season 2 is even better, leaning harder into Devi’s desperate attempts to fit in at school and to find her love match. Torn between two boys (and still dealing with the grief from losing her dad), she makes all sorts of wrong choices… to both hilarious and poignant effect. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is excellent in the lead role. 

Age guidance: It’s rated 12 which strikes me about right. There’s some suggestive content, but I watched it with my 12-year-old as the 15-year-old found it a little ‘young’ for his tastes.

Nine Perfect Strangers

What would happen if you put 9 troubled individuals in a wellness centre and gave them psychedelics? Based on the novel by Liane Moriarty (Big Little Lies), Nine Perfect Strangers exploits the barminess of some extreme wellness retreats. Nicole Kidman puts in an enjoyably wacky performance as a healer with a hidden agenda. It’s a bit schlocky but hugely engaging and very well acted, particularly in its portrayals of grief and addiction.

Age guidance: Dark themes, some sex and nudity, experimental drug use. Rated 15 on Amazon Prime Video.

1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything

Abiye and I can’t stop singing the praises of this riveting documentary series. It spans one of the most turbulent years in American musical and social history, exploring the political backdrop through the songs and artists who defined the times. Through never-seen-before footage, you get an intimate glimpse into the hearts and minds of John and Yoko, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Joni Mitchell and more. And of course the soundtrack is banging.

Age guidance: Probably 15+ for references to sex, drugs and rock & roll.

Schitt’s Creek

OMG I love this show. I wept through the series finale and then I watched the Making Of Schitt’s Creek special and sobbed some more. The ultra-rich Rose family lose all their money and wind up living in a motel in a dead-end town. Writers/creators Eugene Levy and his son Dan Levy (swoon) also star as father and son, Johnny and David Rose. Their on-screen family is rounded off by ditzy Alexis (the amazing Annie Murphy) and the iconic Moira Rose, hammed up to sheer perfection by Catherine O’Hara. Schitt’s Creek was a slow burner that by its 6th and final season had a die-hard fan base. It’s that winning formula of humour with heart that also beats through Ted Lasso (see below). The coffee table book is on my Christmas wish list. 

Age guidance: Rated 15 for some mature content including sex, language and drug reference.

Squid Game

Is there anything left to say about Squid Game? The year’s most hyped show and the most watched show in Netflix history. With influences ranging from the 2000 Japanese movie Battle Royale to the 2020 Oscar winner Parasite, Squid Game is another clever Korean satire on capitalism and class. Desperate men and women are lured to a secret island and put through terrifying tests to win a life-changing sum. It’s extremely violent but hard to stop watching, although the ending left things hanging. We’re anticipating Squid Game 2. 

Age rating: The 15-year-old binged it before us, but we haven’t let the 12-year-old watch it even though he complains that all his classmates have seen it. Way too violent, in our opinion. Rated 15.

Succession

Greed, power and family dynamics, ‘inspired’ by the real life saga of the Rupert Murdoch family. The central character is Kendall Roy, a recovering addict and heir apparent to Logan, the tyrannical boss of a global media empire. With Logan’s retirement on the horizon, his kids and minions battle it out for the number one spot. But Logan’s not quite ready to bite the dust. Some of the best writing on TV, absorbing characters and spectacular performances. Succession is raw drama that would work just as well on stage as it does on screen.

Age rating: Rated 15 for liberal profanity, drugs and sex. But I’d say 18+ as I think the writing requires a more adult sensibility to appreciate it. This is drama for grownups.

Swagger

Virtuoso baller Jace is just 14 and slam dunking his way to the DMV championships. But Jace’s path to success is dogged by his coach’s past, his girlfriend’s troubles, his mother’s ambitions, his father’s absence, and his own violent secret. Created by NBA star Kevin Durant and inspired by his experiences in youth tournaments, the show also covers sobering themes from child abuse to racism. But its main showcase is the love of the game and the talented young players who bring that swagger to the court. 

Age guidance: I’d say 12+, for some mature themes.

Ted Lasso

When a hapless American coach takes over an ailing British football team, it looks like the end for AFC Richmond. However, Ted Lasso not only wins their trust but captures the imagination of everyone he meets. This is a buoyant sports comedy with a strong emotional core, a fantastic cast and exceptional writing. An instant classic and a family favourite at Babes HQ. Probably top of our top 30 TV shows of 2021.

Age guidance: Tons of swearing and some mature content, but still family friendly. It’s rated TV-MA (typically around 15 in UK) but we’d say 12+.

This Is Us

The weepie to beat all weepies, it’s hard to make it through an episode without shedding tears. It centres on three siblings — twins Kate and Kevin and their adopted African American brother, Randall. The show takes us back and forth through time, as we uncover personal stories, family secrets and new relationships. The actors are outstanding, especially Sterling K Brown as Randall, and the casting of the kids through the years is astonishingly convincing. The final season (S6) is coming and I’m not sure what I’ll do with myself after it ends.

Age guidance: Amazon Prime Video gives it 15 for some mature content and it does get pretty intense emotionally, but I reckon it’s fine to watch with ages 12+.

24

Jack Bauer has 24 hours to save the world (usually from terrorists) and each hour is played out in real time. Abiye and I watched this fast-paced thriller in real time too (i.e. when it first came out). In 2021, we finished watching the final season with our kids. It’s a smart plot device with the clock running down while Jack gets into increasingly tight spots. A TV phenomenon that stands the test of time. 

Age guidance: Rated 12 to 15. More violent than Bond, yet a good family show. We watched it together since Jed was around 9. Parental discretion advised for sex and drug references and some graphic violence.

WandaVision

Marvel series WandaVision is set in an alternate reality (post Avengers: Endgame) with Wanda and Vision living out a vintage sitcom parody. Until the real world gets in the way. WandaVision is kooky, clever and funny although you’d probably have to be an MCU fan to get the most out of it. The boys and I raced through it.

Age guidance: Rated 12+. Seems right as it’s quite tame on the whole but with some upsetting themes and comic book violence.

And that’s a wrap. What were your favourite shows this year?

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