Television in 2016 was bold, ambitious, and impossible to ignore. From the rise of Netflix originals to the dominance of Game of Thrones, the year gave us a mix of groundbreaking new debuts, beloved continuations, and epic conclusions. It was a year when superheroes punched their way into prestige, horror found fresh life, and fantasy ruled pop culture. Here are the 10 best television series of 2016 that stood out above the rest.
10. Between: Season 2 (Netflix)
Between continued its story of a town quarantined after a mysterious disease kills everyone over 22. While not as polished as some of its streaming peers, Season 2 leaned into its survivalist drama, raising the stakes for the younger generation trapped in a lawless, dying society.
9. Orange Is the New Black: Season 4 (Netflix)
By its fourth season, Orange Is the New Black had found its rhythm. The season dealt with themes of power, corruption, and tragedy within the prison system, giving audiences one of its most dramatic and emotionally heavy arcs. Its balance of humor and heartbreak solidified it as one of Netflix’s crown jewels.
8. Once Upon a Time: Season 6 (ABC)
The fairy-tale mashup series continued to weave new myths and reimagine old ones. Season 6 deepened the characters’ journeys, tackling legacies, villains turned heroes, and the costs of magic. Though sprawling at times, it maintained the show’s unique ability to blend fantasy with heartfelt family drama.
7. Z Nation: Season 3 (Syfy)
Z Nation embraced its chaotic energy in Season 3, mixing zombie mayhem with satire, outrageous scenarios, and cult-favorite characters. It may not have the prestige polish of The Walking Dead, but its scrappy, gonzo storytelling kept fans entertained and guessing every episode.
6. Ash vs. Evil Dead: Season 2 (Starz)
The campy horror series doubled down on blood, guts, and slapstick comedy. Bruce Campbell returned as Ash in top form, slicing through Deadites with chainsaws and quips. Its mix of horror excess and self-aware humor made it a fan-favorite standout in 2016.
5. Daredevil: Season 2 (Netflix)
Marvel’s gritty street-level hero came back darker and more intense. The introduction of The Punisher, played brilliantly by Jon Bernthal, and the return of Elektra elevated the story. Stylish action sequences and complex moral questions kept viewers hooked all season long.
4. Luke Cage: Season 1 (Netflix)
Marvel took a bold step with Luke Cage, blending superhero action with cultural identity, Harlem’s music scene, and social commentary. Mike Colter’s grounded performance gave us a reluctant, bulletproof hero, while Mahershala Ali stole scenes as the unforgettable Cottonmouth.
3. Marco Polo: Season 2 (Netflix)
Netflix’s lavish historical drama returned with political intrigue, betrayals, and sweeping battles. While the series was often criticized for its pacing, Season 2 delivered stunning visuals, ambitious storytelling, and a satisfying sense of epic scope that few shows attempted in 2016.
2. Game of Thrones: Season 6 (HBO)
This was peak Game of Thrones. Season 6 delivered some of the series’ most iconic episodes, including “The Battle of the Bastards” and “The Winds of Winter.” With jaw-dropping spectacle, shocking deaths, and massive power shifts, it cemented itself as one of the most important TV seasons of the decade.
1. Stranger Things: Season 1 (Netflix)
The undisputed champion of 2016, Stranger Things was a cultural phenomenon. Blending ‘80s nostalgia, supernatural horror, and heartfelt coming-of-age storytelling, it became an instant global hit. From Eleven’s powers to the Demogorgon, Season 1 not only launched a franchise but also helped define Netflix as a television powerhouse.
The Verdict
2016 was stacked with quality television, from genre-defying blockbusters like Stranger Things and Game of Thrones to cult gems like Ash vs. Evil Dead and Z Nation. Whether you loved superheroes, zombies, fantasy, or historical drama, there was something unforgettable for every kind of fan. These ten shows didn’t just entertain — they captured the energy of a year when television was fearless, experimental, and bigger than ever.
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