2018 was a pivotal year for television, especially as streaming platforms dominated the conversation. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime competed with cable networks and superhero shows, each delivering series that blended fresh ideas with bold storytelling. Whether it was gritty Marvel dramas, undead comedies, or heart-wrenching horror, the year proved that TV was where the most daring experiments lived. Here are the 10 best television series of 2018, each leaving a lasting mark on audiences.
10. Z Nation: Season 5 (Syfy)
Z Nation bowed out with its fifth and final season in 2018, staying true to its chaotic mix of zombies, satire, and over-the-top storytelling. While never a prestige darling, the show’s cult following appreciated its willingness to embrace absurdity and heartfelt moments. Its sendoff may have been divisive, but it gave loyal fans the closure they needed.
9. iZombie: Season 4 (The CW)
The CW’s quirky zombie procedural continued to balance comedy, crime-solving, and genre-bending plots. Season 4 pushed Liv and her crew into new conflicts as the city grappled with zombie integration. With its witty writing and lovable cast, it remained a fresh and entertaining twist on the undead genre.
8. High Score Girl: Season 1 (Netflix/Anime)
This anime series was a nostalgic trip back to the arcades of the 1990s. Combining gaming history with romance, High Score Girl explored how competitive gaming shaped friendships and rivalries. Its charming animation style and sincere storytelling won over anime fans and gamers alike, making it a hidden gem of 2018.
7. Santa Clarita Diet: Season 2 (Netflix)
The horror-comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant sharpened its absurd premise in Season 2. With Sheila adjusting to her undead lifestyle, the show leaned into outrageous scenarios while maintaining its offbeat humor. Equal parts gory and goofy, it carved out its place as one of Netflix’s strangest—and most enjoyable—comedies.
6. The Dragon Prince: Season 1 (Netflix)
From the creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender, this animated fantasy series launched with heart, humor, and world-building depth. Season 1 introduced audiences to the conflict between humans and magical creatures while following three young heroes on a perilous quest. It quickly became a family-friendly favorite with surprising layers of complexity.
5. Titans: Season 1 (DC Universe)
The DC streaming service made its debut with Titans, a darker and more violent take on the beloved Teen Titans. With gritty action, emotional stakes, and standout performances (especially Brenton Thwaites as Dick Grayson), the show gave DC fans a fresh, mature superhero series that set the tone for future spin-offs.
4. Jessica Jones: Season 2 (Netflix/Marvel)
Krysten Ritter returned as the hard-drinking, sharp-tongued PI in a season that dug deeper into Jessica’s past and family trauma. While not as universally praised as Season 1, the sophomore outing explored themes of identity and resilience. Ritter’s commanding performance remained the backbone of Marvel’s darker corner on Netflix.
3. Luke Cage: Season 2 (Netflix/Marvel)
Following the explosive debut of Luke Cage, Season 2 elevated the stakes with stronger villains and sharper storytelling. Mike Colter’s bulletproof hero clashed with Bushmaster in one of the MCU’s most underrated rivalries. With its blend of action, cultural commentary, and Harlem soul, the series kept its powerful presence alive.
2. Daredevil: Season 3 (Netflix/Marvel)
The crown jewel of Marvel’s Netflix run, Daredevil Season 3 returned to the grounded, character-driven storytelling that made it a fan favorite. Wilson Fisk’s rise to power contrasted beautifully with Matt Murdock’s personal struggles, and the introduction of Bullseye raised the stakes. With brilliant choreography and stellar writing, this season is considered the definitive Daredevil story.
1. The Haunting of Hill House: Season 1 (Netflix)
Mike Flanagan redefined horror television with The Haunting of Hill House. Mixing ghost story terror with a poignant family drama, the series delivered scares, heartbreak, and unforgettable episodes like “The Bent-Neck Lady.” With its emotional depth and technical brilliance, it wasn’t just the best show of 2018—it set a new standard for modern horror.
The Verdict
2018 gave us a diverse lineup of unforgettable shows: superhero dramas at their peak, quirky zombie comedies, groundbreaking horror, and animated gems. From the chilling tragedy of Hill House to the stylish brutality of Daredevil and the cultural swagger of Luke Cage, these series captured what made television so compelling. Whether you binged them all or discovered a hidden gem like High Score Girl, this year proved once again that TV was the true king of storytelling.
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