2020 was an unusual year for television. With the pandemic keeping audiences at home, streaming platforms and networks became lifelines of escapism. From bloody superhero satire to gothic horror and medieval dramas, viewers were spoiled with shows that pushed the boundaries of genre. Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney+, and Amazon all brought their best, proving that even in a year of uncertainty, TV remained bold, daring, and addictive. Here are the 10 best TV shows of 2020.
10. Warrior Nun: Season 1 (Netflix)
Warrior Nun was one of Netflix’s most surprising entries, blending supernatural action with religious intrigue. Following a young woman who gains divine powers after being resurrected, the series delivered stylish fight scenes and pulpy fun. It struck a chord with fans looking for something campy yet heartfelt, cementing its cult following.
9. Monsterland: Season 1 (Hulu)
Hulu’s Monsterland offered an anthology of horror that leaned more into psychological dread than jump scares. Each story peeled back the monstrous layers of humanity, using creatures as metaphors for grief, guilt, and despair. Though uneven, its haunting atmosphere and morally complex tales stood out in 2020’s crowded horror landscape.
8. The Spanish Princess: Season 2 (Starz)
Historical drama got the royal treatment with the final season of The Spanish Princess. Chronicling Catherine of Aragon’s journey as England’s queen, the show mixed political scheming with romance and tragedy. Rich production design and compelling performances made this a lush swan song for the Tudor tale, appealing to fans of The White Queen saga.
7. Sweet Home: Season 1 (Netflix)
Based on the hit webtoon, Sweet Home turned the apartment-building-as-apocalypse trope into a brutal and emotional monster series. With grotesque creature designs and tense survival drama, it delivered both horror thrills and character-driven heart. It quickly became a global sensation, proving once again the power of Korean genre storytelling.
6. Raised by Wolves: Season 1 (HBO Max)
Ridley Scott’s Raised by Wolves was one of 2020’s most ambitious sci-fi entries. Exploring themes of faith, artificial intelligence, and survival on a new planet, the series offered stunning visuals and thought-provoking allegories. Though divisive in its pacing, its originality and eerie atmosphere made it unforgettable.
5. What We Do in the Shadows: Season 2 (FX/Hulu)
The vampire mockumentary returned sharper and funnier in its second season, turning Staten Island’s most awkward immortals into TV comedy icons. From energy vampire Colin Robinson’s rise to the unforgettable “Jackie Daytona” episode, What We Do in the Shadows cemented itself as one of television’s most consistently hilarious series.
4. Lovecraft Country: Season 1 (HBO)
Blending supernatural horror with historical commentary, Lovecraft Country tackled racism in 1950s America while unleashing cosmic terrors. With standout performances by Jonathan Majors and Jurnee Smollett, the show balanced pulp adventure with powerful social critique. Even with uneven storytelling, its ambition and boldness made it a cultural talking point of 2020.
3. Kingdom: Season 2 (Netflix)
The Korean period zombie drama returned stronger than ever, expanding its political intrigue alongside its terrifying undead battles. The sweeping cinematography and brutal fight sequences elevated Kingdom beyond simple horror, while the cliffhanger ending left fans desperate for more. It was proof that international TV could rival Hollywood spectacle.
2. The Boys: Season 2 (Amazon Prime Video)
Amazon’s subversive superhero saga doubled down on violence, satire, and jaw-dropping twists in Season 2. With Homelander growing even more unhinged and new character Stormfront stirring chaos, the series delivered one of the most ruthless critiques of power and celebrity. It remained a fan favorite and critical darling alike.
1. The Mandalorian: Season 2 (Disney+)
Season 2 of The Mandalorian cemented Star Wars as a small-screen powerhouse. With deeper lore, new allies, and unforgettable appearances—including Ahsoka Tano and Luke Skywalker—the show balanced blockbuster spectacle with emotional storytelling. At its heart was still the bond between Din Djarin and Grogu, making this season a cultural phenomenon that defined 2020.
The Verdict
In 2020, television gave us escape when we needed it most. From the cosmic nightmares of Lovecraft Country to the medieval chaos of Kingdom and the heart-melting charm of Baby Yoda in The Mandalorian, the year proved that stories could still connect and inspire even in isolation. These ten shows weren’t just entertainment—they were lifelines that kept audiences hooked, inspired, and endlessly entertained.
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