6 Shows From 2020 That Are Already Classics

2020 was a unique year, largely defined by the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting stay-at-home orders. With so many people stuck indoors, many turned to watching TV, and luckily, a number of excellent new shows came out. That meant we had more options than just rewatching Tiger King, though some people still do!

I’ve been thinking about shows that really stand the test of time, and honestly, some of the ones that came out in 2020 already feel like classics. It sounds crazy since they’re not decades old, but I truly believe we’ll still be talking about them years from now – even 10, 15, or 20 years down the line! They just have that something special – whether it’s how funny they are, how much they make you feel, their amazing stories, or the impact they’ve had on what’s popular. I think these shows will really last.

Bridgerton Is Still Going Strong With New Seasons and Spin-Offs

In 2020, Bridgerton became an instant hit on Netflix as the first scripted series from Shonda Rhimes for the streaming service. The show, set in the Regency era, presents a fictionalized version of history and focuses on the lives of a prominent family during the competitive marriage season. It follows young men and women navigating love and relationships, filled with both romance and scandal.

A central idea in this alternate history is that King George III, influenced by his wife Queen Charlotte’s diverse ancestry, enacted policies promoting racial equality. As a result, people of color held positions of nobility and had aristocratic titles.

Viewers are captivated by Bridgerton, praising everything from its beautiful costumes and sets to its steamy storylines. The show’s regal atmosphere is further enhanced by narration from the iconic Julie Andrews.

Bridgerton takes viewers back to London’s glamorous high society in the 1800s, offering a fictionalized take on history that sparks the imagination. The show cleverly combines traditional historical elements with a contemporary vibe, appealing to a wide range of adult audiences.

Ted Lasso is a Feel-Good Comedy with a Serious Message

Ted Lasso brought much-needed attention to men’s mental health in sports – something few other shows had tackled before. While the show is a genuinely funny sports comedy-drama, its focus on this important topic wasn’t immediately obvious. The show actually started as a character Jason Sudeikis created for commercials on NBC Sports. The character – a relentlessly positive and charming man from the Midwest – was so popular, turning him into the star of a TV series felt like a natural next step.

Okay, so the premise is brilliantly simple: this incredibly optimistic American football coach from Kansas, Ted Lasso, gets hired to coach a professional soccer team in England. Initially, everyone thinks it’s a joke – he knows nothing about the sport, his folksy style clashes with everything they’re used to, and he quickly becomes a bit of a laughingstock. But here’s the thing: you can’t help but like the guy. Ted’s not about tactics; he’s about people. He genuinely cares, and his infectious positivity slowly starts to unite the team in a way that no seasoned, cynical British coach ever could. It’s a really heartwarming and surprisingly effective approach.

The show increasingly addresses difficult mental health issues, including childhood trauma, harmful ideas about masculinity, panic attacks, anxiety, and the pressure to find self-worth through work. However, Ted Lasso presents these serious topics with humor, making them accessible even to viewers who typically avoid emotionally heavy shows. Ultimately, the show feels timeless, with relatable stories and characters that will appeal to audiences of all ages.

Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit is a Must-Watch Coming-of-Age Drama

The popular period drama The Queen’s Gambit is widely credited with sparking a renewed interest in chess. The show follows a young woman who overcomes a difficult childhood and struggles with addiction by channeling her exceptional talent for the game. Set in the 1950s, the story is particularly notable because women rarely competed in chess, let alone excelled at such a high level.

Viewers were captivated by Elizabeth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) because of her self-assurance and seemingly carefree demeanor, which masked her internal struggles. The Queen’s Gambit is an inspiring story about overcoming expectations. Beth embraces her exceptional chess talent, consistently surprising and defeating her male opponents as she climbs the ranks to become a top player.

The hit Netflix miniseries The Queen’s Gambit sparked a surge in chess interest and was also lauded by chess experts for its realistic depiction of the game. With its compelling story, strong performances, beautiful visuals, and inspiring message about overcoming challenges, it’s a truly exceptional show that stands out regardless of when you watch it.

The Outsider Quietly Became One of the Best Stephen King Adaptations Ever

Even though it originally aired as a limited series, fans are still hoping for a continuation of . The story, adapted from the Stephen King novel of the same name, centers around Terry Maitland (Jason Bateman), a seemingly ordinary man – a husband, father, and Little League coach – who becomes the prime suspect in a horrific murder.

Even though he claims he didn’t do it, and those who know him are shocked by the accusation, video evidence appears to show him committing the crime. But is that the whole story? As detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn) digs deeper, he uncovers something much larger, unsettling, and possibly supernatural. The investigation takes unexpected turns, and it’s this compelling mystery that keeps fans talking about The Outsider years later – it remains a standout series.

With a fantastic cast including Bill Camp, Julianne Nicholson, Mare Winningham, Paddy Considine, and Cynthia Erivo, The Outsider skillfully combines mystery, horror, and drama. It’s a visually striking and realistic show featuring complex, believable characters.

Star Trek: Picard Brought a Fan-Favorite Character Back For Another Story

Shows from the world of Star Trek are almost always considered instant classics, and Star Trek: Picard is no exception – especially given its high quality. This sci-fi series, the eighth installment in the franchise, revisits the story of Starfleet Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), who is still grappling with the loss of Data twenty years later.

Season three of Star Trek: Picard brings back familiar faces alongside new ones, successfully capturing the classic Star Trek spirit. A highlight of the season is its touching tribute to Data, featuring the introduction of his synthetic daughter, who invites Picard on a brand new journey.

The story follows Picard as he embarks on a new journey, facing familiar enemies, exploring different realities, and even traveling through time. Expect surprising character reveals, new threats, and, ultimately, a fight for the galaxy’s survival. It delivers everything a Star Trek fan could hope for, and more, cementing Star Trek: Picard as a standout series within the franchise. Whether it’s your absolute favorite or not, it’s essential viewing for dedicated Star Trek enthusiasts.

Mrs. America Explored Both Sides of Feminism in the 1970s

The push for women’s rights remains strong, and the series Mrs. America is a standout example of a show celebrating female empowerment. It focuses on Phyllis Schlafly (played by Cate Blanchett), a conservative activist who, in the 1970s, led the opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment. Schlafly also opposed gay rights and abortion, becoming a key voice and ally for traditional conservatives.

The show is a dramatization of events, meaning some details have been fictionalized for storytelling purposes – this is noted at the start of each episode. It also highlights the efforts of influential women like Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, Shirley Chisholm, Bella Abzug, and Jill Ruckelshaus, portraying their dedication to achieving progress for women in politics and society.

As a film buff, I found Mrs. America really sparked my interest and made me want to dive deeper into the stories of these women – their struggles, their triumphs, and the impact they had. It also got me thinking about Phyllis Schlafly and how she could hold such different beliefs from the feminists of her time. Honestly, the show feels incredibly relevant right now, with everything going on politically and the ongoing conversations around the MeToo movement. I think Mrs. America will be remembered as something special – a really engaging mix of education, entertainment, and a fascinating look at two very opposing sides of a huge cultural debate.

2026-03-20 02:13