While TV shows such as Game of Thrones[1] and Stranger Things[2] continue to hog the limelight, there are a lot of other series that fail to be noticed or don’t get the attention they deserve. And in Peak TV’s ongoing gold rush, 2017 was no exception. With the year rapidly drawing to a close, we decided to make note of television content that deserves your viewing attention.
Here are the best TV shows of 2017, in alphabetical order:
Better Things
The second season of Pamela Adlon’s semi-autobiographical show, which focuses on a single mother raising three daughters by herself, was a lot like the first: heart-warming, funny, expressive, grounded, charming, and brimming with energy. Better Things subtly improved in ways that added layers to all its primary characters, while delivering poignant observations that cause you to reflect on the wonders and challenges of parenting and family.
There isn’t a single show like Better Things currently on TV, which can say more with sighs and grunts that other shows fail to express with actual dialogue. It’s testament to Adlon’s talents – who writes, directs, produces, and stars in the show – that the FX half-hour series is such a gem. And though Louis C.K. was involved on season two, he’ll no longer be a part going forward, after he admitted to sexual misconduct allegations.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
If you knew nothing about the show, it’s easy to see why the title and role of “crazy ex-girlfriend” might come across as anti-feminist drivel. But the CW series – from Golden Globe-winning Rachel Bloom – is a strong and positive ensemble story, one that tackles everything from a sense of identity to mental...