Jason Cooke’s Top Ten Shows of 2020
The year 2020 en-captured so much more than any TV show could depict: the struggles, challenges, and heartbreak the year caused is like non other. However, the role these following ten shows took on in 2020 was massive.
Whether it was the fact of being locked inside with nothing to do besides binge a show, or the temporary escape from society that was much needed, watching these ten selections fulfilled all of it. These picks may not be the best performances in terms of critics reviews or praise, but they are ten powerful and interesting productions that paved the way through 2020. When creating this list, shows that separated themselves through detail, cast, and the overall important themes that were displayed in the plot are the shows that were selected.
10. All American
The two (soon to be three) season show All American captures the amount of emotion and drama that really creates a connection with its characters. Throughout the show, there are numerous instances where the viewer can put themselves in the shoes and perspective of another character and see what they are battling. Following the journey of Spencer James is riveting and brings every ounce of emotion out.
The football scenes were not perfect, but the appeal to the show comes from what life is like out of sports for the main characters. The amount of plot twists and unexpected events that take place make this show impossible to put down. A season three is highly anticipated.
9. Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez
The one of two documentaries on the list, the three-episode series answered all the unknown questions about the events of Aaron Hernandez, and how he went from a superstar athlete to a murderer. The story in itself is of horror, but the depth in which the episodes go into is interesting to not only a sports fan, but anyone. Although the series is brief, it is suspenseful, and offers everything and more involving the life of Hernandez.
The documentary is well put together, including interviews with a vast variety of people and an abundance of real security footage of Hernandez. At the end of watching, I was left with an eerie feeling, but also learned a lot about the case that I felt was important.
8. The Queen’s Gambit
The Queen’s Gambit, a historical drama that I personally thought I would not like, turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The entirety of the series is revolved around the idea of competitiveness and Beth’s ability to endure the challenges that are presented to her. As a girl competing, she faces an immediate, obvious challenge which is exciting to watch as she succeeds.
The series is not necessarily my cup of tea, but it was still very exciting and deserves to be mentioned as one of the top shows to release in the year 2020.
7. Away
Another choice that is under the radar, the series Away on Netflix is another example of a show that hits every emotion and a series that cannot be put down until it is finished. Although the plot is rather simple, the image of a true sense of family that is portrayed is what ties this series together. Any sci-fi lover would find this series incredible, along with anyone looking for quick 10 episode season to fly through with no regrets.
6. The 100
2020 delivered the final season of the show The 100 and it did not disappoint. Highly anticipated, every episode contains the same dose of action that fans of the series are accustomed to, along with the same cast that continues to impress in terms of acting ability. The previous seasons of The 100 are still better than its final addition, but the seventh series caps off the journey in a way that is not amazing, but acceptable.
5. Outer Banks
Moving on with the better portion of the list, Outer Banks is a series that had the perfect amount of adventure, triumph, and defeat that made it one of the better Netflix releases of the year. The social divide and the problems it creates fuels the ability to relate to the show with a cast that is love-able in terms of acting and personality along with the excellent plot in which they present. It was hard not to imagine what life in Outer Banks is like and truly connect and interact with the series.
4 Ozark
Another one of the better Netflix releases of the year, this show checks every box. The plot is appealing, keeps the audience engaged. The first few episodes may be hard to get through, but when the series picks up it is impossible to stop watching.
The theme of “family first” is what the series heavily relies on, and it delivers to every expectation. The episodes are not as dramatic as other shows on this list, but they contain the amount of substance needed to keep the viewer attached.
3. The Last Dance
The final documentary on the list, this series truly took the whole world by storm. For a period of time, the airing of this production was an event, and it was took all the social media buzz with it. Sports fan or not, the documentary captures every detail that made Michael Jordan great; Jordan revolutionized the way the sport of basketball and its fans were connected, which is shown through every part of the series.
The series is produced well, and includes the level of intrigue that separates itself from any other sports documentary series. Jordan was not just a sports icon, he was a cultural phenomenon, and the series does an excellent job on using real footage from his time along with new, never told before stories that brings everything together.
2. The Mandalorian
Season 2 of The Mandalorian released in 2020, and the entirety of the series delivers the Star Wars feel that every fan would hope to see. The episodes are rather short, but the concept of the Mandalorian and who he is makes for an interesting plot for every episode. Through the series, the Mandalorian’s soft side is revealed, which combats with his level of intensity and intimidation, a recipe for any solid production.
The producers successfully gave the series the Star Wars feel that everyone is used to, ranking this show high on the list.
- Saving Jacob
The best show that has been released in 2020 (that I have watched) is Saving Jacob. This show is mysterious, yet fast paced and riveting with the amount of action and drama that creates for a masterpiece. The plot of the series relies on the development of its characters, which is knocked out of the part. By the end, I felt as though I personally knew the Barber’s. It is an unimaginable scenario, and the events that take place perfectly capture what it would be like for a family to endure this process.
Another theme revolving around the idea of family first, family is “put first” in a different way that makes the audience question the extent of how much family can truly be made a priority, and the cost at which that will be made possible.