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| Will Hart / NBC |
The year known as 2021 is almost over. Okay, there are technically three months left in it, and television will undoubtedly get turned upside down by what is to come. Why? Because believe it or not, another season of “The Blacklist” is already almost upon us. For now, though, this list of 2021’s Best TV Shows will dive into what has happened so far this year.
Of course, this list could look different by the end of the year. The third season of Netflix juggernaut “You” and Season 4 of Paramount Network’s breakout hit “Yellowstone” has yet to premiere. Until that happens, the slate of 2021’s Best TV Shows so far is pretty straightforward.
What you will find below is Part 1 of 2 in this six-entry list. The thinking behind this is to shake things up a little and not include every show in one sitting. Plus, it is less intimidating to read. If you disagree (or agree), please feel free to leave a comment in the section below the list. It is there and ready for you.
Take heart because Part 2 will be available very quickly on the heels of Part 1, so you will not have to wait long at all. So, if you want to go ahead and read it after you finish the first half, you can click here. Below you will find Part 1 of 2021’s Best TV Shows (so far) and the reasons for why they made the cut. Jump on in!
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| Camila Jurado / Netflix |
#6: Luis Miguel
The colorful life of singing legend Luis Miguel gets another chapter with Season 2, and in a surprising twist, it is just as enthralling as the first. In Season 2, “Luis Miguel” deals with its star trying to be a dad while balancing fame, fortune, betrayal, heartache, and his great love. Tremendous tragedy continues to envelop Luis Miguel, and with every step, Diego Boneta seizes the moment.
The most staggering scene arrives in Episode 5 of Season 2 (“Come Fly with Me”). In it, Luis has a poignant conversation with his greatest mentor, Hugo (César Bordón). It is a tremendously written and acted scene that speaks to “Luis Miguel” in its entirety. The groundbreakingly brilliant show examines the crown-worthy struggle of being a man to some and a music superstar to many.
I love this show. Season 1 and Season 2 of “Luis Miguel” are currently streaming on Netflix. It has gotten renewed for a third and final season, according to Variety. Unfortunately, Season 3 does not have a release date yet.
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| Will Hart / NBC |
#5: The Blacklist
NBC’s veteran crime drama came roaring back with a controversial season sold as providing closure, which it did not quite achieve. In fact, I would argue that I still have a gaping emotional wound following the Season 8 finale. The upside to that is there is still more to come, and to the credit of “The Blacklist,” I am still anxious to see where that will take us.
Season 8’s storytelling is tight as it shows what it can do without Liz, only to light up when she makes her in-the-flesh return. Aram and Harold both get deservedly more time on-screen, which their portrayers -- Amir Arison and Harry Lennix -- make the most of with gleeful results. Thanks to its cast and writing, “The Blacklist” is one of those shows that’s quality is always admirable, even if a twist is frustrating to watch manifest.
“The Blacklist” Season 9 will premiere on Thursday, October 21 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. In the meantime, please remember how beautiful the series’ tribute to Glen/Clark Middleton was this season. That episode alone was one of TV’s best hours this year.
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| Netflix |
#4: Who Killed Sara?
The question has sat at the center of “Who Killed Sara?” for two seasons going on three. The Netflix series investigates the question its title asks by breaking it down into multiple facets. It is a revenge story, a family drama, examines the turmoil of parental politics, and tries to solve that murder mystery -- of course.
To its credit, Season 2 steps out of Season 1’s shadow with quite a few dizzying twists that are actually as jarring as they are supposed to be. Kudos to the cast who sell every startling moment with genuine ease. Thankfully, series creator José Ignacio Valenzuela’s baby is turning three. This viewer cannot get enough of this sleekly crafted thriller.
The first two seasons of “Who Killed Sara?” are now streaming on Netflix. Season 3 will premiere on the streamer at a later yet-to-be-determined date.
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Curious about what you have read so far? Do not forget to check out Part 2 when it gets released. It will comprise the top three and accordingly reveal which TV show took the top spot. If you have been reading Eclectic Pop lately, you can probably guess the champion. TV in 2021 has been hyper-competitive and not lacking in great options. So, this list was tough to put together.
Interestingly, the first half of the list is entirely streamable on Netflix. Thus, making it readily available to watch alongside many other great shows, including “You.” I hope that Season 3 lives up to expectations and manages to give “Yellowstone” a run for its year-end money. We shall see, though.
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