John’s top 10 TV shows of 2020
2020 television: Like everything else, TV took a hit in this year of the pandemic, but networks felt the impact more so than streaming and premium.
Television
Frenetic ‘Flight Attendant’ Season 1 sticks the landing
TV review: Kaley Cuoco breaks free of her “Big Bang Theory” days as the titular hot mess who gets caught up in a serious mystery.
Grant, Kidman shine in Kelley’s ‘The Undoing’
TV review: HBO’s “The Undoing” is the latest dark murder mystery from David E. Kelley, and it’s a compelling one thanks in part to a stellar cast.
Short-lived ‘Drive’ (2007) doesn’t get up to speed
TV shows lost to history (Review): The cast is remarkable — including Nathan Fillion and Emma Stone — but “Drive” is unable to rev up in its six episodes.
‘Queen’s Gambit’ the Grandmaster of short-form drama
TV review: Anya Taylor-Joy is outstanding in this miniseries that takes us to the 1950s and 1960s in all their pastel and analog glory.
‘Haunting of Bly Manor’ a beautiful, flawed meditation on love
TV review: It’s not as scary or as good as “Haunting of Hill House,” but this follow-up features a lot of beautiful storytelling.
Lily Collins shines in predictable ‘Emily in Paris’
First episode impressions (TV reviews): Here are my early takes on “Emily in Paris,” the horror series “Monsterland” and the MCU’s “Helstrom.”
Carter’s ‘Harsh Realm’ (1999-2000) gets harsh treatment
One-season wonders (TV review): The timing seemed perfect, as it came out right after “The Matrix.” But people had gotten their 1999 fill of VR worlds.
‘Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous’ appeals to geeks, kids
TV review: “Camp Cretaceous” Season 1 successfully walks the tightrope, giving something to both kids and adult “Jurassic Park” geeks.
‘Next’ a tired take on artificial intelligence fears
First episode impressions (TV review): The umpteenth series to warn us about artificial intelligence ranks among the most forgettable.