The 10 Best Shows of 2021

We're biased of course, but really, these shows delivered on their promise over and over again

Perhaps it’s because we were still stuck at home for the first half of the year, but 2021 was an especially great year of TV. With time to actually watch more than a few favorites, we were able to discover genres we didn’t know we loved, jump back into franchises we’d lost touch with and invest in new international obsessions.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

Shows like Mare of Easttown, Succession, Ted Lasso and Only Murders in the Building will find a way on most mainstream best of the year lists. This is where we want to highlight the shows that speak to us and deal with stories affecting us. That being said, here are the best TV shows of 2021.

What If…?

Screenshot: Disney+

This is such a fun alternate universe concept. We’ve spent 26 movies in the MCU, so at this point it feels like we know these characters in and out. What If..? gave us a chance to explore new aspects of their stories. Specifically, “What If...T’Challa Became Star-Lord?” showcased how truly important T’Challa is to the whole universe.

His presence changes the lives of everyone in the galaxy, as he’s able to make Thanos see there’s a better way and convince Yondu the Ravagers can be used for good. It’s a heart-breaking, yet beautiful tribute to Chadwick Boseman in his final performance as T’Challa.

What If…? Is streaming on Disney+.

Gangs of London

Screenshot: AMC/SKY

If you love mafia movies and are deeply invested in the Power universe, then you absolutely need to check out Gangs of London. When Finn Wallace, the boss of London, is killed, it sets off a chain reaction throughout the underworld that leaves no family unscathed. It’s up to the Dumanis, the brains behind the Wallace’s brawn to keep business moving. And did we mention the Dumanis are Black?

Sope Dirisu stars as Elliot, a low level soldier who moves up the ranks of the Wallace family and becomes personally involved with the Dumanis. It’s a brutal, captivating emotional series that keeps us guessing everyone’s motivations until the very end. We’re expecting season 2 sometime in 2022, and we can’t wait.

Gangs of London Season 1 is streaming on AMC+.

The Underground Railroad

Screenshot: Kyle Kaplan/Amazon Studios

Adapting Colson Whitehead’s novel would be no small feat for the most accomplished filmmaker. However, Barry Jenkins presents us with a masterclass in storytelling. At this point, we know what to expect from movies and TV shows about slavery. Even the best ones eventually end up in the same place. Never once did we feel that predictability while watching The Underground Railroad.

The series was also bolstered by the amazing performances of its cast. We’d be remiss if we didn’t highlight young Chase Dillon as Homer, the project’s most fascinating character. We’re not going to claim this is an easy watch, but this is a great example of how to tell complex stories of our history.

The Underground Railroad is streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Insecure

Screenshot: HBO

For its final season, Insecure is letting its characters grow up in a way they’ve never had to before. Issa is fully committed to growing her business, while Molly cares for her ailing mother. Lawrence even has to learn how to be a present father and put someone else’s needs first.

After five seasons of being intimately involved in these characters’ lives, it’s nice to see them maturing into adulthood. As fantastic as season 4 was, we’re really enjoying the relatability of season 5. Plus, we still get hilariously awkward moments of Issa trying to flirt and Kelli’s memorable one-liners.

Insecure is streaming on HBO Max.

The Equalizer

Screenshot: CBS

Quiet as it’s kept, The Equalizer is one of CBS’ best shows. It seems to get lost in the CBS procedural shuffle and football overruns, but it’s a really well done action drama. Queen Latifah is perfectly cast as Robyn McCall, a former CIA operator who now uses her skills to help regular citizens.

She takes on mobsters, drug dealers, crooked cops and narcissistic tech billionaires. Robyn is portrayed as a badass on the same level as Jason Bourne or John Wick. Honestly, she’s the action hero we’ve been waiting for, so it’s a shame the network isn’t giving the show a bigger push. It’s the best show you’re not watching. And as usual, Queen Latifah’s hair is perfect in every scene.

The Equalizer is streaming on Paramount+.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Screenshot: IMDB

Obviously it was sad to see Steve Rogers leave the MCU, but we were also excited to see Sam Wilson finally suit up as Captain America. However, before we got there, Disney+ gave us six hours of quality storytelling and character development.

Of course, Sam couldn’t just jump in and be Captain America, because he still considered Steve Captain America. When the government replaced him with a bargain bin, great value brand Cap, we felt Sam’s heartbreak in our soul. Add in the always awesome Carl Lumbly finally telling Isiah Bradley’s story and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is the comics story we’ve been waiting a lifetime for.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is streaming on Disney+

WandaVision

Photo: Disney Media

A limited series where the characters live on TV in classic sitcoms is one of the craziest premises we’ve ever heard. The only two characters who can make it work are Wanda and Vision. Once you get past the vintage TV and laugh tracks, WandaVision is a beautiful story of grief and loss.

Through Wanda’s TV fantasy we are introduced to the adult Monica Rambeau. We initially met her as a child in Captain Marvel, but now she’s a fully grown S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who finds herself forever changed during her time in Westview. Having lost her mother during Thanos’ snap, Monica understands Wanda’s grief, but doesn’t have time for her own. She’s clearly the smartest, most capable agent, so of course her boss is threatened by her. Now literally empowered, we can’t wait to see where the character is when she returns in the film The Marvels.

WandaVision is streaming on Disney+.

Batwoman

Screenshot: The CW

When Batwoman announced it was casting a brand new character to wear the cowl, and she was Black, the usual backlash wasn’t a surprise. All those complaints were quickly put to rest with Javicia Leslie’s unapologetically Black Batwoman. From her new natural wig to the batsuit highlighting her curves, there is no denying this hero isn’t like the old one.

With a new hero came a new focus. Ryan Wilder’s background as a homeless ex-con, framed by a corrupt system opened the show up to explore a corner of the Bat universe we’ve never seen before. Batwoman uses its comic book origins to tell modern day stories of racial profiling, the disparities in missing women of color and police violence, setting itself apart from the rest of the genre in the best way possible.

Batwoman airs Wednesdaya at 8/7c on The CW, and streams on The CW app.

Pose

Photo: Getty Images Valerie Macon

Sometimes a TV show comes along and is so ground-breaking and influential it’s impact can never be duplicated. That’s Pose. Season 3 saw our favorite characters get happy endings and bittersweet goodbyes after two seasons of constant struggle.

Though it’s only six episodes, the season provided every major character a chance to stand out and wrap up their arcs. The way the series depicted the joy of the LGBTQ community as they simultaneously fight injustice and bigotry is authentically beautiful. Producers may have always meant for it to run three seasons, but we could’ve lived in that world with Blanca, Pray Tell, Elektra, Angel and Papi forever.

Colin in Black & White

Photo: Getty Images Emma McIntyre

He’s been such a public, well known figure for so long it’s easy to think we know Colin Kaepernick’s story. In Colin in Black & White we learn that there’s so much more to the athlete/activist than public perception. Over six episodes, we follow teenage Colin through high school as he becomes the quarterback we watched in the Super Bowl, and learns how to keep his identity while living in a predominantly white world.

Kaepernick narrates his life as we watch it play out, intercutting it with similar stories from Black history and his own adult experiences. It’s a brilliant, unique look at how childhood shapes us into who we’re meant to be. Hands down, this is the best TV of 2021.

Colin in Black & White is streaming on Netflix.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Steve Harvey's Gorgeous $15 Million Once Owned by Tyler Perry

Steve Harvey’s Gorgeous $15 Million Once Owned by Tyler Perry

With a 70,000 gallon infinity pool to a home theater and wine cellar, Steve Harvey's mansion is one of the most expensive properties in Atlanta, Ga ...
The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

From Brian Tyree Henry getting down and dirty to David Oyelowo searching for a fresh start: we've got what you need to watch! ...

New AI TikTok Trend Has Gorillas Posing as Black Women, and Folks are <i>Pissed</i>

New AI TikTok Trend Has Gorillas Posing as Black Women, and Folks are Pissed

Yes, it's exactly what you think it is. And yes, you should be offended ...
Rumi Carter's Funniest Moment Even Made Beyoncé Stop Singing and Giggle

Rumi Carter’s Funniest Moment Even Made Beyoncé Stop Singing and Giggle

Rumi's latest moment on the Cowboy Carter World Tour was her most adorable yet ...
Why Diddy, Young Thug Attorney Brian Steel Is The White Johnnie Cochran

Why Diddy, Young Thug Attorney Brian Steel Is The White Johnnie Cochran

If you are rich, Black and get caught up, there is only one number you should call ...
'Sinners' Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here's What That Means

‘Sinners’ Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here’s What That Means

The deaf community was plagued by racial segregation, so Black Americans decided to create their own rendition of the language to serve their communities ...
A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

The video of the volatile incident is making rounds on the internet and has everyone talking ...
Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card...Literally

Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card…Literally

Mamdani appears to have an interesting past when it comes to how he identifies racially, but what's it really all about? ...
If Poor Black, White People Unite, They'd Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here's Why The Powers That Be Won't Let Them

If Poor Black, White People Unite, They’d Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here’s Why The Powers That Be Won’t Let Them

We need to understand that America's current racial political divisions did not happen naturally. People in power did not want Black and white people to work together ...
What Diddy Will Eating and Doing In Prison This Fourth Of July

What Diddy Will Eating and Doing In Prison This Fourth Of July

Wondering what Diddy will be eating and Doing this holiday? Here's all the tea ...
A White Male TikToker Decided To Use Black Hair Relaxer... The Results Will Surprise You

A White Male TikToker Decided To Use Black Hair Relaxer… The Results Will Surprise You

A white TikTok Creator decided to use relaxer on his hair and... it worked? ...
Diddy's Best Friend Charlie Liucci is Being <i>Loud</i> About His Next Moves Will Be Following Acquittal

Diddy’s Best Friend Charlie Liucci is Being Loud About His Next Moves Will Be Following Acquittal

He's been spotted wearing "FREE PUFF" merch, now, Charlie Liucci has an inside scoop on what Diddy will do once released ...
How Baltimore Beat 'The Wire' Homicide Curse Under This Black Mayor

How Baltimore Beat ‘The Wire’ Homicide Curse Under This Black Mayor

Violent crime has plagued Baltimore for generations, and "The Wire's" depiction of drug and gang life surely hasn't helped... but there's hope ...
Best Self-Help Reads for Black Resilience in Uncertain Times

Best Self-Help Reads for Black Resilience in Uncertain Times

In these challenging times, these books can give you the hope you need ...
'Hey Google' and Other Voice Assistants Are Terrifying Children and Confusing Bemused Parents

‘Hey Google’ and Other Voice Assistants Are Terrifying Children and Confusing Bemused Parents

Social media is buzzing about the strange reaction kids are having to smart speakers in their homes ...
Internet Believes Eerie Photo Predicted Black Fort Worth Family's Tragedy

Internet Believes Eerie Photo Predicted Black Fort Worth Family’s Tragedy

A big rig driver admitted he fell asleep at the wheel in Kaufman County before he collided with stopped traffic ...
Why Philadelphia is Going Viral For Streets That Look Like a Landfill

Why Philadelphia is Going Viral For Streets That Look Like a Landfill

Libraries are closed, the medical examiner's office has a backlog of bodies, and trash is piling up everywhere ...
How Bakari Sellers Just Got the Ultimate Revenge on His MAGA CNN Colleague

How Bakari Sellers Just Got the Ultimate Revenge on His MAGA CNN Colleague

Sellers and Jennings often go back and forth on the CNN show, and this was only amplified when Jennings asked Sellers not to touch him during one viral interaction from December ...
The Scary Reason 'American Idol' Winner Jamal Roberts Declined a Key to This Southern Town

The Scary Reason ‘American Idol’ Winner Jamal Roberts Declined a Key to This Southern Town

While Roberts' reasoning is understandable, it's a shame he had to make the decision in the first place ...
A Black Mom Posted Video of a Terrifying Exchange She had with Police in Delaware

A Black Mom Posted Video of a Terrifying Exchange She had with Police in Delaware

Black Mom Says Cops Approached Her and Her Children With Guns Drawn ...