Top 10 Most Exciting TV Shows of 2021 (That I've Watched)

While movies are often associated with a larger than life experience and going to the cinemas to enjoy films on a big screen, TV shows have always been about curling up in your couch with our favorite blanket/person/pet/food and experiencing the episodic narrative that comes with the small screen. Whether we enjoyed being transported to the fantastical but often brutal land of Westeros, envisioned ourselves as one of the F.r.i.e.n.d.s or wished to work in THE Office, there has always been a show for everyone and for every occasion.

Although, I wasn't able to experience every single piece of content whether good or bad this year (I know. Shocking), having definitely watched a show or two in my time therefore I decided to put together my personal list of TV shows that moved me and brought me the most joy in 2021. (If this paragraph looks eerily familiar then congratulations you are now my best friend)

[Disclaimer: Rankings are completely subjective and based purely on the authors opinion and sensibilities. Any resemblance to anyone dead or alive is purely coincidental.]

#10. The Serpent

Based on the exploits of real life serial killer, conman and thief Charles Sobhraj, this TV mini series works brilliantly as a tight and suspenseful crime thriller while also being the character study of a man who lied to and manipulated everyone he ever met from hapless tourists to those who trusted in him the most. Actor Tahar Rahim who plays the infamous killer steals the show with his performance that keeps us as the viewer hooked and wanting more.

Directed by: Hans Herbots, Tom Shankland

Starring: Tahar Rahim, Billy Howle and Jenna Coleman

#9. Hawkeye

As the name would suggest, Hawkeye follows the adventures of Clint Barton played by Jeremy Renner who takes on a new protegee played by the incredibly talented Hailee Steinfeld and must fight crime in New York but also be back home in time for Christmas. Filled with endearing characters, endless Christmas cheer, the goodest boy put to television this year and a big (literally) surprise towards the end, Hawkeye has something for everyone despite the shortcomings of its finale.

Directed by: Bert, Bertie and Rhys Thomas

Starring: Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Florence Pugh and Vera Farmiga

#8. Aranyak

Set in the eerie hills of fictional town Sironah, this crime drama starring yesteryear Bollywood superstar Raveena Tandon proved to be one of the more bingeable shows of 2021 despite the length of its episodes (4o mins on avg) owing to the gripping nature of its narrative based around the rape and murder of a young foreigner. Despite the sometimes convenient nature of its finale, Aranyak provides more than enough in terms of likeable protagonists, shifty supporting acts, despicable antagonistic forces and even the hint of a deadly beast lurking in the dense, misty forests that surround Sironah.

Directed by: Vinay Waikul

Starring: Raveen Tandon, Parambrata Chattopadhyay and Ashutosh Rana

#7. Kota Factory Season 2

Following on from the highly rated first season, Kota Factory S2 once again proves that multimedia company The Viral Fever are indeed the leading name when it comes to telling believable, relatable, humorous and sometimes heart wrenching stories about almost every aspect of the average Indian life. Jitendra Kumar who portrays Jitu Sir aka the educator we all wished we had in High School or University, delivers yet another stellar performance while the rest of the talented young cast play their parts to a tee.

Directed by: Raghav Subbu

Starring: Mayur More, Jitendra Kumar, Rajan Raj, Alam Khan, Ahsaas Channa, Revathi Pillai and Urvi Singh

#6. Only Murders in the Building

What do you get when you combine two comedic legends, a popstar and true crime podcasts? The answer is you get one of the most fun shows of the year that is a perfect stress buster in a time when anxieties are at an all time high. Only Murders in the Building puts forth a highly amusing take on the lives of three true crime fanatics who grab the chance to solve a murder that occurs in their apartment building (hence the title) and takes the viewer on an enjoyable journey through their eyes.

Directed by: Jamie Babbit, Cherien Dabis, Gillian Robespierre and Don Scardino

Starring: Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez

#5. Squid Game

The South Korean sensation that took over the world in 2021 stands up as a genuinely entertaining watch despite having seeped into virtually every aspect of pop culture since its release. A fascinating plot, a diverse set of characters and a likeable protagonist in the form of Seong Gi-Hun played by actor Lee Jung-Jae make Squid Game a cant miss.

Directed by: Hwang Dong-Hyuk

Starring: Lee Jung-Jae, Park Hae-Soo and Wi Ha-Joon, Jung Hoyeon and Oh Yeong-Su

#4. Mare of Easttown

Another gripping murder mystery that came out this year, Mare of Easttown reminded us why Kate Winslet continues to be an acting powerhouse as she portrays a police detective in a small town in Pennsylvania who must solve a murder while simultaneously trying to bandage the fractured relationships in her life. Although definitely a slow burner in terms of the pacing and world building, it is all worthwhile in the end as the conclusion completely satisfies.

Directed by: Craig Zobel

Starring: Kate Winslet, Julianne Nicholson, Jean Smart and Evan Peters

#3. Tabbar

Probably eligible to receive the award for most underrated show of the year, Tabbar snuck up on a lot of people and understandably so considering the lack of major star power and the relative international anonymity of a streaming service like Sony Liv. However this tale from small town Punjab about a retired policeman who is willing to go to any lengths to protect his family after they become embroiled with people in powerful positions, is told delightfully well and nails all the little details perfectly. All the while the central narrative remains dark, jaw dropping and tense in all the right ways.

Directed by: Ajitpal Singh

Starring: Pawan Malhotra, Supriya Pathak and Ranvir Shorey

#2. Invincible

'There's no way this is going to be unlike anything I've already seen before' is what I said to myself as I started watching Invincible and I was proven wrong in the last few mins of the very first episode which in turn set the table perfectly for what was to come. Based on the comic of the same name, this show utilizes the established formula of a son trying to escape his father's shadow very cleverly to subvert expectations and then hit hard with some brutal storytelling and fight sequences. Definitely one for all superhero fans.

Directed by: Jeff Allen, Paul Furminger, Jay Baker, Cory Evans, Jae Harms and others

Starring: Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, J.K Simmons, Zazie Beetz and Grey Griffin

#1. Arcane

A major triumph for animation in the truest sense of the word, Arcane stands tall as the most visually appealing piece of media in a year that also saw the release of Dune. Brimming with incredibly animated vistas, rich music and sounds, greatly complex and compelling characters and brilliant voice acting while simultaneously possessing one of the most captivating stories put to screen in a long time is reason enough to anoint Arcane as the best of the year in the opinion of many.

Directed by: Pascal Charrue, Arnauld Delord and Jerome Combe

Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Kevin Alejandro, Jason Spisak and Harry Lloyd