We’re starting to feel like the Covid years are going to merge all into one. However, 2021 wasn’t all bad news. From Adele’s Instagram live stream to Taylor’s Swift’s own version of ‘Red’ and the long-awaited James Bond movie, there was plenty to keep us entertained. Most importantly though, 2021 saw some fantastic TV shows hit our screens. So, just in case you missed them, here are the best TV shows of 2021, wrapped up.

Squid Game

It has been called the Korean ‘Hunger Games’, but Squid Games is so much more intense than that. In this series, shown on Netflix, hundreds of cash-strapped individuals, accept an invitation to become players on a brand new TV show. At first, they think they are just competing in harmless children’s games but they soon discover that they are fighting to the death. What’s more, if you liked Squid Game, try giving these other Korean shows a go. 

It’s a Sin

It’s a Sin is a British 2021 drama that tells the story of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 80s and early 90s. Written by Russel T Davies, the show is based on his own real-life experiences. It’s undoubtedly one of the best TV shows in 2021.

Sex Education

We were so happy when we heard that the British TV show, Sex Education, would be returning to Netflix for a third season. This tongue-in-cheek series, which perhaps encapsulates what school felt like for a lot of us, is hilariously funny. What’s more, it addresses important topics such as LGBTQ issues, rape, bullying, and STDs.

Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father 

Every single season of this comedy travel show has had us in fits of laughter. However, the last season aired in 2021, was extra-special as it was the final one. The show follows outrageously funny British comedian, Jack Whitehall, travelling around the UK with his stuffy, old-fashioned father. It’s hilarious and comical yet also heartwarming- and dare we say, educational?

Friends: The Reunion

Ok, we know it’s not exactly a TV series, but the Friends Reunion was one of the most highly anticipated shows and in our opinion- one of the best things to land on TV in 2021. It’s not another fictional episode for say, but rather a celebration of the phenomenon that is Friends. In this special, Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer, read lines, recount tales, and reminisce over the show. It will make you laugh and cry.

Love Island

The reality TV show, Love Island, returned for yet another season this year and it was a real treat. Our favorite moment was when Hugo defended newly dumped Chloe and calls out Toby for womanizing. Classic. To find out more, read: An homage to Toby, Love Island’s most chaotic contestant.

Maid

 

One of the most compelling TV shows on Netflix in 2021 was Maid. In this American drama, Alex is a young single mother who escapes her abusive husband with her young daughter. With few options, Alex turns to house-cleaning to make money as they try to overcome homelessness in search of a better life. It’s a compelling and heartwarming TV show, that portrays how hard it is for single women to get back up when they have been kicked down, in society today.

And Just Like That

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy8Zz7Q56dY

‘And just like that’, Sex and the City came back to our screens- well, sort of. Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte (minus Samantha) return, amongst other familiar faces, for this reboot. It’s been almost 20 years since SATC left our screens and while some things have changed, a lot hasn’t. We won’t give any spoilers!

The Olympic Games 2021

Of course, the event that had the whole world glued to their TV in 2021 was the Olympics. Held in Tokyo, the Olympic games provided much-needed relief from the doom and gloom of Covid and united countries all across the world.

That’s the best TV shows of 2021, wrapped up. Let us know if we missed any and tell us what you are looking forward to watching in the coming year.