The 20 Best New TV Shows of 2018

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – December 28, 2018

Above are the highest-scoring first-year TV series debuting in the United States between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018. Shows are ranked by Metascore (an average of grades from top professional critics on a 0-100 scale) prior to rounding, and any programs with fewer than 7 reviews are excluded. (Note that limited series, as well as TV movies and specials, will be ranked in a separate list arriving this weekend.)

17 of 22 photo by ABC/Robert Trachtenberg

75 #17: The Conners

Unexpectedly revived after over 20 years off the air, Roseanne wasn't just the most-viewed "new" show of the 2017-18 season; it was the highest-rated show, period. Then, with one tweet, Roseanne Barr forced ABC to cancel plans for another season just two months after the renewal was announced. Instead, the network went forward with this "spinoff," which is effectively Roseanne, minus Roseanne, whose character was promptly killed off. The result has been a hit with reviewers and viewers. Though ratings have dropped a bit since the opening episode, the network is already negotiating for a second season.

“While The Conners is packed with poignant and tearful moments, it’s mostly really, really funny.” —Michael Ausiello, TVLine

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