The 20 Best New TV Shows of 2019

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – December 29, 2019

Above are the highest-scoring first-year TV series debuting in the United States between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. 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, are ranked in a separate list.)

15 of 21 photo by Courtesy of OWN & Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc./ Photographer: Rod Millington

80 David Makes Man (OWN)

(#15) Moonlight writer Tarell Alvin McCraney's debut TV series stars Akili McDowell and Phylicia Rashad and counts Oprah Winfrey and Michael B. Jordan among its producers. The Florida-set drama is a coming-of-age tale (loosely based on McCraney's own life) focusing on a 14-year-old prodigy who turns to education as an escape from poverty and a traumatic home life. The series was recently renewed for a second season.

“Coming-of-age tales are nothing new, but few have the authenticity and poignant power of David's.” —Matt Roush, TV Guide Magazine

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