The 20 Best New TV Shows of 2016
Below are the highest-scoring first-year TV series debuting in the United States between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. 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.)
Quirky and surreal, comedian Maria Bamford's Netflix series is as much an original as Bamford herself. Set during several different time periods and locations, Lady Dynamite is loosely based on the comedian's own life, including her relationship with her parents and her struggles with bipolar disorder. Arrested Development creator Mitch Hurwitz serves as producer, and the impressive supporting cast includes Mary Kay Place, Ana Gasteyer, Fred Melamed, Bridget Everett, Lennon Parham, Jenny Slate, and Ed Begley Jr., with appearances from Patton Oswalt, Tig Notaro, Sarah Silverman, Brian Posehn, and more.