The 20 Best New TV Shows of 2019 (So Far)

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – July 2, 2019

Which newcomers on the small screen have impressed reviewers the most during the first half of the year? Above, find the highest-scoring first-year TV shows (and miniseries) debuting between January 1, 2019 and June 30, 2019. Only shows with at least 7 reviews from professional critics are included.

7 of 21 photo by Netflix

80 #13 (tie): Tuca & Bertie: Season 1

Illustrator and cartoonist Lisa Hanawalt—responsible for, among other things, the look of BoJack Horseman—launched her own Netflix animated series in May, and its another winning combination of original and often surreal humor and surprisingly weighty issues. At its heart, though, Tuca & Bertie is a warm story of a friendship between its titular characters: a toucan voiced by Tiffany Haddish, and a songbird voiced by Ali Wong. Steven Yeun also stars, while guests include Tig Notaro, Tessa Thompson, Reggie Watts, and Nicole Byer.

“It's not Bojack Horseman. It's a lighter, looser, more fanciful series, one in touch with a far wider emotional palette, one in which joy and emotional release are actually possible. ... But in short order, Tuca & Bertie has become another Netflix animated gem for adults, one that can be placed in a conversation with Bojack, Big Mouth and F Is for Family.” —Dan Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter

Where To Watch