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.

9 of 21 photo by Parisatag Hizadeh/Confession Films

81 #12: State of the Union: Season 1

A minimalist Sundance Channel comedy series from noted British filmmaker Stephen Frears (The Queen) and novelist Nick Hornby (High Fidelity), State of the Union runs for just 10 minutes an episode, each following a married couple (Chris O'Dowd, Rosamund Pike) as they grab drinks at a pub prior to heading to a couples' counseling session.

“The narrowness of the show helps it wear its drawing-room lightness well, and it is littered with tiny delights.” —Troy Patterson, The New Yorker

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