The Best Miniseries, TV Movies, and Specials of 2017

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – December 26, 2017

Above are the highest-scoring special TV programs—including "limited" series, made-for-TV-movies, and one-off specials—debuting in the United States between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017. Titles 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 regular TV series will be ranked in a separate list coming later this week.)

1 of 16 photo by BBC 2016

96 Planet Earth II (BBC America)

Metacritic's Best TV Miniseries of 2017.

(#1) The BBC's hit 2006 nature series received an ultra-high-def update with this stunning six-part miniseries that debuted in the U.S. in February. It may just be the best TV nature documentary ever made; at the very least, the photography is unparalleled in any format. (And, this time, American viewers were treated to David Attenborough's narration.) A sequel focusing on oceanic life, Planet Earth: Blue Planet II, arrives January 20th.

“This documentary is a truly sublime accomplishment, an epic achievement that everyone should watch.” —Tim Goodman, The Hollywood Reporter

Where To Buy