The 20 Best New TV Shows of 2018 (So Far)

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – June 27, 2018

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, 2018 and June 27, 2018. Only shows with at least 7 reviews from professional critics are included.

20 of 21 photo by BBC AMERICA/BBC NHU 2017

97 #1: Planet Earth: Blue Planet II

Last year's highest-rated TV show in Britain received a belated U.S. premiere early in 2018, and it's another can't-miss documentary from the team behind the recent nature miniseries Planet Earth II. The new series, which examines the variety of life present in our planet's oceans, was filmed over four years, including 6,000 hours of underwater dive time. In addition to the breathtaking HD photography, Blue Planet II features a score by Hans Zimmer (including a collaboration with Radiohead) and narration by David Attenborough.

“Blue Planet II is jaw-dropping. ... Instead of simply exhorting the Right Thing to Do, the show strives to create the awe and interest required to not just care about the fate of the world’s oceans, but to grow to love them, too. It’s working.” —Sonia Saraiya, Variety

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