The 20 Best New TV Shows of 2021 So Far

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – July 1, 2021

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 (including limited series and specials) debuting between January 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021. Only shows with at least 7 reviews from professional critics are included.

10 of 21 photo by HBO

84 #10 (tie): The Crime of the Century

Director Alex Gibney (Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room) has previously tackled subjects ranging from Scientology to Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos for HBO. His latest target? The pharmaceutical industry's role in America's ongoing opioid crisis. His powerful two-part HBO miniseries The Crime of the Century examines the origins and effects of the crisis through new interviews and newly leaked documents.

“With a level-headedness that makes its takedown all the more effective, Gibney’s film shines a spotlight on the evolution of Purdue and company’s treacherous conduct.” —Nick Schager, The Daily Beast

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