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.

18 of 21 photo by Courtesy of National Theatre

92 #2 (tie): Romeo & Juliet

Jessie Buckley and Josh O'Connor head the cast of this made-for-TV film production from London's National Theatre, which transports Shakespeare's play into present-day Italy. (It replaces the originally scheduled stage production, which was canceled last summer due to the pandemic.) The special aired in the U.S. in April under PBS's Great Performances banner.

“Poised and adventurous, this Romeo and Juliet is a hybrid wonder and full of intelligent invention.” —Arifa Akbar, The Guardian

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