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.

7 of 21 photo by Apple

83 #12 (tie): 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything: Season 1

Asif Kapadia (Amy, Senna) directs this eight-episode look at the music that emerged 50 years ago during one of the most fruitful periods in rock and R&B history. Based on David Hepworth's book 1971: Never a Dull Moment, the Apple TV+ docuseries blends archival footage and new interviews to explore not just the records released in 1971 (including key works from Marvin Gaye, David Bowie, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, Lou Reed, and The Who, among other artists featured) and that year's major concerts, but also the social and political climate that contributed to the musical bounty.

“This is the definitive visual history of one of the most tumultuous years in American history — and arguably the greatest year ever for rock, pop and soul.” —Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times

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