With its signature mixture of tiny details providing texture and easy storytelling flow, Mad Men lures us back into its final season with all the confidence in the world.

“Watchmen” suffers from the sense that anything can happen at any time, so nothing really matters. ... As with “The Leftovers,” the talented cast members do their best to tie together the various portions of the unfocused storyline.

When Ridley's narrative threatens to get too heavy-handed, the individual struggles and tragedies of the characters keep the story grounded.

Though Chibnall doesn't quite stick the landing in the last of the eight episodes--when we learn the truth about Trish's assault, it feels a bit too much like an "Author's Message" sign should be flashing--any fan of intelligent TV should watch Broadchurch Season 3.

Colman is exceptional in everything she does, so she’s not afraid to make the Elizabeth of Season 3 look, at times, distressingly irrelevant and frustratingly complacent. ... Like Colman, the new cast members assume their roles with elegance and ease. ... The return of “The Crown,” with its irresistible blend of heightened history and peek-behind-the-brocade-curtain drama, is a gloriously welcome gift, arriving just in time for the holidays.

[The first 2] episodes are so solid and done with such polish, they're reason to think that Season 5 of Portlandia may be the best one yet.

While Going Clear is unapologetically one-sided in its dim view of Scientology, the issues it raises--what is a religion? What motivates people to follow a faith, even when it comes under attack?--will make you think about the film long after it's over.

That willingness to embrace comedy and tragedy makes Barry something special. Hader, who also directed and co-wrote several episodes, is exceptionally good, making us care about Barry while also being horrified at what he's capable of. The cast is superb.

With an appealing cast, a relatively fresh setting and smart jokes ("Every party in Silicon Valley ends up like a Hasidic wedding," i.e., the men and women are always separated), Silicon Valley is definitely worth your time investment.

Season 3 is an utterly confident mix of gritty comedy and affecting, underplayed drama.

With its light touch and affection for its characters’ foibles, “Los Espookys” is refreshing, different, and best, of all, funny.

The miniseries remains difficult to watch, as Kunta Kinte and his descendants keep being victimized by white slave-owners, slave-catchers and land-owners who regard slaves as property, not as men, women and children. But Roots gains in power. Though at times, the story seems to blame the institution of slavery on sadistic white racists, as the miniseries goes on, it makes it clear that slavery remains America's original sin.

Severance gets the second half of Season 7 off to a brisk start.

Though there are moments where the film feels a bit too diffuse, what makes Robinson's life so remarkable is how many aspects of American life he touched.

The first four episodes do an eerily good job of making us wonder why Heidi can’t seem to recall her time at Homecoming, and just what the heck happened there. The sound design of Homecoming is intriguing, as you’d expect from a series based on a podcast. ... The cast also keeps "Homecoming" watchable, with skillful performances that keep a fine balance between drama and thriller, spiked with moments of weird humor.

With all this world-building going on, Legion doesn't, at least in these early episodes, make the most of Hawley's talent for letting his characters express themselves in distinctive, individual voices. And the horror of David's situation hardly lends itself to Hawley's characteristic wit. But those are small problems, considering that Legion is a trippy explosion of creativity.

It’s to the credit of White and the wonderfully well-chosen cast that we keep watching, even knowing that these guests are probably not going to find much self-awareness. ... The splendid cast is led by Bartlett, who makes Armond’s growing resentment a volatile partner to his put-a-smile-on-everything professional demeanor. Rothwell emerges as the heart and soul of the series. ... Coolidge is outstanding, as she makes Tanya’s stunted emotional life kind of sympathetic. Britton and Zahn are pitch-perfect as a couple with their own challenges.

The delightfully funny, sharp “Sherman’s Showcase Black History Month Spectacular” is a welcome return from writers and stars Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle.

Coming at a time when everything seems stressful and difficult, the new “All Creatures Great and Small” feels as comforting as a cup of tea, as warming as a fleecy blanket on a cold night, and as welcoming as a fire burning indoors while the winter wind blows outside. ... The perfect show for this imperfect moment.

Though there are a few moments where Kelley gives in to his tendencies for burlesque – as in the characterization of the principal of the elementary school attended by the main characters’ children – in the first three episodes, “Big Little Lies” retains the invigorating mix of dark comedy and drama that made the first season so special. ... Rather than running out of gas in its second season, “Big Little Lies” is more deliciously watchable than ever.

The Night Manager combines luxurious production with razor-sharp writing, and it's brought to life by a brilliant cast, headed by Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie.

As a saga about how Hollywood builds up idols and then throws them aside, Feud: Bette and Joan is no "Sunset Boulevard." But it's a delicious cocktail of nostalgia, gossip and star power.

The first two episodes also reinforce that Mr. Robot is at its strongest when keeping a tight focus on Elliot and his Mr. Robot companion/adversary.

Jessica Jones could use a bit more wit, overall. But its messed-up, tough, brave heroine holds our interest every moment.

GLOW is both blessedly original and delightfully nostalgic. ... It's a superb showcase for an ensemble cast that couldn't be better. Brie, in particular, is a revelation.

The crime story has disturbing echoes of all too many series built around the murder of young women. What keeps “Mare of Easttown” watchable are the terrific actors, who make the most out of their characters, who are drawn with nuance and depth.

Season 2 of The Leftovers has its maddening moments, but I never knew what was coming next. And, in a crowded TV world, that anything-might-happen quality is enough to keep me interested. At least for a while.

If “Jazz” was a combination of arts education and appreciation, “Country Music” is the Burns equivalent of a jukebox musical. The wonderful songs just keep coming. ... “Country Music” is at its best when it pauses to revel in the brilliance of greats like Johnny Cash, Parton and Hank Williams.