Best TV Series of 2021 on Netflix, Disney+ & More!

On the topic of the Best TV Series of 2021, with people still trying to adjust to the new normal, streaming and television programming are still on the up and up, with terrific new content getting released every week. From the Disney+ Marvel Originals to the wide variety of content Netflix and Amazon Prime Video offer there is a ton of content to choose from on the internet and sometimes you might just need some help. So, here we are selecting the Best TV Series of 2021 you should not miss watching on any given day. Now time to netflix and chill…?

Last Updated on November 30, 2021

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16. Shadow and Bone

Starring – Jessie Mei Li, Ben Barnes
Creator – Eric Heisserer
Streaming Platform – Netflix

First on the list of the Best TV Series of 2021, just when I thought this would be another lame Young-Adult romance poorly disguised in fantasy, Shadow and Bone manage to delve deeper into its characters and storytelling. The show is loaded with dynamic and easily likable players. For once, there are realistic portrayals of YA romance. The interactions feel authentic. The chemistry between Alina and Mal is palpable yet believable.

The striking set and costumes all add to the production value, and prop pieces like Inej’s knives are beautiful. Prejudice is a common theme in the show as you have all these various factions that seem to have distinct racial influences, warring with each other, yet all seem to hate and fear the Grisha. I enjoyed Shadow and Bone so much that I watched it twice. This is what I wanted to see in a YA fantasy. If they keep the story centered on the lore and world crafting then I think this show could go a long way. – Jennifer Arthur (@islandgirlreview)

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15. Behind Her Eyes (British)

Starring – Simona Brown, Eve Hewson
Creator – Steve Lightfoot
Streaming Platform – Netflix

Behind Her Eyes is a psychological thriller limited series on Netflix and is based on a novel of the same name and stars Nicola Brown as Louise, a single mom who not only suffers night terrors but is also among the few people who can remember them. One of the aspects that kept Behind Her Eyes enjoyable was the dynamic between the main characters or puzzle pieces. The show does a great job of making you guess who the real villain is, all while leading you down a specific path filled with smoke and mirrors designed to throw you off your own conclusions.

Although the story is original and entertaining, it switches at an alarming rate abandoning previous plotlines development material that could have served it better in the long run. The show was a psychological thriller, and as such, I thought it would leave a bit more to dissect and discuss. But, it eschews its genre by the end, steering the ship in a polar direction, opting instead for shock value. – Jennifer Arthur (@islandgirlreview)

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14. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Starring – Anthony Mackie & Sebastian Stan
Creator – Malcolm Spellman
Streaming Platform – Disney+

[This excerpt comes from Jeni’s ‘TFATWS’ Review]

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is a Disney+ Original and stars Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan in the primary roles but it also includes quite a few characters from the MCU. First of all, I liked how the narrative of the show was framed, and most importantly, the pacing was great. One of the biggest themes explored is race and race relations. While I do think most of the scenes built around this worked very well, a few were redundant. TFATWS was a thought-provoking and entertaining watch for both avid fans and casual viewers alike. One of the Best TV Series of 2021.

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13. The Serpent (British)

Starring – Tahar Rahim, Billy Howle
Directors – Hans Herbots, Tom Shankland
Streaming Platform – Netflix

[This excerpt comes from Jeni’s ‘The Serpent’ Review]

The Serpent is based on a real-life serial killer and a gem dealer Charles Sobhraj, a criminal who went on a murdering spree throughout Southeast Asia in the 1970s. The miniseries stars Tahar Rahim as Sobhraj, who would lure innocent travelers, drugging, robbing, and then murdering them. With an intriguing narrative The Serpent, despite the pacing problems is enjoyable through and through.

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12. Gangs of London (British)

Starring – Joe Cole, Sope Dirisu, Lucian Msamati
Creators – Gareth Evans & Matt Flannery
Streaming Platform – Sky TV

Gangs of London begins with the city of London, which is being torn apart by the power struggles of the international gangs that control it and the sudden power vacuum that’s created when the head of London’s most influential crime family is assassinated. One thing that immediately jumps out at you is the sheer brutality of the series. It works so well for its genre.

Honestly, this show has some of the most entertaining and well-choreographed fight scenes I’ve ever seen on the small screen. This, coupled with the rapid pacing of the show, makes it a bit overwhelming. Several plot points could have served as a finale for this season because every single episode is just so chaotic. One of the Best TV Series of 2021. – Jennifer Arthur (@islandgirlreview)

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11. The White Lotus

Starring – Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton
Creator – Mike White
Streaming Platform – HBO & Disney+ Hotstar

The White Lotus is a comedic satire created and directed by Mike White and stars a cast of wacky characters on holiday in a Hawaiian resort. A much edgier show in tone and visual style, the performances also come together really well with the standout being Murray Bartlett as the Hotel manager. There are surprising moments of intense sincerity, too. A must-watch.

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10. Squid Game (Korean)

Starring – Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo
Creator – Hwang Dong-hyuk
Streaming Platform – Netflix

Exploring free will, economic disparity, and privilege, Squid Game is a clever, thrilling, and emotionally layered survival series. The script is a ticking clock, and despite the cold violence, gore, and blood, the story does not lack all the emotional impact that it’s supposed to generate. This show is irresistibly entertaining, thoroughly enjoyable, and nerve-wracking with plenty of twists and turns.

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9. Invincible

Starring – Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons
Creators – Robert Kirkman & Ryan Ottley
Streaming Platform – Prime Video

Invincible is an animated superhero series produced by Amazon Prime. The show is based on the comics of the same name created by Robert Kirkman (who also created The Walking Dead) and Corey Walker. It stars Steven Yeun, who voices the title character Invincible / Mark Grayson, Sandra Oh voicing his mother Deborah Grayson, and his father Omniman, voiced by J. K. Simmons.

With eight episodes in Season 1, I enjoyed the saga and the storytelling. I also believe the gimmick where they find ways to slip his hero moniker in is a jab at the intentionally ridiculous alters ego names in the show. The various heroes and villains portrayed are all enjoyable, solidly built characters, and they aptly fit into the overall story. Invincible is fun, deftly paced, and entertaining. Another comic book hit for Amazon Prime Video. – Jennifer Arthur (@islandgirlreview)

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8. Snabba Cash (Swedish)

Starring – Evin Ahmad, Alexander Abdallah
Director – Jesper Ganslandt
Streaming Platform – Netflix

Next on the list of the Best TV Series of 2021, Snabba Cash is a Swedish crime drama available on Netflix starring Evin Ahmad as Leya, a single mother who’s also an aspiring Tech entrepreneur. Leya is determined to get her start-up off the ground and provide for her son Sami. When she takes a step into the criminal world in order to pay off her debtors, she quickly realizes there’s no such thing as “easy money.”

This show has a decidedly Western influence, and the acting is solid with special praise going to Evin Ahmad. Snabba Cash is very much a story about the choices we make and the consequences we face. Based on the finale, I’d say it’s just getting started. It’s worth a watch, in my opinion, and that’s just as well because if there’s one thing I give Netflix credit for, it’s introducing us to stories from around the world. – Jennifer Arthur (@islandgirlreview)

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7. Lupin (French)

Starring – Omar Sy, Ludivine Sagnier
Creator – George Kay
Streaming Platform – Netflix

Preview Only: A retelling of the classic French story about Arsne Lupin, the world-famous gentleman thief and master of disguise. One of the Best TV Series of 2021.

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6. WandaVision

Starring – Elizabeth Olsen & Paul Bettany
Creator – Jac Schaeffer
Streaming Platform – Disney+

Wandavision is filled with a ton of surprises, good set design, and visuals, this show lives up to the hype, exactly what you’d expect of a high-budget production. It is not as action-packed as I anticipate the other installments to be a they’re giving the fans what they want by expanding the universe and individual characters. They’re bringing that comic book feel back while using a cast who is previously settled and accepted in their roles. A ton of fun and a pretty entertaining watch from start to finish. Certainly, one of the Best TV Series of 2021. – Jennifer Arthur (@islandgirlreview)

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5. Sweet Tooth

Starring – Nonso Anozie, Christian Convery
Creators – Jim Mickle & Beth Schwartz
Streaming Platform – Netflix

Sweet Tooth stars Christian Covenry as Gus/Sweet Tooth, a half-human half deer boy on an adventure in a post-apocalyptic world. An emotional adventure from start to finish, Sweet Tooth is uplifting and heartwarming at the same time and is a perfect mixture of unfiltered emotions. One of the Best TV Series of 2021. – Jennifer Arthur (@islandgirlreview)

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4. Midnight Mass

Starring – Zach Gilford, Kate Siegel, Hamish Linklater
Creator – Mike Flanagan
Streaming – Netflix

[This excerpt comes from Jennifer’s ‘Midnight Mass’ Review]

Midnight Mass comes from the same mind that gave us The Haunting of Hill House and Bly Manor, Mike Flanagan, who understands what today’s audience needs in the genre and he’s willing to dig deep emotionally and portray the subject matter that’s rarely visited in horror. With exceptional writing, expert performances, splendid and terrifying storyline, this mini-series on Netflix is a must-watch.

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3. Sex Education 3

Starring – Asa Butterfield & Emma Mackey
Creator – Laurie Nunn
Streaming – Netflix

Three seasons deep, Sex Education, a teenage coming-of-age comedy drama on Netflix keeps getting better, from the writing to the characters and everything beyond. And to put it in simple words is a happy and positive show to watch. There is no unnecessary soap-opera type drama, carries a vibrant and relaxing vibe, and perfectly reflects the mindset and the thinking of today’s young adults. One of the Best TV Series of 2021. – Surya Komal

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2. Arcane S1

Starring – Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell
Creators – Christian Linke, Alex Yee
Streaming – Netflix

[This excerpt comes from Jennifer’s Season 1 review of ‘Arcane’]

Arcane S1 focuses on the backstories of the maniac Jinx and her enforcer sister Vi and how they pretty much came to be who we know. Running in conjunction with the story of these sisters is that of Jayce and Viktor as they attempt to forge a new age with their Hextec technology. Here and there other characters make their debut and it’s all set to the backdrop of the conflict between Piltover (topside) and Zaun (the undercity). A show that both fans of the game, Arcane manages to achieve a tremendous feat with this adaptation. I’m excited to see how they continue this story and adapt to the other cities as well.

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1. Mare of Easttown

Starring – Kate Winslet, Julianne Nicholson
Creator – Brad Ingelsby
Streaming – HBO, Disney+ Hotstar

Marianne Sheehan, a detective living in a dysfunctional Easttown, had to solve a series of deaths while dealing with her own problems. Beginning with the positives, the first episode did a good job introducing our primary character and her relationship with the people in town. And Kate Winslet as Mare was excellent. Even though the atmosphere and storyline of the show were grim and serious, there were some unexpectedly funny moments. With quite a few significant themes, Mare of Easttown is a sad and unforgiving show, that is engaging to watch from start to finish. One of the Best TV Series of 2021. – Nguyen Dang (@in_nguyen_do)

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