This year is more than halfway done, and TV shows have been a lifesaver for those trapped indoors. With many movies being postponed due to COVID-19 and social distancing making us all a little batty, TV in 2020 has delighted, thrilled and kept us on the edge of our seats.
While some TV shows forced to stall production, causing lingering questions for the fall and beyond, there are still several gems from the first half of this year to be thankful for. With that said, let's take a look at the shows that stood out the most so far in 2020.
STARGIRL
Family-friendly but not short on superhero action, Stargirl added quite a bit to DC's TV slate this year. The show has been a welcome break from DC Universe's usually dark original content, and it's even a provided much-needed filler to The CW following the Arrowverse's early exit. Stargirl stays true to the optimistic spirit of Golden Age comic books while still providing a new flair.
STAR TREK: PICARD
While slower than fans are used to with a Star Trek series, Star Trek: Picard was a welcome return to form for the franchise. Though the series stumbled out of the gate, the divisive finale, with its major shake-up to canon, has left many Trekkies excited for the upcoming second season on CBS All Access.
UPLOAD
Set in 2033, when humans can choose to be uploaded to a virtual "heaven" upon their death, Upload brought to life a classic science fiction plot device while still hooking viewers with real character connections. The first season left many excited to see where Nathan and Nora's relationship goes, and whether more juicy details about the circumstances behind Nathan's death are revealed.
THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA
Based on the Eli Roth novel of the same name, The Plot Against America is an alternate history tale that takes a look at a world where Franklin D. Roosevelt lost the 1940 presidential election to Charles Lindbergh. The show, like the book, follows the Levins, a working-class family, as they struggle to deal with the new normal. While slow at times, the show's depiction of America slowly but surely coming under fascist rule at the hands of a celebrity turned populist politician is chilling, to say the least.
DEVS
What do quantum computing, software engineering, free will, murder and Silicon Valley have in common? Devs follows an employee whose boyfriend dies on his first day at her new company, Amaya, and the ensuing fallout as she tries to discover the truth of his demise. Twists, turns, mysteries, philosophical questions, ominous overtones and deadpan acting make this series one of 2020's true highlights.
RICK AND MORTY
This year saw the cultural phenomenon Rick and Morty enter its fourth season after a long delay. After all the adventures, the show still somehow managed to surprise viewers, and even provided its deepest emotional moment during its epic season finale. Hopefully, fans won't have to wait as long for Season 5.
I MAY DESTROY YOU
This smash-hit British comedy managed to deal with intense trigger-warning-heavy subject matter while bringing daring style and dark humor to the screen. It's one of the breakout shows of the year and is sure to be one of its most talked about. Plus, the series has given viewers the chance to witness the beginning of a sure-to-be long and successful career for Michaela Coel.
BETTER CALL SAUL
Better Call Saul continued to impress, rivaling even its AMC predecessor, Breaking Bad. Rarely does a spinoff set itself apart as an equal, yet remain so different in so many ways. This season brought viewers one step closer to the time period of Breaking Bad and finally treated them to the origination of Saul Goodman. The show features great writing, directing and acting, but Bob Odenkirk's performance as Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman alone makes it worth the watch.
BOJACK HORSEMAN
Being been called the greatest animated show of all time and one of the best comedies of its generation is a lot to live up to. With its bittersweet finale, ending on the kind of note only BoJack Horseman could capture, the series officially cemented itself as an all-time great for the genre in its final season.
WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS
What We Do in the Shadows kicked itself into a new gear this season, expanding its supernatural horizons while continuing its consistent hilarity. What was feared by some to be a one-trick pony, the comedy proved that it's got tons of mileage left in its tank. And with a startling cliffhanger to end the season, fans are chomping at the bit to see what happens next. It's set itself up to be a show, much like vampires, that will be hard to kill.