Looking for the best TV series to stream this year can feel overwhelming. The sheer volume of new content makes it hard to know which titles actually live up to the hype. Critics have already separated the exceptional from the ordinary, using aggregated reviews on Metacritic.
This list highlights six outstanding TV series acclaimed by professionals, each achieving a critic score above 85. These shows are widely celebrated for their storytelling, performances, and unique perspectives.
1. Andor Season 2 (Disney+): The Return of a Masterpiece
Andor’s second season marks the highly anticipated comeback of the most acclaimed Star Wars series. Critics universally praise the new season for its sharp political commentary and layered storytelling. One critic from TV Guide states, “Andor delves into anti-authoritarian themes with more nuance than most modern political dramas.” The narrative’s tension and intelligent plot development set it apart from standard sci-fi fare.
2. Hacks Season 4 (HBO Max): Comedy at Its Smartest
Hacks returns for a fourth season, bringing back Emmy-winner Jean Smart as Deborah Vance. The central relationship, marked by rivalry and vulnerability, becomes even more intense and darkly funny. Critics mention that the show "continues to evolve into a brutally honest yet hilarious portrayal of showbiz." With increasingly sharp writing and a dynamic cast, the series maintains its position among the top-reviewed comedies.
3. The Righteous Gemstones Season 4 (HBO Max): Irreverence Meets Family Drama
Danny McBride’s dark comedy about an eccentric televangelist family enters its fourth and final season with high expectations—and exceeds them. According to reviewer data, critics celebrate the show’s ability to balance outrageous situations with genuine emotional stakes. The New York Times highlights, “Even at their worst, the Gemstones remain compelling and intensely watchable.” Its unflinching satire and unpredictable storylines earn it a critic score well above 85.
4. The Lowdown (FX/Hulu): Journalism Under the Spotlight
Created by Sterlin Harjo and starring Ethan Hawke, The Lowdown is a new drama that critics call “bold and fearless.” Focused on a journalist’s quest for truth in a society that distrusts media, the storytelling is relevant and urgent. Early reviews praise the series for its willingness to probe difficult questions about integrity and public trust. IGN remarks, “Harjo crafts a tense, compelling narrative that puts ethics and personal risk at the center of every episode.”
5. Severance Season 2 (Apple TV+): Psychological Drama at Its Peak
Severance’s sophomore season continues its exploration of memory and corporate power. Building on the mysterious cliffhanger from last year, this psychological thriller scores highly among reviewers for maintaining suspense and deepening character development. According to Metacritic, sixteen critics awarded a perfect score to this season, underscoring its impact. The Hollywood Reporter describes it as “as thrilling and original as ever, with a finale that delivers both shock and emotional payoff.”
6. Alien: Earth (FX/Hulu): Legendary Horror Reimagined
Alien: Earth, helmed by Fargo’s Noah Hawley, reimagines the Alien franchise by bringing the terror to Earth itself. Timothy Olyphant stars in a series lauded for its world-building and narrative complexity. Variety notes, "The show’s attention to detail revitalizes the franchise, creating tension without sacrificing character depth." Set in a corporate-dominated future, the series introduces Xenomorphs in a fresh, terrifying context that resonates with series newcomers and longtime fans.
Why These Series Stand Out
Each of these six series distinguishes itself through innovation or refinement in storytelling, acting, or production values. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| No. | Series Title | Platform | Genre | Notable Elements | Critic Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andor Season 2 | Disney+ | Science Fiction | Political nuance, Star Wars universe | 87+ |
| 2 | Hacks Season 4 | HBO Max | Comedy | Sharp humor, character evolution | 89+ |
| 3 | The Righteous Gemstones 4 | HBO Max | Dark Comedy | Family satire, irreverent humor | 88+ |
| 4 | The Lowdown | FX/Hulu | Drama | Investigative journalism, bold themes | 85+ |
| 5 | Severance Season 2 | Apple TV+ | Psychological/Drama | Mind-bending, corporate dystopia | 90+ |
| 6 | Alien: Earth | FX/Hulu | Sci-Fi/Horror | Franchise innovation, strong visuals | 86+ |
Critics on Metacritic highlight how these titles push boundaries or refine established genres. Their place at the top of the rankings reflects a blend of critical consensus and audience enthusiasm.
What Makes a Series Score Above 85?
High scores are not given lightly by critics. To consistently achieve a score above 85, a series must deliver originality, depth, and consistency. Performances across multiple seasons, especially in long-running franchises or genres known for formulaic output, are often re-evaluated with stricter standards.
For active viewers seeking suggestions, these series meet rigorous criteria for excellence. The meticulous aggregation of critical reviews by Metacritic ensures that the shows not only please general audiences but also gain respect for their artistic merit. The rising standards for streaming originals have led to stronger competition, and only those with the most compelling narratives achieve top-tier scores.
How to Watch These Top Series
Most of these highly-rated shows are available on major streaming platforms. Here’s a guide for access:
- Andor Season 2 – Watch exclusively on Disney+
- Hacks Season 4 – Stream on HBO Max
- The Righteous Gemstones Season 4 – Available on HBO Max
- The Lowdown – Find it on FX and Hulu
- Severance Season 2 – Stream on Apple TV+
- Alien: Earth – Available on FX and Hulu
Subscribing to these platforms will give viewers early access to each new season and episode.
Critics agree that in a crowded television landscape, each of these six series represents the very best in narrative depth, visual ambition, and artistic innovation. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers, comedies, or dramatic narratives, these top-scoring shows are recommended viewing for anyone who values excellence in television.
