David Farnor | On 01, Jan 2022

After 2020 saw the nation turn to their screens for distraction, comfort and entertainment, 2021 was a chance to for everyone to do it all over again, with perhaps the most TV watched by audiences in recent memory – and possibly a record volume of TV to match. To keep the resulting conversations and connections going, or to provide you with some catch-up inspiration during the first months of 2022, our team of writers have voted on their favourite shows of the past year, from profoundly moving drama and thrilling mysteries to uplifting comedy, insightful horror, comic book action and pure silliness.

Here are VODzilla.co’s top 21 TV shows of 2021:

Succession

Jesse Armstrong’s exquisitely crafted tragicomedy goes full beast in this funny, scathing and human third chapter.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

It’s a Sin

Russell T Davies’ heartbreaking AIDS drama is a profound piece of moving TV.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

Only Murders In The Building

Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez are a delight to watch in this warm and witty true crime comedy.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

Mare of Easttown

Kate Winslet delivers one of the best performances of her career in this gripping detective drama.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

Ted Lasso: Season 2

Apple’s funny, thoughtful football series scores some surprising serious points in its confident second season.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

Squid Game

This darkly entertaining satire of social inequality is a graphic, gripping ride.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

We Are Lady Parts

This funny, smart, surprising comedy about an all-girl Muslim punk band is an uproarious delight.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

Midnight Mass

Mike Flanagan’s latest is a compelling mix of frights and insights into the human condition.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

WandaVision

Marvel’s innovative, playful sitcom spoof is exciting, entertaining, unusual and unmissable.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

Taskmaster

One of the most enjoyably pointless things on TV right now, this silly competition is a blast of absurdity that makes for a joyous distraction from life.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

What We Do in the Shadows: Season 3

This wonderfully silly comedy transforms vampire horror into flatshare sitcom.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

Ghosts

Ghosts continues to deftly balance big laughs and touching moments with its ingenious third season.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

The White Lotus

Mike White’s scathing dissection of privilege is a deliciously awkward dive into darkness, delusion and just desserts.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

Hawkeye

Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld are a winning double act in this entertaining, action-packed series.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

Starstruck

Rose Matafeo is on winning form in this charming, enjoyable and highly bingeable rom-com.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

The Underground Railroad

Barry Jenkins’ heartbreaking, powerful, beautiful adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel is an astounding achievement.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

Uprising

Steve McQueen and James Rogan’s account of the New Cross fire in 1981 is vivid and powerful portrait of tragedy and legacy.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

Staged

David Tennant and Michael Sheen bring heart as well as humour to this self-aware second chapter of their lockdown satire.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

The Beatles: Get Back

Peter Jackson’s long and winding Beatles documentary is an absorbing, entertaining, fascinating watch.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

Help

Stephen Graham and Jodie Comer are on powerful form in Jack Thorne’s hugely moving drama about a fictional Liverpool care home at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

Lupin

This playfully meta take on France’s gentleman thief is slick, charismatic and effortlessly cool.

Our review – plus where to watch it online

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