It's 4 TV shows I forgot about, but that doesn't mean you should!
Look, don’t throw out the list, but add these to it!
I might have released my list with a bit of haste. In researching for the list (just refreshing my exhaustive list of what I watched this year), I forgot that these were 2020 shows. So here’s some more recommendations for 2020 shows you should check out! It’s also going to round out the list to a sensible 15 TV shows… But I like the drama of having two separate lists. This will be a lot more niche, so there!
Katy Keene
As a self-proclaimed Riverdale stan, I was very excited for the continuation of what I’m going to call The River-verse. That is the Archie Comics universe, but gritty teen sexy soap shows. What I didn’t expect was for Katy Keene to steal my heart like it did.
This show has a lot of what I like; Drag Queens, fun fashion, wild twists, a deep complex sadness that will leave me hollow for a while after, and randomly placed song covers. Katy Keene brought all of that in a much more grounded package than Riverdale is currently wrapped in. It dropped the serial killers and cults and opted for a more earnest portrayal of young adulthood. Lucy Hill as Katy Keene was an amazing, and the choice to make Ginger Lopez Jorge in Jonny Beauchamp was an amazing choice (though it is Ginger erasure… As she was in season one of Riverdale, but this universe isn’t known for its continuity). We also FINALLY got a vehicle to showcase Ashleigh Murray in all the glory Riverdale never could!
When this show was cancelled this year, I was truly gutted. It took risks in its own way, and provided a lot of the heart that CW shows sometimes lack. They also REALLY set up season two to be amazing with Hiram Lodge coming back to the heights and revealing Katy’s potential father?! AND NOW WE’LL NEVER KNOW!! Hopefully HBOMax saves it… But at this point, I’m not holding my breath…
New Eden
I was very excited for this show. Kayla Lorette and Evany Rosen are two of the funniest people in Canada, and too see them get a show that was this inventive was a joy!
I’ll admit, I wasn’t super sold on this show when I first watched it. The first few episodes started strong and then it kind of sags in the middle. But stick with it. Truly. The last two episodes BLEW my mind and are definitely worth the payoff! All the performances in this show are amazing, especially Caitlin Howden (who is the queen). The joke writing isn’t the best, I’ll admit. It’s very samey-awkward-pausing-confusion kind of reactions, but the show does genuinely pop in parts. Mainly because the actors can play off anything and be funny. And again, I will praise the construction of this show. The execution of it was just perfect. Mockumentaries can often feel like a gimmick, but the layers they’re able to peel back are amazing.
Again, if you haven’t already watched it (it’s quite easy to over look as it’s only available on Crave), definitely go and binge it all. You won’t regret it! Especially if you’re into the true crime of it all!
Glitch Techs
I feel like no one watched this, and that’s such a shame… Glitch Techs is a pretty inventive show with a lot of untapped potential for future seasons.
Every episode is brimming with video game references and action sequences. I had trouble keeping track, as each episode brought a new level (haha) of entertainment. The world building is also very solid, it’s like if they made a Men in Black tv show for even harder-core nerds. But what really hooks you into this show are the characters. They’re dynamics are so fun and the arcs for everyone are well executed. While some may complain about some of the finer lines of this show (like, they are working for a weird video game mafia), I’m going to forgive it a little as I’m sure they’re going to address it in future seasons (if they come… I think this show is teetering on the edge of cancellation).
All and all, this was a lot more enjoyable than I thought when I entered into it. I love a good, high-concept cartoon, and Glitch Techs provides a fun ride through familiar video game landscapes.
The Great Pretender
This show is the answer to the question, which is what if the Oceans franchise was a higher stakes anime? And while no one was asking this question, I’m glad SOMEONE posed it, because damn… This show didn’t have to go so hard.
Forget about the plot for a minute (I mean… don’t, we’ll get there) The Great Pretender is stunning to look at. The colour palettes, the impressionistic backgrounds, the character design; every frame of this show can be framed and hung on your walls next to what I’m assuming is your collection of samurai swords. The heists are also so lavish and zany, Wile E Coyote could NEVER! The plot also explores various corners of each the character and, especially in the second season, are interwoven in their development.
As a former weeb, I feel I’m pretty good at gauging entry level anime for westerners, and this is one I have on my list. It’s got that “anime” pacing that can sometimes be off putting for people who aren’t familiar with the genre, but not enough to actually put you off. And it’s “western” enough that I feel anyone who isn’t into anime can easily get into it… If you want an actual list of starter anime, I can make one (you know what… I’ll just make one in the new year).
Other things I would’ve recommended even though I haven’t seen them:
Little Fires Everywhere — Reese and Kerry?? It’s happening!
Dave — Lil’ Dicky is one of the funniest rappers… So I’m interested!
Three Busy Debra’s — These girls are my reason for living and I’m very mad I haven’t watched this yet!
Everything’s Gonna Be Okay — I love Please Like Me and I just want more Josh Thomas
Haute Dog — IF ANYONE HAS THE HOOK UP TO WATCH THIS IN CANADA PLEASE LET ME KNOW I WANT TO SO BADLY!!!
We’re Here — I watched one episode and cried so hard… I need to emotionally prepare myself for this…
Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! — THIS IS ON EVERYONES LIST I’M GONNA WATCH IT!
A Teacher — I’ve heard things… good things… though it looks dark!
Owl House — I watched the first half of the season and it’s so fun I’m gonna dive back in eventually!
Healing Power of Dude — Okay, I have watched this! I didn’t love it enough to put it on the list, but it was cute if you’re looking for something passive!
Trickster — Another Canadian show I’m looking forward to using CBC Gem for…
Pen15 — I know, I know… I will be watching it…
Okay, my recommendations are exhaustive and all over the place. For a year filled with production shut downs and COVID protocols, it’s been fruitful with its content. I’m sure 2021 will feel the effects of this pandemic, but you have a LOT to occupy yourself with in the meantime.