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Stranger Things

Summer is officially over and Fall TV is on its way — but before we get to binging all new episodes of our favorite shows, lets look back and decide which show was the show of the summer. You’ve heard of “The Song of the Summer,” but Decider is going to deliver the show of the summer. Here are the eight shows that made the most noise, got the most viewers, and made the biggest impressions on critics during the hottest months of 2016.

What Was The Best Show Of Summer 2016?

Here are the contenders…

Game of Thrones

Pros: Sure, Season Six of Game of Thrones debuted in late spring, but its most jaw-dropping episodes were all that anyone could talk about in early summer 2016. This is one of the last true “watercooler” shows that united America week-by-week in conversation.
Cons: Did we mention it was technically a spring show? Though Game of Thrones dominated May and early June, by July we had moved on to other…Things.
[Where to Stream Game of Thrones]

The Bachelorette

Pros: This season gave us week after week of ridiculous drama and romance. Oh, and we also were introduced to the villain of the summer: a sweet potato munching bro named Chad.
Cons: By the end of the show’s run, most viewers were hate-watching it and felt frustrated with star JoJo’s choices.
[Where to Stream The Bachelorette]

Mr. Robot

Pros: The second season of Mr. Robot pushed the show’s mythology into weirder, crazier realms. One can’t help but to be in awe of its sheer audacity. I mean, they brought Alf on board!
Cons: Some critics felt like the show actually suffered for its ambition and it seemed more and more like a show that only the media elite was tuning in for. Simply put: ratings went down.
[Where to Stream Mr. Robot]

The Get Down

Pros: Baz Luhrmann’s electric ode to the birth of hip hop only gets better, deeper, and more delicious on repeat viewings.
Cons: Baz Luhrmann’s work is always divisive — and The Get Down is no different. Plus: Many people are only now discovering it because it came out in the middle of the Olympics.
[Where to Stream The Get Down]

Orange Is The New Black

Pros: Season Four brought a renewed sense of focus to the Litchfield saga and it ended with a devastating and dramatic death.
Cons: Be honest: Did you even remember that a new season of Orange Is The New Black came out this summer? Not only that, but the Emmys just about completely snubbed the once-lauded dramedy. OITNB may not be in the zeitgeist the way it used to be.
[Where to Stream Orange Is The New Black]

Difficult People

Pros: While other shows suffered from a bleak sophomore slump — think UnREAL’s shockingly bad season — Difficult People shed its first season kinks and became the smartest and snarkiest show about showbiz since 30 Rock. Every episode ratcheted up the fun and it became appointment-binging.
Cons: It’s still somewhat of a hidden gem. Get out the word-of-mouth, people! This show is good!
[Where to Stream Difficult People]

The Night Of

Pros: A few months ago, we heralded The Night Of‘s strong premiere episode as proof that we’re in a Golden Age of Crime TV. The show also gave us a lurid look into the criminal justice system, an obsession with eczema, and a new favorite on-the-rise star, Riz Ahmed.
Cons: After its promising premiere, the show meandered a bit and lost its dynamite buzz. While is difficulties didn’t put off hardcore fans, its unfulfilling finale definitely means it left off on a sour note.
[Where to Stream The Night Of]

Stranger Things

Pros: Stranger Things was the surprise streaming smash of the summer. It was a creepy and exciting and exuberant show that hooked the masses and won over the critical elite. Season Two was announced this week to a bit of fanfare and the cast is still circling the late night shows.
Cons: Stranger Things is *not* a perfect show. In fact, it leans a little too heavily on nostalgia to make its case.
[Where to Stream Stranger Things]