The 15 Best Series Premieres of the 2020s So Far

Every year, there are new TV show premieres that grace our television screens. Without fail, some of them change our lives, become part of our daily routines, and even bring people together.

This new decade of television has been filled with incredible original work and adaptations. We will be celebrating some of those works below and be grateful that we have the pleasure of enjoying them.

In no particular order, here are The 15 Best Series Premieres of the 2020s So Far:

1. Star Trek: Picard

It had been 18 years since we last saw Captain Jean Luc Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise 1701- D when it was announced that Patrick Stewart would reprise his role once more for the Paramount+ original series, taking place twenty years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis, and would thrust Picard into a new adventure with characters old and new.

The pilot episode immediately let us know just how much this world had changed, how much Picard had changed; he had resigned from Starfleet. He did it as a form of protest against Starfleet’s practices, allowing most of the Romulans to become extinct by refusing to save their planet from a dying sun.

The consequences of this decision have rippled throughout the universe and led to a synthetic ban. The righteous Picard decides on one last adventure, helping a synthetic woman find out the truth about who she is and how she is connected to his long-lost friend, Data.

The new characters introduced in the series gave Picard new life and purpose, and we got to see a different side of him, which was very needed. Audiences had thought they had seen everything regarding the beloved captain, but this series proved that he still had more growth to go through.

Star Trek: Picard also managed to give the beloved crew of the Enterprise their well-deserved endings with one last big adventure while also tying up loose ends left behind twenty years prior.

2. House of the Dragon

After the end of Game of Thrones in 2019, there were multiple plans for spinoffs and sequels, and in 2022, House of the Dragon became the first prequel to premiere.

On the pilot episode, we are introduced to the main cause of the Dance of the Dragons, which killed all the dragons and ended the Targaryen line. There was a desire to not break with tradition by naming a female heir.

Viserys Targaryen tried to break that cycle and named his only daughter, Rhaenyra Targaryen, as the heir to the Iron Throne. That decision would end up causing one of the biggest wars in Westeros’ history.

The pilot showcases the disagreement with his decision and the tensions rising in the kingdom. It is a welcome reintroduction to Westeros and its lore.

Since dragons were still alive and thriving during this time, this series also features more dragons. If there’s one thing we can agree on, it’s that there can never be enough dragons.

The show has developed a dedicated following, much like Game of Thrones, with everyone proudly identifying as Team Green or Team Black.

3. The Bear

There are no TV shows about food and cooking aside from the Food Network’s competition and reality programming, so The Bear is a breath of fresh air because it focuses on something new.

From the moment audiences see The Original Beef of Chicagoland, they know they are in for an anxiety-induced ride. With the constant yelling and potent imagery, it is unlike anything ever seen on a TV show about a restaurant.

There are heavy tensions and a lot of mystery. What is this restaurant? Why did Carmy come back? What happened to Michael?

Dysfunctional families are also a beloved trope, especially when they come together to create something, in this case, their own restaurant. While the debate about whether it’s a drama or a comedy will always be present, everyone can agree that the anxiety that this show causes is worth enduring.

This TV show has turned everyone into a “cousin” and united families as they bond over not burning entrees and express their love for each other during stressful moments.

4. Interview With The Vampire

Vampires have been all over the media for years, with True Blood and The Vampire Diaries, and now the obsession has returned with AMC’s adaptation of Anne Rice’s infamous novel, Interview With The Vampire.

Anne Rice’s novels are known worldwide, however this adaptation was meant to introduce more people to the iconic characters. On the pilot, we are introduced to Daniel Molloy, who is contacted by an old acquaintance, Louis De Point Du Lac, a vampire ready to tell his life story.

However, once Lestat makes his grand appearance, audiences are charmed as much as Louis. The pilot is not afraid to delve into the darkness that is promised and how Lestat cannot be fully trusted.

Most vampire TV shows take their time before the human protagonist is inevitably transformed into a vampire, but this adaptation challenges that expectation by having Louis transformed into a creature of the night by the time the episode concludes.

The series took a different turn than the film and the books by making Louis and Lestat canonically queer. That change combined with the excellent casting, has elevated the show and created a devoted fan base.

5. The Queen’s Gambit

This show came out during the pandemic when people needed distractions and were taking on new hobbies. Well, there is nothing better than chess, a game that is tougher than everyone thinks.

During the era of The Queen’s Gambit, there was a need for connection and finding new hobbies, and this Netflix series introduced audiences to the extreme sport of chess.

The pilot episode is fascinating because we see Beth Harmon as a child living in an orphanage, becoming dependent on pills. Beth develops an unusual friendship with the orphanage’s custodian, who teaches her how to play chess. Soon enough, she becomes a prodigy.

Her skills stem from her dependance on the pills given to her in the orphanage, however her skills impress many and her secret remains safe for now. The pilot definitely makes audiences question whether she is an actual chess prodigy or if it is cheating all along, but needless to say, everyone is hooked.

This series is up there as one of the most intense TV series in existence. This is surprising since many people think it is just about a board game, but it is about so much more.

6. Squid Game

The plot of Squid Game intrigued many. People in dire need of money are brought together to play children’s games, with a twist–lose a game and die. The last one standing goes home with unimaginable wealth.

Something shifted as soon as the pilot streamed on Netflix. As soon as Seong Gi-hun agrees to play the game, we know we are about to witness horrors. The pilot effectively shows the deadliest game of “Green Light, Red Light” ever played.

Squid Game had promised that the stakes were high and delivered. After the conclusion of the first deadly game, Seong Gi-hun realized that this was not just playing to win millions but to save his life.

The pilot captured millions of viewers, becoming the most streamed Netflix series of all time.

7. Severance

In a world constantly filled with reboots and sequels, getting a new original TV show is a breath of fresh air. That is the case with Severance, one of Apple TV+’s latest science fiction projects.

When Helly wakes up with no recollection of who or where she is, she demands answers, much like the audience. When the severance process is explained and that two versions of her will now exist, she is rightfully horrified.

However, we are then introduced to Mark and learn that this is one of the two versions of him. He has also gone through the severance process, and we slowly start to realize what it is. 

Much like the characters, audiences are not really sure what is happening and, therefore, tune in to see if any answers will be provided. Spoiler alert: Some, but not all, are answered.

With a stellar cast, this TV show enraptures audiences and takes them on a wild ride. The weekly release worked in its favor, as the mysterious premise continued to draw more people in until the season finale.

And now, we eagerly await Season 2, which is scheduled to come out later this year.

8. Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary captured audiences’ hearts when it premiered, bringing back mockumentary-style sitcoms. It’s what has been missing from primetime television — a show that feels like everyone is united watching fun and wholesome content.

Janine Teagues is the kind of optimistic character that TV has been lacking. It’s no surprise that everyone is immediately drawn into how she tries to make working in an underfunded school as joyful as possible.

The pilot introduces us to the world that is familiar to most of us: elementary school. However, it is unfamiliar in terms of not really knowing what goes into running a school. It touches upon the reality of the public school system and how it is struggling to survive due to a lack of funding.

However, Janine’s optimism and the rest of the Abbott teachers make for a heartwarming TV show, as the episode concludes with them coming together to get what they need. Abbott Elementary stands out from the sea of dramas and dark comedies because it is genuine fun that does not cause heartbreak like many shows.

9. Percy Jackson and the Olympians

An entire generation grew up with the Percy Jackson books, so this TV adaptation is a big deal. With Rick and Becky Riordan involved with the project, expectations were high, and a big part of many people’s childhoods has been brought to life.

This is probably the most anticipated project in Disney+’s catalog to date. And the passion behind the scenes reassured us that it was in good hands.

When the TV show begins with Percy’s narration identical to the one in the books, fans of the original book series fall to their knees as a wave of nostalgia consumes them. Despite how familiar the story is to many, the pilot episode does a good job of introducing the rich world and lore to those unfamiliar.

The intrigue of Percy’s true identity as well as the mystery of the missing lightning bolt, is enough to hook new viewers into the story.

What is different about this iteration is the stronger focus on Percy’s relationship with his mother, Sally. This drew book fans to this particular series because it had been lacking in other iterations.

Getting to watch Percy Jackson and the Olympians every week felt like a dream come true. This was something that had only existed in our imaginations for so long. A story that means so much, had finally been given the opportunity to find new audiences.

10. WandaVision

WandaVision was Marvel’s first time delving into television, and it was an era. You could not log into any form of social media until you watched the new episode Friday morning.

The pilot begins like an old sitcom: a newlywed couple moves into a new neighborhood and learns to adapt to suburban life. The twist? The couple is Scarlett Witch and Vision, two former Avengers, one of whom is supposed to be dead.

As revealed at the end of the episode, they are, in fact, inside a sitcom. As indicated by someone turning off an old television set.

After the episode concluded, there were innumerable questions. Theories were everywhere; it felt like we were back in the golden days of TV. It was one of Marvel’s most unique projects to date, and the impact it had on audiences can still be felt.

Many wish they could relive this series, watching it live week by week, since it felt like everyone was united and bonding over this show. It was the closest we were to world peace.

11. The White Lotus

Who doesn’t love Jennifer Coolidge? The White Lotus paved the way for the Jennifer Coolidge Renaissance and introduced her to a new generation.

While murder mysteries are one of the most popular shows, what makes The White Lotus stand out is the lack of reveal regarding who is the unfortunate victim, thus raising the stakes.

The pilot introduced us to one of the biggest casts of unlikable characters ever, which made the murder mystery aspect even more intriguing. This series is part of HBO’s thriving niche genre, “Rich People’s Problems,” in which we follow rich people and their problems that seem to be the end of the world when, in reality, they got themselves in that situation.

The series’ commentary on tourism and entitlement has proven very refreshing. The changing casts each season keep the show fresh and draws in more viewers as it progresses. Also, who hasn’t been humming the theme song since it premiered?

12. Found

There was a need for a new primetime drama, and Found delivered with one of the most intriguing premises. At the conclusion of the pilot episode, viewers realize that Gabi Mosley, a recovery specialist, has kidnapped her captor and locked him up in her basement.

She uses his knowledge to help solve her own cases. That twist completely turned the show on its head and changed the way that audiences could connect with the “righteous” protagonist.

It took the typical procedural and turned it on its head, as rarely are there primetime TV shows exploring morally grey characters. While it follows the typical formula, it’s the characters that are able to draw people in.

After all, seeing someone who is supposed to uphold the law break it at the same time makes for fascinating storytelling. That is Found’s strength, morally grey characters not seen previously on primetime TV.

13. Ted Lasso

The found family trope is one of the most beloved plot points to exist, and Ted Lasso quickly captured people’s hearts with its quirky characters and humor.

During the pilot, we are introduced to Rebecca Welton, who very much wants to destroy her ex-husband’s precious soccer team by hiring a clueless American football coach to coach it. When we finally meet the titular Ted Lasso, he is a very optimistic person with all the best intentions in the world, but he has no idea what he has signed up for.

The show created a sudden interest in sports, with people becoming invested in a fictional soccer team, AFC Richmond. People rooting for a team the way they do has only ever been seen during the Olympics.

There was a need for a wholesome show, and Ted Lasso provided that. However, it was also very heartbreaking, and those pivotal moments caused numerous discussions about mental health and how the topic is treated in today’s society, which is vital.

14. The Last of Us

The Last of Us is based on a series of video games that had a massive following when they were first released. It should be no surprise that the series became a phenomenon when it premiered on HBO in 2023.

The series’ pilot honored the original video game with similar sequences and shots inspired by the game. Video game fans were impressed with the plane sequence, and new fans were captivated by the moment itself.

While we don’t get to see the clickers in the first episode, seeing the runners was a great introduction for those unfamiliar with how menacing the infected are. The pilot presented all the stakes that the characters have and explained the lore very well, managing to rope new viewers in and give video game fans the proper adaptation they deserve.

With a star-studded cast led by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the series captures the thrill and intensity of the game while also giving more depth to the beloved characters. This TV show is also the first new show about zombies to premiere in a post-The Walking Dead world, and there was a need for a new take on the genre.

Once again, it uses the found family trope that we all know and love, showcasing how, even in the midst of the apocalypse, it’s important to be surrounded by people who love and care about you. This TV show has many layers, which is one of the main reasons why it has become so beloved.

15. Hacks

Few shows focus on women past a certain age who aren’t mothers or grandmothers, which is why Hacks was impactful when it first premiered in 2020. It was Jean Smart’s grand return, this time in a leading role, and she managed to have millions more people fall in love with her.

On the pilot, we meet Deborah Vance, a comedian who is losing her spot in the hotel to younger acts. She feels like she is reaching the end of her career.

On the other end, we meet Ava Daniels, a struggling writer who lost her TV deal due to being canceled on Twitter. Deborah and Ava share the same agent, and he decides to pair them up, with Ava starting to write Deborah’s new material.

The two women clearly don’t get along, and their initial meeting is hostile. However, it also proves that they speak the same comedic language. After that impression, Deborah hires Ava.

Deborah Vance is one of the best-written female comedy leads in recent years, and the dynamic between her and Ava is what makes this show unforgettable. It restored hope in the comedy genre.

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What series premieres did you love from the 2020s? Did we miss any on our list? Sound off in the comments below.

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