Binge Watch: Streaming Series

This year I’m taking a look at some of my favorite series of all time. That will begin with a Top 10 in four different groups—Network Sitcoms, Network Dramas, Cable Series and Streaming Series. Ultimately, it will end in an overall Top 10. Periodically throughout 2022, I’ll be sharing these lists. Today, it’s a look at my Top 10 Streaming Series. If you want to catch weekly installments, visit here on Saturdays.

10. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-)
About: This series comes from the team behind The Gilmore Girls, Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino. It features Rachel Brosnahan as a 1950s wife and mother who, after her marriage implodes, finds herself as a stand-up comedian. I love the comedy and style, and Brosnahan is perfect in the role.

9. Daredevil (2015-2018)
About: The Man Without Fear is played brilliantly by Charlie Cox. This was the best of the Netflix Marvel series and I’m excited that it’s coming back on Disney+. I hope it retains the dark and moody tone of the original series.

8. Normal People (2020)
About: Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal play a pair of lovers in this adaptation of the novel from Sally Rooney. It follows them from high school through college and into their time as young adults. It’s about their relationship and connection, and it’s hauntingly emotional. Streaming has given rise to the limited series, and some of them have been gems.

7. Fleabag (2016-2019)
About: This comedy comes from Phoebe Waller-Bridge. She offers two, six-episode seasons. The second is the better thanks to the hot priest played by Andrew Scott. Waller-Bridge has a great and unique style, and it’s on full display in this comedy.

6. Midnight Mass (2021)
About: This is another limited series. It’s only seven episodes but the narrative is incredibly powerful. Mike Flanagan does a beautiful job of laying out this story and I love the rich themes and the religious exploration.

5. Stranger Things (2016-)
About: This is a phenomenon now, but I was an early adopter. I remember binging the whole first season in a single sitting. The subsequent seasons have sometimes been uneven but I am invested in the characters and the world. This is the best of the Netflix original series.

4. For All Mankind (2019-)
About: The drama, which features an alternate take on the space race, just finished its third season. It’s brilliant and well crafted. The second season finale, “The Grey,” is the high point so far but this is one of the best series from Apple TV+

3. The Mandalorian (2019-)
About: The third season is coming but the first two seasons have been incredible. The performance from Pedro Pascal is solid and Grogu, The Child, has been one of my favorite characters of the streaming era. I love the emotion and adventure of the series.

2. Ted Lasso (2020-)
About: The series is about to launch its third and final season. No matter what happens, it will remain a favorite. A show about an America football coach heading to England to coach soccer didn’t seem to be in my wheel house, but Jason Sudeikis is incredible.

1. Bosch (2014-2021)
About: One of the first big streaming series, and one that’s been around long enough to have been part of the original Amazon pilot process, I love this detective series based on the Michael Connelly novels. Titus Welliver is great in the lead role. I loved all seven seasons of this series and I’m excited about the spin-off, which has already aired its first season.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.