A quick list of my favorite things I watched in 2021 (not necessarily released this year):

1. Letterkenny (seasons 1-10): I got to watch ten seasons of the strangest and most clever comedy I’ve seen in a long time. In the same way that a sitcom like The Office was a revelation, I think this is something that pushes the edges of comedy, humanity, and how we see ourselves. It’s set in a fictional rural town in Canada called Letterkenny, and stars a farmer and his immediate family and friends. I think there is a barrier to entry here—I really didn’t get it[1] for the first two or three episodes—but the soundtrack kicks fucking ass, it has some of the best character development I’ve ever seen in a sitcom, and it never takes itself too seriously. I look forward to rewatching the whole thing soon.
2. Mare of Easttown (limited series): The accent-work alone would probably be worth it, but it’s also my favorite mainstream murder mystery since the first season of True Detective. Kate Winslett’s performance is amazing.
3. Succession

4. Reservation Dogs (season 1)
5. What We Do in the Shadows (season 3): It felt like this year they finally developed the characters to the point where they could really up the interplay and the show hit its stride.
6. Hacks (season 1)
7. Big Mouth (season 5)

8. The Great British Bakeoff (series 12): This show consistently makes me laugh and cry every week its on and the contestants this year were especially fun to be with. Perfect pandemic show.
9. Ramy (seasons 1-2)
10. Sex Education (season 3): I feel like not enough people talk about this show. It was able to transcend the gimmick from the first season and has just become a caring, funny show about teenagers, their parents, and sex. Also, the soundtrack rules.

Honorable Mention: White Lotus, watching every episode of Cheers for the first time, The Witcher, Schitt’s Creek

[1] It being the secret sauce that makes this comedy work.