By Anne Fry
The 2020s have ushered in a new golden age of television, where the boundaries of storytelling are being continuously redefined. With streaming platforms becoming dominant players, the landscape of TV has diversified, offering a vast array of genres and narratives that challenge traditional formats. The past few years have seen the rise of cult TV shows that not only captivate but also reflect the changing dynamics of society. Here, we present the top 15 cult TV shows of the 2020s, each uniquely contributing to the decade’s television tapestry.
The Queen’s Gambit: Chess as a Cultural Phenomenon
The Queen’s Gambit is a period drama that took the world by storm, turning the game of chess into an international sensation. Set in the 1950s and 60s, the show follows the rise of Beth Harmon, a chess prodigy battling personal demons while navigating the male-dominated world of competitive chess. Anya Taylor-Joy’s mesmerising performance as Beth, combined with the show’s stylish direction and meticulous attention to period detail, has made The Queen’s Gambit a cult favourite. Its impact extended beyond the screen, sparking a global interest in chess that hasn’t been seen in decades.
Ted Lasso: Kindness in a Cynical World
Ted Lasso, a comedy about an American football coach leading a British football (soccer) team, has emerged as one of the most beloved shows of the 2020s. Jason Sudeikis’s portrayal of Ted, a relentlessly optimistic coach, has resonated deeply with audiences seeking comfort and positivity in a time of global uncertainty. The show’s heartwarming narrative, coupled with sharp writing and a memorable ensemble cast, has elevated Ted Lasso to cult status, proving that kindness and empathy can triumph even in the most unlikely settings.
Euphoria: A Visually Striking Exploration of Youth
Euphoria is a visually stunning drama that dives into the tumultuous lives of high school students grappling with identity, addiction, and relationships. Zendaya’s Emmy-winning performance as Rue, a teenager struggling with substance abuse, anchors the show’s intense and often unsettling narrative. Euphoria’s bold visual style, unflinching portrayal of difficult topics, and its ability to resonate with a generation navigating the complexities of adolescence have solidified its place as a cult hit in the 2020s.
The Mandalorian: Expanding the Star Wars Universe
The 2020s have seen The Mandalorian continue to build upon its initial success, further cementing its status as a cornerstone of the Star Wars universe. The show’s blend of Western and samurai influences, along with the endearing relationship between Din Djarin and Grogu (affectionately known as Baby Yoda), has captured the imaginations of fans worldwide. With its high production values, engaging storylines, and strong performances, The Mandalorian has become a cultural touchstone, appealing to both long-time Star Wars fans and newcomers alike.
Succession: Power and Dysfunction in the Modern Age
Succession is a darkly comedic drama that delves into the lives of the Roy family, a powerful media dynasty embroiled in internal power struggles and dysfunction. The show’s biting satire of wealth and privilege, combined with its sharp dialogue and complex characters, has made it a critical and cultural success. Brian Cox’s portrayal of the ruthless patriarch, Logan Roy, and the show’s exploration of power dynamics within the family have resonated deeply, earning Succession a dedicated following and multiple awards.
Bridgerton: A Regency Romance for the Modern Viewer
Bridgerton is a sumptuous period drama that reimagines the Regency era through a modern lens. With its vibrant colour palette, diverse cast, and contemporary soundtrack, Bridgerton has breathed new life into the genre of historical romance. The show’s exploration of love, society, and scandal within the upper echelons of London society has captivated audiences, making it one of the most-watched series on Netflix. Bridgerton’s success lies in its ability to blend traditional period drama elements with modern sensibilities, creating a uniquely engaging viewing experience.
The Boys: Superheroes with a Dark Twist
The Boys is a subversive take on the superhero genre, offering a gritty and often grotesque look at what happens when superheroes abuse their powers. The show’s biting satire of corporate greed, media manipulation, and the cult of celebrity has resonated with audiences disillusioned by traditional superhero narratives. Karl Urban’s portrayal of Billy Butcher, a vigilante bent on taking down corrupt superheroes, has become iconic, and the show’s dark humour and relentless pace have made it a standout in the 2020s.
WandaVision: A Surreal Journey Through Television History
WandaVision is a unique entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), blending superhero action with a surreal exploration of television history. The show’s innovative format, which pays homage to classic sitcoms while unraveling a deeper, more tragic narrative, has captivated both Marvel fans and casual viewers. Elizabeth Olsen’s portrayal of Wanda Maximoff, a woman grappling with grief and loss, is both powerful and nuanced. WandaVision’s ability to merge different genres and its ambitious storytelling have made it a cult phenomenon in the 2020s.
Mare of Easttown: A Gritty Crime Drama with Heart
Mare of Easttown is a crime drama that stands out for its deep character development and atmospheric portrayal of small-town life. Kate Winslet’s portrayal of Mare Sheehan, a detective grappling with personal and professional challenges while investigating a murder in her hometown, is nothing short of extraordinary. The show’s exploration of grief, trauma, and community, combined with its gripping narrative, has resonated with audiences, making it one of the most talked-about series of the decade.
The Witcher: Fantasy Reimagined for a New Generation
The Witcher, based on the popular book series and video games, has become a global sensation, thanks in part to Henry Cavill’s charismatic portrayal of Geralt of Rivia. The show’s complex narrative structure, which weaves together multiple timelines and character arcs, has captivated fantasy fans. The Witcher’s blend of action, dark humour, and moral ambiguity has set it apart from other fantasy series, making it a cult favourite in the 2020s.
The Crown: The Continuing Saga of the British Monarchy
As The Crown entered the 2020s, it continued to captivate audiences with its lavish portrayal of the British monarchy. The show’s exploration of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, particularly during the tumultuous period of the 1980s and 90s, has been both gripping and enlightening. Olivia Colman and Emma Corrin’s performances as Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana, respectively, have been widely acclaimed, adding depth and nuance to the characters. The Crown’s ability to balance historical accuracy with compelling drama has solidified its place as one of the defining shows of the decade.
The Expanse: Sci-Fi with a Political Edge
The Expanse is a science fiction series that stands out for its complex world-building and political intrigue. Set in a future where humanity has colonised the solar system, the show explores the tensions between Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt. The Expanse’s realistic portrayal of space travel, combined with its exploration of socio-political themes, has earned it a dedicated following. The show’s intricate plotting and richly developed characters make it a standout in the genre, appealing to both sci-fi enthusiasts and general audiences.
Lovecraft Country: Horror, History, and Identity
Lovecraft Country is a genre-bending series that blends horror with historical drama, exploring themes of racism, identity, and American history. The show’s ability to tackle difficult subjects through the lens of horror has made it both provocative and powerful. Jurnee Smollett and Jonathan Majors’ performances as the show’s leads have been widely praised, and Lovecraft Country’s bold storytelling and striking visuals have made it a cult favourite in the 2020s.
Ozark: Crime and Family in the Heartland
Ozark is a crime drama that has drawn comparisons to Breaking Bad for its intense narrative and morally complex characters. The show follows the Byrde family as they become entangled in a dangerous money-laundering operation in the Missouri Ozarks. Jason Bateman and Laura Linney’s performances as Marty and Wendy Byrde, respectively, are both compelling and chilling. Ozark’s exploration of crime, family, and survival in the heartland of America has resonated with audiences, making it one of the most gripping series of the decade.
Raised by Wolves: A Sci-Fi Epic with Philosophical Depth
Raised by Wolves is a science fiction series that stands out for its ambitious storytelling and philosophical themes. The show, set on a distant planet, explores the relationship between humanity and technology, as two androids raise human children in a post-apocalyptic world. Raised by Wolves is both visually stunning and intellectually challenging, with its exploration of faith, science, and the nature of existence. The show’s unique premise and strong performances have earned it a dedicated following, making it a cult hit in the 2020s.
The 2020s have been a remarkable decade for television, offering a diverse array of shows that push the boundaries of storytelling and reflect the complexities of contemporary life. These 15 cult TV shows represent the best of what the decade has to offer, each one contributing to the cultural conversation in its unique way. Whether through groundbreaking narratives, innovative formats, or unforgettable characters, these shows have captured the imagination of audiences around the world, ensuring their place in the pantheon of television history.
