Sunday Service: Special Edition

First off, I want to thank you all for joining me in this new endeavor. I haven’t been here long, but this medium is the perfect place to express my thoughts and creativity. The next four entries will tally my favorite shows of the year. I don’t have specific criteria other than the whole season had to have aired this year, and it’s my list so I can do what I want. Feel free to share your favorites in the comments.

We’ll start with a primer — my honorable mentions. These are series that I loved but quite didn’t make a spot in my final countdown. Still, make sure to check them out.

Average Joe S1

BET scored a big win in licensing the dark dramedy to Netflix a year after its premiere on BET+. The series is an interesting crime thriller centering on Deon Cole’s average family. After the death of his father, Joe discovers he has money that belongs to a Russian drug czar. While a bit long, it delivered a crazy cliffhanger for the second season.

Batman: Caped Crusader S1

This semi-revival of the 90s animated series reinterprets Batman & Gotham for the modern age. New character versions and underrated lore explore the intricacies of crime - nature vs. nurture - in a grounded and realized way. Season two is on the way.

Dominio Day: Lone Witch

Agatha wasn’t the only succubus witch on the block. This British import was a stunning exploration of magic with historical ties of race and class. I sure hope we receive more of this story.

English Teacher

FX scored a fresh, winning comedy from creator Brain Jordan Alvarez who found early success on social media. The adult comedy centers on the millennial high school teacher, Evan Marquez (Alvarez), battling the intricacies of being a “good” liberal. The heartwarming comedy is an equal opportunity offender, targeting topical issues with a lighthearted tone.

The Boys S4

While some avoided the comic series for its resemblance to our current political landscape (or misread who and what Homelander represents entirely), I steamrolled through the chaotic season, wincing at the all-too-familiar storytelling. With strong performances and a crazy ending, Eric Kripke’s final season should be one for the ages.