Ranked roundup
The best series of 2020
25 ranked · updated June 2026
The television landscape of 2020 was defined by a remarkable fusion of supernatural spectacle, heartfelt coming-of-age narratives, and global storytelling. From the high-stakes exorcisms of Jujutsu Kaisen to the poignant emotional healing found in international dramas, these selections represent the most compelling and culturally resonant series of the year.
How this ranking works
Ranked by a Bayesian-weighted score combining each title's average rating and rating count (minimum 100 ratings to qualify, weighted toward titles with more votes), filtered to series released in 2020.
Jujutsu Kaisen
This series earns its top spot through its masterful blend of dark fantasy aesthetics and high-octane action sequences that redefine the modern shonen experience.
The Owl House
Dana Terrace
The Owl House secures its position by offering a deeply imaginative take on the coming-of-age genre that centers on radical acceptance and found family.
Love, Victor
Elizabeth Berger
Love, Victor distinguishes itself with an authentic and grounded exploration of sexual identity that resonates through its relatable portrayal of modern high school life.
The Queen's Gambit
Scott Frank
The Queen's Gambit is a standout for its precise period production and its intense, character-driven examination of brilliance shadowed by the weight of addiction.
It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Park Shin-woo
This series earns its place by delicately balancing psychological trauma with romantic healing, providing a nuanced look at the complexity of human emotional baggage.
TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You
TONIKAWA shines as an exceptionally sweet slice-of-life narrative that strips away common romantic tropes to focus entirely on the earnestness of newlywed life.
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is celebrated for its unique visual style and its ability to weave urban legends into a compelling and supernatural school-based romance.
My Holo Love
Lee Sang-yeop
My Holo Love earns its spot by posing thoughtful questions about the nature of loneliness and the possibility of genuine connection with artificial intelligence.
Ted Lasso
Jason Sudeikis
Ted Lasso provides an essential study in radical optimism, using its sports setting to explore how kindness can fundamentally transform a cynical workplace culture.
Mr. Queen
Park Kye-ok
Mr. Queen is recognized for its inventive premise, successfully utilizing a body-swap narrative to execute a clever and chaotic historical fish-out-of-water comedy.
True Beauty
True Beauty is included for its honest depiction of appearance anxiety and the relatable struggle to find self-esteem in a high school environment.
Rent-a-Girlfriend
Rent-a-Girlfriend earns its spot by offering a raw and often uncomfortable look at social anxiety and the performative nature of modern dating culture.
Outer Banks
Josh Pate
Outer Banks succeeds by combining a classic class-divide narrative with high-stakes mystery, creating a compelling adventure that captures the spirit of teenage rebellion.
Defending Jacob
Mark Bomback
Defending Jacob is honored for its gripping tension and its ability to sustain a psychological thriller through the lens of a family in crisis.
The Last Dance
Michael Tollin
The Last Dance stands as a definitive sports documentary, providing unprecedented access to the internal dynamics and legendary leadership of the Chicago Bulls dynasty.
Common questions
What are the best fantasy series from 2020?
The top-ranked series of 2020 include Jujutsu Kaisen, which features dark supernatural action, and The Owl House, a fantasy comedy series that explores a magical world through the eyes of a teenage girl.
Which sports-related shows were popular in 2020?
Popular sports-themed series from 2020 include the basketball documentary The Last Dance, the sports drama The Queen's Gambit, and the optimistic sports comedy Ted Lasso, which focuses on an American football coach managing a British soccer team.
Are there any good romantic comedies released in 2020?
Yes, 2020 featured several notable romantic comedies, including the anime TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You, the tech-focused My Holo Love, the historical comedy Mr. Queen, the teen-centric True Beauty, and the social-anxiety exploration Rent-a-Girlfriend.