Ranked roundup
The best series of 2020
25 ranked · updated July 2026
The television landscape of 2020 was defined by a remarkable fusion of supernatural spectacle, poignant self-discovery, and the urgent need for human connection. These standout series captured the global zeitgeist by blending high-stakes genre storytelling with intimate explorations of identity, resilience, and the power of found family.
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
Jujutsu Kaisen earns the top spot for its masterfully kinetic animation and a dark, gripping reimagining of traditional shonen supernatural tropes.
Explores: Cursed Objects, Exorcism, High School Sorcerers.
The Owl House
Dana Terrace
The Owl House secures its position through a vibrant, heartfelt narrative that centers on the vital importance of acceptance and chosen family.
Explores: Coming-of-age, Found Family, Acceptance.
Love, Victor
Elizabeth Berger
Love, Victor stands out for its authentic and empathetic portrayal of the modern adolescent experience navigating the complexities of sexual identity.
Explores: Sexual Identity, Self-discovery, High School Life.
The Queen's Gambit
Scott Frank
The Queen's Gambit earns its acclaim by pairing a compelling period setting with a nuanced, suspenseful study of genius and addiction.
Explores: Chess, Addiction, Orphan.
It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Park Shin-woo
It's Okay to Not Be Okay is recognized for its bold, psychological approach to healing and the delicate beauty of unconventional romance.
Explores: healing through love, emotional baggage, found family.
TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You
TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You offers a refreshing, wholesome take on the romantic comedy genre through its sincere depiction of newlywed life.
Explores: Love at First Sight, Newlywed Life, Arranged Marriage (Implied).
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is highlighted for its unique visual aesthetic and the intriguing, supernatural chemistry between its lead characters.
Explores: School Spirits, Urban Legends, Forbidden Romance.
My Holo Love
Lee Sang-yeop
My Holo Love provides a thoughtful exploration of loneliness and the evolving boundaries between human emotion and artificial intelligence.
Explores: Artificial Intelligence, Loneliness, Human Connection.
Ted Lasso
Jason Sudeikis
Ted Lasso earns its place by championing radical optimism and kindness, offering a powerful antidote to cynicism in a workplace comedy setting.
Explores: Optimism, Underdog Story, Cultural Clash.
Mr. Queen
Park Kye-ok
Mr. Queen excels as a historical comedy by utilizing a clever body-swap premise to deliver sharp social commentary and cultural clashes.
Explores: Fish Out of Water, Culture Clash, Identity Crisis.
True Beauty
True Beauty resonates by addressing the relatable pressures of appearance anxiety and the journey toward building genuine self-esteem during high school.
Explores: Appearance Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Love Triangle.
Rent-a-Girlfriend
Rent-a-Girlfriend is noted for its candid examination of social anxiety and the performative nature of modern relationships among young adults.
Explores: social anxiety, performative relationships, coming of age.
Outer Banks
Josh Pate
Outer Banks captures the spirit of youthful rebellion through its high-octane mystery and exploration of stark class divides.
Explores: Class divide, Friendship, Rebellion.
Defending Jacob
Mark Bomback
Defending Jacob is distinguished by its tense, psychological focus on the devastating impact of legal crisis on family secrets and parental love.
Explores: Parental Love, Family Secrets, Small Town Secrets.
The Last Dance
Michael Tollin
The Last Dance provides an essential, masterfully edited look at leadership and team dynamics within the legendary Chicago Bulls dynasty.
Explores: Team Dynamics, Leadership, Legacy.
Smiling Friends
Michael Cusack
A standout among the best series of 2020.
Explores: Existentialism, Corporate Satire, Misanthropy.
The Midnight Gospel
Pendleton Ward
A standout among the best series of 2020.
Explores: Existentialism, Death and Dying, Spirituality.
The King: Eternal Monarch
A standout among the best series of 2020.
Explores: Duty vs. Love, Fate vs. Free Will, Good vs. Evil.
Itaewon Class
Cho Kwang-jin
A standout among the best series of 2020.
Explores: Underdog Story, Social Mobility, Entrepreneurship.
Tale of the Nine Tailed
Han Woo-ri
A standout among the best series of 2020.
Explores: Forbidden Love, Reincarnation, Mythological Creatures.
Alice in Borderland
A standout among the best series of 2020.
Explores: Forced Competition, Existential Crisis, Moral Dilemmas.
The Uncanny Counter
Kim Sae-bom
A standout among the best series of 2020.
Explores: Good vs Evil, Teamwork, Otherworldly Powers.
Flower of Evil
Yoo Jung-hee
A standout among the best series of 2020.
Explores: Hidden Identity, Deception, Marital Secrets.
Dorohedoro
A standout among the best series of 2020.
Explores: Brutality and Humor, Identity Crisis, Magic vs. Science.
Normal People
A standout among the best series of 2020.
Explores: First Love, Social Class Differences, Miscommunication.
Common questions
What are some highly-rated romantic comedy series from 2020?
Notable romantic comedy series from 2020 include It's Okay to Not Be Okay, which focuses on healing through love, TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You, which centers on newlywed life, and True Beauty, which explores self-esteem and appearance anxiety.
Which animated shows were considered the best in 2020?
Top animated series of 2020 include the dark fantasy Jujutsu Kaisen, which follows high school sorcerers battling curses, and The Owl House, a fantasy-comedy about a teenage girl discovering a magical world alongside a rebellious witch and a warrior.
Are there any good sports-themed series released in 2020?
Yes, excellent sports-themed series from 2020 include Ted Lasso, a comedy about an American coach managing an English soccer team, The Queen's Gambit, a drama centered on professional chess, and The Last Dance, a documentary chronicling the Chicago Bulls basketball dynasty.