Matt Roush’s Top 10 Broadcast TV Shows of 2021

Matt Roush
10 Comments
Best Broadcast TV Episodes 2021, Blue Bloods, The Wonder Years, This Is Us
John Paul Filo/CBS; ABC/Matt Sayles; Ron Batzdorff/NBC

Too often ignored in year’s-end lists (and in awards nominations) are the gems that still keep us tuning into the broadcast networks.

While CBS’ new hit Ghosts made his overall Top 10, senior critic Matt Roush compiles a list of 10 more broadcast series and specials that helped define the 2021 TV year, from the final season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine to the long-running Blue Bloods and the revival of The Wonder Years.

The Wonder Years cast
ABC/Matt Sayles

The Wonder Years (ABC)

This warm reimagining of the nostalgic comedy transports us to a very different region of the 1960s: the Deep South, reminding us that coming-of-age stories are universal.

This Is Us Sterling K. Brown and Justin Hartley
Ron Batzdorff/NBC

This Is Us (NBC)

The Pearsons aren’t going away until 2022, but we’ve already got separation anxiety. TV’s first family of emotional turmoil has lost none of its ability to surprise — and jerk tears.

All Creatures Great and Small - Rachel Shenton and Nicholas Ralph - Masterpiece
Ed Miller/Playground Television

All Creatures Great and Small (PBS)

James Herriot’s animal stories never get old. We’re newly charmed by the latest Masterpiece adaptation, featuring Diana Rigg in one of her last roles as an eccentric dog owner.

Mom - Allison Janney
Robert Voets/CBS

Mom (CBS)

Christy (Anna Faris) left too soon, but “grateful alcoholic” Bonnie (Allison Janney) had support to the end from her friends in one of the great testaments to comic sisterhood.

The Good Doctor - Freddie Highmore and Paige Spara
ABC/Jeff Weddell

The Good Doctor (ABC)

Though autistic surgeon Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) has found love, he’s still just one crisis away from a breakdown in TV’s most inventive and wrenching medical drama.

Rebecca Breeds as Clarice Starling in 'Clarice'
Brooke Palmer/CBS

Clarice (CBS)

This intense Silence of the Lambs sequel, starring a compelling Rebecca Breeds as vulnerable Clarice Starling, deserved more than one season. No wonder so much of the good stuff is going to streaming.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Andy Samberg
NBC

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (NBC)

ith one last caper, the wacky precinct that stole our hearts and tickled our funny bones signed off after eight seasons on two networks. As Jake would say: Noice.

Blue Bloods - Tom Selleck
John Paul Filo/CBS

Blue Bloods (CBS)

There’s something to be said for consistency. A stalwart on Fridays for 12 seasons, Blue Bloods never fails to satisfy with its blend of police and family drama.

Muhammad Ali PBS
Courtesy of PBS

Muhammad Ali (PBS)

Ken Burns’ majestic four-night portrait of the legendary and controversial boxer captured this celebrated figure in all of his bravado and complexity. A knockout.

Charlie Barnett as Eric Payne, Gabrielle Byndloss as Mallory, James Wolk as Joe Kimbreau, Natalie Martinez as Amy Kindelán, Wynn Everett as Celeste Kimbreau in Ordinary Joe -Season 1
Matt Miller/NBC

Ordinary Joe (NBC)

Is this anything-but-ordinary drama trying too hard, following a man (James Wolk) on three different life paths? At least it’s trying. We’re still intrigued.

All Creatures Great and Small (2020)Blue BloodsBrooklyn Nine-NineClariceMomMuhammad AliOrdinary JoeThe Good Doctor (2017)The Wonder Years (2021)This Is Us



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  1. C

    CyanFries

    Good to see Ordinary Joe get some love. In a world of reboots and reality tv, it's a treat to have something original like this. I hope it gets a season two.

  2. G

    GoldLeaf

    I love Blue Bloods as well as Great Creatures. It deserves to be in the top ten. Just wish there were more shows that we can be happy about

  3. G

    GreenPalmtree

    Thanks for including Blue Bloods. Despite the small world aspect of everybody involved in too many of the same cases, (a Police Story sized guest list of cops would make this an all time great show) recognizing that it's just as good as when it started is a great point. (also, the only really great show on this list that would make it even at broadcast's peak is All Creatures.)

    I suppose with the abrupt and controversial way the Seal Team leapt to streaming would have been a bit much here, but that show should be recognized for it's incredible consistency, it's variety of mission and up-to-date outlook-- and its deft home/deployment mix that shows like The Unit couldn't get quite right.

    1. R

      RedCarrot

      My moms favorite show is Blue Bloods her second favorite is Chicago PD (my favorite).

      Do you enjoy PD?

  4. R

    RedCarrot

    Great too see broadcast shows garnering some respect .

  5. R

    RedPalmtree

    I gave Ordinary Joe four episodes before I folded. I can't imagine that it will last. So repetitive, it just got boring.

  6. P

    PurpleScooter

    Totally miss B99. What about Ghosts?

    1. G

      GoldPizza

      Ghosts made it on the list of the best shows of the year on all of tv, not just broadcast.

      This is giving props to the little league players.

      1. R

        RedCarrot

        Crazy how broadcast is now the little league!

    2. R

      RedCarrot

      It actually earned a #10 ranking in Matt’s top 10 shows (includes cable and streaming )