My Favorite TV Shows I Watched in 2021

 Without further ado, I give you the TWENTY best TV shows I watched in 2021! (Please know that all these shows are definitely not for everybody.)

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

The Great (Season 1) - DVD

Atypical (Season 4) - Netflix

All Creatures Great and Small (Season 1) - DVD

The Sinner (Season 3) - Netflix

Imposters (Seasons 1-2) - Netflix

20. Mr. Corman (Season 1) - Apple TV

I immediately connected with Mr. Corman because it was about a male elementary school teacher. I connected more when I realized it was even more about a male elementary school teacher dealing with anxiety. Plus, Joseph Gordon Levitt… who doesn’t love that guy?

19. Sweet Tooth (Season 1) - Netflix

I am normally not attracted to fantasies like this one, but the inclusion of my favorite comedian, Will Forte convinced me to give it a try. The humor is there, but it is just a fun show. And very original.

18. Ted Lasso (Seasons 1-2) - Apple TV

While I didn’t totally buy into the Ted Lasso craze, I enjoyed it enough to rank it in my top 20. Plus, there was an episode in Season 2 entirely focussed on the assistant coach’s crazy night that has to be one of the greatest single episodes in television history.

17. Cobra Kai (Season 3) - Netflix

My childhood obsession with all things Karate Kid has now stretched - somewhat embarrassingly - into my mid 40’s! It helps that this is a well made show with plenty of intrigue.

16. Truth Be Told (Seasons 1-2) - Apple TV

The first season was ridiculously great. The second season really jumped the shark and seemed outlandish and at times, stupid. Adding Kate Hudson to the mix did not need to happen and only made things worse. Still gets ranked because of a strong season 1.

15. Perry Mason (Season 1) - DVD

I am not old enough to remember the original Perry Mason (again, mid 40’s), but there is no way it is filled with the twists, turns and fun as this Perry Mason. Matthew Rhys is also fantastic in the lead role.

14. The Salisbury Poisonings (Season 1) - DVD

The first limited series on the list is based on an unbelievable but intriguing true story that puts you in the center of spy culture in England during the scary events of 2018.

13. Physical (Season 1) - Apple TV

I am not sure why I liked this show so much. I guess call it a guilty pleasure. I suppose it might be because I love seeing chaos in normal, ordinary life circumstances.

12. Des (Season 1) - DVD

Another limited series. This one is based on the 1983 Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen. Kudos to David Tennett for a chicanery and shocking acting performance as Des (Dennis Nilsen)!

11. Mare of Easttown (Season 1) - DVD

I didn’t realize it was Kate Winslet in the leading role until about episode 3. Incredible performance by her. Murder detective story in small town Pennsylvania?? What’s not to love?

10. The Mandalorian (Season 2) - Disney+

Enjoyed season 1. Fell in love with season 2. It’s like a quiet Star Wars in that it’s not so busy and loud, but is still full of drama and fun.

9. Shameless (Season 11) - DVD/Netflix

I will say this again and again: this show is NOT for everyone. It’s crass and crude. But if you’ve stuck with it, like I have, for 11 seasons, and seen these kids grow up, this was a very nice way to wrap things up.

8. Only Murders in the Building (Season 1) - Hulu

It’s got my favorite actor/comedian on the planet, Steve Martin. It’s got his sidekick, Martin Short and it’s got a ton of absurd and droll lines to please. (Although I think my dad gave up on it because of all the swears). For most Steve Martin fans, like myself, it’s pure amusement.

7. The Undoing (Season 1) - DVD

My favorite actress, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. This one kept me guessing from episode 1-8.

6. Your Honor (Season 1) - DVD

Bryan Cranston just continues to make refreshing television shows, and this one is no different. Went under the radar, but definitely worth your time.

5. I Know This Much Is True (Season 1) - DVD

I am not a huge fan of Mark Raffalo, but this limited series does highlight his acting chops. This true story will leave you absolutely baffled.

4. Schmigadoon! (Season 1) - Apple TV

If there is one thing I love more than musicals, it’s MAKING FUN OF MUSICALS! There are so many laugh-out-loud moments in this show, including Martin Short making an appearance as a singing leprechaun. Funniest show of the year!

3. The Shrink Next Door (Season 1) - Apple TV

I have mixed feelings about Will Farrel’s and Paul Rudd being cast in this show. But in the end, they brought a much needed element of comedy to the story to brighten up what would have been a very dark and depressing story.

2. Squid Game (Season 1) - Netflix

The dubbed voices were awful. If I had to do it again, I would have watched with closed captioning instead. The voices ALMOST ruined the entire thing for me, but I held strong and was treated to a show that had me thinking about it long into the night.

1. The Morning Show (Seasons 1-2) - Apple TV

I never would have guessed that a show about a network morning show would keep me on the edge of my seat for two full seasons, but here we are. In a huge surprise - especially to me - The Morning Show was the best TV show I watched this year.

My 10 Favorite Music Albums of 2021

 10. The Black Keys - Delta Kream

9. St. Vincent - Daddy's Home

8. tUnE-yArDs - Sketchy 

7. The Fratellis - Half Drunk Under A Full Moon

6. The Killers - Pressure Machine

5. Twenty One Pilots - Scaled And Icy

4. The War On Drugs - I Don't Live Here Anymore

3. CHVRCHES - Screen Violence

2. Manchester Orchestra - The Million Masks of God

1. Islands - Islomania 

2020

1. Future Islands - As Long As You Are
2. The Killers - Imploding the Mirage

3. Plants And Animals - The Jungle

4. Surfer Blood - Carefree Theater
5. Tennis - Swimmer

6. Bahamas - Sad Hunk

7. Wolf Parade - Thin Mind

8. Grouplove - The Healer

9. The Front Bottoms - In Sickness And In Flames

10. CocoRosie - Put The Shine On

2019

1. Andrew Bird - My Finest Work Yet

2. Metronomy - Metronomy Forever

3. The National - I Am Easy To Find

4. Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride

5. Tegan & Sarah - Hey, I'm Just Like You

6. Generationals - Reader As Detective

7. The Head and the Heart - Living Mirage

8. Mumford and Sons - Delta

9. Silversun Pickups - Widow's Weeds

10. Two Door Cinema Club - False Alarm

2018

1. Matt & Kim - Almost Everyday
2. Chvurches - Love Is Dead
3. Death Cab for Cutie - Thank You For Today
4. Metric - Art of Doubt
5. Moon Taxi - Let The Record Play
6. The Decemberists - I'll Be Your Girl
7. Pale Waves - My Mind Makes Noises
8. The Rural Alberta Advantage - The Wild
9. Okkerville River - In The Rainbow Rain
10. Belle and Sabastian - How to Solve Our Human Problems

2017
1. Manchester Orchestra - A Black Mile to the Surface
2. Future Islands - The Far Field
3. Mew - Visuals
4. Alt-J - Relaxer
5. The Shins - Heartworms
6. Portugal. The Man - Woodstock
7. Foster the People - The Sacred Hearts Club
8. The National - Sleep Well Beasts
9. Shout Out Louds - Ease My Mind
10. Arcade Fire - Everything Now

2016
1. Radical Face - The Leaves
2. Cloud Cult - The Seeker
3. Islands - Taste
4. The Strumbellas - Hope
5. Tegan and Sara - Love You To Death
6. The Head And The Heart - Signs Of Light
7. The Avett Brothers - True Sadness
8. The Lumineers - Cleopatra
9. Frightened Rabbit - Painting of a Panic Attack
10. Empire of the Sun - Two Vines

2015
1. Mowgli's - Kids In Love
2. Twenty One Pilots - Blurry Face
3. Matt And Kim - New Glow
4. Metric - Pagans In Vegas
5. Death Cab For Cutie - Kintsugi 
6. Belle And Sabastian - Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance
7. Walk Off The Earth - Sing It All Away
8. Mew - + - 
9. Decemberists - What A Terrible World, What A Wonderful World
10. Chvurches - Every Open Eye

2014
1. Future Islands - Singles
2. Passenger - Whispers
3. Bishop Allen - Lights Out
4. Tokyo Police Club - Forcefield
5. The Rural Alberta Advantage - Mended With Gold
6. Bombay Bicycle Club - So Long, See You Tomorrow
7. Spoon - The Want My Soul
8. Foster the People - Supermodel
9. Broken Bells - After the Disco
10. Manchester Orchestra - Cope

2013
1. Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City
2. Radical Face - Family Tree: The Branches
3. Twenty One Pilots - Vessel
4. The National - Trouble Will Find Me
5. Arcade Fire - Reflektor
6. Shout Out Louds - Optica
7. Crystal Fighters - Cave Rave
8. The Sounds - Weekend
9. Tegan & Sara - Heartthrob
10. Little Green Cars - Absolute Zero

2012

1. Radical Face – The Family Tree: The Roots
2. Passion Pit - Gossamer
3. Mumford And Son – Babel
4. Miike Snow – Happy To You
5. Imagine Dragons – Night Visions

6. Two Door Cinema Club – Beacon
7. Metric – Sythetica
8. Dr. Dog – Be The Void
9. Of Monsters And Men – My Head Is An Animal
10. The Avett Brothers – The Carpenter

2011
1. Death Cab For Cutie – Codes And Keys
2. The Sounds – Something To Die For
3. Architecture In Helsinki – Moment Bends
4. Decemberists – The King Is Dead
5. The Strokes – Angles
6. The Head And The Heart – The Head And The Heart
7. Brett Dennen – Loverboy
8. Manchester Orchestra – Simple Math
9. I’m From Barcelona – Forever Today
10. The Rural Alberta Advantage – Departing

2010
1. The National – High Violet
2. Vampire Weekend – Contra
3. Shout Out Louds – Work
4. Mumford And Sons – Sigh No More
5. Mates Of State – Crushes
6. Dr. Dog – Shame Shame
7. Rogue Wave – Permalight
8. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
9. Matt & Kim – Sidewalks
10. Tokyo Police Club – Champ

2009
1. The Sounds – Crossing The Rubicon
2. Passion Pit – Manners
3. Metric – Fantasies
4. Animal Collective – Merryweather Post Pavilion
5. Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream
6. The Rural Alberta Advantage – Hometowns
7. Silversun Pickups – Swoon
8. We Were Promised Jetpacks – These Four Walls
9. Islands – Vapours
10. Mew – No More Stories Are Told…

My Top 10 Funniest Stand Up Comedy Bits of All Time

 10. Nate Bargatze Stand-Up 04/08/13 - CONAN on TBS

9. Camouflage Doesn’t Always Do What It’s Supposed To - Demetri Martin

8. Aziz Ansari - Cold Stone Creamery

7. "Horses" - Jim Gaffigan Stand up (Quality Time)

6. How Hannah Gadsby's High-Functioning Autism Works | Netflix Is A Joke

5. Steve Soelberg  Every Hymn Should Be Written By Pirates. 

4. Tig Notaro Stand-Up 12/06/11 - CONAN

3. Mike Birbiglia On Surviving A Bear Encounter - "Late Night With Conan O'Brien"

2. John Mulaney Plays “What’s New Pussycat?” 21 Times on a Diner Jukebox

1. Kentucky Fried | KLJ! Greatest Bits | Keith Lowell Jensen

My Favorite Movies of 2020

It's that time again. Time for me to list my 20 favorite films I watched that were released in 2020. Without further ado, here is this year's list.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

1. Synchronic

2. Jingle Jangle

3. Onward

4. The Vast of Night

5. Judas and the Black Messiah

6. Borat 2

7. Wonder Woman 1984

8. The Big Ugly

9. Driveways

10. Alone

11. Balloon

12. The Half Of It

20. The King Of Staten Island I underestimated Pete Davidson. Certainly, most others did too. His acting chops and depth of performance was on point. Major kudos to Marisa Tomei and Bill Burr, who also surprise with terrific performances. Based loosly on his own life, Pete carefully helps us understand his personality and past. There are many funny scenes, but what sticks with you more is the lives of the characters. Quite possibly, Apatow's best film. It's just too long. They needed to trim about 20 minutes. 19. Love And Monsters

Looking for a movie worth going back to the theaters for? This might be the one. Just be prepared to suspend your disbelief and take it for what it is: A fun, ridiculous, apocalyptic ride.

Combine a very lovable main character, played by Dylan O'Brien, an adorable dog, the end of the world, a love story and giant insects, and you have yourself quite the movie. Sure, it sounds terrible, but it's in fact a blast, and the perfect film to see in theaters. I feel bad for this film, as it likely won't make near the money that was spent on it due to COVID, and it deserves to make more than it will. The special effects are actually quite good. My only complaint was the corny ending.

17. Babyteeth8Let it be known, this is a sad movie. I was not expecting a sad movie, but let it be known that it is. Great performances by the cast and well filmed. This movie will make you think, it will make you uncomfortable and in the end, it will make you sad. It will make you sad, but it's a very good movie.

17. Swallow This flick was not at all what I was expecting. The DVD case said, "the horror," but it did not mean horror in the cinematic sense. Youtube calls it a "thriller," but that definitely does not describe it accurately ata all. The cover, apparently, meant "horror "in how you react and then feel for the main character (who suffers from Pica.) Horror as in distressing and worrisome empathy. This movie was not a horror movie, rather a deep dive into mental illness, abuse and depression. It will both startle and move you. Superb performance by Haley Bennett, this is one of the best movies of 2020. 16. I'm Thinking Of Ending Things

For those of you that didn't cancel your Netflix subscription over a movie you haven't seen and still have Netflix, Netflix REALLY wants you to watch this flick. They are pushing it hard right now and I don't get it because I sincerely believe that more people will hate it than like it. (My wife hated it.) And I'm okay with that.

The first act of the movie is downright terrific and straightforward. The plot keeps you on edge, wondering if this is a horror, drama, comedy or mix of all three. (My wife actually loved the first third of the movie.) The surreality and tone of the film keeps you engaged and thirsting for what comes next. Until the second act.

During the second act, you really start scratching your head about what the crap is going on. Without giving too many spoilers, the plot time jumps around and it is up to the viewer to put together the clues about what's happening. I was able to catch the direction and foreshadowing. My wife, not so much, which is strange because she is much smarter than me.

The third act goes from the strange to the downright bizzarre. But when you realize at the end, you realize the entire thing was a touching and saddening look at aging and loneliness.

The acting in this film is absolutely off the charts good. Jesse Plemons is always enthralling, but this might be his best work yet. Toni Collette has scene stealing moments and the transformations that Jessie Buckley make are superb.

My only complaint is that the director could have been a little more clear about where the story is headed and not quite so criptic. I think it would have made the film more accessible and easier to understand.

15. Bad Education For educators like myself, this movie will make you extra angry that an administrator would violate the sacred trust of being over eductional funds. What sounds like a boring story is actually enthralling. Additionally, so well acted by Ray Romano, Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney. Hard to believe this is a true story and people would stoop this low. 91 minutes of intrigue. 14. The Trial Of The Chicago 7

A superstar cast with some of the most sublime acting of the year. Too many great performances to name, but just naming a few, these are the ones I particularly enjoyed: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Frank Langella, Mark Rylance and ESPECIALLY Sacha Baron Cohen!

Glorious writing and storytelling unfold slowly but curiously and then builds quickly. One of 2020's best for sure. 13. One Night In Miami Fictional, yes. Nonetheless powerful. Kudos to Amazon Studios for two of the year's best films (the other one being Sound of Metal). This film is seemingly done in one act and plays out like an on stage play. Its thoughtful, deeply written dialog strikes between four clasic African American heroes from the 60's strikes at the very heart of today's ongoing race issues. Brilliantly written and even more brilliantly performed, my only complaint is that sometimes the heroes seem more of charictures of the people they actually represent than who they truly might be. Entirely enjoyable and one of the best movies of the year. 12. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Superbly acted, this story based on a play hits hard and powerfully. It captures a time in US history with near perfection. From the costumes to the music to the scenery, you will be sucked in to the 1920's. Again, the acting makes this film and I can't recall a more well acted movie in recent memory. I expect there will be some Oscar nominations coming its way. It's on Netflix and it is definitely worth watching, Netflix-aholics. 11. Da 5 Bloods This is in no way a perfect movie. In fact, there are several things that hold it back, specifically its length and its overarching preachiness when preachiness is not needed. It also has some strange editing choices that work both for and against the movie at times. But in the end, the overall whole is much greater than the sum of its parts. It is at times potent, emotional, enraged and sullen. Most of all, it is a remarkable work of art and commentary by Spike Lee on both our country's past and its present. Heartbreaking and absorbing performances by Chadwick Boseman and Delroy Lindo. 10. News Of The World

There is not many surprises here. A straight up western, but with an enormous amount of heart. I can't imagine anyone not liking this movie (except, maybe those that don't have a soul). It's exciting and heartwarming and everything you look for in a movie.

Besides a few hokey, or I will call them "Hanksy" moments, this film does not disappoint. It's a road trip story and a western... but at its heart, it's a movie about overcoming childhood trauma with human connection. Kudos also to young Helena Zengel, who absolutely nails her role as a twice orphaned girl. Without a doubt, one of 2020's best. Go support your local theater and see it, with a mask on. 9. The Wolf Of Snow Hollow You expect a horror, but you laugh, a lot. I haven't laughed so hard in a movie for a long, long time. 70% comedy, 30% horror, the horror is also well done, but it's the comedy that makes it special. I loved every second except the somewhat sappy, predictable ending. Bonus: Filmed and set entirely in UTAH. (Also, be warned, F bombs.)

8. Manari

Minari (2020): 4 out of 5 stars - Jam packed with both feel good and feel sad moments. Superbly acted, excellent script. Moving performances by the entire cast, but specifically Yuh-Jung Youn. Also, maybe the cutest kid ever cast in any film, Alan S. Kim.

7

. Nomadland

Some movies are slow and boring. Some movies are slow and hold your interest. Put this one in the later category. While it moves slowly, I never took my eyes off the screen. Much of this was due to an absolute master class of acting by a captivating Frances McDormand, in one of the best displays of acting I have ever witnessed.

While this movie is basically the year in the life of a nomad, homeless (well, by homeless, I mean she sleeps in her van) traveler. However, it is actually a love story. What is interesting is that it is a love story between a character you grow to love and one you never actually get to meet. It is also about loneliness, aging and most of all, getting over loss. Definitely a must see. (BTW, this movie would be rated PG if it weren't for a 2 second clip of Frances McDormand swimming naked in Yellowstone.)

6. The Father

The Father (2020): 4 and 1/2 stars out of 5. 2 hours of heartwrench. Wonderfully and creatively made. You feel the pain, confusion, fear and lonliness of what it's like to suffer from dimentia. Several times I got the chills. Anthony Hopkins absolutely deserved the Oscar.

5. The Invisible Man

The Invisible Man (2020) 4 and 1/2 stars out of 5 - I am not sure I have ever felt this level of anxiety in any movie. Not in A Quiet Place, not in Misery, not ever. I was on edge the entire movie, and what for? Nothing! Pan to an empty door frame - noting there, but creepy as heck. And that is the beauty of this film. Sometimes the fear of nothing is more profound than the fear of something.

Noboody plays the abused, angry woman like Elizabeth Moss and she plays essentially the exact same role as she does in A Handmaide's Tale. She is terrific, but Aldis Hodge steals the show with his portrayal of a caring, tough-guy cop.

Kudos go to the score of this movie. And the sound editing. They both build such unbelievable tension you think nothing can ever live up to the build up. But ultimately it satisfies. My only complaint is occasionally the effects take you out of the creepy world the director has built and puts you in a hokey Marvel-type universe. Ultimately, that is a minor quibble. The payoff at the end is worth the wait. If you are wondering why this is R, it is not for language or sex, I didn't hear a single F bomb. It is certainly for some fairly graphic gore. I absolutely loved this one and it is without a doubt the first truly great movie of 2020. 4. The Little Things Denzel Washington, Rami Malik, Jared Leto - That's why I paid to watch this film. Not sure the film was meant to highlight their acting chops, but these three do not disappoint. In this murder mystery thriller, expect the unexpected and expect to be creeped out by Jared Leto. Enthralling from beginnng to end, the first big movie of 2021 is a great one! This movie knows its job and it does it's one job well.

3. Princess Of The Row This film is filled with so many poignant and forceful moments. It's downright dynamic. This film speaks to so many issues in society today: race, ethnicity, class, gender, poverty, mental illness, treatment of veterans. Mostly it's about a daughter's love for her dad. Absurdly well acted, there is not a wasted moment. Highly recommend. 2. Sound Of Metal

(On Amazon Prime for Prime members) - The first truely greatr movie I have seen that was released in 2020. It's about a drummer that suddenly goes deaf, but it is more so about how people and life change and how we adjust to those changes. It's about noise and peace and finding a balance of both.

Riz Ahmed's earnest and fervent performance is one of the best of 2020. He is a legit Oscar contender! Paul Raci is a scene stealer in every scene he's in. The sound editing is superb in this film, making the viewer feel almost what it is like to lose your hearing. This is the best movie I have seen so far that was released in 2020. (Viewer be advised: there is some course language in this film.) 1. Promising Young Woman Wow. This movie has laughs, twists, emotion. It will make you angry. It will confound you. It thrills. It keeps you on edge. It tricks you into thinking it is going to be a romantic comedy. It is not that. It will make you uncomfortable. So very uncomfortable. Most of all, it is thought provoking. Very timely and incredibly well written. The ending... holy smokes. Nominated for Best Pictiure and Best Actress... perhaps it should win both. An absolute roller coaster ride of emotion, it's a movie you will be thinking about for a long time.

2019: 10. Parisite 9. Rocketman 8. The Art Of Self Defense 7. Greener Grass 6. The Mustang 5. A Marriage Story 4. Richard Jewell 3. 1917 2. Peanut Butter Falcon 1. JoJo Rabbit

2018:

10. Upgrade 9. What They Had 8. Leave No Trace 7. Three Identical Strangers 6. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs 5. Free Solo 4. A Quiet Place 3. Green Book 2. Won't You Be My Neighbor 1. Eighth Grade

2017:

10. Dunkirk

9. Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi

8. The Shape of Water

7. Get Out

6. The Big Sick

5. Logan Lucky

4. Lady Bird

3. It

2. Brigsby Bear

1. Only the Brave

2016: 10. 10 Cloverfield Lane 9. Sully

8. Eye In The Sky

7. La La Land

6. Life, Animated

5. Pete's Dragon

4. Hidden Figures

3. Hacksaw Ridge

2. Arrival

1. Lion 2015
10. Spotlight
9. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
8. The Martian
7. The Revenant
6. Ex Machina
5. Ant Man
4. Inside Out
3. The Walk
2. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
1. Room

2014
10. The Hobbit
9. Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
8. The Theory of Everything
7. Joe
6. Big Hero 6
5. Boyhood
4. The Imitation Game
3. Big Eyes
2. Whiplash
1. St. Vincent

2013

10. The Heat

9. Mud

8. The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug

7. Despicable Me 2

6. Gravity

5. Short Term 12

4. Nebraska

3. 12 Years a Slave

2. Philomena

1. The Kings of Summer

2012

10. Premium Rush

9. Moonrise Kingdom

8. The Amazing Spiderman

7. Looper

6. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

5. Argo

4. Frankenweenie

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

2. Sleepwalk With Me

1. Safety Not Guaranteed