10 Best TV Shows Of 2017 (So Far)

4. The Handmaid's Tale

Another adaptation of a beloved novel, and another hit, The Handmaid's Tale (as evidenced by the Emmys) represents the first major breakthrough for Hulu - and with good reason.

A new take on Margaret Atwood's dystopian classic, it does stick closely to its source material where it needs to. Because of that, it works as a truly ferocious piece of television; in parts difficult to watch, every episode was made with a simmering intensity that occasionally boiled over into something totally horrific.

It's nature means binge-watching isn't recommended, but in every other sense this is a must-watch. Coming in the political climate of 2017 it feels sadly, painfully relevant, and while it never shies away from tackling its big themes it also makes sure to include touches of humour, levity, and nuance, rather than making the oppressors the simple bad guys.

It's led by the flawless Elisabeth Moss, who hits every note asked of her no matter how pained or desperate her Offred must become, and accompanied by some strong supporting turns from the likes of Samira Wiley, Alexis Bledel, and Yvonne Strahovski. The writing is consistently tight, keeping you constantly invested in what's on screen, and there's some incredibly evocative imagery (particularly thanks to its use of the colour red) that makes it great to simply look at too.

Best Episode: Late