20 Best TV Shows Of 2016
8. Atlanta
Donald Glover may be the most talented multi-hyphenate working in pop-culture today. The writer-cum-actor-turned-rapper-cum-movie-star-cum-funk-singer-cum-show-creator-director-writer-and-star turned his hand at a number of projects this year, and proved he has the Midas touch.
Nowhere was this more evident than Atlanta, Glover's personal passion project that aired on FX this fall. Described as Twin Peaks with rappers, it follows Glover's Earn - a college dropout - as he attempts to help his cousin's burgeoning rap career, while navigating his life and trying to redeem himself with his family and girlfriend.
It showcased a slice of life rarely seen on screen, and in more depth and detail than anywhere else. It brought its characters, in particular Paper Boi and Vanessa, to life, and the city too. It was a close study on black lives, race, gender, and class. Hugely funny, poignant, and at times completely surreal, no show took more risks this year (it gave us a black Justin Bieber), but it certainly reaped the rewards.
Best Episode: B.A.N.