20 Best TV Shows Of 2017

8. Stranger Things 2

After its zeitgeist-capturing first season, which saw the show become Netflix's biggest original series, there was a lot of pressure on Stranger Things to prove it could repeat the trick in its sequel. And, airing on Halloween, it not only repeated the trick but gave viewers a real treat as well.

You do get the sense that it's a bigger deal this time around, with more characters and a polished feel where you can tell the budget had increased, but it never loses the charm and warmth that made it so popular.

A lot of that is down to the kids, who are magic once again this year. Their friendships, which get seriously tested, are a joy and the performances just as much so. Noah Schnapp's Will was a plot device in Season 1, but this year he's the MVP. Then there's Steve and Dustin, a duo of such improbable comedy genius it's hard to think how they'll improve upon it.

Eleven's return did have one misstep, but her scenes were mostly thrilling to watch, and brought the series a heavy dose of emotion. It was, of course, full of references and nostalgia, with plenty of scares, mystery, and humour too, and it's a sequel that lives up to its impossible hype.