Best TV Shows of 2019

As the year winds down, the holidays are the best excuse to sit in front of the TV and catch up on the year’s best shows you might have missed. Whether its with a family member, friend or even a Senior Home Care by Angels caregiver, watching the best in entertainment from the comfort of your own home can help you forget about the cold. Senior Home Care by Angels can even provide you with watch buddy through our Companion Care program! If you haven’t already, be sure to check our best movies of 2019 list at the link here.

Here is a list of the best TV shows/seasons released in 2019.

Currently Airing:

The Mandalorian (Season 1 currently airing)

Showrunners: Jon Favreau (Iron Man, The Lion King), Dave Filoni (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Rebels).

Starring: Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones, Narcos), Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok, What We Do in the Shadows), Gina Carano (Deadpool, Fast and Furious 6).

Regardless of your affiliation with Star Wars, The Mandalorian is a high action space western that is as entertaining as it is intense. Focussing on practical effects and high production, The Mandalorian takes the very best Star Wars has to offer. Extrapolating on its roots tied to westerns and old Japanese samurai films, The Mandalorian can be best described as a mash up between The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Sergio Leone, 1966) and Dredd (Pete Travis, 2012). Taking place after five years after Return of the Jedi (Richard Marquand, 1983), The Mandalorian stars a lone bounty hunter (Pascal) as he travels the galaxy as a gun for hire. After a surprising find, the Mandalorian must stop at nothing to protect his cargo. Whether you come for the action or stay for the cuteness overload of Baby Yoda, The Mandalorian is pure entertainment no matter what side of the spectrum you fall on.

Available on Disney Plus (Disney Plus Original), new episodes air every Friday. Season 1 finale on 12/27/2019.

Episode length: 40 min. 

Episodes per season: 8.

If you enjoy the show check out: Deadwood (David Milch, 2004-2006), Westworld (Lisa Joy & Jonathan Nolan, 2016-), Cowboy Bebop (Shinichiro Wantanabe, 1998-1999).

Mr. Robot (final season [season 4] currently airing)

Showrunner: Sam Esmail (Homecoming, Comet).

Starring: Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody, Papillon), Christian Slater (True Romance, Dirty John), Carly Chaikin (The Last Song, Suburgatory).

As officially the most overlooked show of the generation, Mr. Robot is one of the best shows ever to air on tv. The show follows prominent hacker Elliot Alderson (Malek) as he tries to take down the world’s biggest cooperation, E corp, after covering up an accident that claimed the life of his father. After he teams up with a man known as Mr. Robot (Slater) and his group of prominent hackers known as F. Society, Elliot tries to juggle his cyber life while keeping his emotions in check. From multilayered themes of cyber-terrorism to corporate greed, Mr. Robot will to melt your brain with all its twists and turns. We can guarantee you will want to re-watch the show once the credits roll.

Airing on Showcase, past seasons are available on Amazon Prime Video. Season finale on 12/22/2019.

Episode Length: 50 min.

Episodes Per Season: 10.

If you like the show check out: Twin Peaks/Twin Peaks the Return (David Lynch, 1990-1991,2017), Homecoming (Sam Esmail, 2018-), Sharp Objects (Marti Noxon,2018).

Fleabag (Season 2)

Showrunner: Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Solo: A Star Wars Story, Killing Eve).

Staring: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford (Vanity Fair, A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life), Olivia Coleman (The Favourite, The Crown).

Cleaning up at the Emmys this year, Fleabag is a show that doesn’t come around too often. A comedy adapted from the award-winning play, Fleabag is about a young woman who struggles to find her identity after a recent tragedy. Full of hilarious one-liners and great acting from Waller-Bridge and the supporting cast, Fleabag will have you laughing out loud at every turn. Based around themes of loss, identity and life itself, the show does a good job of not taking itself too seriously though it knows when to hit hard emotionally. Fleabag is truly unlike any other show on TV as it executes a masterful balance between comedy and tragedy.

All seasons are available on Prime (prime original).

Episode Length: 25 min.

Episodes Per Season: 6.

If you like the show check out: Broad City (Ilana Glazer & Abbi Jacobson, 2014-2019), Atlanta (Donald Glover, 2016-), Master of None (Aziz Ansari & Alan Yang, 2015-).

Chernobyl (Mini Series)

Showrunner: Craig Mazin (Identity Thief, The Hangover Part II)

Staring: Jared Harris (Mad Men, The Terror), Stellan Skarsgard (Good Will Hunting, Thor), Emily Watson (Genius, Punch-Drunk Love).

Winning an Emmy for best limited series, Chernobyl dramatically re-enacts the story of the nuclear reactor explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986. Coined as one of the world’s worst man-made catastrophes, the show takes viewers on a journey through the initial reaction up to the aftermath of the explosion years later. Followed by an excellent cast (not speaking in Russian or Ukrainian accents to avoid breaking immersion), the show is incredibly tense and insightful. Though some characters are dramatized, Chernobyl’s focus on showcasing the truth through recreated factual history is what sets the show apart from its contemporaries. Especially by the end, the show reminds viewers that the truth is indeed more horrifying than any fictional boogeyman. Chernobyl is an incredibly immersive experience that is not only incredibly tense but makes sure to remember and mourn those lost during this dark time in history.

All episodes are available on Crave through the HBO+Movies package.

Episode Length: 1 hour

Episodes Per Season: 5

If you like the show check out: The Night of (Richard Price & Steven Zaillian, 2016), Unbelievable (Susannah Grant, Michael Chabon & Ayelet Waldman, 2019), Catch-22 (Luke Davies & David Michod, 2019).

Something Different:

Rick and Morty (Season 4 currently airing)

Showrunners: Dan Harmon (Community, Computerman), Justin Roiland (Adventure Time, Gravity Falls).

Staring Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell (Anchorman, 21 Jump Street), Spencer Grammer (Law and Order: SVU, Ironside).

Rick and Morty has been a cultural phenomenon since its creation in 2013. Though Rick and Morty might not be for everyone, it is no doubt special. Based around a time traveling scientist named Rick (Roiland) and his grandson Morty (also voiced by Roiland), Rick and Morty calls back to old 80s movies like Back to the Future (Robert Zemeckis, 1985) and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (Stephen Herek, 1989) while providing something new. Rick and Morty is crude and gross but also equally hilarious and thought provoking. Even if you aren’t a fan of adult cartoons, Rick and Morty is something original as it breaks down clichés established by dated shows such as The Simpsons (Matt Groening, 1989-) Seinfeld (Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld 1989-1998) and Lost in Space (Irwin Allen, 1965-1968). Whether it’s the odd animation, or the numerous voices created by Roiland, Rick and Morty will keep you laughing from start to finish.

Airing on Adult Swim. Past seasons are available on Prime if you purchase a subscription to Stack TV. The rest of season 4 is to be released sometime in 2020.

Episode Length: 22 min.

Episodes Per Season: 10.

If you like the show check out: Big Mouth (Jennifer Flackett, Andrew Goldberg & Nick Kroll, 2017-), Doctor Who (Sydney Newman, 2005-), Gravity Falls (Alex Hirsch, 2012-2016).

Watchmen (season 1)

Showrunner: Damon Lindelof (Lost, The Leftovers)

Staring: Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk, Ray), Jeremy Irons (The Lion King, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice), Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Aquaman, The Get Down)

If you are looking for a unique take on the superhero genre look no further than Watchmen. Watchmen is a sequel to the original comic series written in 1986 rather than Zack Snyder’s 2009 film. However, if you are invested, Watchmen is not highly accessible. It is recommended you read up on the comics, watch the movie (thought the ending is different than the comic), or watch a YouTube video to catch yourself up as the show directly references and exists within the comic’s world. The show doesn’t explain what the comic has already set up so Watchmen may be a harder sell than most shows. However, if you are up for it, Watchmen is incredibly rewarding. Focusing on race relations, classism and fear mongering, Watchmen is not your average immature comic book franchise. Filled with great characters, disturbing violence, and head-scratching time travel, Watchmen, just like its comic counterpart, is a staple of entertainment.

All episodes are available on Crave through the HBO+Movies package.

Episode Length: 1 Hour.

Episodes Per Season: 9.

If you like the show check out: The Boys (Erik Kripke, Evan Goldberg & Seth Rogen, 2019-), The Umbrella Academy (Jeremy Slater, 2019-), Daredevil (Drew Goddard, 2015-2018).

Undone (Season 1)

Showrunners: Raphael Bob-Waksberg (BoJack Horseman, Tuca & Bertie), Kate Purdy (Bojack Horseman, The McCarthys).

Staring: Rosa Salazar (Alita: Battle Angel, Bird Box), Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad), Angelique Cabral (Life in Pieces, Enlisted).

Made entirely though rotoscoping (animation that involves tracing over live-action footage), Undone is one of the most unique shows ever created. From its gorgeous animation to its time-twisting story, the show is incredibly bold as it explores a woman’s relationship with time, her own demise and loss of loved ones. With excellent performances by Salazar and Odenkirk, Undone would be an impossible show without the multilayered animation produced by the team at Minnow Moutain (Tower). Even if you just stay for the gorgeous visuals, Undone is a cerebral experience that is unlike any other.

All episodes are available on prime (prime original).

Episode Length: 23 min.

Episodes Per Season: 8.

If you like the show check out: BoJack Horseman (Raphael Bob-Waksberg, 2014-2020), Futurama (David X. Cohen & Matt Groening, 1999-2013), 12 Monkeys (Travis Fickett & Terry Matalas, 2015-2018).

Hidden Gems:

What we do in the Shadows (Season 1)

Showrunner: Jermaine Clement (Flight of the Concords, What we do in the Shadows [film]).

Staring: Matt Berry (IT Crowd, Toast of London), Natasia Demetriou (Stath Lets Flats, Pls Like), Kayvan Novak (Four Lions, Fonejacker).

Based on the hilarious film of the same name (we recommend you watch the film first before watching the show), What We Do in the Shadows, takes the film’s mockumentary style and extrapolates on it. Like the movie, the show follows a documentary crew as they record the lives of four vampires living in Staten Island, New York. Whether its fighting with werewolves or trying to avoid the day light, What We Do in the Shadows does not disappoint as the characters are iconic, the writing is smart and most importantly the humour is laugh out loud funny. What We Do in the Shadows is one of the best comedies shows of the year and should not be missed.

All episodes are available on the FX Now Canada app/website. Subscription to FX is needed through your TV provider.

Episode Length: 30 min.

Episodes Per Season: 10.

If you like the show check out: Parks and Recreation (Greg Daniels & Michael Schur, 2009-2015), The Office (UK: Anil Gupta & Jon Plowman, 2001-2003, U.S: Greg Daniels, Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant, 2005-2013), It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Glen Howerton & Rob McElhenney, 2005-).

Barry (Season 2)

Showrunners: Alec Berg (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld), Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live, Inside Out).

Staring: Bill Hader, Henry Winkler (Arrested Development, Laverne & Shirley), Anthony Carrigan (Gotham, Parenthood).

Barry is a show that redefines storytelling under the constraint of thirty-minute episodes. The show has more plot development, world-building and characterization in the span of thirty minutes than most shows do in an hour. Barry is an action-packed romp as the show follows hitman Barry Berkman (Hader) as he looks for identity in his life. After stumbling upon an acting class when out on a hit, Barry’s life is changed as he finds his new calling. The show masterfully balances satire with drama as each episode finds Barry carrying out his violent hits while balancing his more comedic acting career. From Winkler’s eccentric Gene Cousineau to Carrigan’s wise cracking NoHo Hank, Barry is violent, funny and overall incredible. Do yourself a favour and watch one of the best shows out there that nobody is watching.

All episodes are available on Crave/HBO+Movies.

Episode Lenghs: 30min.

Episodes Per Season: 8.

If you like the show check out: The Americans (Joseph Weisberg, 2013-2018), Breaking Bad (Vince Gilligan, 2008-2013), Fargo (Noah Hawley, 2015-).

Love, Death & Robots

Showrunner: Tim Miller (Deadpool, Terminator: Dark Fate).

Staring: numerous cast.

Love, Death & Robots, is a love letter to all things sci-fi. If you are fan of different animation styles, unique stories and raunchy characters, Love, Death & Robots is your kind of show. Like Black Mirror (Charlie Brooker, 2011-) or The Twilight Zone (Rod Serling, 1959-1964), Love, Death & Robots is an anthology of sci-fi animated shorts of various lengths. From following three robots as they discover a dead world, to witnessing a murder in cyberpunk Japan, Love, Death & Robots is a blast even if not every episode is a hit. Due to its anthological format, every episode is vastly different than another in terms of story and animation. Therefore, if you really hate a certain episode you are never stuck in limbo for more than 17 minutes at the longest. Love, Death & Robots showcases the best animation has to offer and is a quick entertaining watch for those with not a lot of time on there hands.

All Episodes are available on Netflix (original series).

Episode Length: 6-17 min.

Episodes Per Season: 18.

If you like the show check out: Altered Carbon (2018-), Electric Dreams (2017-), Lore (2017-, check out the original podcast as well!).

Other 2019 Hits:

-Jack Ryan Season 2 (Prime)

-The Witcher Season 1 (Netflix)

-Silicon Valley (Crave/HBO+Movies)

-The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 3 (Prime)

-The Imagineering Story (Disney Plus)

-True Detective Season 3 (Crave/HBO+Movies)

-The Good Place Season 4 (NBC, Past seasons on Netflix)

-Mindhunter Season 2 (Netflix)

-Succession Season 2 (Crave/HBO+Movies)

-His Dark Materials Season 1 (Crave/HBO+Movies)

-Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt 4^th and Final Season (Netflix)

-American Horror Story 1984 (FX Now)

-Killing Eve Season 2 (Included with Crave)

-When They See Us Season 1 (Netflix)

-Veep 7^th and final (Crave/HBO+Movies)

-Lost in Space Season 2 (Netflix)

-Glow Season 3 (Netflix)

-The Crown Season 3 (Netflix)

-Cobra Kai Season 2 (YouTube Premium)

-Big Little Lies Season 2 (Crave/ HBO+Movies)

-Good Omens Season 1 (Prime)

-Peaky Blinders Season 5 (Netflix)

-Euphoria Season 1 (Crave/HBO+Movies)

-The Handmaid’s Tale Season 3 (included with Crave)

-El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (Netflix)

-Downton Abby The Movie (on demand)

Coming in 2020

-Doctor Who Series 12 (Jan 1, Space)

-Stephen King’s The Outsider (Jan 12, Crave/HBO+Movies)

-Star Trek: Picard (Jan 23, CBS)

-Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 7 (Feb 6, NBC)

-Locke & Key (Feb 7, Netflix)

-Homeland Season 8 (Feb 9, Showcase)

-Outlander Season 5 (Feb 16, Crave/Starz)

-Better Call Saul Season 5 (Feb 23, AMC)

-The Boys Season 2 (July 26, Prime)

Winter can be a tough time of year for families and seniors alike. At Senior Home Care by Angels we can help identify points of interest and vulnerability in everyday life and provide home care solutions - making it easier to navigate the winter months. Book one of our free in-home consultation to get started!  

Get all the information you need to help someone you love.

Reach Out Today

You can reach Senior Home Care by Angels here, or by phone at (780) 487-4256. We look forward to meeting you and your family and providing you with all the home care solutions you need!

Contact us now to book Canada’s Choice in Home Care. Serving Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove and other surrounding communities!

Resources:

TV Premiere Dates

https://www.tvguide.com/tv-premiere-dates/

Best TV Shows of 2019 on Rotten Tomatoes

https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/the-best-tv-shows-2019/

Internet Movie Database

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6864046/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2

Crave TV

https://www.crave.ca/en

Netflix

https://www.netflix.com/ca/

Amazon Prime Video

https://www.primevideo.com/

Disney Plus

https://www.disneyplus.com/