New TV Shows 2021: What Premiere Should I Watch This Year?

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 9, 2024

If 2020 taught us anything, it's that our couches are the best seats in the house for world-class entertainment. Intent on keeping this newfound tradition alive, 2021 is here to up the ante with a smorgasbord of new TV shows that promise to turn our living rooms into the hottest ticket in town. So, if you love to be the first to jump on the TV hype train, you're in luck because we're about to help you find your next small-screen obsession.

With our calendars already brimming with reminders for show premieres, we at BrainFall have a sneaky suspicion that choosing what to watch will be our toughest decision yet. Think about it; we've got potential hits featuring A-listers doing all sorts of things—from solving mysteries in snazzy New York apartments to battling it out in new fantasy epics. And we promise, no matter your taste, there's a series premiere with your name on it just waiting to steal your heart (and quite possibly your weekends).

Let's face it, we all want to be the one to say, "I watched it before it was cool," while casually sipping on our artisan coffee. But with such an enormous buffet of shows, the "what should I watch" dilemma is real. Don't panic though—we've got the remote, the snacks, and the insider scoop. Take our quiz over at BrainFall, and let us guide you to your next binge-worthy premiere. It's like matchmaking, but with TV shows, which is obviously way more important.

Navigating the TV Show Maze

2021's TV landscape is like a sprawling city of neon signs, all screaming for our attention. It's a golden age for series lovers, but with so many shows across various platforms, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Fear not! We're here to guide you through the maze with a trusty map highlighting all the must-see TV.

Streaming Titans and Their Offerings

Netflix, our old friend, keeps the ball rolling with a diverse array of new shows that have had us glued to our couches more often than we'd like to admit. It's a promised land of binge-worthy series—whether we're cracking up at the latest comedy or on the edge of our seats with a mind-bending drama.

• HBO Max: The cool new kid on the block. They've been making waves with their high-quality new shows and they're not slowing down. Whether it's a gritty superhero series or a charming rom-com, they've got it.

Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV+, and Disney+ aren't far behind, each bringing their A-game with original content that we just can't resist. Remember the days when we had to wait a week for a new episode? Psh, streaming services have spoiled us with full-season drops, and, honestly, we're not complaining.

The Resurgence of Network and Cable TV

Let's not forget the granddaddies of the TV world—network and cable TV. They're punching back this year with some impressive titles that remind us to keep our remotes handy and our DVRs ready.

• Comeback Hits: It turns out a global pandemic can only halt production for so long. Classics and beloved series are making triumphant returns, proving that sometimes, you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Fresh Faces: Even amidst the streaming onslaught, networks are debuting captivating new shows that are giving those streaming giants a run for their money. Who needs algorithms when you have good, old-fashioned channel surfing?

Genre Specific Highlights

Now, let the games begin! Put on your genre goggles, because the battle of the series has some clear standouts:

• 🤣 Comedy: If laughter is the best medicine, then these shows should be covered by health insurance.
• 🎭 Drama: Need something more intense? The drama category has enough twists to keep our yoga instructor busy.
• 🌐 Global Influence: Hello world! Shows from across the globe have found a cozy home in our watch lists, and they're fabulous.

So, there you have it! Our hot takes on 2021's spectacular TV show offerings. Whether you're looking for a quick laugh or a deep-dive into complex narratives, this year's lineup is a veritable smorgasbord of televised delight. Now, let's grab our remotes, don our snuggliest blankets, and enjoy the show(s)!

Must-Watch Shows of 2021

If 2021 had a theme, it might be "couch potato chic," because with shows this good, who needs sunlight? Get your snacks ready; it's time to queue up the best visuals of the year.

Comedic Relief for Serious Times

We all need a good laugh, especially when the world gets topsy-turvy. That's why we absolutely lived for Only Murders in the Building. Imagine Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as an unlikely trio of crime solvers in a deliciously funny whodunit. It's must-see TV, folks! Then there's Girls5eva—think a washed-up '90s girl band aiming for a comeback. Trust us, their struggles are real and the laughs are even realer.

Dramas That Grip the Heart and Mind

Now, if drama is what primes your couch-potato heart, get your tissues ready! Dopesick, staring Michael Keaton, dives deep into the heart-wrenching opioid crisis, and you'll be hooked (on the show, not opioids—stay safe!). For those who love a historical journey, gallop into 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone that's as rugged as it is riveting. And for a superhero twist, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier offered more than just mind-blowing action—it gave us a glimpse at the human side of heroism.

Sci-Fi and Fantasy: Escaping Reality

Had enough of this planet? Why not zip over to watch the intergalactic intrigue of Foundation, based on Isaac Asimov's legendary work. Prefer to swords over spaceships? The Witcher is back for another season of monster slaying and political intrigue. And in Invincible, we saw what being a real superhero would look like—spoilers: it's messy, bloody, and oh-so addictive!