Can you believe 2017 is almost over? Feels like the year just began, but alas, this journey around the sun is almost complete. There have also been so many amazing TV shows this year, but don't worry — there's still time for you to catch up on the 2017 TV Shows that you missed. It's not just that it feels like there's more TV than ever, but there's been more really good TV series and, I know, sometimes it feels like quite a struggle to find time to watch them all.
Remember the days when there were just the four main broadcast networks and that was pretty much it? Now, original TV shows aren't even just on TV — Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have proved that quality series can be streamed, as well. According to a report from Variety in August, 342 TV series had aired, and, at that point, 79 shows had yet to premiere yet. So yep, that's definitely a lot of TV shows to watch.
If you're wondering where to even begin to make your way through all that TV, don't despair. I've picked out the must-sees out of the hundreds of shows available. The list below consists of the shows you probably missed, but definitely should catch up on.
1
'The Good Place'
This NBC sitcom has gone from good to great. The series about the afterlife had a season-ending twist that totally changed the game — for the better. The Good Place Season 2 has become one of the funniest, most creative shows currently on the air. Luckily, it's not too late to experience this show from the beginning and get caught up for the second half of Season 2.
2
'The Handmaid's Tale'
If you didn't watch Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale as it premiered episodes in the Spring, you can still catch up on the Emmy-winning series. Based on Margaret Atwood classic novel of the same name, the drama series explores a world where many of women's basic rights had been stripped away. Season 2 is due to premiere in 2018 and you can definitely marathon it on Hulu before then.
3
'Big Little Lies'
This HBO drama based on Liane Moriarty's book captivated viewers in the Spring and may (or may not) be returning for a Season 2. The feminist TV series explored the life and issues of several memorable families in scenic Monterey, California, starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, and Shailene Woodley. Witherspoon (as a producer), Kidman (as an actor and producer), and Alexander Skarsgård (as supporting actor) won Emmys for their work on the series.
4
'Legion'
Starring Dan Stevens, this FX drama goes where no superhero drama has gone before. Legion centers on X-Men character David Haller/Legion, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. With stunning visuals and mind-bending storylines, it's an X-Men series like you've never seen before.
5
'Riverdale'
Teen angst, anyone? Riverdale premiered in the Spring with a new interpretation of the Archie Comics and has hooked viewers since. Season 2 is in the process of airing, so you still have time to watch Season 1, pick the couples you want to 'ship (Bughead?), and pick up right where Season 2 leaves off for Winter break.
6
'The Crown'
This Netflix series dramatizes the life and times Queen Elizabeth, the current monarch of the United Kingdom. Get to know her in her younger days (did you know she became queen at age 23?), as well as her relationship struggles with Prince Philip (Matt Smith) and younger sister Princess Margaret (Vanessa Kirby). Most of all, enjoy Claire Foy's skillful portrayal of the queen in Season 1 and the soon-to-premiere Season 2; next, the masterful Olivia Coleman will take over the role for Season 3.
7
'G.L.O.W.'
Who knew women's wrestling could make a hilarious comedy TV show? The women of Netflix's fun and feminist G.L.O.W. probably did. The series takes place in the 1980s and focuses on the inception of the Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling league (get it?). The result is a funny comedy series that has a lot of heart as much as it has heels (not the shoes) and heroes.
8
'Mindhunter'
Based on the book of the same name by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, this Netflix drama series is set in the 1970s, and follows as FBI special agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they interview several imprisoned killers in order to find out what makes them tick. The agents hope to use the knowledge to solve other cases on their docket. Basically, this show would be a perfect one to add to your docket, especially if you're a true crime buff.
9
'Feud: Bette & Joan'
Ryan Murphy's new FX anthology series took viewers inside one of old Hollywood's most storied feud, between Bette Davis (played by Susan Sarandon) and Joan Crawford (played by Jessica Lange) on the set of What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? Even better, it's amazing to watch powerhouse actors Sarandaon and Lange go toe-to-toe as two just as legendary actors from the 1960s.
10
'Dear White People'
This funny, touching, observant, and racially conscious Netflix series takes viewers into the racial tensions and issues of the prestigious (fictional) Winchester University. The dramedy series is based on the hit 2014 film of the same name and creatively expands the universe of the movie, with episodes centering on the many characters' different perspectives.
11
'American Vandal'
This Netflix true crime parody series may seem like it could be a one-joke premise about finding out who drew, ahem, the lewd doodles on cars in the parking lot. But as you marathon the episodes of the series, American Vandal becomes way more than that. It's an exploration of what it means to be young today, why humans act the way they do, and, most importantly, what a truly perfect true crime parody should be.
So, what are you waiting for? Marathon these shows pronto and you'll be all caught up for 2018, when you can add even more shows to your to-watch list.
