21 TV Dramas We Loved in 2017

With so much incredible television on air, it feels like an impossible task to narrow down our favorites. Even narrowing by specific genre, it’s difficult to make those decisions.

Not only do cable and premium networks produce high-quality series these days, but broadcast networks also continue to deliver great TV. What follows is a list of some of our favorite TV dramas from across the board.

In no particular order, here are 21 TV dramas we loved in 2017:

Note: because we have an entire list dedicated to favorite sci-fi and fantasy TV shows from 2017, those types of series are omitted here.

1. Grey’s Anatomy

Even in its fourteenth season, Grey’s Anatomy manages to keep its storytelling fresh and surprise its viewers. This year, the drama series is better than it’s been in a long time, especially as it focuses more and more on the title character, Meredith Grey. Grey’s Anatomy also aired its 300th episode this year, which was largely a celebration of the long-running series.

2. Better Call Saul

The prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul centers on Saul Goodman before he was Saul Goodman, giving us an idea of how and why he became who he is.

We see his early days as a struggling lawyer, his relationship with fellow lawyer Kim Wexler, and his difficulties with his older brother who suffers from a mental illness that makes him believe he’s allergic to electricity. The series is beautifully shot and well-written with excellent performances from every actor, especially Bob Odenkirk.

3. This is Us

This one really needs no explanation. It’s the network drama that took everyone by surprise and become a hit faster than we could have imagined. The family drama is notorious for making its audience ugly cry at every turn, but that often happens in the kinds of moments you’d least expect.

This is Us is powerful and delivers incredible performances by its actors, all while clouding itself in a bit of mystery — how in the world did Jack die?

4. The Handmaid’s Tale

Based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name, The Handmaid’s Tale managed to terrify us in an important way this year. The series expands further on the world created in the novel, diving deeper into each character and elaborating more fully on how Gilead came to be in the first place.

The entire first season is remarkable, from the acting and the writing to the beautifully haunting look of the series. The Handmaid’s Tale also makes our list of most noteworthy new TV shows from 2017. This is also one of TWO shows to make our list that are based on novels by Margaret Atwood.

5. Suits

USA’s Suits celebrated a milestone this year with its 100th episode, and the series continues to deliver captivating stories. Mike Ross is now on the other side of the law, finally practicing as a legitimate lawyer — but that doesn’t make his life any less complicated. As for Harvey Specter, his character continues to experience growth, especially as he takes over as managing partner.

6. The Good Fight

The Good Wife spinoff, The Good Fight, allows Christine Baranski to shine as Diane Lockhart in the way she truly deserves.

The spinoff series picks up one year after the events of the The Good Wife’s series finale, and sees Diane ready to retire and enjoy her life. But a financial scandal keeps that from happening and forces her to start over at a new firm.

The series also centers on Diane’s god-daughter, Maia, whose parents were at the heart of the scandal. If you’ve been missing The Good Wife, you’ll love the The Good Fight even more.

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