TV We’re Thankful For: Ghosts, Supergirl, Shadow and Bone, and More

The Tell-Tale TV team is once again considering all the things we’re thankful for when it comes to great television this year.

For some, it’s a specific favorite show, whether new or old. For others, it’s a specific trend, a proper conclusion, or a show that feels personally relevant.

Here are a few things the Tell-Tale TV Team is thankful for when it comes to television in 2021.

1. Seinfeld

Seinfeld was my first TV obsession that I experienced live (The Mary Tyler Moore Show being the true first). I am thankful that all nine seasons are now streaming on Netflix. I, of course, have the DVDs but lugging them out and switching discs is a pain. The ease of access through streaming and the ability to watch whatever episode I want whenever I want is a comfort during yet another stressful year.

Also comforting is the sense of nostalgia I get rewatching the misadventures of Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer—quoting lines (and sometimes entire monologues), remembering how my friends and I would recap the episodes together at school on Fridays, and introducing my son to something that brought me such joy when I was younger. Festivus will be a little bit more festive this holiday season, that’s for sure.

– Erin Allen

2. Shadow and Bone

I’m thankful for Netflix’s Shadow and Bone. It is a fantastic adaptation of the grishaverse that managed to give book fans something new and wonderful to watch. Usually, TV adaptations are a bit of a disappointment, but Shadow and Bone more than lived up to the hype. It gave us Milo, who is the MVP of the show, and number one in our hearts.

– Allison Nichols

3. What We Do in the Shadows

This year, in the dumpster fire that is 2021, I’m thankful for FX’s What We Do in the Shadows. It’s pure escapism — a gloriously Gothic dark comedy with so much heart and surprising depth. It’s hard to pick a favorite actor or character because everyone brings their A-game to the table. Nandor’s “Eat, Pray, Love” journey is hysterical and heartwarming in equal measure.

– Melody McCune

4. Streaming Musicals Including Come From Away and Tick, Tick… Boom

This year the streaming movie musicals have kept me feeling alive. Broadway is only just now coming back so being placated with these movie/filmed versions on our streaming services has been a blessing.

The energy and warmth that In The Heights, Come From Away, and most recently Tick, Tick…Boom have given us hope that our lives will turn around soon and that reality isn’t really all that bad.

– Mary Misasi

5. British Television Including Starstruck and Silent Witness

This year I’m thankful for British television. From the delightfully funny and earnestly sweet Starstruck to the latest season of the new-to-me BBC procedural, Silent Witness, British television filled up hours of watches and rewatches throughout 2021 and consistently served as a comfort to me through another tumultuous year.

– Brianna Martinez

6. Supergirl

I’m thankful for Supergirl and everything it gave us over the last six years. The final season had its highs and its lows, but it maintained its heart until the very end. Kara Danvers and the Super Friends may be gone from my TV on a weekly basis, but the optimistic message they fought for will stay with me for a long time. Hope, help, and compassion for all.

– Shelby Elpers

7. Ghosts

I am thankful that when every long-running sitcom seemed to vanish, CBS’s Ghosts stepped up to fill the void with its unique blend of spooky good one-liners, gothic cinematography, and masterfully-petty conflict.

Surely, someone looked deep into my sitcom-loving soul to create this bubbly supernatural comedy that echoes Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Julie and the Phantoms, while allowing Rose McIver and these hilarious ghosts to redefine the genre.

The opportunity to write about a show so sure of its storytelling abilities every week and share in that delight with the cast on social media as the fan base grows has become one of the most rewarding experiences I have had reviewing a series. Simply put, Ghosts makes me smile like no other TV show this year has.

– Alicia Gilstorf

8. The Owl House

I’m grateful for The Owl House. Dana Terrace took the baton from Steven Universe and She-Ra and ran with it. She further expanded queer representation in children and family programming, especially in this year’s second season. As a queer animation fan, I’m thrilled I get to watch it.

Even more, though, I’m grateful that so many kids — queer or straight, cis and not — will have characters like Amity Blight, Raine Whispers, and Luz Noceda to look to. Growing up I never got to see queer characters as the heroes of the story or see them have romantic relationships. Kids today will because of shows like The Owl House and that is a truly beautiful thing.

– Sarah Fields

9. Shows with Queer Representation, Including Motherland: Fort Salem and Dynasty

I’m thankful for television shows like Motherland: Fort Salem, where queer representation and female-driven storylines are at the forefront. Motherland: Fort Salem is unlike any other show about witches on television, and the world-building is phenomenal. I hope that the show gets the opportunity to further its storytelling and continue at a new network after Season 3.

I’m also thankful for Dynasty for bringing Eliza Bennett back to my television screen with her role as Amanda Carrington. She is arguably the best thing to happen in the past two seasons, and I can’t wait to watch her dominate Season 5.

– Cade Taylor

10. TV That Offered an Escape, including Wynonna Earp and Motherland: Fort Salem

This year I am thankful for shows like Wynonna Earp who and Motherland: Fort Salem who gave me worlds to escape to when I wanted to lose myself in a story.

Wynonna Earp concluded its final season in the spring, and it gave us the happiest ending that fans could have asked for. As much as it hurts to leave Purgatory behind, the show will hold a special place in my heart for years to come.

Meanwhile, Motherland: Fort Salem just continues my love for witch stories. I am always amazed at how they continue to build out the world of this show and how they create a mythology that keeps the audience entertained.

– Lauren Busser

11. The Outpost

Although I am saddened that The Outpost ended only after four seasons, I am extremely thankful for the fabulous finale. Nearly every lingering question was answered, and the blessed wedding scene made for a moment of happy tears.

The way I bonded with my wife over this show gave us something special to talk about every week. The absence of Garret and Talon will hurt come next summer, but we can always look back to those magical moments and smile.

12. Succession 

This year I’m thankful for the return of Succession. After a long hiatus following a huge cliffhanger, the show couldn’t come back soon enough.

From Greg and Tom’s twisted friendship to Roman and Gerri’s also twisted romance to sibling squabbling, the character interactions on this show are unbeatable. The show is also hysterically funny and quotable making it the perfect virtual water cooler show.

Like the first cold glass of white wine on an empty stomach, Succession is an irreplaceable pleasure.

– Breeze Riley

13. Ted Lasso

This year, I’m thankful for the cast of Ted Lasso. It’s not very often you find a cast of people who all get along, on-screen and off, but this group goes beyond that. At panels, in interviews, or in the Instagram comments of a cast member’s post, this group is consistently uplifting towards each other and their fans.

Whether it’s being the first person up when a friend wins an Emmy (we see you, Brett Goldstein), or reposting their accomplishments (Hannah Waddingham, queen of supporting her costars), this cast has brought an immense amount of joy to myself and countless others.

– Laura Wanberg

14. Scheduled Streaming Programming, Including Only Murders in the Building and WandaVision

I’m thankful that in 2021 streaming services began to be more consistent and stagger new episode release days. It seems like such a small thing to do, but when every new show used to be released on Fridays trying to catch up on everything could seem overwhelming, and if you had a busy weekend it was almost impossible!

This year, it was easy to remember Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building had new episodes Tuesday, WandaVision and Disney+ shows dropped on Wednesdays, The Sex Lives of College Girls and HBO Max episodes release on Thursdays, and the rest come out on Friday. The new scheduling made the weeks go by a lot faster this year!

– Marissa Crenwelge

15. One of Us Is Lying, Bridgerton, and More Screen Adaptations of Beloved Novels

This year, I am thankful for screen adaptations of beloved novels! Shows like One Of Us Is Lying and Bridgerton get us involved from the very beginning when they announce casting decisions. My anticipation and enjoyment of each episode is revved up as I try to guess which scenes will be included and how the actors will deliver the lines I’ve only heard in my own mind.

TV has provided a needed escape this year, and shows that are derived from books add even more of that relief. The final season of The Expanse, which is based on a series of nine novels, is coming soon and it will be a fantastic way to bookend a year of books turned TV!

– Janelle Ureta

16. Nancy Drew

This year, I’m thankful for Nancy Drew. The show itself has become a staple in my TV watching experience — a wonderful mystery series with a perfect balance of humor, heart, and horror that keeps my spooky heart satisfied all year round.

In many ways, the show feels like this generation’s Buffy The Vampire Slayer. It fills the gaping holes that have left me craving a series brave enough to transcend genres; a plot-driven show that leaves me on the edge of my seat, but still gives me a sense of home with the masterful crafting of its characters and sense of belonging.

What I’m most thankful for, however, is the cast and writers. Their willingness to be interactive with the fans has magically created a sense of community and fandom that is purely positive and nurturing — a near-impossible feat in today’s internet culture. It has not only introduced me to incredible new people but it’s also inspired me in my own approach to writing.

Nancy Drew is a smart, thoughtful show, and I’m having an absolute blast, week after week. I’m so grateful I found it.

– Kat Pettibone

17. Shows That Address Sexism and Racism in the Workplace, Including Hacks and Love Life

This year, I’m thankful for shows like Hacks and Love Life. They proved that TV can be entertaining and funny while also addressing important issues like sexism and racism in the workplace.

I’ll also be forever thankful for delicious teen thrillers like One Of Us Is Lying and Cruel Summer.

– Esme Mazzeo

18. An Upcoming Conclusion for Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

Tragically canceled after two seasons by NBC, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist was a true gem of a show. Through music and dance, it was able to tell stories in a way no other series could dream of, and it did so with sharp wit and an amazingly talented cast.

So, for it to be canceled just as the story was going in a new direction was heartbreaking, to say the least. But, thankfully, we live in a time where canceled shows can be rescued, and while the series didn’t get rescued fully, it did get the chance to do a wrap-up movie, just in time for Christmas. It airs December 1st on the Roku channel, and I’m grateful the story will get a proper ending because of it. 

– Ashley Bissette Sumerel

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What makes you thankful when it comes to TV this year? Let us know in the comments below!

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