18 of the most popular TV shows this year, ranked from worst to best

"Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" garnered mixed reactions from critics. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 47%

Summary: This drama anthology recounts the 1989 murders of Jose (Javier Bardem) and Kitty Menendez (Chloë Sevigny) at the hands of their sons, Lyle (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Erik (Cooper Koch).

Some critics didn't love the second installment of Ryan Murphy's "Monsters" anthology series, and many thought the show was too sensationalized.

"'Monsters' proves itself capable of confronting a complex case with sensitivity — which makes its increasing sensationalism and salaciousness all the more frustrating," critic Dan Einav wrote in a review for the Financial Times.

Critics were underwhelmed by the spy thriller "The Veil."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 54%

Summary: A suspected terrorist, Adilah El Idrissi (Yumna Marwan), and spy Imogen Salter (Elisabeth Moss) form an uneasy alliance as they journey around the globe.

Many critics were bored by what was advertised as an exciting, dramatic thriller.

"It's an intriguing set-up, but 'The Veil' is hobbled by poor pacing, a lack of originality, and a particularly bemusing performance by the otherwise very arresting Moss," Rohan Naahar wrote for The Indian Express.

Season four of "The Umbrella Academy" was a letdown for a lot of critics.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 55%

Summary: In the fourth and final season of the science-fiction series "The Umbrella Academy," the Hargreeves siblings find themselves in an alternate timeline.

Even critics who enjoyed the series found the finale to be disappointing.

"It felt disjointed and rushed, and I thought the ending was, at best, confusing, at worst, anticlimactic," Valerie Anne wrote for Autostraddle.

"The Perfect Couple" had a ton of star power — but a mediocre reception. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 65%

Summary: Based on the book by Elin Hilderbrand, "The Perfect Couple" follows a family during a wedding weekend in Nantucket that's seemingly idyllic — until things take a grisly turn.

Although a few reviewers found "The Perfect Couple" to be a fun guilty pleasure, the fairly predictable show had a largely mixed reaction from critics.

"… There are way too many superfluous subplots, digressions, red herrings, and narrative dead ends," Robert W. Butler wrote for Butler's Cinema Scene. "For much of the series I felt I was treading water … getting in my exercise but going nowhere."

The prequel series "Dune: Prophecy" didn't reach the same heights as the movies.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 70%

Summary: Set 10,000 years before the events of "Dune" (2021) and "Dune: Part Two" (2024), this prequel series details the origins of the Bene Gesserit, an all-female order.

Although critics noted the high production quality of "Dune: Prophecy," many said the show had fits and starts before it found its rhythm.

"'Dune: Prophecy' is a visually impressive and obviously expensive production — albeit 'television impressive' as opposed to 'cinema impressive' — that despite its atrocious start did turn things around," Karl Puschmann wrote for The New Zealand Herald.

The TV adaptation of "Ted" took some critics by surprise. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 73%

Summary: Set as a prequel to "Ted" (2012), this series follows 16-year-old John Bennett (Max Burkholder) as he navigates high school with his foulmouthed teddy bear, Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane), by his side.

Although it didn't earn rave reviews across the board, many critics said they enjoyed the series more than they expected to.

"The talking teddy bear show? Yeah. I don't know what to tell you, but it's really funny, weirdly progressive for a Seth MacFarlane show, and unexpectedly touching," Dustin Rowles wrote for Pajiba.

"House of the Dragon" saw slightly-less-favorable reviews in its second season.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%

Summary: In the second season of the "Game of Thrones" prequel, the power struggle between Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) continues with deadly consequences.

The show's Rotten Tomatoes score dipped slightly from its first season, with some reviewers criticizing the writers for significantly slowing down the story's pace.

"The satisfactory direction of two character arcs, the forging of new alliances, dragons and riders set against the mandatory striking production values, somewhat offset the disappointing absence of massive, jolly battles," Mini Anthikad Chhibber wrote for The Hindu.

Critics thought "Agatha All Along" set itself apart from the rest of the Marvel universe. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%

Summary: Set three years after the events of "WandaVision," this Marvel series follows Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) as she attempts to reclaim her powers, with an aspiring magic user (Joe Locke) and other unlikely allies tagging along for the ride.

After over 15 years of Marvel releases on the big and small screens, some critics felt content overload. However, "Agatha All Along" leaned into its own unique charm and was received as a refreshing new addition to the franchise.

"As a part of the MCU, this series demonstrates that Marvel can do serious and considered and that with the right team, the most minor of characters can have an important role in the ongoing narrative arc of the Cinematic Universe," Anne-Louise Fortune wrote for Starburst magazine.

The thriller "Sweetpea" earned positive reviews from critics.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

Summary: Rhiannon (Ella Purnell) leads an unassuming life as an assistant at a local newspaper. However, when her father dies, a series of events change the entire trajectory of her life.

Many critics were taken aback by the show's dark comedy, saying it packed a pretty hefty punch.

"With the police investigation getting dangerously close to discovering the truth, 'Sweetpea' quickly becomes a hugely entertaining watch with a fierce feminist edge," Andrew Murray wrote for The Upcoming.

Critics said the third season of "Bridgerton" followed the same familiar formula. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

Summary: Set in Regency-era London, the third season of the romantic drama follows Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) as she longs for her friendship with Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) to deepen into something more.

Many critics agreed the romance and tension of "Bridgerton" had become rather predictable — but for a cozy British drama, that wasn't necessarily bad.

"A 'Bridgerton' series should be able to do both: embrace ensemble storytelling while also achieving the full satisfaction and painstaking structural balance of a romance novel," Kathryn VanArendonk wrote for Vulture. "Season three does not pull this off, but 'Bridgerton' remains too much fun to consider breaking up with anytime soon."

Critics likened "St. Denis Medical" to comedies like "The Office" and "Superstore."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

Summary: In this mockumentary sitcom, a staff of workaholic doctors, nurses, and cocky surgeons try to get through their shifts and treat patients at an underfunded hospital.

Cocreated by "Superstore" showrunner Justin Spitzer — who was also a writer on the beloved sitcom "The Office" — "St. Denis Medical" was warmly received by critics who were looking for another workplace comedy to fill their TV needs.

"… 'St. Denis' has a lot of potential," Kelly Lawler wrote for USA Today, adding: "It fulfills a need for a smart broadcast sitcom this season."

Season three of "The Bear" was a critical low for the series, but it was still one of the top shows of the year.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

Summary: In the third season of the dramatic series, chef Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and his team battle their personal struggles as they fight to keep their business afloat.

After stellar first and second seasons — rated 100% and 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, respectively — the Chicago-centered series took a small dip in ratings but still emerged as one of the year's biggest shows.

"It's not quite Richie's epic rendition of Taylor Swift's 'Love Story' in 'Forks,' but season three still packs enough of a punch to keep us invested — and even enthralled in bits," Gautam Sunder wrote for The Hindu.

Critics loved the lead characters' infectious chemistry in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

Summary: Two strangers (Donald Glover and Maya Erskine) go undercover as a married couple, John and Jane Smith, as they complete secret missions for a shadowy organization.

Praise for "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" led to a season two renewal. Still, the same stars may not return — which is unfortunate since many critics cited Glover and Erskine as highlights of the show.

"While the show may pull you in with the action or grandeur (including some absolutely killer guest stars) that accessorizes the story, the deep exploration of two people navigating a relationship under high-pressure circumstances is what will get you to stay," Hayley Croke wrote for Loud and Clear.

"Fallout" was a well-received adaptation of a beloved video-game series. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

Summary: In the postapocalyptic future, vault dweller Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell) ventures into a nuclear wasteland to rescue her kidnapped father (Kyle MacLachlan).

Critics said shows like "Fallout" prove that video-game adaptations can be ambitious, rewarding — and ultimately — fun.

"'Fallout' has just enough guts and gore to not be for everyone, but whether you know the games or not, this television series welcomes everyone with open arms and a knife ready to plunge into your back," Sarah Marrs wrote for Lainey Gossip.

The success of "Nobody Wants This" instantly led to a series renewal. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

Summary: Joanne (Kristen Bell) cohosts a sex-and-dating podcast with her sister. Noah (Adam Brody) is a freshly single rabbi. After a chance encounter, the two feel an overpowering connection.

Critics were charmed by the romantic comedy, which begged to be binged.

In a review for Film Authority, Eddie Harrison wrote that the show "should work for just about everybody; this deft, supple story suddenly makes situation comedy look like the easiest thing to do, at a time when there really hasn't been a good one for years."

Critics called "English Teacher" a winning classroom comedy.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

Summary: English teacher Evan Marquez (Brian Jordan Alvarez) navigates the high-wire of modern high-school politics after a parent complains about him.

Bolstered by a lovable ensemble cast and Alvarez's distinctive brand of humor, "English Teacher" received a near-perfect reception from critics.

"'English Teacher' obviously has room to grow, but it makes a terrific entrance and reminds us that the comedy is television's most pliable genre," Craig Mathieson wrote for The Age.

"Shōgun" earned rave reviews and 18 Emmy wins. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 99%

Summary: In 1600, worlds collide when English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) becomes shipwrecked in Japan and crosses paths with Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada).

"Shōgun" earned stellar reviews and even took a victory lap in the awards-show circuit when it became the first non-English-language series to win an Emmy for outstanding drama series.

"… In a world this massive, there's much to find fascinating, and audiences are sure to connect with many facets of its multidimensional historical saga," Abe Friedtanzer wrote for Cinema Daily US.

The fourth season of "Abbott Elementary" earned a perfect grade from critics.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Summary: Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) and her fellow Willard R. Abbott Elementary School teachers navigate a series of challenges when a luxury golf course pops up in their neighborhood.

In its fourth season, "Abbott Elementary" continued to charm critics with its lovable ensemble cast, poignant writing, and relatable storylines.

"Overall, the season four premiere proves 'Abbott Elementary' to be as funny and feel-good as ever, cementing its place at the top of sitcoms, and indeed–all, currently airing shows, regardless of genre," Joshua Harris wrote for Paste magazine.