16. Percy Jackson & the Olympians (2023)
Nearly 20 years after Rick Riordan’s popular young adult novel based on Greek mythology was published, a film adaptation has been produced that captures its spirit. When seemingly normal 12-year-old Percy discovers he is the product of a love affair between his human mother and the sea god Poseidon, the young demigod is sent to Camp Half-Blood to harness his powers. A coming-of-age story involving satyrs, gorgons, and stolen lightning ensues. A Harry Potter-esque teen adventure filled with youthful energy and mischievous wit. (Read our review of Percy Jackson & the Olympians)
17. Scrubs (2001-2010)
Grey’s Anatomy’s sassy cousin, this 2000s medical comedy is set at the fictional Sacred Heart Teaching Hospital and follows the stethoscope-wielding careers of nerdy resident JD (Zach Braff), his best friend Turk (Donald Faison) and his potential love interest Elliot (Sarah Chalke). The staff includes some scene-stealing eccentrics, including a yelling hospital cleaner, a suicidal lawyer and a ruthless medical director, but all the best lines belong to JD’s sarcastic mentor, Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley). Combining snappy character comedy with surreal slapstick, this is truly uplifting.
18. Reservation Dogs (2021-2023)
It’s the first American series to have an all-Native writer and director, as well as a majority-Native cast and crew. Sterling Harjo and Taika Waititi’s spirited comedy-drama follows four Native American teenagers who, grieving the loss of the fifth member of their gang, dream of leaving their rural Oklahoma community and starting a new life in Los Angeles. To escape, the protagonists must save enough money, solve unresolved problems in their lives, and outwit the local drug dealers. Silly, endearing and poignant, it’s well-deserving of the awards it won. (Read our review of Reservation Dogs)
19. Marvel’s Agent Carter (2015-2016)
As with the Star Wars franchise, Disney’s takeover of the Marvel universe has spawned a plethora of TV spinoffs. For us, the standout, slightly ahead of Loki and WandaVision, is this period spy drama set in 1940s New York. It follows the fantastic Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter during her time working with S.H.I.E.L.D. founder Howard Stark (Iron Man’s father). It was long overdue for the character to be fleshed out as more than just Captain America’s love interest. It’s packed with period details and snappy dialogue as Peggy teams up with butler Edwin Jarvis (James D’Arcy) to solve the case.
