TELEVISION OUR 2019 FAVORITES
Ricky Gervais and‘The Masked Singer’:This year’s TV series had it all
“After Life” on Netflix
It can be funny when someone’s just a smartass for the sake of it. But when Ricky Gervais plays Tony, a journalist and sudden widower who plunges into despair and removes all filters from his caustic and dark observations and criticisms, well, prepare for mucho dark and bleak humor. Not for everyone, but fans of Gervais will salivate over this. — Rick Koster
“Songland” on NBC
Phew! NBC renewed this series, which provides a fascinating peek into the songwriting process. The three judges — Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, Ester Dean and Shane McAnally — provide plenty of personality, not to mention talent. — Kristina Dorsey
“A Christmas Carol” on FX
Charles Dickens wasn’t rolling over in his grave. He clawed his way to the surface to protest yet another remake of his famous holiday novella — until he saw THIS version. Starring Guy Pearce as a philosophically sardonic and cruel, much younger Scrooge, and set in an atmospheric London of steam, relentless grays and constant snowfall, this “Christmas Carol” is incredible. It provides much-needed context: WHY was Scrooge the way he is, and what can he do about it if his visits from the three Spirits happen while he’s young enough to make a difference? Dark, beautifully acted, witty and a guaranteed to-bewatched-each-year addition to the holiday canon. — Rick Koster
“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,” Season 2, on Prime
Season 2 takes John Krasinki’s stellar representation of Clancy’s super spy to South America and Venezuela.
It’s a great idea because, while the Middle East/terrorist plot of the first season was a natural, we tend to forget that Venezuela is one of the under-appreciated hot spots of danger in the world. Bring it on, Jack says! — Rick Koster
“The Masked Singer” on Fox
Totally nuts. Which is why I like it. — Kristina Dorsey
“The Good Fight” on CBS/CBS All Access
I’m old-school when it comes to TV — I just have (gasp!) basic cable. So I was happy when some episodes of “The Good Fight,” which had previously been only streaming on CBS All Access, aired on CBS. What wonderful actors, led by Christine Baranski, and intriguing stories. — Kristina Dorsey