These New Television Series Have Been Popular In 2021

There's no question that 2021 has been an incredible year for television! Several series have come out this year that are must-see because of their interesting plotlines and big-name stars. Interestingly enough, many of these shows can be found not on cable TV, but on streaming services.

Marvel gave us several of the year's highlights with the release of highly-anticipated superhero shows like WandaVision and Hawkeye. There were also some exciting new programs we didn't see coming, such as Only Murders in the Building and Squid Game. Click through to discover which series people have been talking about in 2021!

WandaVision made its debut in January, and marked the first Marvel Cinematic Universe show to be released on Disney+. With Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany starring as its title characters, the time-hopping superhero series delivered everything from wacky costumes and laughs to a surprisingly poignant meditation on love and loss.

Lupin was certainly a show that took off unexpectedly! Starring Omar Sy as "Assane Diop," known for being a skillful "gentleman thief," Netflix's French crime drama captivated millions of viewers around the world this year. With the first half released in January and the second in June, the thrilling series became an instant hit.

Mare of Easttown was one of the surprise hits to come out of 2021's television lineup after it premiered on HBO Max on April 18, 2021. The Philadelphia-set crime drama stars Kate Winslet as "Mare," a police detective trying to get to the bottom of two cases surrounding missing girls. While the plot is full of twists and turns, the show doesn't lose sight of the relationship dynamics at its centre, particularly those between family and friends.

The White Lotus also came from HBO and ended up being an unexpectedly fun miniseries! With an ensemble cast that includes the talents of Jennifer Coolidge, Murray Bartlett, and Connie Britton, the wild goings-on of the dramedy set at a tropical resort had viewers checking in for more.

It's A Sin was one of the most important series to come from 2021. An emotional watch for many, the Russell T. Davies miniseries focuses on a group of queer friends in Britain during the '80s as the HIV/AIDS pandemic begins to affect their lives.

Loki is yet another show set in the MCU that many were eager to stream, centered on the titular god of mischief. When it debuted on Disney+ on June 9, 2021, the Tom Hiddleston-led series immediately grabbed viewers' attention with its unique premise. Statistics show that upon its release, the Loki season finale was the streaming platform's most-watched episode to date!

Shadow & Bone delighted fantasy fans when it came to Netflix in April of this year! Based on the popular book series by Leigh Bardugo, the series tells the story of young soldier "Alina" and her quest to unite people with magic. Thanks to its popularity, the streaming platform has already confirmed that more Shadow & Bone is on the way!

Only Murders in the Building has a quirky premise and a great ensemble cast with Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin, drawing many viewers in after its August premiere. "Mavis," "Oliver," and "Charles" share an apartment building and an interest in true crime, which brings them together after a real murder. Fans of the show will be glad to know that filming for season 2 is currently underway!

Squid Game may have come out of nowhere in September, but it turned into a cultural phenomenon that left a lasting impact on the year! From memes to Halloween costumes, the intense Korean drama that saw childhood games turn deadly was everywhere in 2021. Squid Game has the distinction of becoming Netflix's most-watched show to date— and yes, plans for a second season are in the works!