Collage of standout TV episodes from 2021

Sometimes you can watch one episode of TV so good it elevates everything that came before it—or, in some cases, makes everything
after seem a bit flatter. In our picks below, we’re highlighting one of many fantastic episodes from each show or season.

Wanda Maximoff coming to terms with her past, Rue learning to discuss her trauma, and how a detective can lose it all in a moment
are just some of our choices for the Best TV Series Episodes of 2021.

  1. “Previously On” — WandaVision

    Written by: Laura Donney  |  Directed by: Matt Shakman

    Wanda and Agatha revisit pivotal moments from Wanda’s past

    In the penultimate episode, Agatha takes Wanda on a trip through her past that reveals her upbringing, the Stark bomb that hit her
    house, the experiments that unlocked her powers, and the truth about Vision. It features Elizabeth Olsen’s best
    performance as Wanda Maximoff, laying bare years of grief that culminate in the loss she suffered during Infinity War.

    — Dylan Blight

    Avengers: Infinity War (4K Ultra HD) steelbook artwork
    Avengers: Infinity War (4K Ultra HD)
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  2. “Illusions” — Mare of Easttown

    Written by: Brad Ingelsby  |  Directed by: Craig Zobel

    Mare reacts to a shocking confession at a wake

    A jaw-dropping confession at a wake sets the tone, but the episode does so much more: more clues, more misdirects, and an
    unforgettable turn for Colin Zabel. His emotional highs and lows culminate in a life-or-death encounter that leaves Mare—and us—reeling.

    — Ashley Hobley

  3. “Episode 8” — Sex Education (Season 3)

    Written by: Laurie Nunn, Jodie Mitchell  |  Directed by: Runyararo Mapfumo

    Moordale students find resolution in the Season 3 finale

    A finale packed with grace notes: Otis waits at the hospital for news on his mum; Cal offers gentle, essential guidance on chest
    binding; Erin quietly funds Maeve’s new path; and Chidi safeguards a fragile moment with humor and heart. It’s a warm, generous capstone
    that still tees up Season 4.

    — Ashley Hobley

  4. “Trouble Don’t Last Always” — Euphoria

    Written by & Directed by: Sam Levinson

    Rue and Ali share a raw late-night conversation in a diner

    The holiday special is no throwaway. Nearly the entire episode unfolds at a diner table as Rue speaks with Ali about relapse,
    responsibility, and the “why” behind addiction. It’s impeccably written and powerfully performed—a quiet knockout.

    — Dylan Blight

  5. “The Boy from 6B” — Only Murders in the Building

    Written by: Steve Martin, John Hoffman  |  Directed by: Cherien Dabis

    Theo Dimas observes the Arconia’s secrets in a near-silent episode

    A daring, nearly wordless episode from Theo Dimas’s perspective that still pushes the mystery forward and keeps the show’s playful tone.
    In a banner year for deaf representation, this 31-minute experiment is unforgettable.

    — Ashley Hobley

Dylan Blight and
Ashley Hobley compiled this Top 5 list.
Eligible shows finished airing their selected season between
November 15, 2020 and November 15, 2021 and released in Australia via broadcast, VOD, or streaming.


BEST OF 2021