7 Apartment Therapy Editors Share Their Favorite New TV Shows and Movies That Came Out In 2021
Apartment Therapy’s editors see a lot of great ideas, brilliant tips, and inspiring photos throughout the year. But which of these are the most memorable after a jam-packed 12 months? Every day this week, we’re sharing the best hacks, advice, homes, and more that we saw and heard in 2021. Check out all of our picks here!
In 2021, “Bridgerton,” “The White Lotus,” and “Behind Her Eyes” were a few of the programs that provided the ultimate escapism when the world really needed it. Of course, reruns of “Schitt’s Creek,” “Sex and the City,” and “Insecure” continued to deliver nostalgia, but there’s just something about that TV-series-drop feel that reassures, the world is still spinning — everything is going to be okay.
With last year’s delayed TV combined with this year’s regularly scheduled premieres, viewers had their pickings of new shows and movies in 2021, almost to the point that where felt like too much TV (if there ever is such a thing). But with so many options, everyone was able to gravitate toward what spoke to them the most — whether it’s tear-jerking dramas, actual laugh-out-loud comedies, or spine-tingling psychological thrillers — and pass along the good word to others, resulting in another year of unifying from afar via love for good TV.
While continuing to be homebodies, Apartment Therapy editors dove deep into various programming that ended up being a highlight of 2021. Here’s what they turned on:
“‘The Night House’ (released in the U.S. in 2021) is my favorite horror movie I’ve seen this year. It’s directed by the same person [David Bruckner] who did another favorite horror movie from recent years, ‘The Ritual.’ Very good and spooky. And ‘Reservation Dogs’ is SOO GOOD. An absolute must-watch.” —Adrienne Breaux, House Tour Editor
“The Night House” available to watch on Amazon Prime; “Reservation Dogs” available to watch on Hulu
“I love ‘Saw’ movies and I was pleasantly surprised by this one.” —Savannah West, Home Assistant Editor
Available to watch on Hulu and Amazon Prime
“I went to an outdoor screening of Questlove’s ‘Summer of Soul,’ which is a must-see if you’re interested in 1.) Music 2.) Documentaries and 3.) New York City (specifically Harlem) history. Watching it in the park after a year of non-moviegoing was such a treat. Also, Bo Burnham’s Netflix special “Inside” was a very comforting watch. It’s funny and sad and relatable and truly emblematic of this difficult year and a half.” —Sarah Everett, Editorial Assistant
“Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” available to watch on Hulu, “Bo Burnham: Inside” available to watch on Netflix
“It’s set in a dreamy Hawaii resort, but the unsettling characters and dark vibe lurking behind their storylines make it seem like anything but an amazing getaway. I loved the cast (Jennifer Coolidge! Molly Shannon! Connie Britton!) and the wry humor throughout. I’m not usually a TV binger, but I plowed through all six hour-long episodes in three days.” —Terri Pous, Managing Editor
Available to watch on HBO Max
“I’m a big fan of dramatic thrillers, but I’ve been looking for something lighter given all of this *waves hands*. I just started ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ and it’s exactly the mystery-meets-comedy I craved.” —Alison Goldman, Special Projects Director
Available to watch on Hulu
“‘Searching for Italy’ with Stanley Tucci — makes me want to go back to Italy so badly! —Tara Bellucci, News & Culture Director
Available to watch on HBO Max
“I just started watching ‘The Chair’ and I already love it. Dark academia aesthetic but make it TV is something I didn’t know I needed.” —Madeline Bilis, Real Estate Editor
Available to watch on Netflix
Do you have a favorite TV show or movie that came out in 2021? Let us know in the comments below!