Television · 2016
Peak TV Reaches New Heights in Streaming Era
In 2016, traditional networks and fast-growing streaming giants redefined prestige television with bold original storytelling. From nostalgic sci-fi breakouts to landmark nature documentaries, viewers experienced unprecedented cinematic spectacle on the small screen.
- July 2016 | Netflix | Sci-Fi Horror
Stranger Things
The Duffer brothers' 1980s-inspired supernatural mystery became a global pop-culture phenomenon overnight upon its summer debut.
- June 2016 | HBO | Drama Episode
Game of Thrones: Battle of the Bastards
Directed by Miguel Sapochnik, this epic season six episode set a new benchmark for cinematic scale, choreography, and tension on television.
- November 2016 | Netflix | Drama
The Crown
Claire Foy starred as Queen Elizabeth II in Peter Morgan's lavish, high-budget biographical drama detailing the British royal family's postwar reign.
- September 2016 | FX | Comedy-Drama
Atlanta
Donald Glover created and starred in this critically acclaimed, surreal series exploring two cousins navigating the local hip-hop scene.
- November 2016 | BBC One | Nature
Planet Earth II
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this groundbreaking wildlife series captivated millions with stunning ultra-high-definition camera work.
- February 2016 | FX | True Crime
The People v. O. J. Simpson
The inaugural season of Ryan Murphy's anthology series revitalized true-crime television, sweeping major Emmy Awards for its portrayal of the 1995 trial.
- July 2016 | BBC Three | Comedy
Fleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge adapted her one-woman stage play into an audaciously funny and vulnerable comedy series that broke the fourth wall.
- October 2016 | HBO | Sci-Fi Drama
Westworld
Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy reimagined the Michael Crichton film into a complex, puzzle-box thriller about artificial intelligence and consciousness.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?