In the past year, there have been several TV shows that have broken barriers and brought to light many social and economic issues in the world today . Netflix’sMaidshowed us the financial struggles that many working class Americans go through, along with the substance abuse epidemic ravaging our country.Squid Gameopened our eyes to the ruthlessness of capitalism and became one of the biggest series of all time. Through all these shows, we were given severable memorable performances that should be recognised for their brilliance. Let’s take a look at the greatest TV performances this year.
10Martin Short, Only Murders In The Building
Martin Shortis a comedic legend who certainly hasn’t lost his edge. In Hulu’sOnly Murders In The Building, Short plays a washed up theater director attempting to solve a muder with two other tenants (Steve Martin and Selena Gomez) while dealing with personal financial issues. Martin gives a tour de force performance with fire and passion, and is totally convincing as a New York City theater director. At the same time, Short gives us dramatic moments through his relationship with his son, proving that Short can do it all.
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9Elizabeth Olsen, WandaVision
WandaVisionshowed us the dynamic range thatElizabeth Olsenhas to offer as an actor. Olsen goes from the stereotypical TV housewife to her superhero persona of Scarlet Witch with ease. In the beginning of the series, Olsen masterfully grasps the feel of old time sitcoms with charisma and physicality. She then captures the personas of women in the 60s and 70s which is no easy feat. Olsen is all over the place inWandaVision, in a very good way, proving that she is a true talent.
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8Brian Cox, Succession
To capture the persona of one of themost powerful men in the countryis not an easy task.Brian Coxis unstoppable inSuccessionas the Roy family patriarch. Cox is fierce and exudes passion with every scene. He creates an intimidating character that you would never wish to go up against in the world of business. With every line, Cox completely embodies the character of Logan Roy.
7Margaret Qualley, Maid
Margaret Qualleyplays a struggling mother running away from an abusive boyfriend (Nick Robinson) in Netflix’sMaid. Qualley gives a heartfelt performance as a mother desperate to provide for her daughter no matter what it takes. At the same time, Qualley shows us the devastating effects of what emotional abuse can do to a person. She lights up every frame of the series, proving that Qualley has a bright career ahead of her.
6Jeremy Strong, Succession
Jeremy Stronghas used method acting to create the character of Kendall Roy, and it completely pays off. Strong’s methods perfectly show a character struggling with deep emotional problems while trying to live up to his father. Strong is completely in character in every second that he is on screen. His emotion and delivery of his lines are always on point and Strong is one of the most natural actors working.
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5Issa Rae,Insecure
In the final season ofInsecure,Issa Raeis better than ever. She completely embodies her character as she navigates love, friendship, and her career. Rae gives an honest portrayal of a woman looking for happiness and making mistakes along the way. She has a perfect blend of comedic and dramatic talents that makes her a joy to watch on screen.
4Oscar Isaac, Scenes From A Marriage
Oscar Isaacis so natural inScenes From A Marriage, it almost doesn’t seem possible. With every scene, he delivers passion and emotion as a husband dealing with a failed marriage. At many points, he subtlety breaks our hearts through his lines and expressions, for we know that his relationship is over and he is broken inside.
3Jessica Chastain, Scenes From A Marriage
Jessica Chastaingives a tour de force performance as a woman who is quietly living a life of desperation. She shows us, through emotion, the trap that she finds herself in, and when she finally decides to break out and leave her husband, it’s difficult to look away. Chastain gives us an emotional journey throughout the series as a wife dealing with a failed marriage.
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2Lee Jung-jae, Squid Game
One of the greatest aspects of Jung-jae’s performance inSquid Gameis his physicality. He is animated with his movements and emotion, making him a joy to watch on screen. At the same time, he gives us a heartfelt performance and creates a character that we are rooting for until the very end. Jung-jae delivers drama and comedy throughout his performance inSquid Game.
1Kate Winslet, Mare Of Easttown
It is no question thatKate Winsletis one of the greatest actors working. InMare Of Easttown, Winslet portrays a police officer pursuing a murder while dealing with the suicide of her son. Winslet is untouchable in her performance and shows us an honest character who is in tune with her personal flaws. She shows us the persistance that she has in solving the murder, but also the insecurities that she has due to the greif that she feels for the loss of her son. Winslet is a roller coaster of emotion in this series and gives one of her best performances to date.
