Ever since Netflix began its original streaming era with the (bad) fourth season of Arrested Development, the “re” prefix has gotten a lot of work on television. Whether it’s a reunion, reboot, reimagining, or just a simple return, TV has increasingly liked to bring shows back from the dead in recent years. None of those resurrections, however, were less likely than Party Down season 3. A critical darling when its first premiered in 2009, Party Down‘s first two seasons on Starz were watched by approximately no one. Thanks to the magic of streaming though, the comedy about caterers in Hollywood eventually got the recognition it so richly deserved. And that recognition led into this superb third season.
Party Down season 3 doesn’t strive to be a reunion or reboot but merely a long-delayed third season of the show. Almost the entirety of the original cast returns including Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Jane Lynch, and more. (Only poor Lizzy Caplan had to be left out due to a prior engagement). Everyone is still at the top of their game and complemented by new characters played by Jennifer Garner, Tyrel Jackson Williams, and Zoë Chao. There’s a satisfying bittersweetness at the center of this third season as the group’s dreams for Hollywood stardom, or at least something approaching happiness, remain deferred. But it’s all still just so, so funny. – AB
22. Star Wars: Ahsoka
Available on: Disney+ (U.S. and U.K.)
Serving as a live-action sequel of sorts to the animated series Star Wars: Rebels, Ahsoka took us to new corners of the Star Wars universe this year and gave fans a long-awaited reunion between characters. Reuniting with old friends Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), former Jedi Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) continues her quest from The Mandalorian and sets out to find Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) who disappeared with Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelson) at the end of Rebels, bring him home, and stop Thrawn from returning.
Throughout their journey, they uncover an Imperial conspiracy helmed by Lady Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Insosanto) and the mercenaries Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson) and Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno) that takes them to an entirely new galaxy. Ahsoka is an overall great time that features Hayden Christensen returning as Anakin Skywalker for a powerful sequence in the World Between Worlds, the late Ray Stevenson giving an impeccable performance as a conflicted former Jedi with his own plan for power, the potential for a queer relationship between Sabine and Shin (if WolfWren fans get their way at least), the return of the witchy Nightsisters, and have I mentioned zombie stormtroopers? – BA
21. Rick and Morty
Available on: Max, Hulu (U.S.) and Netflix (U.K.)
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
