Even the best TV shows in the world have to start somewhere, and it all begins with a pilot episode. These episodes are typically used to give networks a glimpse into what a show would look like and how it would be produced on a larger scale. As such, these pilots are integral to the overall success and progression of a series.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused a hiccup at the start of the decade, this decade has already produced an overwhelming amount of TV. Whether it's a gritty police procedural or a self-deprecating sitcom, all of these shows have shaped this very obscure decade. Not to mention, it seems like this new era of TV is just getting started.
10 A Detective and His Ex-Wife Team Up for a Series of Big Cases
Big Sky
Cassie Dwell and Cody Hoyt are a pair of private detectives who find their job fairly simple in a small rural town. However, when a truck driver kidnaps two sisters, Hoyt is forced to bring in his ex-wife to help solve this intriguing case. Things only get weirder when the team discovers that the driver has kidnapped a series of women and shows no signs of slowing down.
Where to Stream Big Sky | IMDb Score | RT Score |
|---|---|---|
Disney + | 6.8/10 | 47% |
On the surface, Big Sky seems like a very simple detective drama, but the all-star cast really helped to bring this show out of its comfort zone. Even in the pilot episode, this show proved that it wasn't going to take the audience on an easy ride, presenting a wealth of shocking twists and turns in quick succession. Thus, what seems like a really generic police drama quickly transforms into a comprehensive spider's web of secrets and seedy uncover programs.
9 A Newlywed Couple Is Bombarded by Unwanted Guests
Ghosts US
Image via CBS
Fans would assume that when a broke couple named Sam and Jay inherited a huge mansion, they would be jumping for joy. Unfortunately, the house is teeming with a collection of annoying ghosts that only Sam can see. Thus, this budding new couple is forced to spend their honeymoon years with a range of figures from throughout American history.
Where to Stream Ghosts US | IMDb Score | RT Score |
|---|---|---|
Paramount + | 7.9/10 | 97% |
Although Ghosts may not be to everyone's tastes, especially because the humor is a bit silly, CBS did a fantastic job of putting an American twist on this quintessentially British sitcom. So, instead of having Robin the Caveman, the show welcomed Thor, a Viking who got lost whilst exploring North America 1,000 years ago. The ensemble cast is electric, and the performances are joyfully immature, making it a great watch for those who just want to indulge in an easy-going show.
8 An Ordinary Man Gets Swept up in a Bizarre Hoax
Jury Duty
Image via Amazon Studios
Back in the early 2000s, prank shows were all the rage, but eventually, fans got bored with the same old format. However, Jury Duty took this genre and completely turned it on its head. The show follows a completely ordinary man named Ronald Gladden who unknowingly joins a false jury trial that is teeming with mishaps.
Where to Stream Jury Duty | IMDb Score | RT Score |
|---|---|---|
Amazon Prime Video | 8.2/10 | 83% |
There are times when this show feels like an off-beat sitcom, but when fans realize that this is one giant prank, the show just becomes more and more intriguing. Admittedly, this show is a bit of a slow-burn because Gladden doesn't find out that he was involved in a fake trial until Episode 7. But the reveal is well worth the wait.
7 A Blend of Gods and Monsters Try to Keep It Together
Krapoplis
Image via 20th Century Studios
Created by Dan Harmon, Krapoplis follows a dysfunctional family of Greek gods and monsters as they work to keep the first city up and running. Although this quirky animated sitcom is by no means an accurate representation of Ancient Greece, it provides a lot of social commentary woven into the unique setting. Thus, even though this sitcom is literally ancient, it still feels really contemporary.
Where to Stream Krapoplis | IMDb Score | RT Score |
|---|---|---|
Netflix | 6.5/10 | 56% |
Compared to Harmon's other work, like Rick and Morty or Community, the pilot for Krapoplis didn't waste any time setting the scene. Instead, the first episode gave a smooth introduction to Tyrannis, the budding head of the family. Thus, even though this show feels very different from Harmon's other work, it's clear from the pilot that the writer wanted to create something a little more fast-paced and, perhaps, relatable.
6 A Courtroom Drama Offers Details About Ordinary People’s Crimes
Accused
Image via Sony Pictures Television
Based on a popular British series, Accused completely transforms the idea of a typical courtroom drama. The show begins by introducing an accused individual, but doesn't detail anything about their crime. As such, the show is told from the defendants' point of view, and the audience is forced to pick up details about the case as it follows through.
Where to Stream Accused | IMDb Score | RT Score |
|---|---|---|
Peacock | 7.0/10 | 61% |
Accused is the complete opposite of any other mind-numbing courtroom procedural and really encourages the viewer to keep a close eye on every detail. The show also features a plethora of amazing guest stars, including Margo Martindale and William H. Macy. The pilot proved that anthology dramas are still popular, and they don't have to adhere to the same sci-fi format that fans are usually familiar with.
5 Audiences Catch a Glimpse Inside a Deeply Mysterious Family
Gotham Knights
Although this show divided a lot of superhero fans, Gotham Knights sits at the halfway point on this list because the pilot was determined to alter Batman's canon in a really elusive way. The show centers on Turner Hayes, the adoptive son of Bruce Wayne, as he is framed for his father's murder. Thus, Hayes and his friends are forced to try and clear their names whilst also facing up to some of Gotham's newest villains.
Where to Stream Gotham Knights | IMDb Score | RT Score |
|---|---|---|
Amazon Prime Video | 5.3/10 | 21% |
Gotham Knights may not be the best option for die-hard DC fans, but for casual viewers, it offers a compelling narrative. The pilot kicks things off quite nicely and introduces fans to the Gotham Knights whilst also reintroducing a range of familiar faces. Plus, this show also gives the villains a much wider backstory, giving the entire franchise a brand-new look.
4 A Single Mother Uses Her Compulsive Mind to Help Solve Crimes
High Potential
Image via ABC
In the same vein as other successful shows like Psych and Sherlock, High Potential centers around an intellectually gifted protagonist who can spot even the most mundane details. However, this show completely reinvents this type of character and introduces audiences to Morgan Gillory, a single mother who also works as a cleaner. Alongside her partner, Adam Karadec, the pair attempt to solve some of LA's most confusing cases.
Where to Stream High Potential | IMDb Score | RT Score |
|---|---|---|
Disney+ | 7.6/10 | 96% |
The best thing about High Potential's pilot is it discusses the show's extensive subplot straight away. The show also deals with the disappearance of Gillory's first husband, who vanished 15 years before. Thus, High Potential is so much more than a light-hearted detective drama; it's also an extensive show about family and the role women play in keeping everything connected.
3 A Hard-Working Hospital Struggles to Balance Its Patients and Staff
St. Denis Medical
Image via NBC
Ever since The Office blew up across the pond, tons of TV shows have been trying to replicate the same mockumentary format. St. Denis Medical does the same by allowing a camera crew to follow the staff and patients around this bustling Oregon hospital. However, it could be argued that this show stands out from the crowd by adding genuine laughs and a lot of heart.
Where to Stream St. Denis Medical | IMDb Score | RT Score |
|---|---|---|
Amazon Prime Video | 7.0/10 | 90% |
The pilot episode used a really simple technique to help draw the audience into this off-beat world. The first episode focused on the latest recruit, Matt, giving viewers the chance to mimic his tentative first steps into the underfunded hospital. Even though this show is teeming with laughs, it knows the right time to be somber and doesn't hesitate to show the darker side of working in healthcare.
2 A Legendary Radio Host Meets His Biggest Challenge Yet
Poppa's House
Image via CBS
Poppa may seem like a very successful talk show host, but it seems that the tables have started to turn. Not only has he received a young female co-host who is more than happy to challenge his views, but he still has his adult son living at home. Thus, the protagonist must learn how to juggle the good with the bad while also being a responsible husband and father.
Where to Stream Poppa's House | IMDb Score | RT Score |
|---|---|---|
Amazon Prime Video | 6.5/10 | 86% |
Although Poppa's House was tarnished by strikes, it proved that the Wayans family are still in top form. The sitcom was slick, fresh, and relatable, making it a great show for different generations. The pilot episode drove home a message about the older and younger generations and how, deep down, they are actually quite similar.
1 A Lone-Wolf Aids the Police With His Immense Survival Skills
Tracker
Colter Shaw doesn't roam with the rest of the pack, and instead, earns a living by helping various law enforcement agencies find certain people in exchange for money. Tracker uses a much rougher protagonist to raise the stakes and highlights just how far criminals will go to cover up their footsteps. Plus, the pilot episode doesn't shy away from raising the stakes, including a truck crash, a police chase, and a major shootout all in one episode.
Where to Stream Tracker | IMDb Score | RT Score |
|---|---|---|
Disney+ | 7.1/10 | 89% |
Although Shaw may seem to be a cold-hearted survivorist, he actually has a lot of heart and a tremendous level of intelligence. This gives the show an added sense of edge and forces the audience to follow along avidly as Shaw figures out his next move. Thus, Tracker sits at the top of this list because, even from the start, it offers fans a tremendously dramatic joyride.
