2021 In Review: Underrated Actors, Saddest Cancellation, Most Improved Series, Lamest Cameo And More

Thus far in TVLine's Year in Review, we've been looking at the big picture: The very best shows! The most jaw-dropping plot twists! The TV performance that outshined them all!

But now, we're going a bit more granular.

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In the attached photo gallery, we're awarding some very specific superlatives to the TV of the past 12 months, singling out 2021 highlights like the best episodes of a drama or comedy, the most underrated performances, our guiltiest small-screen pleasures and our favorite new characters on established series.

Of course, not every series made the nice list this year, and a few of our awards might be slightly less coveted: Which TV character's death was most unnecessary? Who appeared all too briefly for the year's lamest cameo? And which on-screen couple's chemistry fizzled instead of sizzled?

You'll find our answers to those questions in the attached gallery (click here for a direct link), but be sure to drop a comment below and weigh in on our picks or add your own! And if your craving for minutiae isn't yet satisfied, good news: Part 2 of our round-up awards will drop on Wednesday, Dec. 22.