2020: The best TV moments that helped us get through this year

From baby Grogu to the skewering of medieval life on ‘Miracle Workers’ to Emma Corrin’s stunning debut as Princess Diana, there was so much to love about television while we coped with this year.

2020 has been a year that most of us would like to forget, but thankfully as we all self-isolated, there was a ton of great television that helped keep us sane.

There were several incredible series that we can go on and on about and add to a Best of Shows of the Year, but this isn’t that kind of list. Instead, I decided to get a bit creative and share with you the moments that gave me goosebumps (The Crown), made me laugh and cry at the same time (After Life), made me leap for joy (hello! The Mandalorian), or just plain old thrilled (The Expanse).

Here’s my list of times when TV provided so much happiness during such a dismal year.

Emma Corrin as the “people’s princess” on The Crown

Coming into an established series after the rest of the cast had been ensconced the previous season would be daunting enough. But taking on the iconic character of Princess Diana would terrify any other actor. But all this was forgotten with Emma Corrin’s first scene (dressed as a forest nymph straight out of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream) as the young Diana Spencer. The 25-year-old Pennyworth star created a sensation with her debut in the role, casting a magical spell over the entire season.

It wasn’t just a mere imitation: Corrin encapsulated all of Diana’s vulnerability, mesmerizing charisma, but also a haunting presence that had her chewing up the scenery in the fourth season of The Crown.

Her lasting image in the season finale underscored how much The Crown’s storyline will be centered around such a pivotal character. In just one season Emma Corrin has set a very high standard to playing the Princess of Wales and will be a very hard act for Elizabeth Debicki to follow, who takes over from her in seasons 5 and 6.