Factors Considered When Rating a Show

This is in no particular order, though story is almost always first priority, unless its like a slice-of-life or something else with no real plot I guess lol

Story + characters.

How well a story is structured and written, and moreover, potentially any distinct themes and ideas that it explores and illustrates, can go a long way toward keeping my interest in a show; I also look for solid pacing throughout it.

Much of the same applies to what I look for in characters. I focus on how well they are written and how they change and grow throughout a show's runtime. Also, diverse representation can be a huge benefit to a show's character cast.

Animation.

Not every show needs Unlimited Budget Works animation, but it can help a show present its story, themes, and messages to the viewer. A lot of times, I prioritize story and/or music over animation.Admittedly, a lot of stuff I've seen gets hard carried by its animation for otherwise standard stories (I'm looking at you Your Name., though Bocchi the Rock is another example that manages to take a somewhat standard story about an introvert rocker and elevate it through its very creative and at-times off-the-wall animation that helps to create some amusing visual gags), and the same can be said about shows with great stories not exactly having the best animation (a great example is Golden Kamuy; I love its solid worldbuilding, cast of characters, and attention to culture and history, but the animation and background art is rather bog-standard at best, though it does get better in succeeding seasons) Though there are certainly some horrible examples of a potentially good story having horrible animation cough cough EX-ARM cough cough.I often find that I'm more interested in a show's direction and how it presents a story. An already great story can be propelled further by excellent direction, especially direction that is dynamic and unique in how it grabs the audience's attention, whether through the use of color, background design, and lighting, or unique effects like freeze frames.

Music.

A great score can complement and further propel a show's overall atmosphere and feel, making for a great auditory experience even by itself. A score with memorable and distinct tracks that also fit well with the respective show's themes and characters can go a long way in further resonating a show to the viewer.

The x-factor.

That is, how much a show takes me by surprise or how it make itself stand out through its unique presentation or distinctive story elements.

My overall enjoyment of the show.

In other words, the cultivation of all the previous factors mentioned and really how much I personally enjoyed the show even when I put those other factors aside, bringing me to my final score for a show.