Table of Contents
BEST TV SHOWS OF 2024
“Step into our comprehensive guide to the Top TV Shows of 2024, featuring a curated selection of Certified Fresh series released every week!
In April, audiences were treated to a diverse array of offerings including Baby Reindeer, Under the Bridge, Fallout, The Sympathizer, Mary & George, Ripley, We Were the Lucky Ones, Renegade Nell, and Sugar.
March saw the debut of X-Men ’97, marking a triumphant entry into the Marvel universe. Manhunt chronicled the pursuit following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, while David Benioff and D. B. Weiss returned with 3 Body Problems. Netflix revived Girls5Eva for a third season after Peacock’s decision not to renew, and audiences were treated to Steve! (Martin) a Documentary in 2 Pieces, a revealing look at a legendary comedian.
In February, we bid farewell to Larry David and mourned the loss of Richard Lewis with the final season of Curb Your Enthusiasm. The Tourist made its return for Season 2 on Netflix, and the streaming giant delighted viewers with the romantic limited series One Day. The epic adaptation of Shogun on FX-on-Hulu captured audiences’ imaginations, swiftly becoming the year’s highest-rated series.
“Step into our comprehensive guide to the Top TV Shows of 2024, featuring a curated selection of Certified Fresh series released every week!
In April, audiences were treated to a diverse array of offerings including Baby Reindeer, Under the Bridge, Fallout, The Sympathizer, Mary & George, Ripley, We Were the Lucky Ones, Renegade Nell, and Sugar.
March saw the debut of X-Men ’97, marking a triumphant entry into the Marvel universe. Manhunt chronicled the pursuit following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, while David Benioff and D. B. Weiss returned with 3 Body Problems. Netflix revived Girls5Eva for a third season after Peacock’s decision not to renew, and audiences were treated to Steve! (Martin) a Documentary in 2 Pieces, a revealing look at a legendary comedian.
In February, we bid farewell to Larry David and mourned the loss of Richard Lewis with the final season of Curb Your Enthusiasm. The Tourist made its return for Season 2 on Netflix, and the streaming giant delighted viewers with the romantic limited series One Day. The epic adaptation of Shogun on FX-on-Hulu captured audiences’ imaginations, swiftly becoming the year’s highest-rated series.
GIRLS5EVA: SEASON 3
Critics Consensus: Maintaining its stellar reputation with the finesse of a seasoned performer, Girls5Eva’s third season hits all the right notes, delivering another round of daffy and jubilant entertainment akin to its predecessors.
Starring: Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell, Busy Philipps
Directed By: Tina Fey, Robert Carlock, Jeff Richmond, David Miner
BABY REINDEER: LIMITED SERIES
Critics Consensus: Richard Gadd’s autofictional masterpiece, Baby Reindeer, may challenge viewers with its intensity, but its emotional depth and stellar performances make it a rewarding watch.
Starring: Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Danny Kirrane, Nava Mau
Directed By: Jon Brittain, Richard Gadd, Petra Fried, Ed McDonald
SHŌGUN: LIMITED SERIES
Critics Consensus: Shōgun’s visually stunning adaptation surpasses its source material, immersing viewers in a culturally rich and sumptuous epic.
Starring: Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai
Directed By: Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks, Edward L. McDonnell, Michael De Luca
DO NOT MISS: Top 15 Movies To Watch in 2024
X-MEN ’97: SEASON 1
Critics Consensus: X-Men ’97 successfully honors its beloved predecessor while charting a new course for the franchise, earning praise for its faithfulness and excellence.
Starring: Cal Dodd, Ray Chase, Alison Sealy-Smith, Jennifer Hale
Directed By: Beau DeMayo, Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Chase Conley
MARY & GEORGE: LIMITED SERIES
Critics Consensus: Julianne Moore shines in Mary & George, a bawdy and irreverent treat for fans of frothy court intrigue.
Starring: Julianne Moore, Nicholas Galitzine, Tony Curran, Niamh Algar
Directed By: Oliver Hermanus, Alex Winckler, Florian Cossen, Liza Marshall
AMERICAN NIGHTMARE: SEASON 1
Critics Consensus: American Nightmare is a tense and provocative exploration of institutional bias, heightening the horror of its central crime with each suspenseful twist.
Directed By: Bernadette Higgins, Felicity Morris, Rebecca North, Fiona Stourton
THE TOURIST: SEASON 2
Critics Consensus: The Tourist continues its thrilling journey with Jamie Dornan and Danielle Macdonald, offering a twisty and unpredictable ride for viewers.
Starring: Jamie Dornan, Danielle Macdonald, Olwen Fouéré, Francis Magee
Directed By: Lisa Mulcahy, Fergus O’Brien
WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES: LIMITED SERIES
Critics Consensus: We Were the Lucky Ones is a powerful and poignant tale of resilience, brought to life by a stellar ensemble cast and sensitively crafted storytelling.
Starring: Joey King, Logan Lerman, Hadas Yaron, Henry Lloyd-Hughes
Directed By: Erica Lipez, Thomas Kail, Jennifer Todd, Adam Milch
IN RESTLESS DREAMS: THE MUSIC OF PAUL SIMON: MINISERIES
Critics Consensus: In Restless Dreams offers a comprehensive and moving portrait of Paul Simon, reflecting on his illustrious career and personal life with depth and sincerity.
Starring: Paul Simon
Directed By: Alex Gibney
FALLOUT: SEASON 1
Critics Consensus: Fallout successfully translates the essence of its source material into an engaging and thrilling series, appealing to both newcomers and longtime fans of the games.
Starring: Ella Purnell, Kyle MacLachlan, Walton Goggins, Moises Arias
Directed By: Jonathan Nolan, Jonathan Nolan, Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Graham Wagner
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM: SEASON 12
Critics Consensus: Wrapping up with the same crankiness and charm it’s known for, Curb Your Enthusiasm’s twelfth season bids farewell in its signature style.
Starring: Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman
Directed By: Larry David, Jeff Garlin, Jeff Schaffer, Gavin Polone
TRUE DETECTIVE: NIGHT COUNTRY
Critics Consensus: Fueled by Jodie Foster and Kali Reis’ compelling performances, True Detective: Night Country offers a chilling and atmospheric take on the series’ existential themes.
Starring: Jodie Foster, Kali Reis, Finn Bennett, Fiona Shaw
Directed By: Issa López, Nic Pizzolatto
ELSBETH: SEASON 1
Critics Consensus: Carrie Preston shines in Elsbeth, a clever spinoff from The Good Wife, delivering an amiable and intelligent detective drama.
Starring: Carrie Preston, Wendell Pierce, Carra Patterson, Gina Gershon
Directed By: Robert King, Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Jonathan Tolins
ONE DAY: LIMITED SERIES
Critics Consensus: One Day’s sweeping narrative captures the passage of time with romantic flair, offering a giddy yet poignant exploration of love and life.
Starring: Leo Woodall, Ambika Mod, Amber Grappy, Tim McInnerny
Directed By: Molly Manners, Luke Snellin, John Hardwick, Kate Hewitt
MR. & MRS. SMITH: SEASON 1
Critics Consensus: Mr. & Mrs. Smith cleverly combines spy intrigue with relationship drama, anchored by the charismatic chemistry of its leads.
Starring: Donald Glover, Maya Erskine, Wagner Moura, Parker Posey
Directed By: Hiro Murai, Karena Evans, Christian Sprenger, Amy Seimetz
STEVE! (MARTIN) A DOCUMENTARY IN 2 PIECES: MINISERIES
Critics Consensus: Steve! (Martin) offers an affectionate and eccentric look at the legendary comedian, exploring his past and present with intimate charm.
Starring: Steve Martin, Tina Fey, Selena Gomez, Jerry Seinfeld
Directed By: Morgan Neville, Meghan Walsh, Charlise Holmes
A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW: LIMITED SERIES
Critics Consensus: Ewan McGregor shines in A Gentleman in Moscow, a whimsical and rewarding portrayal of life under confinement.
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Leah Harvey, Johnny Harris
Directed By: Tom Harper, Sharon Hughff, Ben Vanstone
CRIMINAL RECORD: SEASON 1
Critics Consensus: Cush Jumbo and Peter Capaldi deliver captivating performances in Criminal Record, a mystery that keeps audiences hooked with each twist and turn.
Starring: Cush Jumbo, Peter Capaldi, Stephen Campbell Moore, Zoë Wanamaker
Directed By: Peter Capaldi, Cush Jumbo, Elaine Collins, Paul Rutman
THE SYMPATHIZER: LIMITED SERIES
Critics Consensus: The Sympathizer offers a solid adaptation of its source material, though it occasionally struggles with its narrative structure.
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Hoa Xuande, Scott Ly, Fred Nguyen Khan
Directed By: Jisun Back, Park Chan-wook, Robert Downey Jr.
GRISELDA: SEASON 1
Critics Consensus: Sofía Vergara disappears into the role of Griselda Blanco in this gritty gangster saga, delivering a performance that’s both impressive and authentic.
Starring: Sofía Vergara, Alberto Guerra, Christian Tappán, Martín Rodríguez
Directed By: Andrés Baiz, Eric Newman, Doug Miro
MANHUNT: LIMITED SERIES
Critics Consensus: Offering a gripping portrayal of a pivotal moment in American history, Manhunt captivates audiences with its passionate performances and modern relevance, rising above mere historical recreation to deliver compelling entertainment.
Starring: Tobias Menzies, Anthony Boyle, Lovie Simone, Will Harrison
Directed By: Monica Beletsky, Carl Franklin, Michael Rotenberg, Richard Abate
RIPLEY: LIMITED SERIES
Critics Consensus: Steven Zaillian’s sumptuous reimagining of Ripley, bathed in opulent black and white, breathes new life into Patricia Highsmith’s iconic character, with Andrew Scott’s mesmerizing performance anchoring the series in intrigue and suspense.
Starring: Andrew Scott, Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn
Directed By: Steven Zaillian, Garrett Basch, Clayton Townsend, Guymon Casady
MASTERS OF THE AIR: LIMITED SERIES
Critics Consensus: Masters of the Air soars with its meticulous attention to detail in production design and richly drawn characters, earning its place alongside esteemed predecessors Band of Brothers and The Pacific.
Starring: Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, Nate Mann
Directed By: Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, Timothy Van Patten
THE COMPLETELY MADE-UP ADVENTURES OF DICK TURPIN: SEASON 1
Critics Consensus: A whimsical and Pythonesque farce, The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin delights with its silliness, providing a perfect showcase for Noel Fielding’s comedic talents.
Starring: Noel Fielding, Hugh Bonneville, Asim Chaudhry, Duayne Boachie
Directed By: Kenton Allen, Noel Fielding, Victoria Grew, Matthew Justice
RENEGADE NELL: SEASON 1
Critics Consensus: Renegade Nell introduces a compelling heroine in Louisa Harland’s portrayal, straddling the line between family-friendly and edgy with its spirited charm and spunky energy.
Starring: Louisa Harland, Frank Dillane, Alice Kremelberg, Enyi Okoronkwo
Directed By: Sally Wainwright, Ben Taylor, Faith Penhale, Will Johnston
Conclusion
The television landscape of 2024 has been a thrilling journey, filled with captivating narratives, standout performances, and innovative storytelling. As we reflect on the year gone by, it’s evident that television continues to push the boundaries of creativity and entertainment, offering viewers a diverse array of options to indulge in.
From gripping limited series to long-running favorites, each show has left its mark on audiences, captivating viewers with its unique charm and narrative depth. Whether it’s the historical resonance of “Manhunt” or the stylish reimagining of “Ripley,” there’s something for every palate and preference.
As we bid farewell to the best TV shows of 2024, we eagerly anticipate what the future holds for television storytelling. With each passing year, the medium evolves and grows, promising even more thrilling adventures and unforgettable moments to come. Until then, we’ll cherish the memories and continue to celebrate the magic of television in all its forms.