2024 was an odd year for TV.
Coming off of the historic writers’ and actors strikes of 2023, many shows this year got delayed or otherwise hit hard.
And several returning shows, like “House of the Dragon” and “The Bear,” had long awaited seasons that proved to be disappointing.
Nevertheless, several shows stood out.
From comedy to dramas to thrillers, here are the year’s best TV offerings.
‘English Teacher‘
Creator / star Brian Jordan Alvarez swiftly established himself as a fresh new talent in comedy for the freshman year of this FX sitcom. The show, which follows a gay high school English teacher in Texas (played by Alvarez), amusingly engages with topical social issues. It never feels like it’s preaching or trying too hard, and it’s full of nuance and laughs.
Where to watch: Hulu, Disney+
‘The Penguin‘
Superhero shows are a dime a dozen these days, so a spinoff series from the 2022 “The Batman” movie didn’t sound like it would stand out. But, Colin Farrell always delivers a powerhouse performance, even buried under pounds of makeup and prosthetics that render him unrecognizable. Although this show doesn’t feel that unique — many viewers correctly pointed out that The Penguin seems like a knockoff Tony Soprano — supporting character Sofia (Cristin Milioti) really makes the series sing. The genre may be ubiquitous, but there still aren’t enough interesting and complex villainous women who get a lot of screen time. Sofia was a treat.
Where to watch: Max
‘Shogun‘
This FX historical drama became an awards darling in its inaugural season, making history as the first Japanese-language series to win the “outstanding drama series” Emmy. Anchored by strong performances from Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada, the gritty period piece is set in the 1600s. Its attention to detail immerses the audience in feudal Japan and brings the story to life.
Where to watch: Hulu
‘Interview With The Vampire‘
It sounds impossible to say that lesser known actors upstaged Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. But it’s official: Sam Reid, who plays Lestat, and Jacob Anderson, who plays Louis, are so good that they outshine their more famous predecessors from the 1994 movie adaptation of Anne Rice’s famous book. Season 2 of this vampire show continued to be downright operatic. Each episode almost feels like you’re watching a play stacked with Tony-winning theatrical performances. This show hasn’t gotten the awards recognition it deserves.
Where to watch: AMC, AMC+, Netflix
‘Matlock‘
In the age of streaming, network dramas often feel stale. When it was first announced that CBS was rebooting “Matlock,” who didn’t think it would be just another lame fuddy-duddy reboot? But with Kathy Bates at the helm, this show is sharp and entertaining. It’s a pleasant surprise that it’s so riveting. Bates plays Madeline “Matty” Matlock, seemingly a sweet older lady trying to return to work in a law office after years of retirement — but, there’s a wickedly clever twist to the premise, and all is not as it seems.
Where to watch: Paramount+
‘My Lady Jane‘
Unfortunately, this got canceled after one season. Nevertheless, it was one of the year’s most audacious shows. “My Lady Jane” took a bold swing with a zany concept, and the result was a mash-up of genres that was charming and amusing. This historical drama fantasy show has it all: period detail, a “Bridgerton” style romance between Jane (Emily Bader) and Lord Guildford Dudley (Edward Bluemel) — and, oh yeah, he can transform into a horse. It’s a bananas concept, so no wonder it had the internet abuzz. With too many shows afraid to take risks or get too weird, this was a welcome and unique offering.
Where to watch: Prime Video
‘A Man on the Inside‘
This big-hearted comedy from Mike Schur (“Parks and Recreation,” “The Office”) follows a lonely widower (Ted Danson) who gets a new lease on life when he’s tasked with going undercover as a spy in a retirement home. He’s not very good at the job, since he’s busy socializing for the first time in years. This show is very different from “Ted Lasso” in subject matter, but it ives viewers a similar vibe: It’s a warm blanket of a show, for audiences of all ages.
Where to watch: Netflix
‘Baby Reindeer‘
This powerful, disturbing miniseries wasn’t an easy watch, but the world couldn’t look away. It’s no wonder the story about aspiring comedian and bartender Donny (Richard Gadd) and his stalker, Martha (Jessica Gunning), became a sleeper hit and an awards darling. Between Gadd, Gunnin, and supporting players such as Nava Mau, “Baby Reindeer” also proved to be something of a star-maker. It didn’t hurt that the supposed “real Martha” came forward to speak out and slam the show, leading to plenty of real-world drama surrounding the edgy series.
Where to watch: Netflix
‘Fallout‘
Who knew the apocalypse could be so fun? Where other dystopian dramas aim for dark and grim, “Fallout” was a pure thrill ride. The world it creates is dangerous and violent, but also colorful and strange, and the show isn’t afraid to lean into quirky humor. Anchored by a memorable performance from the consistently great character actor Walton Goggins (pulling double duty as a stalwart good guy and a villainous, nose-less bounty hunter) – this show is a winner.
Where to watch: Prime Video
‘The Gentlemen‘
It’s not anything deep, but Guy Ritchie’s first TV show is a blast. This action-packed crime drama doesn’t take itself too seriously, the plot moves at a fast clip, and it’s filled with colorful characters. Ritchie can be hit-or-miss with his fast talking characters and convoluted crime plots, but this show starring Theo James was one of the director/writer’s better works. Especially when crime dramas can sometimes get dour, “The Gentlemen’ is a welcome romp.
Where to watch: Netflix
