The best TV shows of 2024

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the silver screen world, I must say that this collection of new shows offers a rich tapestry of stories and characters that are as diverse as they are captivating.

2024 was a year filled with decisive choices, yet the selection of the top new shows proved challenging due to its subjective nature, much like choosing between political candidates. This year has been exceptional, hence the ensuing list, arranged randomly, categorizes 18 series into approximately 10 themed groups. (It’s worth noting that this list, which excludes several outstanding series from previous years, could have included more.) Despite Hollywood facing challenges such as post-pandemic recovery, labor disputes, and other obstacles, exceptional television continues to emerge. While there is indeed subpar content produced, the abundance of quality programming makes it worth appreciating.

Are there any particular conclusions that can be drawn from these shows, perhaps identifying a broader cultural trend? Not exactly. They range from historical epics to avant-garde comedies, science fiction with multiple realities, romantic comedies set in different eras, true crime series, personal stories within political contexts, an offbeat comic mystery, and more. What unites them is that they seem to be crafted passionately by creators – individuals with unique perspectives and even visions, not machines or artificial intelligence (though they may call it AI to keep us from realizing this). In essence, these shows are deeply humanistic in nature. Furthermore, I should mention that some of them have already been discontinued, but they all resonate with my personal preferences.

‘The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin’ (Apple TV+), ‘Renegade Nell’ (Disney+), ‘Time Bandits’ (Apple TV+)

Noel Fielding stars in “The Totally Imagined Journey of Dick Turpin” on Apple TV+.

Satirical comedies set in historical periods, featuring thieves as protagonists, often with a witty British or Australian humor. For instance, “Dick Turpin” features Noel Fielding, well-known from “The Great British Baking Show,” portraying a simplified version of the 17th century highwayman, inadvertently leading a band of robbers. (You can read the review here.) Similarly, “Renegade Nell,” created by Sally Wainwright, is a blend of supernatural adventure, feminism, and comedy, where the protagonist Louisa Harland gains extraordinary strength from a helpful pixie (Nick Mohammed). This series also takes a satirical look at modern media while wrapped in period clothing. (You can read its review here.) Lastly, “Time Bandits,” a remake of Terry Gilliam’s film by Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, and Iain Morris, follows a group of rogue heroes led by Lisa Kudrow as they escape from the Supreme Being (Waititi) and Pure Evil (Clement), traveling through various ages and locations. It resembles multiple compressed seasons of “Doctor Who.” (You can read its review here.)

‘Shogun’ (FX)

This production is far too impressive, lavish, and noteworthy to be overlooked. James Clavell’s novel about love, politics in 1600 Japan, where an Englishman becomes a samurai, is being adapted into a miniseries for a second time. The focus is on historical accuracy and the series boasts a rich array of intriguing characters, both major and minor. Rarely does television drama achieve the status of epic as this one does (according to the review).

‘The Vince Staples Show’ (Netflix), ‘Fantasmas’ (HBO)

Andrea Ellsworth and Vince Staples on Netflix’s “Vince Staples Show.” (Netflix)

“Comedies featuring brief narratives, with each episode showcasing a unique take on the creator as a character resembling themselves. ‘The Vince Staples Series,’ produced by the rapper-actor, consists of just five episodes that find him in a variety of settings such as a jail cell, a bank heist, an amusement park, a family gathering and a chase involving both feet and cars – all while demonstrating Keaton-like grace. (Review here.) In ‘Fantasmas,’ by Julio Torres, the storylines revolve around peculiar themes like looking for a missing earring, a concerning birthmark, and his quest to find evidence of existence. These are intertwined with even more eccentric detours – from clear Crayola crayons, dresses designed for toilets, a nightclub for gay hamsters, a call center staffed by mermaids, an abusive executive goldfish. Unlike ‘Vince Staples,’ this series has dreamlike qualities and uses projections as backdrops that appear to be projections.” (Review here.)

‘A Man on the Inside’ (Netflix), ‘English Teacher’ (FX)

Ted Danson stars in “A Man on the Inside” on Netflix. (Photo by Colleen E. Hayes / Netflix)

“A Man on the Inside” – Michael “The Good Place” Schur’s production, features Ted Danson, a national treasure and veteran of television comedy, portraying a widowed retiree seeking purpose by offering his services as an undercover detective at an upscale retirement home to unravel the mystery of a stolen necklace. The seasoned actors in their seventies thoroughly enjoy themselves. (Review: [Link])

‘Palm Royale’ (Apple TV+)

A vibrant, flamboyantly styled period comedy centered around themes of class, society, and self-identity. In this production, Kristen Wiig delivers a nuanced portrayal of an innocent social aspirant striving to fit into the elite circles of 1969 Palm Beach, perceiving it as not just the good life, but the ideal one. The series features Carol Burnett as a once-dominant figure now confined to a coma, who upon regaining consciousness, targets Wiig’s character with deadly intentions and humorous consequences. Additionally, Bruce Dern and Laura Dern play a father and daughter in this production. (Based on the review.)

‘Dark Matter’ (Apple TV+), ‘Constellation’ (Apple TV+)

Joel Edgerton stars in Apple TV+’s “Dark Matter.

In the science fiction series “Dark Matter,” the protagonist, physics professor Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton), is abducted into an alternate reality by his own counterpart to marry Daniela (Jennifer Connelly). This thriller-drama delves into themes of choice and regret in a not-so-subtle manner but provides an engaging experience. (Refer to the review.)

‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ (Paramount+ With Showtime), ‘The Sympathizer’ (HBO)

Ewan McGregor stars in “A Gentleman in Moscow,” streaming on Paramount+ With Showtime. (Credit: Ben Blackall / Paramount+ With Showtime)

“Historical political dramas with literary roots, featuring a touch of romance and an undertone of humor: ‘A Gentleman in Moscow,’ penned by Amor Towles, showcases Ewan McGregor as a noble aristocrat confined to house arrest in the attic of a grand Moscow hotel post-Russian Revolution. As events unfold, he adapts to the changing times. The narrative reflects, ‘Times change, and so must we.’ Similarly, set after the Vietnam War, ‘The Sympathizer,’ adapted from Viet Thanh Nguyen’s novel, offers a satirical account primarily set within Southern California’s Vietnamese community. The Captain (Hoa Xuande), a former Viet Cong spy, is sent to America to monitor an exiled general. He encounters targets such as Hollywood, academia, and ideological certainty. Robert Downey Jr. portrays four distinct characters, embodying American self-contentment.

‘Queenie’ (Hulu)

In the charming British quarter-life drama series adapted from Candice Carty-Williams’ novel, which is frequently compared to “Black Bridget Jones,” newcomer Dionne Brown delivers an exceptional debut. Portraying Queenie, she skillfully brings to life a complex character navigating unfulfilling relationships and professional setbacks on her path from self-destruction to self-respect. Through a mix of optimism, despair, hangover, excitement, worry, and reflection, Brown breathes life into this multifaceted individual, making her both challenging and endearing. (Check out the review.)

‘We Were the Lucky Ones’ (Hulu)

A thoughtful, emotional family saga unfolds amidst the backdrop of World War II, although it does not revolve around the Holocaust as one might expect. Instead, it delves into the complexities of human character amidst historical upheaval. With Poland invaded by Nazis and circumstances worsening, the multifaceted, upper-middle-class Jewish Kurcs family navigates various, sometimes intersecting, paths to evade capture, persecution, or death. (It’s always important to emphasize the atrocities committed by the Nazis and the ongoing issue of antisemitism.) (Read the review.)

‘Under the Bridge’ (Hulu), ‘Land of Women’ (Apple TV+), ‘Elsbeth’ (CBS)

Riley Keough, Izzy G., and Chloe Guidry star in Hulu’s “Under the Bridge.” [Credit: Jeff Weddell / Hulu]

Female-fronted mysteries in three keys. The downbeat “Under the Bridge,” based on the 1997 murder of a 14-year-old Indian-Canadian girl, stars Lily Gladstone as a dogged cop, Riley Keogh as a reporter back after a decade away from her hometown, and a talented cast of young actors, playing complex variations on the “Mean Girls” trope. (Read the review.) The romantic “Land of Women” finds Gala (Eva Longoria) and her mother, Julia, played by Pedro Almódovar muse Carmen Maura, hiding out in a small Spanish town from thugs — Longoria’s absent husband owes them money. There Gala gets involved in the struggling local wine business and with handsome Amat (Santiago Cabrera). (Read the review.) And in the “Columbo”-esque “Elsbeth,” Carrie Preston’s “The Good Wife” (and “The Good Fight”) titular character has been spun off into her own comic mystery as an NYPD detective in all but the badge, bringing each week’s guest star to justice. Wendell Pierce, who always brightens the room, co-stars as the exasperated chief. (Read the review.)

2024-12-06 02:40