As a passionate TV enthusiast who’s been glued to screens for as long as I can remember, I must say that 2024 was an extraordinary year for television. From gripping dramas to captivating reality shows, it seemed like there was something for everyone. However, if I had to pick my personal favorites, here they are in no particular order:
1. Baby Reindeer (Netflix): This dark comedy-drama by Richard Gadd is a masterclass in storytelling, with its raw and unflinching portrayal of stalking, rape, and sexual assault. The complex characters of Donny (played brilliantly by Gadd himself) and Martha will leave you questioning your own beliefs about morality and empathy. It’s not a light watch, but it’s undeniably impactful.
2. The Traitors (BBC iPlayer): This competition show took the nation by storm this year with its unique format that blends reality TV with strategy and betrayal. From the shocking reveals to the nail-biting finale, The Traitors kept us on the edge of our seats for weeks. If you haven’t watched it yet, be warned: once you start, you won’t want to stop!
3. Bad Sisters (BBC iPlayer): This dark comedy-drama follows the story of five sisters who are brought together after their brother’s death. With exceptional performances by Sharon Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, and Eve Hewson, this show is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good sisterly bonding story with a twist.
4. The Traitors (International Editions): Since the UK version of The Traitors was so successful, the BBC has released numerous seasons of international editions on iPlayer. While they all have their own unique charms, the original UK season still stands out as the cream of the crop. If you’re looking for a competition show that will keep you guessing until the very end, look no further than The Traitors!
5. Baby Reindeer (International Editions): As much as I loved the original UK version of Baby Reindeer, I have to admit that I’m intrigued by the international adaptations. Who knows what twists and turns they might bring? But be warned: if you watch them, you might start questioning your own moral compass!
Lastly, let me leave you with a little joke: Why don’t Baby Reindeer play hide-and-seek? Because they always get caught!
2024 has been a remarkable year for television, offering captivating narratives, outstanding acting, and innovative shows that have left viewers spellbound.
This year has displayed an impressive array of captivating dramas that keep you on the edge of your seat, hilarious comedies that make you laugh out loud, and suspenseful thrillers that grip your attention – truly showcasing television’s finest offerings.
As a cinephile and television enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of watching numerous shows in 2024. Now, I’m excited to share my personal top picks, starting from number 10 and counting down to the ultimate champion – the TV series that stole my heart this year! Let’s dive right in!
If you’re interested in rewatching a classic favorite or uncovering a fresh, captivating series, here are the shows that stood out in their exceptional narrative craftsmanship and set new standards for television entertainment this year.
(To read our full top 50 TV shows of the year, follow the links below.)
- Best TV shows of the year 2024, 50-41: Sweetpea, Gladiators and more
- Best TV shows of the year 2024, 40-31: Until I Kill You, Shogun and more
- Best TV shows of the year 2024, 30-21: Wolf Hall, Shrinking and more
- Best TV shows of the year 2024, 20-11: Doctor Who, Mr Bates and more
10. Supacell
Available on Netflix
People weren’t quite sure what to anticipate from Rapman’s fresh sci-fi series, but it certainly lived up to expectations. Led by an ensemble cast comprising both rising and established Black actors, Supacell flipped the concept of sickle cell disease on its head, presenting it as a superpower. Simultaneously, it served as a poignant reminder of the genuine challenges confronting the Black community where sickle cell is more prevalent.
It wasn’t surprising that we all yearned for more following the powerful ending of the first season, and it’s great news that Netflix has officially greenlit another season for “Supacell.
Viewers can anticipate an exciting experience as Tosin Cole takes the spotlight again, with the tale of Michael’s retribution progressing further.
– Katelyn Mensah, Entertainment & Factual Writer
9. House of the Dragon
Available on Sky
After the final season of Game of Thrones received widespread criticism, House of the Dragon’s first season stepped up to preserve the series’ reputation. As Season 2 arrived with an impending all-out war looming over House Targaryen, there was a significant expectation to deliver, and indeed it did.
In a daring move, Season 2 delved deeply into the intricacies of the narrative, and this meticulous approach proved to be incredibly rewarding. Unlike Season 1, which swiftly covered two decades of Targaryen history, Season 2 took a leisurely pace, focusing on the nuanced relationships between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, as Westeros found itself precariously balanced.
As a long-time fan of George R.R. Martin’s epic saga “A Song of Ice and Fire,” I have eagerly awaited the arrival of House of the Dragon season 2. With its stellar cast, each given their moment to shine, and a creative team that left no stone unturned in making the details perfect, this show has truly outdone itself with its second chapter. The rich tapestry of source material has been expertly woven into a captivating narrative that keeps me on the edge of my seat. Long live the Targaryen dynasty! – Emily Thompson, Life-long Game of Thrones enthusiast
8. Slow Horses
Available on Apple TV+
In the fourth season of the show, the spy drama with unconventional characters offers yet another brilliant blend of rapid action sequences and sharp humor.
In this installment of the story, an explosion in London creates significant turbulence in the life of River Cartwright (Jack Lowden), causing him to reevaluate everything he values as a result of the blast’s aftermath. A confrontation orchestrated by an opponent with strength and endurance reminiscent of a Terminator stands out as the fiercest yet in the series, earning praise on its own merit. However, none of the episodes fail to impress when it comes to quality. – David Brown, Deputy Previews Editor
7. True Detective: Night Country
Available on Sky
It’s possible that True Detective: Night Country was among the most unfairly criticized shows of the year, coming second only to The Acolyte in terms of unwarranted disapproval.
In my humble opinion, as I expressed during its initial release, the one misstep in the creation and execution of this drama by HBO and showrunner Issa López was tying it to an already well-known franchise. This decision stirred a relatively small but passionate group of devoted fans to lament every nod to the established universe.
Despite being rather tiresome to follow each week, Lopez’s innovative approach to True Detective has proven successful, earning nominations and securing a second season. In comparison, Disney’s Star Wars prequels were less fortunate.
Indeed, Night Country delivers an intense six-episode experience, and Jodie Foster, a renowned actress, truly shines as Liz Danvers, the weary police chief. Yet, it’s not just Foster who steals the show; Kali Reis, formerly a boxer, astounds in her acting debut as Evangeline Navarro, proving to be a captivating discovery.
In this story, well-developed characters are set within an intense, evocative backdrop, creating a mystery that grips, chills, and ultimately delivers a poignant conclusion in the climax. – David Craig, Senior Drama Writer
6. The Penguin
Available on Sky
Similar to how he was hidden beneath multiple prosthetics in the 2022 film “The Batman”, actor Colin Farrell transforms himself for this drama, taking on the role of Oswald ‘Oz’ Cobb (also known as the Penguin). This production isn’t so much a superhero spin-off but rather a gripping crime saga. Therefore, you can anticipate intense action and dialogue that’s just as raw as many episodes of “The Sopranos”, although it features an unusual ensemble cast – the most intriguing character among them being Sofia (played by Cristin Milioti), who exudes a chilling aura of psychopathy.
David Brown, Deputy Previews Editor, notes that Farrell excels at portraying a cunning manipulator, skillfully exploiting rivalries among criminal groups to his advantage.
5. Industry
Available on BBC iPlayer
In today’s television landscape, not many shows are allowed to develop fully as they are often canceled prematurely. However, the fantastic series “Industry” has elevated itself to extraordinary heights in its third season, with the challenges escalating significantly for its characters and their actions reaching both new peaks and depths.
Mickey Down and Konrad Kay have given us a sharp, insightful perspective on modern-day Britain, encompassing its class system, volatile business landscape, contentious politics, corrupt tabloid press, and the influence of wealth. This season also introduced some exciting fresh characters, with Kit Harington, best known for his role in Game of Thrones, joining as the hapless Sir Henry Muck, a green tech CEO.
2021’s performance, nonetheless, showcased two actors at the peak of their dramatic decline: Marisa Abela as the sorrowful Yasmin Kara-Hanani and Sagar Radia as the nerve-wracking Rishi Ramdani. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, dropped jaws, and craving for more.
This program is worthy of winning every possible award, and only a handful of shows can match the quality of the intense confrontation between lifelong toxic friends Harper and Yasmin in episode six of this season. We’re willing to make a deal for whatever guarantees us more episodes of one of the top-notch TV series currently airing! – Lewis Knight, Trends Editor
4. Rivals
Available on Disney Plus
Back when they first mentioned “Rivals,” I must admit, it wasn’t clear how much delight this Jilly Cooper adaptation would bring. With its steamy drama, scandalous twists, passionate love scenes, and a fierce rivalry at the core, Rivals demonstrates the magic that can unfold when TV isn’t afraid to let loose and have some good old-fashioned fun!
Morgan Cormack, a drama writer, points out that despite tackling significant issues of the era such as bias, misogyny, and sexuality, the series “Rivals” avoids being overly preachy or melodramatic. Instead, this ’80s-set show is vibrant, engaging, and showcases the acting prowess of its cast members. Danny Dyer demonstrated his romantic acting skills, David Tennant sent shivers down our spines as Tony Baddingham, Nafessa Williams was captivating in every scene, and with season 2 confirmed, we’re eagerly awaiting a return to Rutshire.
3. Bad Sisters
Available on Apple TV+
In the realm of television, when it was announced that Bad Sisters would return for another season, some enthusiasts harbored concerns that the sequel might sully the luster of its exceptional debut. However, I can confidently attest that this year, the indomitable and irresistible Garvey sisters returned with a bang, rekindling our affection for them and reminding us why they captured our hearts initially.
On this occasion, the cherished Garvey family finds themselves in a troubling situation as another family calamity unfolds. The intensity of the drama, the dark humor, and the heightened emotions remain just as strong as they were two years ago. The new detectives, Fergal Loftus (Barry Ward) and Una Houlihan (Thaddea Graham), are on a mission to unearth the truth behind John Paul’s demise, and they seem particularly eager to implicate the sisters in it.
Just like before, Sharon Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, and Eve Hewson once again deliver exceptional performances, making the characters of Eva, Grace, Ursula, Bibi, and Becka feel remarkably real and emotionally authentic. Their chemistry is so strong that you might even think you’re part of the Garvey family yourself. While it may not quite match the original’s magic (is anything ever able to?), Bad Sisters season 2 remains a skillfully crafted, captivating, and highly anticipated continuation of the story of sisterhood, fully deserving its spot on this list – Chezelle Bingham, Sub Editor
2. The Traitors
Available on BBC iPlayer
This year’s The Traitors truly captured the nation’s fascination, much like no other show has in a while. Viewers were initially apprehensive that season 2 wouldn’t measure up to the first season’s success, but their concerns were quickly alleviated. From the shocking Diane/Ross revelation to Harry betraying Paul, and all the way through to the nerve-wracking finale, this show kept viewers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists that rivaled many of 2024’s dramas in complexity. The wait for new episodes felt like an eternity.
According to James Hibbs, a drama writer, the BBC has put out many seasons of international adaptations of The Traitors on iPlayer, and these versions have demonstrated the true potential of the format. However, among all the seasons, it is worth noting that season 2 of the UK version stands out as the best so far.
1. Baby Reindeer
Available on Netflix
It’s truly remarkable when a television series manages to capture the attention of the public for extended periods, as was the case with Baby Reindeer. This captivating show delivered a bone-chilling and emotionally moving narrative that echoed globally.
Regrettably, due to the controversy surrounding its authenticity claims and character protection issues, we couldn’t place Baby Reindeer at the top of our list or even include it without addressing the valid concerns about its portrayal as a “true story” and the attention given to preserving the real identities of its characters. While these issues weren’t planned, they have certainly become significant topics in discussions about this show, along with its graphic depictions of stalking, rape, and sexual assault.
However, the subsequent debate doesn’t diminish the strong storytelling abilities demonstrated by screenwriter Richard Gadd, in collaboration with directors Weronika Tofilska and Josephine Bornebusch – a fact that remains valid. Together, they skillfully craft characters Donny (portrayed by Gadd) and Martha (Jessica Gunning), making them multi-dimensional, as they are both likable at times yet unsettling at others. It’s clear that this project is not merely a vanity endeavor for Gadd, as his character is portrayed realistically with all flaws exposed.
Given the intense and long-lasting themes portrayed in the series, “Baby Reindeer” might not be a repeat viewing choice for many – however, its significant influence this year cannot be denied, as pointed out by David Craig, our esteemed Senior Drama Writer.
Read More
- HBAR PREDICTION. HBAR cryptocurrency
- IMX PREDICTION. IMX cryptocurrency
- STEEM PREDICTION. STEEM cryptocurrency
- JTO PREDICTION. JTO cryptocurrency
- POL PREDICTION. POL cryptocurrency
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- MNT PREDICTION. MNT cryptocurrency
- TRB PREDICTION. TRB cryptocurrency
- FLOKI PREDICTION. FLOKI cryptocurrency
- COW PREDICTION. COW cryptocurrency
2024-12-30 09:34