We drank the blood of some people, but the people were on drugs, and now I'm a wizard.
Another year is over, so let's wind it up. I give you 15 shows that made my 2024 shine like a diamond
So many amazing shows kept me entertained in 2024. Some were new seasons of existing shows. Some were debut seasons of new shows. Others were limited series. I still have an insanely lengthy list of shows I want to get to. That will never change.
Another thing that will never change? Finding quality work on the small screen. I’m chuffed to have made time for every single show listed below. Including the ones that didn’t make the final cut here in any capacity, but did make my mid-year Best of the Rest list. Wanna know which ones? Tap that link right here.
You can't script a hurricane.
My semiannual Best Of lists will be rolling in this month. As you may have heard, this is the TV edition.
We all know why we’re here. So let’s get to it, shall we? Here are my picks for the best television of 2024.
What shows did you love that you watched? What shows did you loathe? Let me know!
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Quinta Brunson’s workplace comedy continues its 4.0 GPA. If only more network shows could be as consistently winning.
Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
Based on creator/writer/star Richard Gadd’s life, this darkly funny, disturbing tale of a man’s relationship with his stalker defies expectation. Don’t think. Just watch.
Evil (Paramount+)
The final season of this exceptional horror series from the brilliant minds of Robert King and Michelle King continued to take no prisoners and left us wanting more.
Fantasmas (HBO)
Julio Torres’ imaginative, clever rumination on fame, technology, healthcare, and more is like a 21st Century Pee-Wee’s Playhouse for millennials. There will be a second season, right?
Hacks (Max)
Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder are an exceptional double act. But the show has more than these two aces up its sleeve, which is why it’s headlining this list.
Interview With the Vampire (AMC)
All hail Ben Daniels and Sam Reid! Their energetic performances were the perfect ballast to the moody melancholy effectively brought by Jacob Anderson.
One Day (Netflix)
As a huge fan of David Nicholls’ novel, I was so excited when I heard about this adaptation. Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall perfectly embody Emma and Dexter. This one punches you hard in the feels. Make sure you have tissues for the finale.
Mary & George (Starz)
The twisted relationship that existed between the real-life Mary Villiers and her son George runs deep in this outstanding period piece brilliantly led by Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine.
Ripley (Netflix)
Never has Patricia Highsmith’s tale of con artist Tom Ripley been rendered so stunningly (in black and white, no less). May Steven Zaillian and Andrew Scott reunite again soon.
Shōgun (FX)
Gorgeous historical epic that astounds with its attention to period detail, gripping story, and note-perfect performances.
Somebody Somewhere (HBO)
Bridget Everett lays her soul bare as Sam in this tender, hilarious, heartbreaking, completely relatable comedy-drama. I’m going to miss everything about it.
The Tourist (Netflix)
From the dry desert of the Australian Outback to the lush greenery of Ireland, this puzzle box mystery continues to engage the mind while tickling the funny bone. We need one final season.
True Detective: Night Country (HBO)
New showrunner Issa López breathes fresh life into the dark procedural. This season hit the ground running with a formidable assist from leads Jodie Foster and Kali Reis.
We Are Lady Parts (Peacock)
These punk rockers put out one helluva sophomore album season. The music comedy features one of the best ensembles and a soundtrack that slays. Season 3 or we riot!
What We Do In the Shadows (FX)
The Staten Island squad had a fang-tastic final season. I’ll miss dearly the vampires, the vampire hunter, and the ghost doll (probably her most of all).
X-Men ‘97 (Disney+)
Forget the mutants’ live-action escapades of late. This exceptional animated series continues where the original 1990s series ended. Didn’t watch it then? Neither did I. The writers make it easy for fans and newbies to jump in.
Best of the Rest
The Acolyte (Disney+); Agatha All Along (Disney+); The Bear (FX); Castlevania: Nocturne (Netflix); Chucky (USA); Doctor Who (Disney+); Echo (Disney+); Guilt (PBS); Kite Man, Hell Yeah! (Max); The Lazarus Project (TNT) and Outlander (Starz).
letterboxd | instagram | twitter | threads | archive of our own
