You can't script a hurricane.
But you can script some damn fine television. I present my picks for the Best TV of 2024 ... So Far
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My semiannual Best Of lists will be rolling in this month. As you may have heard, this is the TV edition.
I've spent a good chunk of the past six months catching up with shows from late last year. None of which are eligible for this list. However, I'm feeling pretty good that I've knocked out as many seasons as I have. There are still a few remaining, so my work isn't yet done.
Clearly, I haven't seen everything I want to from the first half of the year. Looking at you Ripley, Baby Reindeer, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Evil, and Orphan Black: Echoes. But I am very happy with the list I've compiled and look forward to seeing what needs to be seen.
So take a gander at what's made the list. Cheer for your faves! Mourn what's missing. Lament those that made it instead of what you think should have. Feel free to drop me a line and tell me your picks for the best TV of 2024 so far.
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Broadcast's best show continues to make the grade. Janine's short tenure at the district office was a stroke of genius. The comedy continues to mine the teachers' relationships, deepening their bonds and discovering new dynamics by pairing unlikely characters — such as Melissa and Jacob, aka my new favorite friendship. Also, no show does guest star cameos like Abbott. Case in point: Bradley Cooper can be entertaining when not Rocket Raccoon. Who knew?
The Bear (FX)
Season three has proven to be divisive and I understand why. Taken together, the 10 episodes are a creative flex by creator/showrunner Christopher Storer. I’ll admit that this run isn’t its strongest. However, viewed less as a traditional television series and more as a series of short films, the narratives of this season remain captivating and the performances are indelible. Each episode is meticulously crafted as though a dish at the titular restaurant. While some may find such attention to detail pretentious, I find myself intrigued by the artistry.
Chucky (USA)
The serial killing doll may be dying, but if he's gotta go, it's gonna be on his terms. Season three features the ginger terror looking worse for wear as he gleefully stalks the halls of the White House with the intrepid Scooby gang (Jake, Devon, and Lexy) hot on his trail. In this election year, there's honestly no one I want to see in the Oval Office more than Charles Lee Ray. Bonus: Tiffany has her hands full with the justice and penal systems. All in all, this term is a screaming good time.
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Doctor Who (Disney+)
New Doctor. New companion. Same TARDIS. With the return of Russell T. Davies as head writer/showrunner, the venerable sci-fi series has enjoyed a creative resurgence this season. Ncuti Gatwa slays in his first run as the Fifteenth Doctor and has a formidable partner in time travel with Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday. Along with a satisfying payoff to the season-long mystery of Ruby's past, we were gifted with three stellar episodes: "Boom," "73 Yards," and "Rogue" featuring newly minted Tony winner Jonathan Groff.
Guilt (PBS)
The final run of episodes was a terrific capper to this darkly funny crime caper. Brothers Max and Jake (Mark Bonnar and Jamie Sives, respectively, both fantastic) get sent back to Scotland, where their proverbial chickens have come home to roost. Creator/writer/showrunner Neil Forsyth never puts a comma out of place, his writing equally bracing and hilarious. The stellar supporting cast includes Emun Elliot, Sara Vickers, Greg McHugh, and Phyllis Logan.
Hacks (Max)
One of the best comedies airing, season three raised the stakes for all the major players. The bond between Deborah and Ava (the amazing double act of Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, respectively) deepened, making that All About Eve twist hit hard — and it was spectacular! This latest run also set the stage for two evolutions come season four: Jimmy and Kayla (played to perfection by co-showrunner/writer/director Paul W. Downs and Megan Stalter) and Marcus (a terrific Carl Clemons-Hopkins) are finally taking giant professional leaps for themselves.
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Interview With the Vampire (AMC)
Theater is the overarching thread of season two. Most of the characters are playing a part, putting on a performance — whether onstage at the Théâtre des Vampires or on a day-to-day basis. Some for fun, others for survival, and some for reasons uniquely their own. The result is a dynamic Part II that, like good theater, offers comedy and tragedy alongside the drama. The show's MVPs are again returning regulars Sam Reid and Eric Bogosian; an honor shared with new additions Delainey Hayles, taking over as Claudia, and the always sensational Ben Daniels. The wait for Part III is gonna suck. Rock on, Lestat!
Mary & George (Starz)
Fabulous historical drama telling how Mary, Countess of Buckingham, groomed her son George to bed King James I in a deliberate bid for power. If you're thinking this is just another stuffy period piece that pulls its punches when it comes to queer relationships, you're wrong on both counts. Creator/writer/showrunner DC Moore kicks the dust off this true account of royal seduction and intrigue by injecting it with energy and attitude. Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine electrify the screen as the titular Oedipal duo, giving Norma and Norman Bates a run for their money.
Shōgun (FX)
This new adaptation of the James Clavell novel is absolutely stunning from beginning to end. Gorgeous cinematography. Magnificent production design. Beautiful costumes. Impressive performances. A tremendous script. It's a majestic tale filled with honor, duty, and slow burn romance that weaves a rich, compelling tapestry. Showrunner/writer Justin Marks has assembled a wealth of talent onscreen and off, led by the great Hiroyuki Sanada, also an executive producer.
We Are Lady Parts (Peacock)
After far too long a wait for series two, all I can say is that it was totally worth it. Creator/writer/showrunner Nida Manzoor digs deeper into the emotional lives of the Lady Parts bandmates, resulting in more fully formed characters and richer performances from Anjana Vasan, Sarah Kameela Impey, Faith Omole, Juliette Motamed, and Lucie Shorthouse. Not to mention the kick ass punk songs (both originals and covers) the women brilliantly perform throughout. Now give us series three!
Best of the Rest
All Creatures Great and Small (PBS); Call the Midwife (PBS); Grown-ish (Freeform); Miss Scarlet and the Duke (PBS); and Not Dead Yet (ABC).
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