2024 has arguably been a pretty phenomenal year for television. While the number of shows released from January to December may not have reached the ultimate peak of Peak TV, there were a lot of stories on the small screen that lured us in, kept us glued to our seats, and gave us plenty to talk about until pressing play on the next episode. The truth is that compiling a list of the best shows of the year was a harder task than usual — even more so when we had to narrow it down to the top 25! (If there had been no limit, this list could have easily been twice as long.)
The titles that Collider staff has picked as the best of 2024 are proof of just how spoiled for choice we were, and only represent a fraction of all the great shows that premiered throughout the year. It may look slightly different fromthe list that dropped in July, but if you merge the two together, you’ll get a sense of how many shows we all watched (and loved) this time around. From sci-fi and fantasy to historical epics and contemporary comedies, here are Collider’s picks for the best TV shows of 2024.
The Acolyte
‘The Acolyte’ Review: Leslye Headland Spins a Compelling Star Wars Murder Mystery
Amandla Stenberg is the Disney+ series' pitch-perfect lead in a cast of standouts.
One of the best television series to debut this year is also one of the most tragic cancellations of the year.The Acolytedebuted back in June tosolid reviews, but quickly fell victim to bad-faith criticism andtargeted harassment campaignswhich negatively impacted its audience scores on metric sites and its perception at-large. Despite being swept aside by the studio, the series remains one of the boldest and most ambitious projects in the Star Wars universe, which is precisely why it has been named one of Collider’s Best TV Shows of 2024.
Amandla Stenbergpulled double-duty as the series’ dual leads Osha and Mae, but it was their performance as Osha that really solidifiedThe Acolyteas a must-watch series this year. While there have undoubtedly been other Jedi who dropped out of the Order, Osha was the first to appear on-screen, and the mystery behind why she left struck right at the heart of how The High Republic era of storytelling has been exploring the Jedi’s flaws on the page.
The Acolyte’s incomparable creatorLeslye Headlandalso seized upon a dynamic that the franchise had yet to truly tap into by approaching the narrative from the viewpoint of the dark side of the Force, forcing audiences to sympathize with “the Sith” and scrutinize the Jedi. In doing so, it also allowed her to explore the seduction of the dark side in a more literal way by introducing Qimir (Manny Jacinto) as a potential love interest for Osha, who ultimately helps her tap into her true potential, which the Jedi were keeping her from becoming. The series may have come to an end, but at least thecast remain hopefulthat some day, maybe, one of 2024’s best series will get a second life. —Maggie Lovitt
The Acolyte is a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era. A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, but the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated.
Watch on Disney+
Agatha All Along
‘Agatha All Along’ Review: A Spooky, Sexy, Worthy Follow-up to ‘WandaVision’
Kathryn Hahn’s witch is back and better than ever as she leads a new coven in the Disney+ series.
How lucky we are to have been able to go down, down, down the Witches’ Road this year — and how lucky we are to have hadKathryn Hahnleading us. Reprising her deliciously devious role fromWandaVision,Agatha All Alongallows Hahn to go deeper into Agatha Harkness, infusing the larger-than-life centuries-old witch with layers and nuance. The sheer range she is asked to exhibit while leading the brilliantJac Schaeffer’s puzzle box of a show is simply remarkable, resulting in a more hilarious, terrifying, and vulnerable performance than we’ve ever seen from her — a career-best performance in a career filled with sublime work.
The show also manages to have some of the best LGBTQ+ representation this year, from Agatha and Rio’s (Aubrey Plaza) intense and complex relationship to Billy (Joe Locke) and Eddie’s (Miles Gutierrez-Riley) sweet romance to the casual sapphicness of Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata, a standout in a stacked cast). With a diverse ensemble primarily anchored by queer characters and women over 40,Agatha All Alongis a show that showcases and celebrates those who rarely get the spotlight.
Craft-wise,Agatha All Alongis an achievement as well, fromJohn Collins’ gorgeous (and practical!) sets toDaniel Selon’s elaborate costuming that tackles everything from musical icons to pop culture witches to ‘90s biker chicks. This is a show that’s firing on all cylinders, with Episode 7 of the series — which centers aroundPatti LuPone’s Lilia Calderu — one of the best episodes of any series this year. Man, I loved being a witch. —Taylor Gates
Agatha Harkness, following the events of “WandaVision,” embarks on a quest to reclaim her lost powers. Teaming up with unlikely allies, including the son of her former enemy, she faces new mystical threats while navigating a complex world of magic and intrigue.
‘Arcane’ Season 2 Review: The Return of Netflix’s ‘League of Legends’ Series Was Worth the Wait
After three years, ‘Arcane’ Season 2 is finally here, and it delivers.
Three years afterArcaneSeason 1 shocked everyone, we finally received the second and (sadly) final season of theLeague of Legendsseries. With its second season, Arcane has cemented itself on having some of the most dazzling and impressive animation to ever grace any screen, big or small, with its stellar combination of both 2D and 3D animation. The storytelling inArcaneis superb, and in Season 2, we get a deeper look at the inner mind of Jinx (Ella Purnell). While we long believed her character was always meant to go down a dark path, Season 2 presented a unique kind of redemption arc for the character, that doesn’t just relegate her to a moral black and white.
While technically this is the end ofArcane, the finale didn’t feel as finite as some may have initially thought it would be. Especially with Ekko’s visit to an alternate reality in the seventh episode, which may have been one of the series’ strongest overall. —Nate Richard
Set in Utopian Piltover and the oppressed underground of Zaun, the story follows the origins of two iconic League Of Legends champions and the power that will tear them apart.
Watch on Netflix
Baby Reindeer
‘Baby Reindeer’ Review: A Dark Masterpiece That Will Leave You in Shambles
This autobiographical miniseries is flawless, even if it’s a difficult story to tell.
When I turned onBaby Reindeerone Saturday afternoon at the recommendation of a friend, I wasn’t really sure what to expect from it. At no point did I think it was going to be a devastating story about stalking and sexual assault. Unwilling to paint his stalker Martha (Jessica Gunning) as a black-and-white villain,Richard Gaddinstead explores the complicated relationship between these two characters and what circumstances might have brought her to this point. On top of that, he explores his own sexual assault by a man several years prior and the depressive spiral that sent him down. The combination between Gadd exploring his character Donny’s past and explaining his trauma mishmashed with his current trouble with Martha offers so many layers to an already complex story.
Gadd is absolutely amazing in the role, and it’s almost stunning to think that he’s playing outa fictionalized version of his life. But the real star is Jessica Gunning as Martha. Gunning is able to embody the nastiest sides of Martha, making her so easy to hate, before showing her soft underbelly and letting us understand it’s not so easy to shove Martha into the box that we want her to fit into. And while no one would callBaby Reindeera fun watch, Richard Gadd’s autobiographical story hits harder than any other drama I’ve watched this year. —Therese Lacson
In a dark and gripping narrative, a young man’s life spirals into chaos when an innocent encounter at his bar job leads to an obsessive stalking by an older woman. The film skillfully explores themes of privacy, obsession, and the boundaries of social interaction.
‘The Boys’ Season 4 Finale Recap: You’re All Bloody Welcome
‘The Boys’ Season 4 ends things with a big bang.
While a lot of wild things happened in Season 4 of the Prime Video seriesThe Boys, it also worked to set up the fifth and final season and what’s sure to be a showdown between Homelander (Antony Starr) and Butcher (Karl Urban). Until then, we got to see Homelander forced to deal with his past, in the horrifically terrifying way that only Homelander can. At the same time, he was confronted with the fact that his super-powered teenage son Ryan (Cameron Crovetti) could very well steal the spotlight from him. As his deep-seated insecurities reached a whole other level of bad for everyone around him, Hughie (Jack Quaid) was faced with very different daddy issues, having to put a stop to the V-induced destruction that Hugh Sr. (Simon Pegg) was causing. And with only months to live, Butcher embraced his own inner Supe, getting rid of Victoria Neumann (Claudia Doumit) once and for all.
The new President pledged loyalty to Homelander and now everyone’s future is up in air, asCate (Maddie Phillips) and Sam (Asa Germann) fromGen Vshowed up to abduct Hughie and Frenchie (Tomer Capone), Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) spoke her first word of the series, A-Train (Jessie T. Usher) actually had a believable redemption arc, and Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles) was uncovered. With so many threads to wrap up in just one more season, I keep thinking about this recent quote series creatorEric Kripkesaid to Collider during an FYC chat: “Nothing and no one is safe, and that’s really liberating and fun. At the same time, I’ll say that you’re able to count the amount of truly great series finales on one hand. It’s so hard to land that plane, much less we’re landing eight different planes. I am appropriately respectful and have an appropriate amount of trepidation for how hard that job is.” — Christina Radish
The Boys is a drama series that explores the darker aspects of superhero culture, portraying a world where superheroes abuse their powers rather than use them for good. Centered around a vigilante group aiming to control these corrupt heroes, the series delves into themes of power, corruption, and accountability. The show features a complex narrative with multifaceted characters, offering an unfiltered look at the consequences of unchecked power.
Watch on Prime Video
The Day of the Jackal
‘The Day of the Jackal’ Review: A Tense, Well-Crafted Update of a Classic Thriller
Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch star as an assassin and a spy locked in a cat-and-mouse game.
The Peacock seriesThe Day of the Jackalpits a highly elusive lone assassin (Eddie Redmayne) against a British intelligence officer (Lashana Lynch) whose sole focus becomes tracking him down. A ghost until Bianca Pullman starts to put the pieces together, once she is on the trail of The Jackal, she’s too driven to stop hunting him. All it takes is one little slip for everything to start to unravel, making it harder for The Jackal to keep his dual life going and easier for Bianca to get one step closer to his location.
It’s a cat-and-mouse game that is both exciting and suspenseful, which is quite the feat when the two characters never directly interact with each other. While often anxiety-inducing, the fun of the 10 episodes is the work the two actors do in their roles. You never stop wanting them to interact, even though that would likely bring the story to a much quicker conclusion. Thankfully, its success has already led to aSeason 2 pick-upand Bianca will get more time to chase The Jackal around the world. —Christina Radish
The Day of the Jackal (2024)
The Jackal is a highly effective assassin that deals strictly in dangerous hits for large payouts. However, after one job puts him in the targets of a British intelligence officer, the pair engages in a dangerous and destructive chase across Europe.
Watch on Peacock
English Teacher
‘English Teacher’ Review: Brian Jordan Alvarez’s Delightful FX Comedy Is Here to School the Sitcom
Class is in session.
The word “refreshing” is, frankly, overused to the point of annoyance, but it’s one of the best ways to describe FX’sEnglish Teacher. Created by and starringBrian Jordan Alvarez, the sitcom follows titular teacher Evan (Alvarez) as he navigates life as a high school English teacher while also doing his best to maintain an actual social life outside the classroom. This is, of course, a stripped-back premise for a show that’s everything from heartwarming, hilarious, and wholesome, to bold, dynamic, and edgy. In the past few years, shows have a tendency to play it fast and loose when it comes to calling themselves “comedies,” butEnglish Teacherthankfully prioritizes quick wit and belly laughs above anything else, while also addressing taboo topics head-on without pointing fingers at only one side.
Alvarez excels at playing the somewhat self-involved 30-something who is doing his best to both inspire and contain his students — as well as his ex(ish)-boyfriend, Malcolm (expertly played byJordan Firstman). One of the most important ingredients for a quality sitcom is an eclectic and electric ensemble, and this series boasts both. No one will leave you laughing harder thanStephanie Koenig, who not only leans into slapstick as teacher Gwen, but is a writer on the show and long-time collaborator of Alvarez. (If you aren’t aware of their webseries “Stupid Idiots,” please, please, educate yourself.)English Teacheris, hands down, an A+. Let’s hope this school day never ends. —Emily Bernard
English Teacher is a comedy series that follows Evan Marquez, a gay high school English teacher in Austin, Texas. The series focuses on Evan and his colleagues as they navigate the challenges of modern education, dealing with both students and parents in an ever-changing social landscape.
Watch on Hulu
‘Fallout’ Review: A Rollicking Good Time for Video Game Lovers
The Wasteland might be more daunting for those stepping into this universe for the first time.
So many video game adaptations come from worlds that have a very specific story or characters that fans love. But withFallout, the appeal is the post-apocalyptic open world in which players can explore and make their own narrative. Which is what make Prime Video’s choice to adaptFalloutinto a television series such an audacious choice, and yet somehow, creatorsGraham WagnerandGeneva Robertson-Dworetmanaged to pull off this adaptation beautifully.Falloutmakes the excellent choice of showing everything that The Wasteland has to offer through its through lead characters: Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell), a Vault Dweller exploring the real work for the first time; Maximus (Aaron Moten), a low-level squire hoping to one day be a part of the militant Brotherhood of Steel that patrols The Wasteland; and The Ghoul (Walton Goggins), a bounty hunter who has seen the evils within this new world since the beginning of its destruction.
Falloutcaptures the spirit of The Wasteland that gamers have loved to explore for decades. The series is strange, morbidly funny, full of mysteries to be uncovered, and difficult choices that must be made along the way. Purnell, Moten, and Goggins bring their own unique viewpoints of this world to these characters, and in doing so, we get to understand what The Wasteland is all about simply by watching them interact. It’s like we’re seeing the scope, even without traversing back and forth through this wrecked landscape. This great first season ends on an exciting cliffhanger that made viewers and fans of the game pumped for what’s to come, but already,Fallouthas proven itself to be one of the smartest adaptations of a video game so far. —Ross Bonaime
In a future, post-apocalyptic Los Angeles brought about by nuclear decimation, citizens must live in underground bunkers to protect themselves from radiation, mutants and bandits.
The Gentlemen
‘The Gentlemen’ Review: Guy Ritchie’s Netflix Series Is Even Better Than the Movie
The spin-off series to Ritchie’s movie might not feature many direct connections to the original, but it’s all the better for it.
With an exceptional cast and a kick-ass soundtrack,Guy Ritchie’sThe Gentlemenis easily one of the best series to hit television screens this year. As Collider’sNate Richardproclaimed inhis review of the Netflix series,it’s even better than thesimilarly titled film, which was well-received by fans and critics alike when Ritchie debuted it back in 2019. While itistechnically a spin-off,The Gentlemenseries is a brand-new story that requires no knowledge of the film, which made it an easy win with audiences who might not be aRitchie fanaticlike the rest of us.
As with the film,The Gentlemen’s cast is what makes it such an instant crowd-pleaser.Theo Jamesnobly leads the series as Eddie Horniman, a member of the British military who is called back to his family’s estate to deal with his father’s death. Unexpectedly (but perhaps not unsurprisingly) his bumbling older brother, Freddie (Daniel Ings), is not named as the heir of the family’s fortunes and estate, and that honor falls on Eddie’s shoulders instead. Becoming the heir leads Eddie down a winding path as he tries to unravel his father’s sketchy financial decisions, uncover the truth behind the underground marijuana empire operating on their property, and former a questionable partnership with the clever Susie Glass (KayaScodelario) whose imprisoned father Bobbie (RayWinstone) had dealings with Eddie’s late father.
Not only didThe Gentlemenboast an impressive ensemble cast, but the writing was sharp, witty, and ever-evolving as it unmasked the dark underbelly of Britain’s elite in averyGuy Ritchie way. It’s clear that Netflix also felt likeThe Gentlemenwas one of the best series of 2024, because it earned a rareSeason 2 renewalshortly after the finale. A true testament to just how impeccable the series is. —Maggie Lovitt
Eddie Horniman, Duke of Halstead, inherits large estate from father, unaware it fronts Pearson’s drug empire. With no crime experience, he must take over the operation or lose the estate.
House of the Dragon
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 Review: A Bigger, Bloodier Return That Could Overshadow ‘Game of Thrones’
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 premieres June 16 on HBO and Max.
Although it was hindered by a shorter season and didn’t quite land that finale the way it needed to,House of the Dragon’s sophomore season was still a spectacle to behold. As the series split the two sides of the Targaryen house into their respective corners we watch as loyalties are tested and characters become the worst versions of themselves. The highlight of the season is undoubtedlythe massive dragon battle at Rook’s Restthat ended not only with a devastating loss of life, but was full of betrayal, bloodshed, and action. These episodes remind us just what is possible in television and should stand out in the history of this show as one of its best moments.
Alongside that major set piece is a performance byEmma D’Arcyas a conflicted and struggling Rhaenyra Targaryen. It’s fantastic to watch the actor mature into this role and watch them as they shift from mourning mother into avenging queen. Additional standout performances includeTom Glynn-Carney(especially after the events ofBlood and Cheese),Matt Smith(for his most emotional moments while trapped at Harrenhal), andOlivia Cooke(especially in that final face off with Rhaenyra at Dragonstone). While it’s not perfect, even with its flaws, the talent and potential ofHouse of the Dragonreminds us just whyGeorge R.R. Martin’s stories are so good. — Therese Lacson
The reign of House Targaryen begins with this prequel to the popular HBO seriesGame of Thrones.Based on George R.R. Martin’sFire & Blood,House of the Dragonis set nearly 200 years beforeGame of Thrones, telling the story of the Targaryen civil war with King Viserys.
Watch on Max
Interview with the Vampire
‘Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire’ Season 2 Review: A Gloriously Tangled and Compelling Part Two
Season 2 premieres May 12 on AMC and AMC+.
Sophomore seasons can be tough to follow up, especially when the first was so well-received — butInterview with the Vampiredidn’t just deliver the second time around, it gave viewers a Season 2 that was arguably even better than the first. On the heels of conspiring to murder their maker, Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid), Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson) and Claudia (Delainey Hayles, taking over the role fromBailey Bassin Season 2) are attempting to start over — and have some facetime with other vampires — in Europe. When they land in Paris, they end up in the crosshairs of the vampire coven of the Theatre des Vampires, with its leader, Armand (Assad Zaman), showing a particular interest in Louis, much to the disdain of the theater’s lead performer, Santiago (Ben Daniels). That’s the story we’re told, at least, in the present-day, as Louis and Armandseemto be presenting a united front against Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian), but as the veteran journalist pokes and prods into their version of events, he starts to uncover secrets that these vampires would much rather stay good and buried.
Interview with the VampireSeason 2 expands not only the series but AMC’s planned Immortal Universe, further introducing connections to the greater world like the mysterious organizationknown as the Talamasca, which has already earned its own spin-off. The show also delves much more deeply into intimate character relationships, establishing a tangled, complicated web between Louis, Lestat, Armand, and Daniel going back decades, one that has inescapable side effects for all parties involved by the finale.Once a third season that would primarily revolve around the events ofThe Vampire Lestatwas confirmed, it was clear that the series would be primed to deliver another unique installment of television — but there’s no denying that in the two seasons that it’s offered up already, it’s proven itself as one of the best TV shows ever, not just of 2024. (Now, if only every awards body out there would get the message, too!) —Carly Lane
Based on Anne Rice’s iconic novel, follow Louis de Pointe’s epic story of love, blood and the perils of immortality, as told to the journalist Daniel Molloy.
Watch on AMC+
‘Manhunt’ Review: Gripping Conspiracy Drama Is Another Win for Apple TV+
Tobias Menzies, Anthony Boyle, and Hamish Linklater lead the miniseries about the hunt for Lincoln’s killer.
How do you put a twist on one of the most well-known political events in history? That’s exactly whatManhunt, created by showrunnerMonica Beletskyand based on the book of the same name byJames L. Swanson, had to succeed in. Rather than telling the story we all know, the Apple TV+ miniseries revolves around the aftermath that few are familiar with, beginning the tale with the hunt for notorious assassin John Wilkes Booth (Anthony Boyle) after he pulls the trigger in Ford’s Theater, resulting in the death of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln (Hamish Linklater). The event sparks the titular hunt for the man responsible, an effort spearheaded by Lincoln’s Secretary of War and longtime friend, Edwin Stanton (Tobias Menzies) — and the version of the story that plays out is much closer to a thriller than your garden-variety historical drama, as the search for Booth uncovers a greater conspiracy against the government and forces Stanton to question just how far he’s willing to go in the pursuit of justice.
Boyle, already coming off of a very different performance inMasters of the Airon the same streamer,demonstrates the true breadth of his rangein depicting a controversial real-life figure who sought recognition and fame for his infamous act. Meanwhile, Menzies becomes the true heart of the series as Stanton, asManhuntaffords us a deeper glimpse into not only the dimensions of his friendship with Lincoln, but also his commitment to upholding and preserving the President’s goals in the aftermath of the assassination — even at cost to himself.Manhuntmay be a show that revolves arounda very specific point in U.S. history, but its themes are so timeless that you’ll be thinking about the ripple effects of that fateful April day long after the credits roll on the finale. —Carly Lane
The aftermath of the first American presidential assassination and the fight to preserve and protect the ideals that were the foundation of Lincoln’s Reconstruction plans.
Watch on Apple TV+
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ Review: Donald Glover and Maya Erskine Are a Match Made in Spy Heaven
The Prime Video series also boasts impressive guest stars in Paul Dano, Sharon Horgan, Michaela Coel, and Sarah Paulson.
Okay, did you also roll your eyes upon hearing that we were getting aMr. & Mrs. SmithTV series? More often than not, when Hollywood squeezes all it can from a pre-existing property (in this case, making a series inspired by the 2005 action romance starringBrad PittandAngelina Jolie), things end poorly, to put it politely. However, Prime Video’s series starringDonald GloverandMaya Erskineis a surprisingly superb spy thriller that has as many thrills as it does heart, setting it apart from anything in the genre.
So much had to go perfectly in order for this series to work — namely (and most obviously) the two leads needed to be compatible both as characters and actors. On paper, an Erskine and Glover team-up feels fairly random, but this casting was lightning in a bottle. Even when they are standing next to each other silently in an elevator, their chemistry is palpable and only grows more organically with each episode and espionage obstacle. The amateur spies quickly (but realistically) become very skilled at their job, despite living in a constant life-or-death mentality. Add in the danger of their line of work to their blossoming romance, and, well, you have a mission that’s impossible tonotaccept.
In addition to Erskine and Glover being charming badasses who can blend comedy and drama with ease, this sharply written gem features a murderers' row of guest stars that includesSharon Horgan,Sarah Paulson,Paul Dano, andRon Perlman. At its core,Mr. & Mrs. Smithis a show that puts character development over action — making it a series that packs both a physical and emotional punch. —Emily Bernard
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Two strangers land jobs with a spy agency that offers them a life of espionage, wealth, and travel. The catch: new identities in an arranged marriage.
‘One Day’ Review: Netflix Adaptation Is Beautifully Told Yet Unbalanced
Though fans of the story will be familiar with its beats, they won’t have seen it told quite like this.
One Dayfelt like a TV show that was miles better than it had any right to be. It’s the second adaptation of a novel released 15 years ago, and the originalDavid Nichollswork wouldn’t exactly have the same staying power as the work of Jane Austen or Stephen King, which have beget endless reimaginings. But Netflix’s 14-episode series does a much better job of fleshing out the story of friends-turned-lovers Emma (Ambika Mod) and Dexter (Leo Woodall) than the two-hour film.
Following the unlikely friends from their first meeting at the end of college in 1988 up until a very fateful day in 2001 and the aftermath, the series is able to touch on the bigger themes of the book, such as the fragility of life, grief, and addiction. Both Woodall and Mod give layered, charismatic performances, but Mod’s Emma is why you stay rooting for them. It’s not just a brilliant love story, but an astute look at life, careers, friendship, and how time can so easily get away from us. —Emma Kiely
Based on the novel by David Nicholls, One Day is a 2024 romantic drama series created by Nicole Taylor. Despite their lives drifting apart after high school, Dex and Emma reunite one day every year as their lives run parallel. Love, heartbreak, and the experience of growing apart together lie at the center of this decade-spanning love story.
‘Pachinko’ Season 2 Review: One of TV’s Best Shows Triumphantly Returns
As Season 2 expands outward and again rearranges the story’s structure, it finds even greater resonance.
Pachinkofollows a four-generation Korean family, spanning from 1915 to 1989, jumping back and forth between the late 80s and the past as it moves toward the present. The series follows Kim Sunja, played by bothKim Min-haandYoun Yuh-jung, a Korean woman who grows up in a Japanese-occupied Korea. It also centers around her grandson, Solomon Baek (Jin Ha), who returns to Japan after going to school in America. What’s unique aboutPachinkois how delicately it balances heavy themes of war, xenophobia, and generational trauma with an intense family drama full of twists and turns. It showcases a side of Asia rarely seen in Western media, specifically focusing on Koreans and Zainichi Koreans (Koreans who live in Japan).
To me, the show is a strong reminder to those who think all Asians are a monolith that the culture and conflicts between Asian countries run very deep. But, beyond that, it showcases a woman’s struggle for a better life in a country where she is considered a second-class citizen. Unsurprisingly Young Yuh-jung is fantastic as the older Sunja, wizened from her years of experience, and she’s particularly good when she’s paired off with Jin Ha in their scenes together. Korean starLee Min-hois also fantastic in his role as a villainous Koh Hansu. As endearing ashis romance is with Kim Min-ha’s younger Sunjais, he’s equally cutthroat and uncompromising.Pachinkois a perfect harmony of storytelling. Not only is the series visually beautiful, but the story is beautifully woven together despite a fairly complicated plot. If you’re looking for your next prestige drama to bingewatch, here it is. —Therese Lacson
Based on the New York Times bestseller, this sweeping saga chronicles the hopes and dreams of a Korean immigrant family across four generations as they leave their homeland in an indomitable quest to survive and thrive.
The Penguin
‘The Penguin’ Episode 4 Recap: We Need To Talk About Sofia
Episode 4 proves to be the series' strongest installment yet as it dives into Sofia’s tragic backstory.
I’ll admit, whenThe Penguinwas first announced, I was skeptical. At the time,The Batmanhadn’t even come out yet. It looked great from the trailers, and I figured I’d like it. But givingThe Penguinhis own TV show? Seriously? Even if I do loveColin Farrell, I really didn’t get the point. When I sat down and watchedthe first episode ofThe Penguin, I realized just how wrong I was. And by the fourth episode, I was willing to make the bold claim that this spin-off series may have been even better than the movie.
Colin Farrell completely transformed himself into Oz Cobb. More than anything,The Penguinis a character study of Oz, and Farrell’s performance brings a sense of humanity to the role. We spent the whole series wanting to root for him, only to have been fooled by the time the finale rolled around. Yet the series’ biggest asset wasCristin Milioti’s incredible turn as SofiaFalconeGigante, whose tragic backstory made for one of the best hours of television of the entire year.The Penguinalsoproved that it didn’t needRobert Pattinson’s Batmanto show up. The series rarely relied on fan service, if at all, and was dedicated solely to telling a crime saga set on the shady streets of Gotham. —Nate Richard
It follows the transformation of Oswald Cobblepot from a disfigured nobody to a noted Gotham gangster.
Presumed Innocent
‘Presumed Innocent’ Review: Don’t Write Off This Twisty, Seductive Legal Thriller
The first two episodes of ‘Presumed Innocent’ premiere June 12.
Another second adaptation of a book written years ago,Apple TV+’sPresumed Innocentis a masterclass in updating material for a modern audience. While the story remains the same of county prosecutor Rusty Sabich (Jake Gyllenhaal) accused of the murder of his colleague and mistress Carolyn Polhemus (Renate Reinsve), the eight-episode series allows us more space and time to suspect every character and fall deeper into the web of lies.
The cast is what elevates the material to grander heights, with Jake Gyllenhaal giving one of his most intense roles to date, andBill Campproving with every role that there isn’t a project he doesn’t suit. A snivelingPeter Sarsgaardand troubledRuth Neggaare equally worthy of praise. With so many ‘90s thrillers focused on galvanizing their male protagonist and shallowly sexualizing their women,Presumed Innocentis a refreshing remedy to these tropes while still delivering on the twisty murder mystery that makes stories like these so compelling. It’s a psychosexual thriller, a tense courtroom drama, and an unpredictable mystery that is worth your timeeven if you’ve seen the original film. —Emma Kiely
It tells the story of a horrific murder that upends the Chicago Prosecuting Attorneys' office when one of its own is suspected of the crime.
‘Ripley’ Review: Andrew Scott Dazzles in Netflix’s Gorgeous Noir Thriller
The series based on Patricia Highsmith’s Tom Ripley novels also stars Dakota Fanning and Johnny Flynn.
Tom Ripley is a character we’ve seen on screen plenty of times before. It’s reached a point where Ripley’s ongoing cons present a tricky challenge to reinvent. However, writer-directorSteve Zallianhas breathed life into the character withRipley, which is one of the most stunning series of the year. As you probably had already assumed from the moment his casting was announced,Andrew Scottdoes a fantastic job in the title role, exhibiting the cunningness, sliminess, and unpredictable nature of one Tom Ripley. While many of us already knew what would happen between Ripley and Dicky Greenleaf before ever clicking play, their big moment on the sea still proved to be shocking and alarming.
So many modern films will useblack-and-white cinematographyto add an extra layer of prestige. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. However, we don’t see it much on television. Yet the use of black-and-white inRipleyis some of the very best in any medium. —Nate Richard
A grifter named Ripley living in New York during the 1960s is hired by a wealthy man to begin a complex life of deceit, fraud and murder.
‘Rivals’ Review: The Ids Are Alright in This Vibrant Showcase of 1980s Lust and Ambition
‘Rivals’ talented ensemble cast includes David Tennant, Aidan Turner, and a scene-stealing Alex Hassell.
Rivalslanded on Disney+ back in October with a surprising lack of fanfare, despite being met bymostly praise from critics, and boasting a real who’s who of beloved Scottish and Irish talent likeDavid TennantandAidan Turner. Based on the similarly titled second novel inDame Jilly Cooper’sRutshire Chroniclesseries,Rivalsfinally took off once romance fans realized that the series was going to deliver something that we rarely see on television these days: a well-written age-gap romance!
The series’ romantic entanglements are set against the backdrop of the surprisingly ruthless world of independent television. Through the intense rivalry between Lord Baddingham’s (Tennant) Corinium Television and Declan O’Hara’s (Turner) Venturer start-up, non-UK audiences were introduced to the bonkers way that England not only divides the country into fifteen regions, but how rival consortiums duke it out every eight years to bring the very best television programs to each region. In the midst of all the backstabbing is the real heart of the series: Declan’s twenty-year-old daughter Taggie (Bella Maclean) and his rival-turned-business-partner and notorious rake Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell).
WhileRivalsis very much an ensemble cast with incredible performances fromNafessaWilliams(as Cameron Cook),KatherineParkinson(as Lizzie Vereker),DannyDyer(as Freddie Jones), andVictoriaSmurfit(as Maud O’Hara), Maclean and Hassell steal the show. Like every classic swoon-worthy historical romance (the ’80s were forty years ago!),Rivalshas the perfect set-up with the overlooked eldest daughter who everyone takes for granted and the arrogant and caddish British nobleman whose entire world is thrown upside down because of her. The scenario is made even sweeter by the fact that he’s backed himself into a corner by sleeping with Cameron (to further Venturer’s cause), and Declan will murder him if he goes back on his promise to not mess with Taggie. Unlike otherhit romantic seriesthis year,Rivalshas already been renewed fora second season. Cue more delicious pining and longing looks. —Maggie Lovitt
‘Shōgun’ Episode 9 Recap: Never Send an Army To Do a Woman’s Job
Toranaga enacts the next stage of his plan with Mariko as the centerpiece, but is Osaka safe territory for anyone these days?
AdaptingJames Clavell’s bestselling novel would have been a monumental task at best for anyone tasked with the responsibility, butRachel KondoandJustin Marksproved they were up to it and then some. FX once toutedShōgunas their most ambitious and most expensive project to date, and the results can plainly be seen as the series plunges us into feudal Japan through the eyes of wayward sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis). As he and we are introduced to a world where honor and ambition are paramount, we understand all that’s at stake for the warlord Yoshii Toranaga (a commandingHiroyuki Sanada) as he faces threats from those who seek to challenge his authority. WhileShōgunmight initially leave you with the impression that men are the only ones in the room where it happens, the show also makes a point to emphasize just how important women are in pulling strings behind-the-scenes — among them, translator Lady Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), whose contributions to the series' penultimate episode are nothing short of captivating, as well as delightful scene-stealer Usami Fuji (Moeka Hoshi) and the utterly hypnotic Ochiba no Kata (Fumi Nikaido). We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention other standout performances likeTadanobu Asano’s fan-favorite schemer Kashigi Yabushige,Takehiro Hira’s complex antagonist Lord Ishido Kazunari, andNéstor Carbonell’s foul-mouthed Spanish sailor Rodrigues.
The series is truly a labor of love thanks to a combined American and Japanese production crew, whose tremendous efforts contribute to a retelling ofShōgunthat lived and breathed authenticity. This is an adaptation that not only captures the epic feeling of reading the source material but transcends it — so it’s no wonder that it has already become something of an awards darling, becomingthe most-awarded season of television in Emmy historyearlier this year. On the one hand, it’s an instance of small-screen perfection thatdoesn’t really need to be expanded with a second season; on the other, the possibility of spending more time in this epic world is awfully tempting. —Carly Lane
Shogun (2024)
When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales of power and devastate his enemies.
‘Silo’ Season 2 Review: Rebecca Ferguson’s Sci-Fi Drama Is Still One of Apple TV+’s Best
The stakes have never been higher!
In a year filled to the brim with sci-fi standouts,SiloSeason 2 firmly cements itself as one of 2024’s best shows. FromRebecca Ferguson’s powerhouse performance toGraham Yost’s razor-sharp writing, there’s so much to love with this Apple TV+ hit. The streaming giant knows just how to blend emotional depth with blockbuster-worthy storytelling for a visually stunning and mysterious show that commands your attention. Trust us: One watch and you are hooked. Following the critical success of its debut last year, the series dives even deeper into its dystopian world, delivering a rather darker second season that’s as claustrophobic as it is thought-provoking.
Adapted fromHugh Howey’sWooltrilogy,SiloSeason 2 builds on its already rich foundation, expanding its world with twists and turns that keep you hooked and characters that linger long after the credits roll. Ferguson’s return as Juliette is nothing short of mesmerizing, too. While her nuanced portrayal anchors the show for strong interest, it’s her dynamic withSteve Zahn’s heart-wrenching Solothat introduces fresh layers of complexity to a story already brimming with tension. But it doesn’t end with them, as we see a darker, more convoluted side toTim Robbins’ Bernard this season in Silo 17 — one that you know there is no coming back from.
But beyond the incredible performances, Season 2 is by far one of the sci-fi genre’s best entries. Yost has a real knack for seamlessly weaving political intrigue, personal stakes, and moral dilemmas into a story that asks bold questions. Sure,Silois a show that carries a striking message about humanity and the cost of love, but it’s also deeply personal. It’s that juxtaposition that makes the mystery of this series so damn enthralling while bound to go down as one of the greatest sci-fi shows of all time. —Tania Hussain
Somebody Somewhere
‘Somebody Somewhere’ Season 3 Review: A Stunning Swan Song for HBO’s Most Underrated Comedy
While it’s a shame that we won’t get any more ‘Somebody Somewhere’ after this, at least it concludes on the highest note imaginable.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a show with more heart or humor thanSomebody Somewhere. It’s a show that could (and arguably should!) have gone on for thirty seasons, but we’re still very lucky to have gotten three magnificent ones.Bridget Everettis easily one of the most underrated actors working today, and Sam is a role she was born to play. In Season 3, we see her being more raw and real than ever as her bold confidence and irresistible charisma struggle to mask the insecurities bubbling just underneath the surface. The show tackles body image and self-esteem with powerful and heartbreaking nuance.
The show sets itself apart by how rich the world surrounding Sam is. Her platonic soulmateship with Joel (Jeff Hiller) remains a highlight, with him consistently one of the most lovable and genuine characters on TV, and his boyfriend, Brad (Tim Bagley), gets a touching and surprising arc that’s a highlight of the season. The authentic and positive exploration of what it’s like to be queer in the Midwest is beautiful, and the setting acts as a character in and of itself.
The phrase “hidden gem” is thrown around a lot nowadays, but no show fits the bill more thanSomebody Somewhere, which had an incredibly strong debut and still somehow managed to get better and better every season. With many shows leaning into cynicism or relying on flashy special effects, the fact thatSomebody Somewhereis a hopeful series about real people and their real lives is a breath of fresh air. —Taylor Gates
Sam is a true Kansan on the surface but beneath it all struggles to fit the hometown mold. As she grapples with loss and acceptance, singing is Sam’s saving grace and leads her on a journey to discover herself and a community of outsiders that don’t fit in but don’t give up, showing that finding your people, and finding your voice, is possible. Anywhere. Somewhere.
True Detective: Night Country
‘True Detective: Night Country’ Review: Season 4 Is a Perfectly Chilling Return to Form
Jodie Foster and Kali Reis command the upcoming fourth season from director and showrunner Issa López.
HBO had a lot on the line with the fourth season ofTrue Detective, their anthology detective series. Seasons 2 and 3 have their defenders, but each had been less buzzy than the last, leading the network to part ways with series creatorNic Pizzolatto. WithNight Country, they turned the keys to the franchise over to Mexican filmmakerIssa López, and the resulting six-episode series re-established the series asTV’s preeminent mind-fuck mystery show.
The fourth season kicks off with seven dead research-station scientists being discovered naked and frozen in the iceoutside in cold, dark, and snowy Ennis, Alaska. On the case are Police Chief Liz Danvers, played to prickly perfection byJodie Foster, and Evangeline Navarro, a native Alaskan trooper played by former boxerKali Reis. In typicalTrue Detectivefashion, the further they dig into what happened, the weirder and wilder the case gets, eventually tying into an earlier unsolved murder and brushing up against aspects both supernatural and environmental.
Your mileage may vary onhow satisfying you foundNight Country’s big reveals to be, but there’s no denying that Foster and Reis give powerhouse performances that prove to be more compelling than any the show has offered sinceMatthew McConaugheyandWoody Harrelsonwere burning down the joint back in Season 1. Meanwhile, López effectively blankets the series in an atmosphere that’s both haunting and hypnotic, ensuring viewers remain unsettled yet captivated the whole way through. —Robert Brian Taylor
True Detective
Anthology series in which police investigations unearth the personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within and outside the law.
What We Do in the Shadows
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ Season 6 Review: A Fond, Wild Farewell to Our Favorite Staten Island Vampires
FX’s comedy series, starring Matt Berry, Kayvan Novak, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, and Mark Proksch, takes a victory lap in its final season.
The sixth and final season of the FX seriesWhat We Do in the Shadows, documenting the exploits of vampire roommates Nandor (Kayvan Novak), Laszlo (Matt Berry), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch), saw the human-once-again Guillermo (Harvey Guillén) re-evaluating his life choices. Having briefly been a vampire and deciding it was not for him, but also no longer wanting to be a familiar or always put Nandor ahead of himself, Guillermo decided to try his hand at an office job.
Over the course of the season, a long-forgotten roommate ultimately ended up dead at the hands of Cravensworth’s Monster, The Baron (Doug Jones) returned, the vampires experimented with sleep hypnosis, Laszlo made the depth of his love for Nadja known, Nandor’s feelings for The Guide (Kristen Schaal) were resolved, once again leaving an opening for Guillermo, and Colin Robinson was as Colin Robinson as ever. These vampires will never truly be motivated enough to take over the world, but they have evolved into a dysfunctionally endearing family that you can’t help but love through their mistakes and missteps. This is a cast I know I will miss (along withthat Nadja doll!), long after the curtain has closed on this series. —Christina Radish
What We Do in the Shadowsoffers a comedic glimpse into the nightly lives of four vampire roommates—Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, and energy vampire Colin Robinson—residing in Staten Island. Alongside their human familiar, Guillermo, they navigate modern challenges like paying rent, attending social events, and dealing with supernatural politics, all while maintaining their centuries-old habits.
‘X-Men ’97’ Review: Marvel Returns to the ’90s With X-traordinary New Series
Marvel’s first X-Men project since regaining the rights to the character might just be their best animated series yet.
For many of us growing up in the ’90s, the definitive version of the X-Men, nay, the definitivesuperherostory wasX-Men: The Animated Series. The original run ofX-Menaired from 1992-1997, bringing to life Professor Xavier’s team of mutants, adapting some of the darkest and unusual storylines in X-Men comics, and created an expansive world of heroes and villains that didn’t shy away from the darker themes inherent with the X-Men. When Disney+ announced they would be creating a direct sequel series withX-Men ’97, it was hard not to get excited, but also, worry if this version of X-Men could live up to the lofty hopes of us ’90s kids. However,X-Men ’97defied expectations, picking off right where we left off decades ago, and showing why this animated series is still a high-mark for comic adaptations.
X-Men ’97doesn’t hold the audience’s hand, throwing us right into the dynamics that were set up back in the ’90s. It also smartly doesn’t try to tone things down for a potential new audience, but rather, knows that their primary audience will be in their 30s now and can handle something much darker and mature. This is a series that doesn’t mind killing off major characters, breaking down the relationships of these characters that we’ve come to know so well, and comment on our modern day with great success. Take, for example, the unbelievably great speech given by Magneto (voiced byMatthew Waterson) in the second episode that will bring tears to your eyes and consider that maybe the villain has been right along.
X-Men ’97manages to be exactly what fans wanted for decades, while also completely upending everything we thought anX-Menseries could be. After all these years,X-Men ’97proves this animated superhero team is still the pinnacle of X-Men stories on the screen. —Ross Bonaime
A band of mutants use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them; they’re challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future.
