It could possibly be argued that 2024 wasn’t the very best yr for tv.
Extremely anticipated exhibits like the ultimate season of “Stranger Things,” “The Last of Us” and “The White Lotus” did not even make it on the calendar and can as a substitute return in 2025. Streamers and networks tightened their budgets by saying sure to much less.
Writing off this yr’s choice, nevertheless, appears unfair. There have been new standout comedies, dramas, actuality TV and remakes of previous favorites that caught the eye of viewers, awards voters and the zeitgeist.
In no specific order, listed here are 10 new exhibits from 2024 to take a look at earlier than the brand new yr.
“Nobody Wants This”
In 2024, popular culture skilled a Brodyssance when Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This” reminded many why that they had a crush on Adam Brody within the early aughts when he was on “The O.C.” On this rom-com created by Erin Foster, Brody performs a rabbi named Noah who begins relationship a gentile named Joanne (the at all times entertaining Kristen Bell) and their courtship as thirtysomethings unfolds. Earlier than reaching their fortunately ever after, quite a lot of obstacles — like spiritual variations, household pressures and profession objectives — must be addressed. Hope is just not misplaced, nevertheless, and all through all of it Noah and Joanne stay match. The supporting solid, by the best way, can be a delight.
“Supacell”
The British sequence “Supacell” launched a wise spin on the superhero template. Created and written by Rapman, the present facilities on a gaggle of Black, working class folks in London who uncover they’ve superpowers. At first, it appears the highly effective are linked by simply the colour of their pores and skin however their actual connection is a household historical past of sickle cell illness. The present addresses themes just like the medical exploitation of the Black group, poverty and the way the media usually overlooks instances of lacking folks of coloration. The present has been renewed for a second season and is on Netflix.
“The Penguin”
One other recent tackle the world of superheroes and their villains is “The Penguin,” on Max. The story picks up after the 2022 movie “The Batman” starring Robert Pattinson however right here, Batman is extra a background character to the gangster story of Oz Cobb. Colin Farrell performed the legal kingpin within the Pattinson movie and reprises that position right here. Cristin Milioti has additionally gotten constructive critiques — and a Golden Globe nomination — for her portrayal of villain Sofia Falcone.
“Matlock”
When CBS first introduced a brand new “Matlock” with Kathy Bates within the lead position, it appeared like only a gender-flipped remake. Au contraire. Bates performs Madeline Kingston, a rich lawyer who comes out of retirement beneath the alias Mattie Matlock (with the same folksy demeanor as Andy Griffith’s). Her cause for returning to work is that she wants cash however, in actuality, she’s out for revenge. It is also enjoyable to see how the sequence addresses older folks being usually neglected and underestimated, which Madeline generally leans into for her personal profit. It streams on Paramount+. (Bates additionally snagged a Globe nomination.)
“The Valley”
When “Vanderpump Rules” spinoff “The Valley” debuted on Bravo in spring, some followers rolled their eyes. It follows three former “Vanderpump” castmates — Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright and Kristen Doute — now residing extra settled lives amid a brand new circle of buddies. Taylor and Doute knew the project — or simply rapidly fell into previous habits of claiming an excessive amount of and stirring the pot. The brand new solid additionally impressed. Janet Caperna positioned herself as each above the drama and really a lot residing for it. Jesse Lally confirmed vulnerability over the demise of his marriage to castmate Michelle Sanai, whereas additionally being an unapologetic snob. Viewers watched Taylor and Cartwright’s marriage spiral, too (they’re now divorcing). It streams on Peacock.
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”
One other adaptation with a twist is Prime Video’s “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. It shares a title with the movie starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, however differs dramatically: Glover and Erskine play spies assigned to pose as a married couple named John and Jane Smith. They rapidly go from strangers to co-workers to lovers. Every episode sees John and Jane on a brand new project, with notable visitor stars like Alexander Skarsgård, Michaela Coel and Sharon Horgan. The present was nominated for 16 Emmy Awards and three Golden Globes.
“Ripley”
Andrew Scott stars in “Ripley,” a neo-noir Netflix adaptation in regards to the con artist and serial killer created by Patricia Highsmith. Just like the 1999 film starring Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Legislation, this restricted sequence is predicated on the Highsmith’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” Tom Ripley is employed by a rich businessman to journey to Italy and encourage his son, Dickie, who resides a lifetime of leisure, to return to the States. Ripley finally ends up changing into enamored with Dickie’s life-style and the ruse turns lethal.
“English Teacher”
Brian Jordan Alvarez created and stars in FX’s “English Teacher” as Evan, a highschool instructor in Texas, juggling the traditional calls for of the job amid societal adjustments. In a single episode, Evan should present sensitivity to a scholar who has self-diagnosed herself with a made-up illness. In one other, he efficiently will get the college’s gun security program shut down however then is informed all school should obtain firearm coaching. Because the adults on the present usually battle with getting it proper, it is the scholars who appear much less bothered with labels. The present additionally has a fantastic soundtrack. It streams on Hulu.
“Shōgun”
“Shōgun” had a triumphant first season on FX, profitable a historic 18 awards at this yr’s Emmys — together with finest drama sequence and finest actor and actress in a drama for Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai. It is set through the energy struggles in feudal Japan and is predicated on a 1975 James Clavell novel. FX did not skimp on the manufacturing worth, netting comparisons to “Game of Thrones.” It was initially deliberate as a restricted sequence, however now two extra seasons are deliberate. Episodes stream on Hulu.
“Presumed Innocent”
Jake Gyllenhaal starred in his first TV sequence, “Presumed Innocent,” for Apple TV+. Gyllenhaal is Rusty Sabich, a Chicago prosecutor accused of killing a colleague. Gyllenhaal’s actual brother-in-law, Peter Sarsgaard, performs Rusty’s adversary, one other lawyer making an attempt to show his guilt. The story comes from a Scott Turow novel that was made right into a Harrison Ford movie in 1990 however does not observe both to the letter. It was the streamer’s most watched drama sequence to date and a second season has been ordered, with Gyllenhaal staying on as an govt producer.
