The top spot on our list of the best TV shows of 2024 goes to The Bear Season 3, followed by Baby Reindeer, Shogun, and True Detective.
The past month has been action-packed for television, with the beginnings of new seasons for The Boys and House of the Dragon, as well as the premiere of the Star Wars series The Acolyte. With these exciting shows, it’s possible that they could make our list of the best of 2024.
Despite having just started, the year has already shown great promise. In fact, we are excited to announce that we are now including Season 3 of The Bear in our TV recommendations.
Below, you will find our TV recommendations listed in alphabetical order, along with a short summary and our opinions or available reviews. We will continue to update this article throughout the year, so be sure to check back for more suggestions.
Baby Reindeer
Official Synopsis: An act of kindness from a struggling comedian towards a vulnerable woman sparks an all-consuming obsession that jeopardizes their lives.
Our Opinion: Baby Reindeer has become one of the unexpected breakout hits on television this year. Developed by comedian Richard Gadd, the show delves into his own troubled history and can be emotionally challenging, especially in the powerful fourth episode. However, it also captivates viewers with its thought-provoking themes and compelling characters over the course of seven outstanding episodes.
The Bear
Official Summary: The Bear centers around the themes of food, family, and the relentless demands of the restaurant industry. Every day is a struggle in this business, and as Carmy pushes himself and his team to their limits, they strive to meet his high standards. Their pursuit of culinary perfection challenges their relationships and tests the strength of their restaurant.
Despite not surpassing its predecessor, “The Bear”is still a delectable dish filled with emotional depth and culinary drama. From laughter to tears to heart palpitations, this film will leave you craving for more.
Echo
Maya Lopez, the focus of the origin story of Echo, is forced to confront her past and her actions in New York City when they catch up to her in her hometown. In order to move on, she must reconnect with her Native American heritage and learn the importance of family and community.
The review for Echo describes the show as a thought-provoking exploration of a character that has yet to be seen in the MCU. While her role in the larger world is still uncertain, it is certain that Maya will establish herself as a powerful presence in Phase 6.
Post-Apocalyptic Video Game Series
Official Synopsis: Adapted from one of the most beloved video game franchises, Fallout tells the tale of a society divided between the privileged and the impoverished in a post-apocalyptic world where resources are scarce. In this dystopian setting, 200 years after the devastation, the privileged residents of lavish fallout shelters are compelled to venture back into the contaminated wasteland their ancestors abandoned. To their surprise, they encounter a chaotic and bizarre world filled with violence and intricacies beyond their imagination.
The Gentlemen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyEOwHrpZH4
Official Description: In The Gentlemen, Eddie Horniman unexpectedly inherits his father’s large country estate, but soon learns that it is actually part of a cannabis empire. He is met with a group of nefarious individuals from the criminal underworld who are interested in taking control of the operation. In an effort to protect his family, Eddie must outsmart the gangsters and navigate their dangerous world.
In the eight episodes of The Gentlemen, the cast truly shines and each one is equally enjoyable. Despite concerns that Ritchie’s style may not translate well to the long-form format, there is no unnecessary filler. With the exception of one side mission that ends with an extraordinary punchline, the main storyline maintains a consistent and satisfying pace.
Griselda
Summary: Based on true events, this fictional portrayal follows the rise of Griselda Blanco from her origins in Medellin to her reign as the ‘godmother’ of Miami’s drug trade.
“Griselda is a highly collaborative series, with Sofia Vergara being the only recognizable name to Western audiences. However, the supporting cast seamlessly integrates into the plot, following Vergara’s lead in her starring role. While the series is set in Griselda Blanco’s world in 1980s Florida, it also showcases the importance of the individuals surrounding her and their impact on her success.”
Invincible
Authentic Unbeatable Summary: Mark returns to university and immerses himself in his father’s literature without encountering any negative consequences for himself or his loved ones. This synopsis is an authoritative representation of the story.
The review for Invincible Season 2 Part 2 praises it as an explosive television show. However, the frustration of having to wait even longer after the break, despite its brilliance, feels like a disappointment. It seems as though this is the price to pay for its greatness.
Masters of the Air
Masters of the Air, as described in the official synopsis, focuses on the brave men of the 100th Bomb Group (known as the “Bloody Hundredth”) as they carried out dangerous bombing missions over Nazi Germany. The intense conditions, including freezing temperatures and lack of oxygen, coupled with the fear of combat at 25,000 feet above ground, were all part of their daily reality. The show portrays the physical and mental struggles faced by these young soldiers as they played a pivotal role in defeating Hitler’s Third Reich. Some were captured or killed, while others were fortunate enough to return home. But regardless of their individual fates, all of them paid a heavy price.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Despite being complete strangers, two individuals are offered an opportunity to work for a secretive spy organization that promises a glamorous lifestyle filled with espionage, wealth, and global adventures, as well as a luxurious home in Manhattan. The only catch is that they must assume new identities and pretend to be a married couple, going by the names Mr. and Mrs. John and Jane Smith. As they embark on their missions together, John and Jane not only have to navigate high-risk operations but also navigate their growing feelings for one another. The lines between their fabricated relationship and their genuine emotions become blurred, making them question which is more perilous – their dangerous job or their marriage.
The Smiths’ review of Prime Video’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith states that, at first glance, the series appears to be just another unnecessary reboot of a classic film. However, unlike many other remakes, the first season of this spy comedy stands out for one crucial reason: it is actually good, and even has a killer quality to it.
Ripley
The official synopsis describes Tom Ripley as a con artist struggling to make ends meet in 1960s New York. He is recruited by a wealthy businessman to go to Italy and persuade his son, Dickie Greenleaf, to come back home. This opportunity marks the beginning of Tom’s involvement in a complicated world of lies, scams, and homicide.
Shogun
Synopsis: Set in 1600 Japan during a pivotal civil war, Shogun is an adaptation of the novel by James Clavell. Lord Yoshii Toranaga is facing opposition from the Council of Regents as he fights for his survival. However, his situation takes a surprising turn when a foreign ship is discovered stranded in a nearby fishing village.
Our thoughts: The initial adaptation of Shogun was a 1980 miniseries featuring Richard Chamberlain, which was viewed by almost one-third of American households. However, this updated version has a darker and more intense tone, and places equal emphasis on the Japanese characters and their English counterpart. The end result is a flawless television production, with breathtaking cinematography, a multifaceted and compelling plot, and outstanding performances from the entire cast.
3 Body Problem
Synopsis: The impactful choice made by a young woman in 1960s China echoes through time and reaches a team of exceptional scientists in the present. As they witness the laws of nature unravel, five former colleagues come together once again to face the greatest danger humanity has ever encountered.
The review of 3 Body Problem states that the show effectively portrays the complex physics of its source material in an engaging and understandable manner. However, it falters in its conclusion, ending on a lackluster note instead of a powerful moment of self-reflection. Overall, the show is still worth watching and does justice to its source material.
True Detective: Night Country
Official Summary: As the winter night descends upon Ennis, Alaska, the eight men working at the Tsalal Arctic Research Station mysteriously disappear. To solve the mystery, Detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro must confront their own inner darkness and unearth the chilling secrets hidden beneath the frozen tundra.
The review for True Detective Night Country states that despite its dark nature, the story manages to be highly enjoyable. With its gripping mystery and unpredictable twists, Night Country is a standout whodunnit that rivals the quality of the acclaimed first season of True Detective.
These are the top TV shows of the year thus far.
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