2024 has been a landmark year for television, offering a rich array of shows across multiple platforms, genres, and countries. Whether you’re into intense crime dramas, sci-fi adventures, or heartwarming narratives, there’s something for every viewer. Streaming giants like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Prime Video have continued to push the boundaries of what TV can offer, bringing high-quality storytelling to screens everywhere. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best TV shows that have captivated audiences in 2024.
1. Criminal Record – Apple TV+
Genre: Crime Drama
Apple TV+ kicked off the year with Criminal Record, a riveting British crime drama. Starring Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo, the series dives deep into a high-profile murder case, which is re-examined by two detectives—one a seasoned veteran, the other a rookie. The chemistry between the two leads adds layers of tension, as they explore the moral complexities of justice and truth. If you’re a fan of gritty crime series like Broadchurch or Line of Duty, this eight-episode series is a must-watch.
2. Feud: Capote vs. the Swans – FX/Hulu
Genre: Drama, Historical
Ryan Murphy's Feud series returned in 2024 with a dazzling tale of Truman Capote’s high-society battles. Capote vs. the Swans follows Capote’s social downfall after he betrays New York’s glamorous elite by publishing a scathing excerpt from his unfinished novel. The cast, including Tom Hollander as Capote, Naomi Watts, and Chloë Sevigny, is dressed in meticulously designed costumes that bring 1960s New York to life. This is not just a show about literary feuds; it’s a deeper exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the fragility of reputation.
3. Expats – Prime Video
Genre: Drama
Directed by Lulu Wang, the creator of The Farewell, Expats tells the story of three American women living in Hong Kong. The show masterfully explores the themes of identity, loss, and the complex realities of being an expatriate. Nicole Kidman shines as a member of this trio, but Ji-young Yoo’s portrayal of a disillusioned Korean American stands out as a breakout performance. Through its lush visuals and heartfelt narrative, Expats reflects on the experience of being caught between cultures and how one defines home.
4. True Detective: Night Country – Max
Genre: Crime Thriller
Fans of True Detective were treated to a chilling new installment in 2024. Night Country is set in a remote Alaskan town during the cold, dark winter, creating an eerie atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. This season features Jodie Foster in a gripping performance as a haunted detective alongside her partner, played by real-life boxer Kali Reis. Directed by Issa López, this season has returned the series to its original, intense psychological roots, exploring trauma and the deep undercurrents of human darkness.
5. Masters of the Air – Apple TV+
Genre: War Drama
Executive-produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, Masters of the Air brings the epic story of American bomber pilots during WWII to life. This series, based on historian Donald L. Miller's book, follows the “Bloody Hundredth,” a group of young men whose missions over Nazi Germany took a devastating psychological toll. With impressive performances from Barry Keoghan and Austin Butler, the show not only delivers breathtaking aerial battles but also captures the emotional cost of war, making it one of the year’s standout historical dramas.
6. The Woman in the Wall – Showtime
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Ruth Wilson delivers a mesmerizing performance in The Woman in the Wall, a BBC mystery that aired on Showtime in the U.S. Set in a small Irish village, Wilson plays Lorna Brady, a deeply troubled woman plagued by sleepwalking episodes. One morning, she wakes up to find a dead body in her home, which sets off a tense investigation. The show takes on the horrors of Ireland's Magdalene Laundries, a painful chapter in the country’s history, and builds a haunting atmosphere that lingers with the viewer long after the credits roll.
7. Mr. & Mrs. Smith – Prime Video
Genre: Action Comedy
Reviving the 2005 blockbuster film, Prime Video’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith introduces a fresh take on the story of a married couple who also happen to be spies. Starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, this new version brings a blend of action, romance, and humor as the couple navigates their dangerous missions while trying to keep their complicated relationship intact. The series is filled with visually stunning locations—from the streets of New York to the jungles of Costa Rica—and a supporting cast that includes Sarah Paulson and Alexander Skarsgård. It's an entertaining, stylish series that stands on its own while paying homage to the original film.
8. The New Look – Apple TV+
Genre: Historical Drama
Set in Nazi-occupied Paris, The New Look tells the dramatic story of Christian Dior’s rise to fashion fame after World War II. Ben Mendelsohn plays the iconic fashion designer, while Juliette Binoche portrays his rival, Coco Chanel. The series delves deep into the fashion world’s role during and after the war, including Dior’s moral struggles and Chanel’s controversial associations with the Nazis. With its high-caliber cast and rich historical context, the show offers a fascinating look into the birth of the post-war fashion industry, framed by the larger drama of survival and ambition in a time of chaos.
9. Drive to Survive: Season 6 – Netflix
Genre: Sports Documentary
The global phenomenon Drive to Survive returned for its sixth season on Netflix, once again bringing Formula 1 racing to life in a thrilling documentary format. Whether you're an F1 fan or new to the sport, this series takes viewers behind the scenes of the high-speed world of racing, focusing on the personalities, rivalries, and drama that play out during the 2023 season. The documentary’s expert pacing, intense editing, and gripping interviews have made Drive to Survive a staple of sports entertainment, drawing in fans from all over the world.
10. The Gentlemen – Netflix
Genre: Crime Drama
Guy Ritchie’s return to the small screen with The Gentlemen has been met with high praise, blending his signature crime-comedy style with sharp, witty dialogue and high-octane action. Theo James takes the lead as the unexpected heir to a criminal empire in this series, which is set in the British underworld. With a stellar cast and plenty of twists, The Gentlemen delivers the type of sophisticated yet gritty entertainment that fans of Ritchie’s work have come to love.
11. 3 Body Problem – Netflix
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
Netflix’s 3 Body Problem is a high-stakes adaptation of the acclaimed Chinese novel by Liu Cixin. Produced by Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the series tackles complex themes of humanity, technology, and alien civilizations. The plot revolves around an impending alien invasion, but it’s the show’s mind-bending take on physics, time, and existential dilemmas that make it stand out. With stunning visuals and a complex narrative, 3 Body Problem is one of the most ambitious sci-fi shows of the year.
12. Shōgun – FX/Hulu
Genre: Historical Epic
This highly anticipated adaptation of James Clavell’s Shōgun finally arrived in 2024, and it did not disappoint. Set in 17th-century Japan, the story follows the shipwrecked English sailor John Blackthorne as he becomes entangled in the political and cultural struggles of feudal Japan. With breathtaking cinematography and detailed period accuracy, Shōgun immerses viewers in a world of samurai, honor, and warfare. The show’s rich storytelling, paired with a talented international cast, has earned it a place among the best historical dramas of the year.
13. Babylon Berlin: Season 4 – MHz Choice
Genre: Historical Crime Drama
Returning for its fourth season, Babylon Berlin continues to captivate audiences with its gritty portrayal of Weimar Germany. The show, praised for its lavish production design and complex characters, delves deeper into the turbulent political and social landscape of 1920s Berlin. Season 4 sees detective Gereon Rath and Charlotte Ritter confronting growing threats of fascism and organized crime, providing a stark reflection of the city’s dark and dangerous undercurrents. For fans of historical crime dramas, Babylon Berlin remains essential viewing.
14. House of the Dragon: Season 2 – Max
Genre: Fantasy, Drama
The Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon returned for a powerful second season, continuing to explore the Targaryen family’s bitter fight for the Iron Throne. With stunning special effects, intricate political intrigue, and breathtaking dragon scenes, Season 2 deepened the narrative of family loyalty, betrayal, and ambition. Fans of the fantasy genre have praised the show’s grand scale and the complexities of its characters, solidifying House of the Dragon as a true successor to its predecessor.
15. The Diplomat: Season 2 – Netflix
Genre: Political Drama
Keri Russell’s turn as the sharp and determined U.S. ambassador in The Diplomat continues in Season 2, blending international intrigue with personal drama. Set in the high-stakes world of diplomacy, the show follows Russell’s character as she navigates complex global conflicts while vying for political power. With its fast-paced plot and timely political themes, The Diplomat remains an exciting and binge-worthy show, perfect for those who love political thrillers.