Best TV of 2024
TLDR
Update on the Series
My reviews are shortening, maybe I’m tired of writing! I have been updating the blog much more in the past year. I also, would like to find a solution to recommending later seasons of shows. Maybe I’ll limit it only to first seasons? To try introduce new shows to people.
The Penguin (s1)
Crime / 8 Episodes / 47 - 68 minutes each
HBO Max (as of December, 2024)
Oz Cobb seeks to rise in Gotham City’s criminal underworld.
Some peoples’ criticism of the show is that it never mentions Batman or superheroes in general. This turns into a great strength. Where we actually feel like we’re in a real city. And these are real crime families, with grit and darkness. Colin Farrell is great in it, only to be overshadowed by an incredible Cristin Millioti. The team does a great job of expanding on Matt Reeves’ Batman.
You’ll like it if you like Crime shows, like The Sopranos or Breaking Bad.
Shogun (s1)
Historical Fiction Drama / 10 Episodes / 53 - 70 minutes each
Hulu (as of December, 2024)
We follow John Blackthorne, an English sailor shipwrecked in Japan and his experiences during the end of the Azuchi-Momoyama period in Japanat the end of the 16th century.
I mean it won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series, so this isn’t a hot take. It’s beautiful and wonderfully produced. The fish out of water, and tense translations and brutality of the culture are all done magnificently.
It is based on a historical fiction novel. Which is a bit odd, but I suppose since the author took liberties with the personal stories, they felt more comfortable changing the names, even though most of the characters have direct counterparts in history. Originally intended to just be a single standalone series, it has already been renewed for a second and third season given its success. I look forward to what I imagine will be the Edo Period and the Tokugawa Shogunate.
We hosted a Shogun finale watch party, filled with Japanese snacks and lots of sake. I was disappointed in the finale at the time, but grew to enjoy it more over time and with additional research.
You’ll like it if you liked Vikings, Game of Thrones, or if you’re a Japanophile.
We Are Lady Parts (s2)
Comedy Drama / 6 Episodes / 24 - 25 minutes each
Peacock (as of December, 2024)
After their initial success, the All Muslim Female band looks to record their first album.
The first season aired in 2018, so this follow up was long awaited. And it’s far too short… we just want more We Are Lady Parts. Delightfully funny, creative, it isn’t afraid of making you weep. Not sure how they pull it off at their fast pace and short episodes, but I found myself deeply enjoying their sophomore attempt.
You’ll like it if you liked the first season, or Derry Girls, Fleabag, Flight of the Conchords, or Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
House of the Dragon (s2)
Fantasy / 8 Episodes / 54-70 minutes each
HBO Max (as of December, 2024)
Season 1 was the background and setting of the Targaryen Civil War. Season 2 is the build up to the Civil War.
A lot of criticism was directed at the lack of action and relatively slow build up. And I acknowledge that they’re vamping a bit, but go into this season knowing this is a season about attempting to avoid bloodshed and find a diplomatic resolution, and you’ll enjoy it more. Sure there are some inconsistencies, and some of the waffling and lack of communication can be more frustrating than its written intent.
While worse than than the first season, it still is my favorite fantasy show out there. And I enjoyed the ride. Read my full review of it here.
You’ll like it if you liked Game of Thrones, The Tudors, Rome, or The Americans.
A Man on the Inside (s1)
Comedy Drama / 8 Episodes / 27-34 minutes each
Netflix (as of December, 2024)
A retiree, looking to find some engagement, becomes an amateur private investigator, going undercover at a retirement home.
Now mind you, I watched most of this while I was slightly ill, but goodness I lost a lot of bodily fluids. Crying and sniffling almost every episode. A podcaster I like to follow often says that American culture often avoids talking about death and end of life. This show doesn’t avoid that. It’s funny and sad. It makes me hopeful for humanity. Ted Danson is perfect in it, and the supporting cast are all great too. It’s simple, it’s a sitcom, but they deliver a lot of great reflection about life throughout.
You’ll like it if you like Mike Schur’s work, like Parks and Rec and the Good Place.
Honorable Mentions
Atlanta (s3)
What an enjoyable return to Earn and Paper Boi, as they travel around Europe.
Gilded Age (s2)
Somehow gets even better with season 2. The ending has some great developments setting up season 3.
Severance (s1)
This was eerie and cool. Very unsettling, a tad confusing, but overall very engaging and original. Can’t wait for season 2.
Masters of the Air
This has the dubious honor of being compared to Band of Brothers, which it’s not. But it’s still rather good, you simply have to approach it from a different perspective, and try not to compare.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Is it a comedy? Is it a drama? Is it action? It’s unclear. At points an absolute surreal parody, at other times a dark and gritty spy thriller. Either way, it felt like an original take that blows its namesake film out of the water.
Y Axis are their ranks, X Axis is when I finished them, size of the bubble is my enjoyment, colors are irrelevant and random
