The Absolute Best TV Shows of 2024

Some years deliver a steady trickle of good television, and some years open the floodgates. 2024 landed squarely in the second camp, with new series that felt fully formed on arrival and limited runs that told complete stories with care. There were muscular prestige dramas, surprising comedies, sharp docuseries, and a few welcome returns to familiar worlds that found new energy.

What follows is a curated tour through the shows that defined the year. You will find the essentials across every corner of the TV landscape, with each entry giving you the key details that matter, from premise and creative team to cast, format, and how to watch. Network and platform details are included so you can jump in right away.

‘Shōgun’ (2024)

This historical epic adapts James Clavell’s novel about political maneuvering in feudal Japan, following the collision of a stranded English pilot, a powerful daimyo, and a skilled interpreter navigating faith and loyalty. The series stars Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, and Anna Sawai, with Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks serving as creators and showrunners for FX.

It debuted as a limited series in 2024 with feature length scale in production design and language authenticity. New episodes aired on FX and were available to stream on Hulu in the United States, with international streaming handled through Disney Plus via the Star hub where applicable.

‘Baby Reindeer’ (2024)

This drama is based on creator Richard Gadd’s own experience, tracing the aftermath of a chance act of kindness that evolves into stalking and escalating personal fallout. Richard Gadd leads the cast alongside Jessica Gunning and Nava Mau, with the series produced in the United Kingdom.

All episodes were released in 2024 as a limited series on Netflix. The production uses a compact episode count and a tight timeline to present the full story in one run, making it easy to watch over a weekend.

‘Fallout’ (2024)

Set in a retro future after a nuclear apocalypse, this adaptation follows vault dwellers and wasteland survivors whose paths cross across California as they deal with factions, technology, and old world remnants. The series was developed by Geneva Robertson Dworet and Graham Wagner, with Jonathan Nolan directing early episodes.

Season one arrived in 2024 on Prime Video, with all episodes available at once for streaming. The production was mounted at large scale with practical sets and visual effects, and Prime Video handled worldwide distribution.

‘Ripley’ (2024)

This black and white thriller adapts Patricia Highsmith’s first Tom Ripley novel, following a grifter drawn into deception and murder on the Italian coast. Andrew Scott stars as Tom Ripley, with Dakota Fanning and Johnny Flynn in key roles, and Steven Zaillian serving as writer and director across the season.

The series was released as a limited run in 2024 on Netflix. It features location shooting in Italy and a visually precise style, and all episodes were made available for on demand viewing on release day through Netflix.

‘3 Body Problem’ (2024)

Adapted from the first book in Liu Cixin’s trilogy, this sci fi drama connects a secret historical program to an unfolding global crisis that challenges physics and humanity’s future. The showrunners are David Benioff, D B Weiss, and Alexander Woo, with a large ensemble cast across multiple continents.

Part one premiered in 2024 on Netflix with a multi episode drop. The production spans English and Mandarin dialogue, uses extensive visual effects, and Netflix managed the global rollout on the same date in most territories.

‘Masters of the Air’ (2024)

This World War II miniseries follows the Eighth Air Force’s 100th Bomb Group, documenting missions, losses, and brotherhood in the air war over Europe. The series is produced by Playtone and Amblin Television, with executive producers including Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman, and stars Austin Butler and Callum Turner.

The limited series debuted in 2024 on Apple TV Plus with a weekly release pattern after an initial premiere. Apple handled international streaming, delivering the episodes in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on supported devices.

‘True Detective, Night Country’ (2024)

The fourth installment of the anthology shifts to Alaska as two detectives investigate the disappearance of a group of researchers and confront buried histories in the polar night. Issa López serves as showrunner and directs multiple episodes, with Jodie Foster and Kali Reis leading the cast.

Episodes aired in 2024 on HBO and streamed on Max the same day. The season uses a closed ended story across its run, and Max provided on demand access after linear broadcasts on HBO.

‘The Sympathizer’ (2024)

Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, this limited series follows a North Vietnamese mole embedded in the South Vietnamese army who continues his double life in exile in the United States. The series stars Hoa Xuande, with Robert Downey Jr playing multiple supporting roles, and is co created by Park Chan wook and Don McKellar.

It premiered in 2024 on HBO and streamed on Max, with weekly episodes and a finite episode count. Production took place in multiple locations to depict Saigon and Los Angeles, and Max offered the series in 4K where available.

‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ (2024)

This reimagining follows two strangers paired by a secretive agency and placed in an arranged marriage cover while taking on assignments that test compatibility and trust. Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane co created the series, with Glover and Maya Erskine starring.

Season one launched in 2024 on Prime Video as a binge release. Prime Video carried the show globally with language dubs and subtitles, and the format balances case of the week missions with a serialized relationship arc.

‘One Day’ (2024)

Adapted from David Nicholls’s novel, this series revisits the same calendar date across many years to follow the evolving connection between Emma and Dexter. Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall star, with Nicole Taylor serving as lead writer.

All episodes arrived together in 2024 on Netflix, presenting the full narrative in a single limited series. The production filmed across the United Kingdom and Europe, and Netflix handled worldwide streaming from day one.

‘X Men ’97’ (2024)

This animated continuation picks up threads from the beloved 1990s series, following the X Men as they face new threats, shifting leadership, and complex alliances. The series brings back familiar voices and introduces new cast members, with Beau DeMayo credited as head writer for the initial run.

It premiered in 2024 on Disney Plus with episodes released weekly. Disney Plus presented the series in high definition with support for multiple audio languages and subtitles, making it accessible to a broad audience.

‘The Acolyte’ (2024)

Set during the final days of the High Republic era, this series explores a mystery that draws a respected Master and a former Padawan into a web of dark side intrigue. Leslye Headland created the show, with Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung jae in leading roles.

Episodes debuted in 2024 on Disney Plus following a two episode premiere week. The season employs a finite episode count and uses volume stage work and location shoots, and Disney Plus distributed the series globally on a uniform schedule.

‘The Gentlemen’ (2024)

Inspired by the film of the same name, this crime series follows Eddie Horniman, an aristocrat who inherits an estate and discovers a sprawling illicit business operating on the grounds. Theo James leads the cast, with Ray Winstone and Kaya Scodelario in key roles, and Guy Ritchie involved as creator and director for early episodes.

The show premiered in 2024 on Netflix as a single season with all episodes available at launch. Netflix managed the global release, and the production features a mix of London and countryside locations to establish its setting.

‘Sugar’ (2024)

This contemporary noir centers on a private investigator in Los Angeles who takes a case involving a missing person and uncovers larger secrets. Colin Farrell stars, with Fernando Meirelles and Adam Arkin among the directors and Mark Protosevich as creator.

The series premiered in 2024 on Apple TV Plus with a weekly rollout after an opening week. Apple TV Plus streamed the episodes in 4K on supported devices, and the season tells a self contained story across its run.

‘Dark Matter’ (2024)

Based on Blake Crouch’s novel, this sci fi thriller follows a physicist pulled into an alternate reality and forced to navigate branching lives while trying to return to his family. Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly head the cast, with Crouch serving as creator and writer.

It debuted in 2024 on Apple TV Plus using a weekly release pattern. The series uses a limited season structure, and Apple TV Plus provided worldwide access with dubbed and subtitled versions at launch.

‘Presumed Innocent’ (2024)

Adapted from Scott Turow’s bestseller, this legal thriller tracks a prosecutor accused of murder as a case turns inward on a Chicago office and the accused’s family. Jake Gyllenhaal stars, with David E Kelley and J J Abrams among the executive producers.

The series premiered in 2024 on Apple TV Plus with an initial multi episode drop. Episodes continued weekly, and Apple’s platform handled international streaming with the full season available for on demand viewing after the finale.

‘The Veil’ (2024)

This espionage thriller follows a high stakes relationship between two women, one with a dangerous secret and one tasked with uncovering it, moving from Istanbul to Paris and London. Elisabeth Moss leads the cast, and Steven Knight created the series.

It aired in 2024 on FX with streaming on Hulu in the United States after linear broadcasts. The show uses a short season format and international locations, and Hulu made episodes available the day after their FX debut.

‘Expats’ (2024)

Set in Hong Kong, this character drama explores the intersecting lives of three American women following a sudden tragedy, examining class, privilege, and belonging. Lulu Wang created the series, with Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue, and Ji young Yoo among the leads.

All episodes premiered in 2024 on Prime Video with a staggered weekly schedule following the opening. Prime Video streamed the series internationally, including additional behind the scenes featurettes in the app.

‘The New Look’ (2024)

This period drama tracks the rivalry and reinvention of Christian Dior and the Paris fashion scene during and after World War II, with Coco Chanel and other designers playing crucial roles. The series stars Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche, with Todd A Kessler as creator.

It launched in 2024 on Apple TV Plus with episodes rolling out weekly. Apple handled global distribution and offered companion materials like episode playlists and extras within the app.

‘A Man in Full’ (2024)

Based on Tom Wolfe’s novel, this limited series follows an Atlanta real estate magnate facing bankruptcy and legal challenges while his circle confronts shifting alliances. The cast includes Jeff Daniels and Diane Lane, with David E Kelley serving as creator.

The complete series was released in 2024 on Netflix as a one and done adaptation. Netflix delivered all episodes simultaneously, making the show straightforward to complete without waiting between installments.

‘The Regime’ (2024)

Set inside a fictional European autocracy, this drama tracks a chancellor whose grip on power is tested by internal and external pressures over the course of one volatile year. Kate Winslet stars, with Will Tracy as creator and Stephen Frears and Jessica Hobbs among the directors.

Episodes arrived in 2024 on HBO with streaming on Max following the linear slot. The production employed soundstage builds and European locations, and Max provided on demand access after each broadcast.

‘Quiet on Set, The Dark Side of Kids TV’ (2024)

This docuseries investigates allegations and workplace conditions behind well known children’s television programs, featuring interviews with former performers and staff. It organizes accounts across multiple episodes to chart patterns and responses.

The series premiered in 2024 on Investigation Discovery with next day streaming on Max. The network aired installments in a limited run, and Max presented an extended version with additional material after the initial broadcast.

‘Mr Bates vs The Post Office’ (2024)

This British drama retells the real life Horizon IT scandal, following sub postmasters who were wrongly accused due to faulty accounting software and their long fight for justice. Toby Jones leads the cast, with Gwyneth Hughes writing the series.

It aired in the United Kingdom in 2024 on ITV with streaming on ITVX, and later reached additional territories through partner platforms. The four part format makes it a concise watch, with each episode covering a distinct phase of the case.

‘Bodkin’ (2024)

This dark comedy thriller follows a group of true crime podcasters who travel to a coastal Irish town to investigate disappearances and find a story that resists simple answers. The series was filmed in Ireland and features a blend of investigative twists and character humor.

The full season landed in 2024 on Netflix with all episodes available at once. Netflix handled global distribution, and the show uses a single season arc that resolves the central mystery by the finale.

‘The Jinx, Part Two’ (2024)

This follow up continues the investigation into Robert Durst with newly uncovered materials, trial footage, and interviews that extend the story presented in the original series. The production structures the narrative chronologically to track developments through legal proceedings and aftermath.

It aired in 2024 on HBO with concurrent streaming on Max. Episodes were released weekly and then archived on Max, allowing viewers to catch up between installments and watch the entire documentary run in order.

Share the one you started first in 2024 and tell us what hooked you in the comments.