Television 2024

We're in the television glut era. There's too much to watch and I'm dreadfully behind. While the number of mid shows has increased, the upper echelon remains strong. My mental capacity to watch hour long dramas continues to wane so there's lot of comedy/dramadies. There's no Apple TV+ shows on my list because that's the streamer up next on my watch-list. As usual, my mix includes both returner shows and new ones. My top 15 plus Honorable Mentions and Highly Anticipated lists.

15. The Traitors (season 2, Peacock)

The breakout show is back for a season two. They've upleveled some of the game mechanics. Alan Cumming's capes, hats, canes, and kilts are firing on all cylinders. One day I'll break into the UK, Australia, and other international editions.

14. Only Murder in the Building (season 4, Hulu)

The jokes are still hitting. The supporting cast is somehow more a-list than previous seasons. The murder mystery had one too many red herrings getting too convoluted. But The core trio and supporting cast delivery makes this show worth its time.

13. The Bear (season 3, FX/Hulu)

Jeremy and Ayo. Chicago vibes. The soundtrack. Not the knock-out season the sophomore year gave us but still heads and shoulders above many others. Can't wait for more. 

12. Girls5eva (season 3, Netflix)

I'll follow the Tina Fey television universe wherever it goes. Thankful Girls5eva was picked up by Netflix (then promptly dropped). I'll take whatever I can of the pop girlies. 

11. Black Doves (season 1, Netflix)

It's a bloody assassin Christmas show starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw! What's not to love?

10. Heartstopper (season 3, Netflix)

I started to feel the a very special episode nature this season a little more but my heart did still bubble over with warmth while watching.

9. A Man on the Inside (season 1, Netflix)

Another Michael Schur (The Good Place, Parks & Rec) joint. Ted Danson's character goes undercover in this goofy and heartfelt comedy that wrestles with aging and family and is just so sweet.

8. The Sex Lives of College Girls (season 3, Max)

Sharp writing, jokes jokes jokes, solid delivery by the central cast. I could hang out with these girls indefinitely. Hoping they go to grad school or change majors enough to be super-seniors.

7. Somebody Somewhere (season 3, Max)

Lived in characters. Rough around the edges. Queer folks doing the found family thing in small town Kansas. Brad's (Tim Bagley) reflections on his ex-wife at the Thanksgiving table just got me. So sad this is the final season. Hoping the crew reunites in a little while. 

6. What We Do in the Shadows (season 6, FX/Hulu)

This show never wavered and this final season had some absolute banger episodes. Comedy at its best with such an odd-ball sensibility. 

5. English Teacher (season 1, FX/Hulu)

Very of the times show and very funny. Brian Jordan Alvarez plays a high school English teacher in Austin, Texas. The identity politics play central stage, occasionally in an on-the-nose way but also flipped and reversed on the regular. 

4. Nobody Wants This (season 1, Netflix)

Adam Brody and Kristen Bell in a rom-com series that lightly but honestly deals with religion and the pursuit of being better. Yes, please. 

3. Abbot Elementary (seasons 3 & 4, ABC/Hulu)

The Abbot crew hasn't missed yet. The ensemble cast continues to give the laughs and we've gotten some very fun cameos as well. More more more. 

2. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (season 1, Prime Video)

I don't think anyone was clamoring for a Mr. & Mrs. Smith reboot. Maya and Donald carry this show. Really strong leads. The locations for the shoots, the outfits, the overall cool of this show. Strong. 

 

1. Hacks (season 3, Max)

Hacks has been killing it from the start. Now in season 3, they've established the characters and environment enough that they're just luxuriating in their top tier status. Deborah and Ava are fully realized with layered inner lives and continued whip-smart dialogue between the two. There were a handful of times of watching that I've thought to myself: wow, this is great television. Can't wait for more.

Honorable Mention (Listed Alphabetical)

• Agatha All Along (season 1, Disney+)
• Bob's Burgers (season 15, Fox/Hulu)
• Claim to Fame (season 3, ABC/Hulu)
• Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show (season 1, Max)
• One Day (limited series, Netflix)
• The Perfect Couple (limited series, Netflix)
• Rupaul's Drag Race (season 16, Paramount+)
• Rupaul's Drag Race All Stars (season 9, Paramount+)
• X-Mean '97 (season 1, Disney+)
• Welcome to Wrexham (season 3, FX/Hulu)

Highly Anticipated (Listed Alphabetical)

• Baby Reindeer (limited series, Netflix)
• Dark Matter (season 1, Apple TV+)
• The Diplomat (season 2, Netflix)
• Disclaimer (limited series, Apple TV+)
• Heartbreak High (season 2, Netflix)
• Industry (season 2, HBO/Max)
• Laid (season 1, Peacock)
• Loot (season 2, Apple TV+)
• The Madness (season 1, Netflix)
• Palm Royale (season 1, Apple TV+)
• Queer Eye (season 9, Netflix)
• Ripley (limited series, Netflix)
• Sort Of (season 3, Max)
• True Detective: Night Country (season 4, HBO/Max)
• We Are Lady Parts (season 2, Peacock)