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)

Music 2024

 

While the pop girlies have been leveling up the last few years, this year, they really dominated the cultural conversation. "Brat summer" became so ubiquitous that Kamala HQ took it on with their late summer branding. "Do you think they're going to play Hot to Go!?" was asked at funerals, classical concerts, and middle school plays for Tick-Toks. Espresso could not be avoided. And of course the Taylor & Beyoncé spring releases with the eras tour continuing its dominance and Beyoncé giving a Super Bowl level half-time performance on Christmas day on Netflix. 

I fell victim to the charm of many of the aforementioned "pop girly" artists in addition to a few others. And, a few other miscellaneous artists snuck into my top ten. Some old favorites - Vampire Weekend, Kendrick Lamar, a new local favorite - Indy band Wishy, and newbie rap phenom Doechii. 

Live, I have two highlights: 

1. Vampire Weekend performed at the Everwise Amphitheater with a massive setlist, sounded great, tons of banter, took requests for cover songs, and totally redeemed my perception of their live shows (from a couple shows 10+ years ago). 

2. Hurray for the Riff Raff performed at the Hi-Fi in Fountain Square. They blew the roof off at this small venue. Expert lyricist while also rocking out. I'm new to this band but I'll be listening more closey moving forward.

Okay, my top ten albums along with subsequent Honorable Mentions.

And a playlist of 100 songs with fave tracks.

10. Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us

The boys are back. The album calls back to their early albums while maintaining their evolved production and creativity. Their live shows can't be missed as they're fully comfortable. Track Mary Boone is a masterpiece of sound.

9. Doechii - Alligator Bites Never Heal

Doechii is dominating the rap scene. Her album slaps. Incredible flow and a fresh voice. Check her performances on Colbert and Tiny Desk and with Issa.

8. Wishy - Triple Seven

Hometown (Indy) heroes. Gauzy garage band goodness. Triple Seven is their LP debut and it's great. Looking forward to seeing more of them. 

7. Sabrina Carpenter - Short n' Sweet

Pure pop. Naughty with a wink. The sharpest writing and delivery. 

6. Kendrick Lamar - GNX

Relaxed and cool. Without the grandiose nature of Mr. Morale, GNX is Kendrick at ease, doing what he does best. Can't wait to see his Super Bowl performance and live next summer. Also, of course, the diss battle with Drake gave us euphoria and Not Like Us. 

5. Remi Wolf - Big Ideas

Remi's always been cool. Here she's fully come into her own, feeling confident and collected. She's kept her sense of edge while creating a sound that's full and realized. 

4. Clairo - Charm

Ideal Sunday morning album. Laid back and warm. Love the movement from bedroom pop to 1970s pop. Keep them coming, Clairo!

3. Gracie Abrams - The Secret of Us

Apparently gets some slack but she knows how to write a pop song.

2. Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter

Queen Bey goes country(ish). In anticipation of this one, I wasn't sure what would result. She doesn't miss. Collaborations ranging from country royalty to up-and-comers. 

1. Charli XCX - Brat

Brat discourse dominated the cultural conversation this year, a result of good marketing. Good thing the base product holds up. Charli has been at it for a minute and she's firing on all cylinders here. Pop bangers, club hits, while also maintaining a level of authenticity and vulnerability. Then, she released the expanded version. Then, she released an a-list collab remix album that maintains the Brat heart while creating something entirely new. 

Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically)

• Omar Apollo - God Said No
• Billie Eilish - HIT ME HARD AND SOFT 
• Bon Iver - SABLE,
• Everyone's Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense
• Rui Gabriel - Compassion
• Hovvdy - self-titled
• Hurray for the Riff Raff - The Past is Still Alive
• I Saw the TV Glow soundtrack
• Jamie XX - In Waves
• Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism
• Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well
• Porches - Joker
• Maggie Rogers - Don't Forget Me
• Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department
• SZA - SOS Deluxe: LANA
• Toro y Moi - Hole Earth
• Transa (compilation album)

Best Albums of 2023

 

What to say of the year in music? Obviously Beyoncé and Taylor dominated the live music scene with their respective tours changing economies this summer and putting a dent in the cultural zeitgeist. SZA finally released her much-anticipated sophomore album at the end of 2022, then overtaking much of the 2023 conversation. Personally, I moved to a new city and had a stellar record store a few minute drive down the street, wrecking my bank account and upping my love of collecting albums new and old. Ultimately, my top two albums were a battle between the sad folks and three & four were returns from top pop stars early in their careers. 

Click here for a link to my 2023 playlist of best songs of the year

Ok, here we go with top 10 albums.

10. James Blake - Playing Robots into Heaven

Blake is back with the house beats. While I don't have this album memorized front to back, I've enjoyed the vibes and a few of the tracks have served as perfect night-time city driving, making me feel like I'm in a video game.

9. Youth Lagoon - Heaven is a Junkyard

Hello Youth Lagoon. YL is back after a brief retirement but I love the sound, bringing me back to the early years of the band. To me, YL shines best blending melancholy with hooky beats and that shines through on Heaven is a Junkyard. 

8. Zach Bryan - s/t

Zach Bryan might be trending amongst the gen-z kids these days but he hooked me with his folksy americana country that didn't feel cringey. My first real foray into Bryan's music (turned on by his collab with Maggie Rogers), his vocals are on point and lyrics are full heart-on-sleeve. Oh, and his Justin Vernon collab on the song Boys of Faith (separate EP) served as a repeat list 20x over on a road trip of mine this fall. 

7. Barbie the Album

Totally bought into the Barbie cultural revolution of 2023 and the vinyl was no exception. Original pop bops throughout with some of my fave artists. Ice Spice, Lizzo, Haim, Billie. Hot take: not a super-fan of I'm Just Ken. 

6. Arlo Parks - My Soft Machine

Parks is great. And perfect easy-listening music. Thus, my most-listened to artist of the year. I'm glad she returned with such a solid sophomore effort. Don't sleep on her breezy vibes!

5. SZA - SOS

The long awaited SZA album slaps. While I wouldn't consider myself a super fan as of a year ago, the SOS album is one of those no-skips, lengthy classics. I'm into it. She dropped this December 2022 but we all know the new year starts 12/1 for annual lists.

4. Olivia Rodrigo - Guts

Yesssss. More perfect bangers. Graduated from high school bops to college hits. I'm here for it. Making bad decisions and living through it with gusto. Ballads and pop. Rodrigo, keep doing your thing!

3. Troye Sivan - Something to Give Each Other

After the perfect-for-summer Rush single, the rest of this vibey album was just perfect for queer joy and hook-ups and celebrating life. I'm might be too old for Troye but this is a great pop album.

 

2. boygenius - The Record (& The Rest)

AOTY front runner for me for much of the year. The sad girlies came storming back after their EP and, wow, just rocking out and sharing the mic and the writing and just embodying how a super-band can/should be. Moving as hell and then just having fun. So good. Live show was a dream; no notes.

1. Sufjan Stevens - Javelin

When asked who my favorite artist is, I often say Sufjan. And then clarify that I'm mostly into his folksy stuff and then selective electronic stuff and the orchestra stuff is good but mostly my thing when in the pop format. Well, Sufjan blends so many of his sounds just perfectly on this album, letting the quiet stuff lead the way then following it with booming crescendos here and there. Oh yeah, this album is devastating, talking about loss and loves. Could put half the album's tracks on any sort of "best of 2023" list. I respect Sufjan for his artistry and authenticity and not being icky. He also embodies the most perfect sad boy life when he announces news of a sudden paralyzing health condition shortly before the album release and then dropped news of the recent death of his long-time partner the day his album dropped. I'm so heart-broken for him and hope he finds healing and joy and, selfishly, hope he continues to make music. 

Honorable Mention

• Abraham Alexander - SEA/SONS
• Omar Apollo - Live For Me EP
• Feist - Multitudes
• Carly Rae Jepsen - The Loveliest Time
• Jungle - Volcano
• Killer Mike - MICHAEL
• Mitski - The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We
• The National - Laugh Track
• Noname - Sundial
• Rhye - Passing EP
• Romy - Mid Air
• Sampha - Lahai
• Taylor Swift - 1989 (Taylor's Version)
• Toro y Moi - Sandhills EP
• Jessie Ware - That! Feels Good!

Best Television of 2023

 

This year I somehow watched significantly less television compared to the year before. How? I don't know. Maybe all of the movies? But still over 100 seasons... Anyhow, we're still in that area where there's tons of content out there. Much of it mid but a lot of it still great. We had the endings of some current classics like Succession, Barry, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and How To with John Wilson along with some teen gems such as Never Have I Ever and Sex Education. Some stuck the landing better than others. All in all some good stuff for our viewing pleasure. 

Alas, my top 20 shows followed by my honorable mentions and highly anticipated. I generally tried to choose shows/seasons that primarily aired in 2023 though may have made a few missteps. 

20. The Other Two (season 3, HBO Max)

I really love this show, the ensemble cast, and the whip-smart script. Some funny and bizarre story lines in this latest and last season of the series, which mostly worked. Regardless, I'll miss these folks and could have been on board with another season or two. 

19. Single Drunk Female (season 2, Freeform/Hulu)

Oh wow, this show is great. And it's over (read: sad). But super thankful I caught this one. A story of a young woman dealing with alcoholism that doesn't shy away from the messy corners. Funny and engrossing. 

18. I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (season 3, Netflix)

This show is hilarious. Sketch comedy at its peak.

17. Fargo (season 5, FX on Hulu)

Okay couldn't get into season 4 of this anthology series but season 5 has hooked me in real quick. I'm about 2/3 of the way through the season and its had some real stellar tense scenes, perfect character creation, and spot on northern midwest vibe.

16. Only Murder in the Building (Hulu)

It's great to be back with my NYC friends, solving crimes and watching a-list actors guest star for a season (Streep & Rudd). The central three are still spectacular and this season's murder premise might be my favorite?

15. Beef (mini-series, Netflix)

Much has been written about the tension of this show and, specifically, the pilot's road rage scene. Leads Yeun and Wong are just perfect and this show takes so many twists and turns and the series ends just spectacularly and cathartically.  

14. Starstruck (season 3, BBC/HBO Max)

What a feel good show. Premise: a normal unknowingly has a one night stand with a famous actor and antics follow. The lead actress is just so comfy and funny and I want to spend time with her. The ensemble cast is firing on all cylinders with their eccentricities on full display. The new love interest this season is so endearing. I think the series is over and I think they pulled off a great conclusion, if so. 

13. Barry (season 4, HBO Max)

So many series finales of iconic shows this year! Barry has a wild premise -- hitman taking a turn towards acting. This series finale season didn't let up on the intensity. Some fantastic curves and interesting choices made to close out the series. Maybe not a homerun but still so, so good. 

12. The Climb (season 1, HBO Max)

Okay this reality climbing competition show is so good. I'm a sucker for climbing docs and this reality take is just so encouraging and good-natured. I was engrossed and loved it and couldn't wait for each week's next installment. 

11. Dave (season 3, FX on Hulu)

Dove into this show this year and low-key loved it. Originally held off because it looked bro-y and it is but also heartfelt and hilarious and the music is on point. Filled with self-doubt and critique and social commentary and just perfect guest roles / cameos. 

10. Reservation Dogs (season 3, FX on Hulu)

I love the trajectory of this show and the lead teenagers' lives. Dealing with grief and loss while also contemplating and exploring life outside of rural Oklahoma. Each season, the show has expertly built on the previous. The four leads are great and have only grown in their ability to live into their complex characters.

9. The Bear (season 2, FX on Hulu)

Fan of season 1 and despite all of the hyperbolic buzz, season 2 lives up to the hype. A study of desire and improvement and community bettering each other. Just crushing it. Oh, and the flash-back Christmas episode is tied with Beef for most tense viewing experience.  

8. Claim to Fame (season 2, ABC/Hulu)

This is not my normal viewing. But I caved and hopped on the Claim to Fame train, getting fully invested in the celebrity adjacent reality competition shenanigans, making my own guesses on who the contestants are related to and loving the competition gameplay. If you need a hook, ep 1 of season 2 has a full-on anger meltdown from a relative of one of America's kindest public figures.  

7. Succession (season 4, HBO Max)

This may be the first season of Succession that I've watched as the episodes have dropped, certainly upping the enjoyment factor. The memes, the commentary, the shock and awe was a fun ride. This show is expertly written and this season had a few episodes that will likely go down as all time greatest in television history. My attention span tends to dwindle on the 45 minute+ episodes but no notes for how this series wrapped up.

6. Our Flag Means Death (season 2, HBO Max)

Gay pirates! Back for season 2 and I couldn't be happier. I'm hoping this show continues to find its audience and give us a few more seasons. Bloody and heartfelt and charming through and through. I'm on board whenever there's something wholly new and original presented.

5. Abbott Elementary (season 2, ABC/Hulu)

You heard of this show? While Abbott may be crushing the viewing numbers and winning all of the awards, it would be easy to write it off as a broad, feel-good show (which it is). But the writing is smart, the performances are on point, and season 2 came back bigger and better. Long live Quinta and her team. 

4. Somebody Somewhere (season 2, HBO Max)

Why do I love this show so much? Is it the queer Midwest vibes? I don't know. I love all of the characters so much and it's charming as hell and it just makes me feel good. 

3. Heartstopper (season 2, Netflix)

Not sure if I binged season 1 but season 2 was a one-time viewing, front to back, late into the night when I had work in the morning. And it was worth it. 

2. Jury Duty (season 1, Freevee on Amazon Prime)

I was a few months behind in viewing but this show got me. As mentioned previously (and in my top pick), I'm almost always down for a genre busting show that delivers. Pulling off a long-form hidden-camera "prank" has so many potential pitfalls. The cast breaking character, the subject being wild or mean or not-into-it, the James Marsden of it all. But they pulled it off. And it was pleasant viewing, not mean or cringey. Will they ever be able to pull off a season 2??

1. How To With John Wilson (season 3, HBO Max)

Three brilliant seasons of John Wilson wondering around NYC and beyond. Finding connections between the oddities of (city) life, meeting endearing and eclectic folks, and lightly investigating corners of society that I've never even considered. This is just brilliant, genre-busting television. I don't want any copycat shows except for folks who have a unique idea and want to follow it to perfection. 

Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically)

• 100 Foot Wave (season 2, HBO Max)

• Am I Being Unreasonable? (season 1, Hulu)

• Beckham (doc mini-series, Netflix)

• Big Mouth (season 7, Netflix)

• Bob's Burgers (season 14, FOX/Hulu)

• Cunk on Earth (season 1, Netflix)

• Deadloch (season 1, Prime Video)

• Extraordinary (season 1, Hulu)

• A History of the World Part II (season 1, Hulu)

• Human Resources (season 2, Netflix)

• Last Call: When a Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York (doc mini-series, HBO Max)

• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (season 5, Prime Video)

• Never Have I Ever (season 4, Netflix)

• Painting with John (season 3, HBO Max)

• Platonic (season 1, Apple TV+)

• Poker Face (season 1, Peacock)

• Queer Eye (season 7, Netflix)

• Rupaul's Drag Race (season 15, MTV)

• The Secrets of Hillsong (doc mini-series, FX on Hulu)

• Sex Education (season 4, Netflix)

• Shiny Happy People: Dugger Family Secrets (doc mini-series, Prime Video)

• Shrinking (season 1, Apple TV+)

• Swiping America (season 1, HBO Max)

• Telemarketers (doc mini-series, HBO Max)

• Ted Lasso (season 3, Apple TV+)

• Welcome to Wrexham (season 2, FX on Hulu)

• What We Do in the Shadows (season 5, FX on Hulu)

Highly Anticipated (listed alphabetically)

• Black Mirror (season 6, Netflix)
• The Crown (season 5, Netflix)
• The Curse (season 1, Showtime/Paramount)
• The Diplomat (season 1, Netflix)
• Full Circle (mini-series, HBO Max)
• I'm a Virgo (season 1, Prime Video)
• Mrs. Davis (season 1, Peacock)
• Murder in Boston: Roots, Rampage, & Reckoning (doc mini-series, HBO Max)
• The Other Black Girl (season 1, Hulu)
• Rap Sh!t (season 2, HBO Max)
• Savior Complex (doc mini-series, HBO Max)
• Survival of the Thickest (season 1, Netflix)
• Swarm (season 1, Prime Video)