5. “Baby Reindeer”
One of the most out-of-nowhere hits in the history of Netflix, this 6-time Emmy winner (including Outstanding Limited Series) was easily one of the most essential shows of 2024, one of the few programs about which everyone seemed to have an opinion. Loosely based on a true story and adapted from a one-man show, Baby Reindeer stars Richard Gadd in his own tale of a chapter in his life when he was reportedly stalked by a troubled woman, played by Jessica Gunning. Gadd goes to some unforgettably vulnerable places in a show that is equally funny and terrifying. In a year when familiar IPs dominated TV and (even more) film, it’s nice to see something original make such massive waves. – BT
4. “Slow Horses”
After a few solid seasons, the fourth and best outing for Slow Horses officially positioned this spy thriller as the best show on Apple TV+. Each six-episode season of “Slow Horses” is based on a different book by Mick Herron, and this one adapts Spook Street, which deepens the character of Jack Lowden’s River Cartwright, who finds himself on the run for much of this season after a deadly encounter involving his grandfather David (the great Jonathan Pryce), and a possibly related terrorist attack in London. And of course, Gary Oldman is always outstanding. The arc of this season brought in Hugo Weaving, who fits this show like a glove. There’s a reason it’s already been renewed for a fifth and sixth seasons. Let’s hope this is just the beginning of our time in Slough House.– BT
3. “The Penguin”
Superhero shows are often very mid and not full of any surprises, other than silly mystery box twists. But “The Penguin” by showrunner/writer Lauren LeFranc and “The Batman” director Matt Reeves is essentially just a great, dark, HBO prestige crime drama not unlike “The Sopranos” or any of their other critically acclaimed shows. Colin Farrell puts in an even better performance as The Penguin in this series with more time to shine, and Cristin Milioti is also excellent as the unhinged daughter of the murdered crime boss Carmine Falcone, determined to get some answers about the death of her brother. The excellent ensemble cast also features Rhenzy Feliz, Michael Kelly, Deirdre O’Connell, Clancy Brown, Carmen Ejogo, Michael Zegen, and more. Not only is it a kind of origin story for the Batman villain, but it’s also a bruising one about an unloved, disregarded, constantly underrated criminal out to prove to the world that he has what it takes and that underestimating him will be his greatest secret weapon. – RP
2. “Shōgun“
A lot of companies are still trying to find the next “Game of Thrones“—a show with rich production design, costumes, and numerous characters. Most have failed, but FX struck gold with this adaptation of the James Clavell 1975 novel that was already a massive TV success with a 1980 miniseries that shaped a generation. Solving some of the POV issues of that iteration, the 2024 version gave more agency to its Japanese characters, especially roles played unforgettably by Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai. This is a show that doesn’t talk down to its viewers, understanding that adults are willing to go on complex journeys with complicated characters when the destination is as rewarding as it is here. – BT
1. “Ripley”
The story of how a creator’s TV season is really just a movie cut into episodes is wildly overtold, but it’s particularly true in this case given not just how fluidly this story is told over eight episodes but that all were written and directed by Steven Zaillian. Working with the incredible D.P. Robert Elswit (“There Will Be Blood“), Zaillian crafted one of the best-looking shows in the history of the form, giving Ripley a visual language that rivals any film from the year as well. Marry that with a career-best performance from Andrew Scott as the iconic sociopath Tom Ripley and you have a must-see thriller, a show that works from its stunning first frame to its last. – BT
Honorable Mention:
Additional series we love and that almost made the list include, “The Old Man” season two, “Fallout,” “The Bear” season three, “X-Men ‘97,” “English Teacher,” “Sweetpea,” “Only Murders In The Building,” season four, “Sunny,” “Silo,” season two, “Masters Of Air,” “We Were the Lucky Ones,” “Sugar,” “Abbott Elementary,” “The Boys” season four and more.
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