Top 24 Best TV Shows of 2024 | Articles on WatchMojo.com (2025)

#24: “Industry” (2020-)

Series 3

Our stock in this financial drama has certainly gone up since it premiered in 2020. While it started on a solid note, “Industry” has only gotten buzzier with every series. This third installment, in particular, was a breakthrough with the addition of cast members like Kit Harington and Sarah Goldberg. For those who’ve been following the inner workers of Pierpoint & Co from the get-go, the evolution of mainstays like Myha'la Herrold’s Harper is where the real meat of Series 3 lies. The higher some characters climb the corporate ladder, the more despicable they become. “Industry” grows more addictive in the process. It speaks to the intoxicating nature of this world where no vice is greater than greed.

#23: “Hazbin Hotel” (2024-)

Season 1

Although YouTube has made it easier than ever for artists to share their work, many original projects get lost in the algorithm. The “Hazbin Hotel” pilot stood out with its eye-popping animation, clever premise, and devilishly charming characters. Five years later, A24 and Amazon rolled out the red carpet for creator Vivienne Medrano, who has delivered one of the modern era’s freshest animated shows. It’s also among TV’s most infectious musicals with songs that range from inspiring to demented (often at the same time). “Hazbin Hotel” is as invigorating as a Broadway musical, but animation is the ideal medium to realize this unhinged world. It’s a match made in Heaven and a happy day in Hell.

#22: “Dead Boy Detectives” (2024)

Season 1

Set in “The Sandman” universe, “Dead Boy Detectives” adds several ingredients with a stronger emphasis on comedy, mystery, and teen drama. This adaption of the DC Comics series was critically well-received and brought in respectable numbers for Netflix. The viewership apparently didn’t meet the streamer’s standards, though, getting canceled after one season. “Dead Boy Detectives” already had a difficult journey to the screen, originally being developed for HBO Max. With a change of leadership at DC, Netflix swooped in to rescue the series. We suppose fans should be grateful that they got even one season of this wildly imaginative show. Yet, we’re still holding onto hope it’ll find life after death, possibly leading to a resurrection… or at least a “Sandman” crossover episode.

#21: “Heartstopper” (2022-)

Season 3

“Heartstopper” remains one of the most hopeful shows in modern television. That doesn’t mean it’s shied away from the harsh realities of growing up. Season 3 continued to expand its reach as several characters, especially Charlie, grappled with mental health. “Heartstopper” once again displays the power of empathy and friendship. Yet, even those closest to you can only do so much. Sometimes, you need to let professionals in too. While this story has always been about acceptance, Season 3 digs deeper, exploring why self-love is essential and the importance of asking for help. Life won’t always be sunny, but with confidence in yourself and a caring support system by your side, those fleeting perfect moments will go a long way in keeping your heart full.

#20: “Ripley” (2024)

More than ever, it’s been argued that TV shows - especially miniseries - are essentially becoming movies with longer runtimes. Of all the shows that debuted in 2024, perhaps none felt more quote-unquote “cinematic” than “Ripley.” This isn’t merely because of the A-list casting or the first-rate production values - Robert Elswit’s cinematography being worthy of comparison to the French New Wave. Despite being eight episodes, “Ripley” flows as naturally as any film adaption of Patricia Highsmith’s novel. It may be a slow burn for some, but that makes it all the more rewarding as we peel our way to the center of Tom Ripley. It’s all about what’s happening on the surface. Even when it seems like little is happening, Tom is always planning his next move.

#19: “Slow Horses” (2022-)

Series 4

“Slow Horses” is an appropriate title. Not because the pacing is slow. On the contrary, anyone who checks out this spy thriller will be quickly hooked. “Slow Horses” wasn’t the most talked about show when it premiered in 2022, however. With every passing year, its following has grown thanks to word of mouth. Sometimes when people catch up with a show that’s been on for a while, they notice a sudden drop in quality. “Slow Horses,” meanwhile, only seems to gain momentum with each episode. Series 4, based on the novel “Spook Street,” opens with a bang and never slows down from there. Once again, the action doesn’t overshadow the humor or character dynamics that’ve gradually made the show a hit.

#18: “The Sympathizer” (2024)

Robert Downey Jr. playing several characters might’ve been the selling point for this adaption of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. By the end of its seven episodes, we were even more impressed with Hoa Xuande’s central performance as the Captain. His enigmatic name reflects his place in the world - or lack thereof. His mother was Vietnamese while his father was French. His identity crisis amplifies upon heading to the U.S. as the Vietnam War nears its end. Infiltrating a South Vietnamese community while reporting to the North Vietnamese, the protagonist wrestles with where he belongs in this compelling character study. As extraordinary as his circumstances may be, the Captain’s internal struggle is one that many Vietnamese Americans can relate to.

#17: “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (1999-2024)

Season 12

26 years ago, “Seinfeld” left us with a divisive finale, to put it mildly. The final season of “Curb” is Larry David’s way of saying, “Sorry, not sorry.” Season 12 mirrors the “Seinfeld” finale with both revolving around a trial. Where the “Seinfeld” gang got in trouble for doing nothing, Larry lands in hot water for actually doing something nice for a change. Jerry returns for the finale just as Larry came back for “Seinfeld’s” final episode. Larry got most of the blame for how “Seinfeld” ended, but could Jerry be “Curb’s” savior? Let’s just say that in both shows, nothing meaningful is learned. If Larry walked away with one lesson, though, it’s that sometimes you should just give viewers what they want.

#16: “Bad Monkey” (2024-)

Season 1

Vince Vaughn is one of our best comedic actors, although he’s occasionally gotten saddled with lackluster scripts that over-rely on him and him alone to bring the funny. Thankfully, Vaughn has clever writing and a strong supporting cast to help with the heavy lifting in “Bad Monkey.” Vaughn is also given a role perfectly tailored to his talents yet unlike anything he’s done before. He plays a former detective who nonetheless finds himself trying to solve a bonkers mystery involving a severed arm and a body of lies. There also might be a monkey in the mix. It’s another winner from developer Bill Lawrence of “Ted Lasso,” “Shrinking,” and “Scrubs,” again proving himself as one of the most versatile comedy showrunners out there.

#15: “Presumed Innocent” (2024-)

Season 1

If you’ve read Scott Turow’s novel or seen the 1990 film adaptation starring Harrison Ford, you might think this TV series will be devoid of twists. You’d presume wrong. Whether you’re well-versed in the source material or this is your introduction, “Presumed Innocent” is a gripping legal thriller and family drama that’ll keep you guessing even after all the puzzle pieces seemingly fall into place. With a second season on the way, we’re eager to see where David E. Kelley and company take the story next. Whatever awaits, Season 1 is a highly binge-able mystery bolstered by exceptional lead performances from Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Negga. It’d be a crime if they didn’t pick up a few notices come awards season.

#14: “3 Body Problem” (2024-)

Season 1

After spending nearly a decade in Westeros, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss go from fantasy to sci-fi with “3 Body Problem.” Co-created alongside Alexander Woo, D&D again demonstrate their capacity to adapt complex source material while juggling a large ensemble. Whether or not they’ll stick the landing this time is anyone’s guess, but like “Game of Thrones,” “3 Body Problem” will hook you in for the long haul from its opening scene onward. Even if you don’t always follow the show’s complicated science, viewers will identify with its ethical questions concerning humanity, technology, progress, and everything in between. The series makes you feel the weight of the world, but the personal stories truly drive the search for answers.

#13: “Nobody Wants This” (2024-)

Season 1

You’d be surprised how many rom-coms forget to be romantic or funny. Fortunately, “Nobody Wants This” is both, but it’s also something more. Kristen Bell’s Joanne and Adam Brody’s Noah complete one another in ways they never expected. No relationship is without sacrifice, however. “Nobody Wants This” questions how much couples must give up to make a relationship work. Are your family, career aspirations, and spiritual beliefs (or lack thereof) worth compromising for a significant other? The series tackles this issue in mature ways… and immature ways too. In any case, the central couple is always immensely likable and relatable. They complement and offset each other, making us root for them like no other TV couple this year.

#12: “Dune: Prophecy” (2024-)

Season 1

Denis Villeneuve’s two movies were only the beginning. We’re ready to scratch every surface of the universe that Frank Herbert created. “Dune: Prophecy” draws from the “Great Schools of Dune” trilogy, which was written after Herbert’s time. This prequel series takes place more than 10,000 years before Paul Atreides, revealing how the Bene Gesserit came to be. Even with a long-format medium like television, “Dune: Prophecy” can occasionally be overwhelming with its lore and exposition. Like the Villeneuve films, though, the show immerses us in this world with its visuals, commentary, and characters. Emily Watson and Olivia Williams lead a sprawling ensemble, providing a more in-depth look into this mysterious sisterhood.

#11: “True Detective: Night Country” (2024)

It’s hard to believe that the first season of “True Detective” premiered a decade ago. “Night Country” is arguably the best iteration since the original, yet also the most different. Behind the scenes, showrunning duties shift from Nic Pizzolatto to Issa López, who brings a female perspective with Jodie Foster taking center stage. It’s the atmosphere that’s changed the most, however. We’re not talking about the colder climate, but the general vibes as the show calls science-fiction horror like John Carpenter’s “The Thing” to mind. Despite these echoes of the supernatural, “Night Country” remains eerily grounded throughout. Similar to the works of David Lynch, it makes the audience feel half asleep and wide awake as if they’re living a surreal nightmare.

#10: “Agatha All Along” (2024)

After hitting a rough patch, the MCU bounced back in 2024 on both the big and small screens. In the latter case, the MCU’s secret weapon was “Agatha All Along.” Kathryn Hahn assumes the title of head witch after stealing the show in “WandaVision.” While this spinoff shares parallels with its predecessor, it stands out from anything the MCU has done with a blend of dark magic and dark humor. Although the series presents Agatha Harkness in a more sympathetic light, it doesn’t make her a full-blown “good guy.” Calling her an antihero can even feel generous at times. However you categorize her, we’ll gladly follow Agatha down any road… even if there might be a body count. Yeah, it’s a refreshingly morbid MCU show.

#9: “English Teacher” (2024-)

Season 1

In today’s changing landscape, comedy can be tricky to traverse. Some believe the genre has become too politically correct. Others say it’s stuck in the past. In a way, this is reflected in “English Teacher.” A comedy writer’s room isn’t too different from a classroom. In both, people must think more carefully than ever about what they say, risking getting fired otherwise. That makes the job harder, but it can also lead to creative solutions. “English Teacher” finds a middle ground, approaching comedy and education through a progressive lens while still pushing back against PC culture. Creator Brian Jordan Alvarez leads a fine-tuned ensemble with each character bringing a relatable perspective. Whichever character you identify with, everyone brings the laughs.

#8: “Baby Reindeer” (2024)

Few have a story like Richard Gadd’s, which provided the basis for his one-man show and this miniseries. At the same time, at least one of Gadd’s experiences might speak to you on a personal level. Even if you’ve never had a relentless stalker like Gadd, maybe you’ve struggled with failure, identity, or trauma. Above all else, “Baby Reindeer” captures the universal feeling of helplessness. The authorities are of little assistance to Gadd’s character. He’s afraid to consult friends and family - be it due to embarrassment or shame. Even when the protagonist isolates himself from his abusers, he’s left alone with his self-hatred. While by no means an easy watch, “Baby Reindeer” is therapeutic, honest, and for some, potentially life-changing - even life-saving.

#7: “The Boys” (2019-)

Season 4

We admit it’s increasingly ironic that such an anti-corporation show is brought to us by Jeff Bezos’ company. Even so, if superheroes were real, “The Boys” is probably the most realistic portrayal. People don’t need superstrength or laser eyes to abuse their positions of power. Once they realize that guardrails are illusions, little is stopping the powerful from doing whatever they want. That is except for a small group that pushes back. Even if they stand up to the big bad, what happens when society abandons ethics and proclaims the villain their champion? It sounds heavy-handed and maybe hits a little too close to home, but don’t worry. Season 4 of “The Boys” is still funny, ridiculous, and ridiculously funny.

#6: “Hacks” (2021-)

Season 3

The creators of “Hacks” seemed as surprised as anyone when the third season won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series. Two things likely propelled “Hacks” to this deserved victory. First, the show is about comedy, tapping into how seasoned vets and emerging voices can learn from each other to evolve the genre. Second, “Hacks” is actually funny, which isn’t as common as you might think with modern sitcoms. A lot of them feel more like half-hour dramas with sprinkles of humor interspersed. That’s not to say “Hacks” doesn’t have its raw moments with Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder demonstrating impeccable range. Even at its most dramatic, though, “Hacks” understands that a comedian’s job above all else is to make the audience laugh.

#5: “The Penguin” (2024)

Despite limited screen time, an unrecognizable Colin Farrell left a huge impression as the Penguin in Matt Reeves’ “The Batman.” This miniseries from showrunner Lauren LeFranc adds new dimensions to Oswald Cobb in the most grounded and possibly the most disturbing interpretation of the villain. While Farrell escapes into the role, “The Penguin” is just as much a showcase for Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone. As different as these characters are, both are severely underestimated, making them the most dangerous players as Gotham’s criminal underbelly undergoes a regime change. It goes to show that Gotham is much bigger than Batman (or villains that usually hog the spotlight like the Joker). Even with a character as iconic as Penguin, there’s still so much left to say.

#4: “Arcane” (2021-24)

Season 2

As pumped as we were for “Arcane’s” long-awaited return, it was bittersweet knowing the second season would be the last. Like the Emmy-winning first season, though, “Arcane” thoroughly covers a ton of ground in a relatively short time. Nothing comes off as dragged out or too rushed. Just about every twist and emotional beat feels earned. Season 2 is another masterclass of worldbuilding, but “Arcane” will be remembered as one of TV’s best stories thanks to the characters and their relationships. Whether or not this divided world can find a peaceful middle ground, we’re even more invested in seeing if Vi and Caitlyn get their happy ending - not to mention if Vi and Jinx can restore their sisterhood. Either way, be ready to cry.

#3: “Fallout” (2024-)

Season 1

Is Ella Purnell the secret to a successful video game adaptation? Regardless, Jinx couldn’t be more different than Lucy MacLean, a beacon of optimism in a world that’s gone to hell. Even in the safety of Lucy’s Vault, things aren’t as clean-cut as they seemed. Whether setting out to find her kidnapped father or severing a human head, Lucy tackles every challenge with an okey dokey. Her endearing naivety fits well with the grim yet humorous world of “Fallout.” Finding an ideal balance for newcomers and longtime fans of the games, “Fallout” is where the apocalypse and Americana intersect. Just as war never changes, neither does the search for the American Dream, which can be more ghoulish than one might assume.

#2: “X-Men '97” (2024-)

Season 1

We don’t think it’s a hot take to say that the animated “X-Men” series from the 90s was better than several of the live-action movies that followed. This sequel series evolves the story even further, targeting an older crowd. Not because major characters can die now. Not because the heroes we grew up with have clearly done it. What makes “X-Men '97” so adult is its audacity to ask difficult questions. Namely, was Magneto right all along? More than ever, unity between humans and mutants feels like a pipe dream. Humanity just keeps making the same mistakes. Do mutants keep working toward peace, potentially letting history repeat, or are Magneto’s extreme methods the only way to end the cycle for good?

#1: “Shōgun” (2024-)

Season 1

Becoming one of the most streamed programs during its initial run and going on to dominate the Primetime Emmys, it’s hard to think of a show that captivated a wider range of viewers in 2024 than “Shōgun” did. Seeing a mass audience gravitate toward a show heavy in subtitles is especially encouraging. To quote Bong Joon-ho, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films,” or TV shows in this case. With sweeping historical set pieces and arresting performances, “Shōgun” is the definitive adaption of James Clavell’s epic novel. Wherever the series goes from here, Season 1 is bound to go down as a milestone in peak TV. Also, Anna Sawai is a star.

What’s your favorite show of 2024? Let us know in the comments.