The 10 Best Shows of 2024, Hands-Down

2024 brought us some of the best TV shows and best movies in recent memory. On the film side, we got Wicked, Anora, The Substance and more. And on the TV side? There were so many great shows that it was nearly impossible to narrow them down to the top 10 (don’t worry, I was able to make the necessary tough calls in the end).

Several of the best shows of 2024 were returning series—like Hacks and The Traitors—others were brand-new shows that will soon give us additional seasons—like The Gentlemen—and others still were new series that were canceled despite being incredible—like Kaos and The Brothers Sun.

Here, without further ado, the top ten shows of 2024, plus where to stream them.

3 Body Problem tells the story of the earth’s first contact with alien life and comes from Game of Thrones creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, in addition to Alexander Woo. In this epic, complicated new show, you’ll be introduced to a number of fresh faces, but you’ll also recognize a few familiar ones, like that of John Bradley (who played Samwell Tarly in that certain dragon-filled series).

In my rave review of the show, I write, “The sci-fi mystery series follows multiple timelines—in the past and the present—and is filled with action, Lost-like twists and top-notch special effects (from the guys who brought us flying dragons, I’d expect no less)… 3 Body Problem is complex, fun and a true mystery, with a constant flow of clues, reveals and twists.”

Fans like myself will be happy to know that Netflix has already ordered more episodes of 3 Body Problem (though it’s unclear how many or if it will be a full season, partial season or even multiple seasons).

3 Body Problem is now streaming on Netflix.

When I wrote about Netflix’s Kaos earlier this year, I titled my review, “My Favorite New Show of 2024 Just Got Canceled by Netflix, But I Promise It’s a Must-See Anyway.” And that pretty much sums it up. The series is fresh, funny, epic and engaging—and it’s worth a watch even without a season two coming our way. In fact, it’s so good I binged the entire season in a single weekend.

Kaos puts a modern twist on Greek mythology, with Jeff Goldblum leading an all-star ensemble cast as the all-powerful (and anxiety-ridden) Zeus. He’s joined by Janet McTeer as his wife Hera, Debi Mazar as Medusa, Eddie Izzard as one of The Fates and a slew of talented (though less recognizable) young actors filling out the rest of the world (and underworld).

In my rave review, I write, “The whole series feels quite epic in scope as it spans worlds, switching from Olympus to earth to Hades. But don't let that deter you if you aren't into Lord of the Rings-sized tales. The story is streamlined and luckily guided by a narrator who reassures us that everything will soon make sense.”

Kaos is now streaming on Netflix.

Whether you’re a superhero fan or not, you’re bound to be obsessed with this thrilling new mob series, The Penguin, which happens to be a spinoff of the 2022 Robert Pattinson film, The Batman.

This dark and gritty show stars an unrecognizable Colin Farrell as Oz (AKA “The Penguin”) opposite a terrifying Cristin Milioti as up-and-coming mob figure Sofia Falcone. When I say Farrell and Milioti are incredible, it really doesn’t do their performances justice. They are so good as sometimes-partners-sometimes-nemeses in the battle for power in Gotham City. They are sure to be nominated for a slew of awards this season.

And as I mentioned, the show is less about anything comic book-related and much more about deep, exciting characters, struggling to control the city’s drug trade. (Fans of The Sopranos need to watch ASAP.) The tables constantly turn with each twist-filled episode, leaving viewers wondering who will come out on top right up until the very last moment.

The Penguin is now streaming on Max.

It should come as no surprise that Netflix drama/thriller Ripley makes the top ten shows list, especially after it received a slew of nominations at this year’s Emmys. The series was nominated for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Lead Actor (Andrew Scott) and Outstanding Supporting Actress (Dakota Fanning).

The limited series is based on a novel (and preceded by a film), The Talented Mr. Ripley. It tells the story of Tom Ripley (Scott) who is tasked with bringing the wealthy Dickie Greenleaf home from Italy. What ensues involves murder, fraud and a whole lot of twists.

As PureWow’s Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint describes the show, “It’s dark, twisty, claustrophobic and beautiful. Let me watch Andrew Scott murder people in black-and-white forever and always, thank you very much.”

Ripley is now streaming on Netflix.

According to PureWow’s Senior Editor Dana Dickey, “Shōgun knocked my socks off with its intense characters set against a backdrop of battling warlords in Imperial Japan in the 16th century. This sort of historical drama is not my go-to, but from the first episode, I was smitten with the wild card of handsome, imprisoned Englishman John Blackthorne, fascinated by warrior Toranaga (who uses him in clan maneuverings) and mesmerized by Mariko, the brilliant young Japanese woman with a tragic past, flinty demeanor and sharp intelligence who gets caught in the middle of these two men and their machinations.”

She continues, “There are spies, battles, illicit romances and above all desperate attempts to attain and retain some ephemeral honor. Bonus: Since so much of it is in spoken Japanese with subtitles, it requires you as a viewer to commit to paying attention without phone-scrolling...and gives you a sumptuous reward for it.”

Similar to with Ripley, you’ll probably recognize Shōgun from Emmys season. The show won the 2024 Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series, Hiroyuki Sanda won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Anna Sawai won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Shōgun is now streaming on Hulu.

This action-comedy series (starring Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh) is about a Taipei gangster who’s forced to protect his mother and brother after his father is assassinated. The only problem? His family has been sheltered from his true profession…until now.

Just as I did with the show Kaos, I binged the entirety of The Brothers Sun in a single weekend—it really is that good and it really is that easy of a watch. There is a surprising amount of action in this Netflix series (even involving Yeoh herself), but it’s most enjoyable during its absurdly comedic scenes, of which there are many.

And also like with Kaos, this must-watch show didn’t get renewed by Netflix for a second season (what gives?!). But it’s just as well, as clearly Yeoh is quite busy with her other projects (ahem, Wicked).

The Brothers Sun is now streaming on Netflix.

Though this is yet another Netflix series to make the Best Shows of the Year list, at least The Gentlemen has been renewed for season two. This action-comedy mixes the fun of Brothers Sun with the criminal world of The Penguin.

Per Netflix’s Tudum, “The criminal misadventures of Eddie Horniman and Susie Glass will continue in The Gentlemen Season 2. The series, inspired by the Guy Ritchie movie of the same name, is coming back to Netflix for a deeper look into the criminal underbelly of aristocratic Britain.”

It continues, “The Gentlemen follows Eddie (Theo James), who becomes the new Duke of Halstead following his father’s death. In addition to the new title, Eddie also inherits the family’s sizable country estate — and the illegal weed farm located underneath it, run by the sophisticated yet ruthless Susie (Kaya Scodelario) and her crime boss father Bobby Glass (Ray Winstone).”

And I’m clearly not the only one who loved it (though the show has been underrated). PureWow’s Associate Editor Destinee Scott says, “I’m surprised more people aren’t talking about it because it is actually funny and thrilling. And who doesn’t want to see Theo James back on screen?”

The Gentlemen is now streaming on Netflix.

Any opportunity to see Demi Moore do her thing is more than okay by me. And she’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the stellar cast of Ryan Murphy’s Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. I’m talking Diane Lane, Naomi Watts, Molly Ringwald, Chloe Sevigny, Calista Flockhart, Russel Tovey, Joe Mantello, Treat Williams and the fabulous Tom Hollander as Truman Capote.

In this limited series, Capote betrays some of society’s most powerful, elite women (lovingly referred to as “the Swans”), setting off a social feud that unravels in plain sight. Yet, despite the usual Ryan Murphy drama that unfolds, it’s the performances of Hollander and the A-list women surrounding him that truly make this a can’t-miss show.

The FX series was nominated for a number of Emmy Awards this year, including Outstanding Lead Actor (Hollander), Outstanding Lead Actress (Watts), Outstanding Supporting Actor (Williams) and Outstanding Supporting Actress (Lane).

Feud: Capote vs. The Swans is now streaming on Hulu.

Year after year, Hacks continues to be one of my absolute favorite shows on television. Jean Smart (who has now won multiple Emmys for her role as comedian Deborah Vance) and Hannah Einbinder (who was also nominated for her role as comedy writer Ava Daniels) are an unstoppable onscreen duo. They play off one another amazingly, delivering pitch perfect comedic timing.

Season three of Hacks, which hit Max in May, is perhaps the strongest iteration yet. But there remains room for even more laughs with Hacks season four on the way.

Another standout from this awards’ season gem? Megan Stalter, the bumbling assistant with a heart of gold. She gets to stretch herself even more in season three and it’s so gratifying to see. PureWow named Stalter one of the hot new stars to watch in 2023, and that remains true. At the time, we wrote, “Comedian Megan Stalter, 33, continuously steals the show as chaotic assistant Kayla on Hacks… [She] seems poised to become one of the biggest names in comedy.”

Hacks is currently streaming on Max.

Last, but certainly not least, is the only reality series to make the top ten shows list: The Traitors. And before you yell at me for ranking The Traitors over Agatha All Along, please keep in mind that literally everyone was talking about Phaedra, Pavarti and the rest of the Traitors and Faithful when season two of the series dropped earlier this year. (And believe me when I say I already have predictions for season three.)

The U.S. version of the elimination competition (featuring a slew of reality TV stars) is peak entertainment, led by the incomparable Alan Cumming. In each episode, the Faithful must try to discover who the secret Traitors are among them before another celeb is “murdered.” The series brilliantly marries “murder mystery” with the reality TV genre, and I can’t wait to see what the season three cast brings to the table next year.

The Traitors is currently streaming on Peacock.

So, they can’t all make the top 10. But a few stellar shows that came close which are still totally worth checking out?

• Abbott Elementary
• Agatha All Along
• American Nightmare
• Arcane
• Baby Reindeer
• The Bear
• The Boyfriend
• Colin from Accounts
• Disclaimer 
• The Golden Bachelorette
• Industry
• Matlock
• Monsters: The Lyle and Eric Menendez Story
• Nobody Wants This
• One Day
• Pachinko
• Palm Royale
• The Perfect Couple
• Slow Horses
• Silo
• Somebody Somewhere
• A Very Royal Scandal
• X-Men ‘97
• Your Honor

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