Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Best TV Series Of 2024

Sometimes, less is more.

There were hundreds of TV series to watch in 2024, but it was a struggle to come up with 10 to include on my annual "Best Of" list. 

Never mistake quantity for quality. 

The following shows provide some hope. But it's getting tougher to find great TV to recommend these days. 

My Top 10 TV Series

10. Nobody Wants This (Netflix)

Kristen Bell and Adam Brody lead a cast that charms the heck out of you in this L.A. based dating rom com. 

9. Abbott Elementary (ABC)

Quinta keeps the network comedy alive with sharp dialogue and a solid ensemble. 

8. Shrinking (AppleTV+)

Therapy can be fun! Harrison Ford has a sense of humor! Ted McGinley proves me wrong! Bill Lawrence keeps making great TV (honorable mention to Bad Monkey). 

7. The Bear (FX/Hulu)

Was it the best season? No. Was it better than 99% of the shows that aired this year? You betcha.  

6. Hacks (MAX)

I thought this premise had one season in it - boy was I wrong. Permanently engrave "Jean Smart" on the Best Actress Emmy. 

5. Slow Horses (AppleTV+)

The best of the glut of spy shows that popped up this year. Gary Oldman is masterful in this drama with a sense of humor and bite that all the others lack. 

4. The Penguin (HBO)

No Batman required - this dark mob tale with great makeup had a stellar first season. 

3. Baby Reindeer (Netflix)

Stalker trauma done right.  

2. Shogun (FX/Hulu)

This 17th century Japanese tale is a true work of art. 

1. Somebody Somewhere (HBO)

The third and final season of Bridget Everett's poignant comedy is everything TV should be. 

Happy new year!

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Best TV Series of 2024 (so far)

Hi there. It's the midpoint of 2024, and honestly, I'm still searching for some quality TV. 

Once again I'm at odds with critics who proclaim we're in the midst of a television programming renaissance. I just don't see it. 

What I have seen is way too many three-worded series based on notable books (Under The Bridge3 Body Problem), sensationalized recreations of news events (Perfect Wife, Quiet On Set), unnecessary reboots (Presumed Innocent) and sports documentaries (The Dynasty). These initially hold your attention but quickly trail off to the land of forgettability. 

My search continues. In the meantime, here's what I found worth watching during the first half of this year:

Baby Reindeer (Netflix)

Absolutely lives up to the hype. It's rare when the one being stalked is just as messed up as the stalker. Excellent storytelling that hooks you from the get go. 

The Bear (Hulu)

Is it as good as seasons 1 and 2? No. Is it better than 99% of the stuff that's on? Absolutely. Looking forward to seeing that Tribune review.

Hacks (Max)

Is it as good as seasons 1 and 2? No. Is it better than 98% of the stuff that's on? Absolutely. I wasn't sure where this could go after the first season but proven wrong with season 2. This third season sustains the momentum as Jean Smart needs to make more room on her Emmy shelf.

House of the Dragon (HBO)

Is it as good as season 1? Too soon to tell. Is it better than 97% of the stuff that's on? Absolutely. Episode 4 is an indication of how good this Thrones prequel can be. Plus you can't beat that opening theme. 

Manhunt (AppleTV+)

We know how the search for Abraham Lincoln's assassin turns out, but Tobias Menzes does a great job in this retelling of the aftermath of that fatal shot. 

Shogun (Hulu)

I overcame childhood flashbacks of a bearded Richard Chamberlain to enjoy this epic told the right way. 

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Sadly, that's all I've got. If I've missed something worth watching, please let me know.