The 10 Best TV Shows of 2024 (So Far)

Criminal Records (Apple TV+)

A wonderfully simple detective story, Criminal history The series follows two London police officers, relative newcomer June Lenker (Cush Jumbo) and respected veteran Daniel Hegarty (Peter Capaldi), part of the police department’s wall of white old men silence, as they come into conflict over the death of a black man (Tom Mooch) who was convicted of murdering his girlfriend in 2012.Indian Summer), Criminal history It eschews narrative contrivances in favor of a straightforward, deeply nuanced tale of generational conflict, the intractability of institutional racism and sexism, and the quiet satisfactions of tenacious police work. That, plus the sheer brilliance of Capaldi and Jumbo as a perfectly matched contrast, is all the glamour this show needs.

Read the full review Criminal history.

“Shogun” (FX)

In the age of second screen viewing, Shogun This is the rare show that demands and gets our full attention. This lavishly staged, epic-scale adaptation of James Clavell’s bestselling novel turns the complex power struggle between feudal Japan’s leaders into an intriguing and often laugh-out-loud funny historical melodrama. The story centers on the romance between Mariko (Sawai Anna), the faithful interpreter for Lord Toranaga (Sanada Hiroyuki), and the captured British sailor John Blackthorn (Cosmo Jarvis). Shogun It’s an epic, moving work that testifies to the transcendent power of honor and sacrifice.

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“The Vince Staples Show” (Netflix)

I went in expecting curbA five-part meta-parody depicting the life of famed rapper and actor Vince Staples. Instead, this five-part fanfic offers a darkly funny exploration of a 31-year-old man trying to live outside the spotlight in Long Beach, California. Overcoming obstacles ranging from the mundane (a condescending bank manager, a cop who mistakes him for another black man) to the surreal (a vengeful amusement park mascot), Staples presents himself as a man whose greatest goal in life is not fame, but banal anonymity. Featuring an exceptional performance from Vanessa Bell Calloway (as Vince’s hilariously cantankerous mother Anita) and a shockingly dark cliffhanger, The Vince Staples Show This may be the most underrated comedy of the year.

Read the full review The Vince Staples Show.

“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (Prime Video)

Another standout in the recent wave of nostalgic procedural mysteries (see: Peacock’s poker faceCBS ElsbethThis TV series adaptation of Brad and Angie’s 2005 smash hit is a sharp, comical take on a big-budget globe-trotting spy adventure and a marriage constantly on edge. Anchored by the undeniable chemistry of stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine (who may or may not return for season two), the series features an Emmy-worthy cast of guest stars. Mr. and Mrs. Smith This is an exception to the “most reboots are unnecessary” rule.

Read the full review Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

“Hucks” (Max)

Continuing into the third season, hacking Finding an authentic way to reunite wealthy, intelligent comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her budding writer partner Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), their relationship evolves from an intergenerational mentor-student relationship to a true, but tumultuous, friendship. hacking With the requisite ensemble (three words: “Fucking shit!”) and a cast of unpredictable yet perfectly on-point guests, they’ve managed to dig up a new comedy goldmine. Days of Our Lives“, Deborah’s agent, Jimmy (Paul W. Downs), casually utters one of the biggest TV announcements of the year. Yes, these are hacking They are in top condition.

“Evil” (Paramount+)

evil What began as a smart but somewhat conventional science-versus-religion drama follows a trio of supernatural experts working for the Catholic Church: forensic psychologist Dr. Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers), Father David Acosta (Mike Colter), and atheist tech geek Ben Shakir (Aasif Mandvi). After four increasingly strange seasons and one liberating network change, Robert and Michelle King’s show has become an otherworldly marvel that interprets the horrors of modern life through pitch-black humor, empathy, and an undercurrent of unwavering hope. In its final season, Kristen wrestles with a desperate need to turn a blind eye to this dark reality while shady, sinister psychologist and Satanist Leland Townsend (Michael Emerson) struggles to be a single father to a cute boy named Timothy (aka the Living Antichrist). “More and more, everything seems threatening,” she laments. evilwhich convinces us that there is nothing more human than to be afraid.

“Phantasmus” (HBO)

“When I wake up, I feel like Julio.” That’s exactly what comedian, visionary and creator/star Julio Torres thinks. Phantasmus — In this five-part fantasy set in a cartoonish dystopian New York, Julio desperately tries to escape the prison of norms, including his “inconspicuous black down coat” and his government-issued “proof of existence” card, as he searches for his all-important oyster earrings. Phantasmus It veers into an extravagant, absurdist mini-story featuring one of the most entertaining guest star appearances of the year (Steve Buscemi as the letter Q!). PauseDominique Jackson to play Algorithm in ‘Emma Stone’ Real Housewives(Like reality TV star!) Ultimately, Julio learns that his extraordinary (and extraordinary strange) powers have been within him all along.

“Fallout” (Prime Video)

Nothing shatters faith in humanity like nuclear war. But 200 years after the world ended, rule-abiding patriot Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell) strives to be a model citizen in her underground survival vault in order to one day emerge above ground and help rebuild a society shattered by nuclear war. But above ground, every human, every mutated giant salamander, and every radioactive zombie humanoid (Walton Goggins) are fighting for themselves. A multifaceted post-apocalyptic adventure that questions notions of self-governance through the lenses of morality, nihilism, and “capitalism’s great game.” fall out I believe that not even an atomic bomb can erase our nation’s determination to survive.

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“The Traitors” (Peacock)

In season two, the “murder” mystery competition sheds the baggage of real people and instead invites reality TV celebrities, semi-famous public figures, and even a former British politician to compete in a grand Scottish castle, with the most manipulative person taking the reins. The soap opera is orchestrated by Alan Cumming, whose theatrical performances would put most reality TV hosts to shame.

“Jerrod Carmichael” (HBO)

“The cameras make me feel safe. They feel like they’re on forever and it makes lying seem silly. I keep saying I want to live more honestly.” With that as his mission statement, comedian Jerrod Carmichael has delivered perhaps the most authentic celebrity reality show ever. Resisting the urge to curate his life for the cameras, Carmichael instead shows us everything: cheating on his boyfriend with a series of Grindr hookups, disappointing his best friend on his wedding day, confronting his father Joe over his infidelity, confronting his mother Cynthia over her rejection of his homosexuality on Bible grounds. It may be painful and chilling, but Jerrod Carmichael reality show It finds its power and purpose in radical and revolutionary transparency.

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