Although 2024 may not have been the strongest year for television, it still delivered some remarkable new series. Despite delays in highly anticipated shows like the final season of Stranger Things and The White Lotus, there were fresh comedies, dramas, reality shows, and remakes that resonated with audiences and critics alike. Here’s a look at 10 standout new series from 2024 worth exploring before the year ends:
Nobody Wants This
Netflix’s Nobody Wants This brought Adam Brody back into the spotlight. In this romantic comedy by Erin Foster, Brody stars as Noah, a rabbi navigating the challenges of dating Joanne (Kristen Bell), a non-Jewish woman. Despite hurdles such as family expectations and career conflicts, the duo’s chemistry shines through. The series also boasts a stellar supporting cast.
Supacell
Netflix’s British series Supacell offers a refreshing take on superhero narratives. Created by Rapman, it follows a group of Black, working-class Londoners who discover they have superpowers linked to a shared family history of sickle cell disease. The show explores themes of racial disparity, poverty, and societal neglect, earning a renewal for a second season.
The Penguin
Max’s The Penguin, a spin-off from The Batman (2022), shifts focus to Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oz Cobb. Set in Gotham’s criminal underworld, the series also features Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone, earning her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
Matlock
CBS reimagined the classic Matlock with Kathy Bates in the lead. Bates plays Madeline Kingston, a retired lawyer who resumes her career under an alias, driven by both financial need and personal vengeance. Addressing age-related stereotypes with humor and depth, the series streams on Paramount+.
The Valley
Bravo’s The Valley, a spin-off of Vanderpump Rules, revisits the lives of Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright, and Kristen Doute. While showcasing their personal and marital struggles, the new cast members also bring drama and intrigue. The series streams on Peacock.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Amazon’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith, starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, reinvents the concept of the 2005 film. Playing spies posing as a married couple, their evolving relationship forms the crux of the series. With star-studded guest appearances, the show garnered numerous Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
Ripley
Netflix’s Ripley, a neo-noir adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel, stars Andrew Scott as the titular con artist. The series captures Tom Ripley’s journey of deceit and murder as he becomes entangled in the luxurious lifestyle of a wealthy heir in Italy.
English Teacher
FX’s English Teacher, created by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez, centers on Evan, a high school teacher navigating modern-day challenges like societal labels and gun safety. The series, streaming on Hulu, is praised for its humor, social commentary, and memorable soundtrack.
Shōgun
FX’s Shōgun, based on James Clavell’s novel, is set in feudal Japan. With stunning production value and standout performances by Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, it swept 18 Emmy awards. Initially planned as a limited series, its success has led to the announcement of two additional seasons.
Presumed Innocent
Jake Gyllenhaal makes his TV debut in Apple TV+’s Presumed Innocent. Playing Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor accused of murder, Gyllenhaal is joined by Peter Sarsgaard in this adaptation of Scott Turow’s novel. The series has become the platform’s most-watched drama and will return for a second season.
