Cristina’s Picks:
Tracker - CBS
"Tracker," the CBS hit series starring Justin Hartley, has quickly emerged as one of the best shows of 2024. Justin Hartley, known for his compelling performances, shines in the role of Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist who makes a living as a "tracker" by locating missing persons. The series, based on the bestselling novel "The Never Game" by Jeffrey Deaver, offers a gripping narrative that intertwines high-stakes action with deep, character-driven drama.
"Tracker" stands out due to its expertly crafted plot lines that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Each episode delves into a new case, showcasing Shaw's exceptional skills in tracking and his relentless determination to uncover the truth. The show seamlessly balances these intense investigations with the unfolding mystery of Shaw's own past, adding layers of intrigue and emotional depth.
Pictured: Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw. Photo: Darko Sikman/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Hartley's portrayal of Colter Shaw is both nuanced and captivating, bringing a rugged charm and emotional complexity to the character. His performance is complemented by a strong supporting cast, including a diverse array of characters who each bring their own unique perspectives and challenges to the narrative.
The show's production values are top-notch, with stunning cinematography that captures the diverse and often treacherous terrains Shaw navigates. The action sequences are meticulously choreographed, providing heart-pounding moments that are visually spectacular. Additionally, the writing is sharp and engaging, with well-developed characters and dialogues that resonate with the audience.
"Tracker" also excels in its ability to blend procedural drama with personal storytelling. The series doesn't just focus on the cases Shaw takes on but also delves into his personal journey, exploring themes of identity, family, and redemption. This blend of action, mystery, and personal drama makes "Tracker" a standout series that resonates on multiple levels, earning its place as one of the best shows of 2024.
The Gentlemen - Netflix
"The Gentlemen" on Netflix captivates audiences with its blend of sharp wit, intricate storytelling, and stellar performances. Starring Theo James as Eddie Halstead, a young man who inherits his father’s sizeable estate only to discover it's part of a vast and dangerous marijuana empire, the series adapts Guy Ritchie's critically acclaimed film into a thrilling and stylish TV show. Theo James shines as the suave and cunning Eddie, whose charismatic performance anchors the series, while Kaya Scodelario delivers a compelling portrayal of the formidable Susie Glass, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.
The show's narrative is rich with clever twists, dark humour, and high-stakes drama, all set against a backdrop of London's criminal underworld. The story delves into Eddie's struggle to navigate and control his newfound empire while contending with dangerous rivals and unpredictable allies, including a scheming gangster played by an impressive ensemble cast.
Pictured: Theo James as Colter Shaw and Kaya Scodelario as Susie Glass. Photo: Christopher Rafael/Netflix ©2023 Netflix Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Each episode is meticulously crafted, featuring Ritchie's signature fast-paced action, sharp dialogues, and a captivating soundtrack that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The production values are exceptional, with slick cinematography and stylish direction that bring the gritty yet glamorous world of "The Gentlemen" to life. The dynamic interplay between characters, coupled with unexpected plot twists and the ever-present tension of the criminal underworld, creates a gripping viewing experience. With its engaging plot lines, standout performances, and the perfect blend of action, intelligence, and charm, "The Gentlemen" has established itself as a must-watch series, solidifying its place as one of the best new shows of the year.
Baby Reindeer - Netflix
Starring Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning, "Baby Reindeer" is based on Gadd's award-winning one-man stage play, which chronicles his harrowing experience with a stalker. Richard Gadd delivers a powerful and raw performance, portraying himself as he navigates the terrifying and surreal ordeal. His portrayal is both vulnerable and gripping, drawing viewers into the psychological and emotional depths of his true story.
Jessica Gunning's performance as the obsessive and unrelenting stalker is equally compelling, adding a chilling and unsettling layer to the narrative. The show's ability to balance the tension and emotional weight of Gadd's experience with moments of dark humour and introspection makes it uniquely engaging.
Pictured: Richard Gadd as Donny and Jessica Gunning as Martha. Photo: Ed Miller/Netflix ©2022 Netflix Inc. All Rights Reserved.
"Baby Reindeer" stands out not only for its captivating performances but also for its innovative storytelling and production. The series expertly blends dramatic reenactments with elements of Gadd's original stage performance, creating a visually and emotionally immersive experience. The writing is sharp and unflinching, offering a candid exploration of fear, vulnerability, and the human psyche.
The production values are top-notch, with a cinematic quality that enhances the intensity of the narrative. The direction and cinematography effectively convey the claustrophobic and paranoid atmosphere that Gadd endured, making viewers feel as if they are living the experience alongside him.
"Baby Reindeer" is a testament to the power of personal storytelling, transforming a deeply personal and traumatic experience into a universally relatable and profoundly moving narrative. Its combination of stellar performances, innovative storytelling, and emotional depth make it one of the standout new shows of 2024.
Emperor of Ocean Park - MGM+
"Emperor of Ocean Park," starring Forrest Whitaker, Grantham Coleman, Tiffany Mack, and Henry Simmons, has quickly risen to prominence as one of the best new shows of 2024. This gripping legal drama, based on Stephen L. Carter's bestselling novel, weaves a complex narrative of power, family secrets, and the quest for justice, making it a standout in the television landscape.
Forrest Whitaker delivers a commanding performance as Judge Oliver Garland, whose mysterious death sets off a chain of events that unearths buried family secrets and political intrigue. Grantham Coleman plays Talcott Garland, the judge's son, who is thrust into a world of danger and deception as he attempts to unravel the truth behind his father's death. Coleman's portrayal of Talcott is both intense and nuanced, capturing the character's struggle between loyalty and truth.
Tiffany Mack shines as Mariah, Talcott's supportive yet determined wife, whose unwavering resolve adds emotional depth to the story. Henry Simmons' portrayal of the enigmatic and powerful antagonist brings a palpable tension to the series, making every scene he's in compelling and unpredictable.
Pictured: Forrest Whittaker as Judge Oliver Garland. Photo: MGMPlus Entertainment ©2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Lion Corp. LLC. All Rights Reserved.
"Emperor of Ocean Park" excels not only in its stellar cast but also in its intricate storytelling and high production values. The series masterfully blends elements of legal drama, thriller, and family saga, creating a richly layered narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The show's writing is sharp and intelligent, with each episode unveiling new twists and revelations that deepen the mystery and character dynamics.
Visually, the series is stunning, with cinematography that captures the grandeur of the titular Ocean Park and the shadowy undercurrents of its secrets. The attention to detail in set design, costumes, and overall production creates an immersive viewing experience that enhances the storytelling.
"Emperor of Ocean Park" is a compelling exploration of power, corruption, and the lengths one will go to protect their legacy. Its combination of exceptional performances, intricate plot, and high production quality make it a must-watch series.
Val’s Picks:
Dead Boy Detectives - Netflix
If you’re looking for something to fill your Julie and the Phantoms void, look no further than the new ghosts in town. No, there isn’t any singing, however, with the unconventional ways these two solve cases you can’t help but be glued to the screen to see what happens next. Edwin Payne and Charles Rowland are the Dead Boy Detectives.
Each episode focuses on a single case (which I love) and the first case, The Case of Crystal Palace, brings the boys to a girl named Crystal, who gets possessed by a demon (that she was dating oddly enough) and has her memories stolen, also by said demon. One thing we do know about Crystal, though, is that she is a psychic (which is why she can see Edwin and Charles) and this comes in handy for these two dead boys. With Crystal missing her memories, Charles suggests she sticks around until she gets them back. Edwin didn’t care for this idea at first: she was a living person (it’s a thing; he’d rather deal with the dead) and they knew nothing about her, but he eventually warmed up to the idea of them all working together to solve cases of the dead.
Pictured: Jayden Revri as Charles Rowland and George Rexstrew as Edwin Payne. Photo Credit: Ed Araquel/ Netflix © 2024 Netflix Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The team of three quickly becomes four while solving their second case, The Case of the Dandelion Shrine, where Crystal’s neighbor, Niko, is infected with paranormal parasites (tiny people feeding on humans basically until said human bursts and die, yikes!). Niko finds herself close to death, but Crystal manages to trick the paranormal parasites into leaving her body before that happens, saving Niko. Now get this, because Niko came so close to death, she now has the ability to see Charles and Edwin. The now team of four work together solving crimes of the unalived: each case unique in every way you wouldn’t imagine. Check out Dead Boy Detectives now streaming only on Netflix.
Queenie - Hulu
Pictured: Dionne Brown as Queenie Jenkins and Jon Pointing as Tom Blake/Hulu © 2024 Hulu, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Queenie is Hulu’s new show about a young woman named, Queenie, who has just come out of a long term relationship. You know how that goes, right? When you’ve been with someone so long, to suddenly not have them anymore, you sometimes forget who you are.
The show follows Queenie on her journey of self rediscovery with a few bumps along the way. The kind that leaves you blacked out drunk at a party while telling everyone how much your ex sucks and then calling someone you have no business speaking with…yeah, that kind. Couple that with living in South London with Caribbean family members that constantly judge every aspect of your life. Queenie stars Dionne Brown as the title character and all eight episodes are now available on Hulu.
Wild Cards - The CW
Picture this, you obsess over a case that causes you to be demoted to Maritime Unit patrol. Then you get the opportunity to come back to your old unit, but only on one condition: you have to work with a con artist. Ellis wants nothing to do with Max, and has been extremely vocal about it. He knows that this new partnership will get him closer to what he wants and it is the only reason he’s willing to work with her. Max on the other hand, well, let’s just say she has her reasons too (and no it’s not because of the jail time she will receive if she doesn’t go along with this).
Pictured: Vanessa Morgan as Max and Giacomo Gianniotti as Ellis Photo Credit: Ed Araquel/The CW © 2023 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
It takes some time, but eventually Ellis and Max make a great team. You can’t help but want to watch how they take on cases that seem impossible, but Max always finds a way to get them out of it. I will say I thought that this show was going to be extremely predictable and it was oddly satisfying being proven wrong. Throughout the series you’re rooting for this partnership to become a real permanent thing, but could that be possible? As much as this pairing works well together, we have to remember why this partnership began: Can Max stop her conning ways that only benefits herself? Will Ellis be able to fully let go of the case that got him demoted in the first place? The finale episode keeps these questions looming and I for one cannot wait to get some answers when Season Two premieres. For now, check out all ten episodes of season one of Wild Cards on The CW app.
Eve’s Picks:
Griselda - Netflix
Pictured: Sofia Vergara as Griselda Blanco. Photo: Elizabeth Morris/Netflix ©2022 Netflix Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Griselda tells the story of Griselda Blanco, a prominent crime boss. The show follows her from an abused girlfriend of a smaller drug dealer to her rise in the Miami drug scene and pursuit of power and wealth. Drug use, paranoia, and betrayal lead to her downfall, with her actions resulting in multiple deaths. SofÃa Vergara’s transformation into Griselda Blanco is one of the top performances of 2024 which, rightfully so, earned her a well-deserved Emmy nomination. Vergara is mostly known for her longstanding role of Gloria Pritchett in the ABC comedy Modern Family. When an actor plays a role for a very longtime, they run the risk of being typecast. With this role Vergara has ensured this will not happen for her.
Expats - Prime Video
Pictured: Brian Tee as Clarke and Nicole Kidman as Margaret. Photo: Glen Wilson/Prime Video ©2024 Amazon MGM Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Expats explores the lives of 3 expat women in Hong Kong, Nicole Kidman as Margaret Woo, a former landscape designer who set her career on hold to be a housewife. Sarayu Blue as Hilary Starr, whose birth name is Harpreet Singh and is in a troublesome marriage. Ji-young Yoo as Mercy Cho, a Korean American Columbia University graduate with a secret. One single encounter sets off a chain of life-altering events that leaves everyone navigating the intricate balance between blame and accountability. Kidman is great as the, spoiler alert, grieving mother but for me it was Blue’s portrayal of the, not always sympathetic, Hilary that caught my attention. Hilary deals with marriage struggles, balancing a career and possible motherhood and an overbearing mother and family secrets. Her journey is just as compelling as the horrific event that is at the midst of this story.
The Regime - HBO
Pictured: Kate Winslet as Elena Vernham. Photo: Miya Mizuno/HBO ©2024 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The series depicts a year within the palace of a crumbling authoritarian regime. After not leaving the palace for quite some time, Chancellor Elena Vernham becomes increasingly paranoid and unstable. Matthias Schoenaerts plays Herbert Zubak, a recently disgraced soldier appointed as Elena's "personal water diviner" who quickly becomes her most trusted advisor.
It’s mainly the chemistry and absurdity between Elena and Herbert that makes this great watch. You can just tell that Kate Winslet is having a blast with this role.
Milo’s Picks:
This Town - BBC One
Pictured: Bardon Quinn as Ben Rose, Gregory Williams as Jordan Bolger and Dante Williams as Levi Brown. Photo: Banijay Rights/Kudos/BBC ©2024 BBC. All Rights Reserved.
This Town is a band-forming a band storyline about the spiral, redemption and elevation from that hole. Written and created for BBC One by Peaky Blinders show runner Stephen Knight, there are shadows of Knight’s aesthetic everywhere – the pitch-perfect soundtrack features a reggae/ska heavy dialogue filled with everyone from the Israelites to The Clash. Four young people from an extended family that ties Birmingham and Coventry together with the IRA and the police are drawn into an explosive, iconic music scene of the 1980s – with riots defining both places showing how good can come out of the darkest of places; in this case – a formation of a band. Levi Brown leads an excellent ensemble as the gifted but socially awkward Dante, and this show has plenty of things to say about lost souls finding themselves and how music can shape anyone’s fortunes.
Sugar - AppleTV
Pictured: Colin Farrell as John Sugar. Photo: AppleTV ©2024 Apple Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sugar is a PI drama that’s not a PI drama but at the same time is the most PI drama ever made. Borrowing its cues from classic Hollywood noir you get screen caps of everything from Night of the Hunter to Casablanca, you meet mysterious case solver John Sugar, played by a pitch perfect Colin Farrell, movie-obsessed mega nerd who solves cases in a cool suit. This next case might remind him of something a bit too close to home… but to say more would be a spoiler, as it’s best dovetailed into knowing as little about the show as possible. It’s tight, thirty-odd minute episodes, and a mystery about a missing girl escalates in classic noir way. Episode 6 contains the most surprising twist that I’ve seen come from any show in the last few years – maybe since The Red Wedding; if I didn’t know it was coming already as a book reader? And it upends the game so much I can’t wait for a second series if it is renewed. The coolest show around; with such a unique style it feels like anti television but in the best way possible.
Ripley - Netflix
Pictured: Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley. Photo: Netflix ©2022 Netflix Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Ripley is a career-best performance from the ultra-talented Andrew Scott, who is the latest actor to step into the role of Patrica Highsmith’s John Ripley, a man who finds himself obsessed with the ultra-rich vagabond son of his client who is galavanting around Europe. Ripley weaves himself in a cunning and calculated way that escalates into murder – filmed beautifully in black and white in a way that makes you slow down to get on its wavelength and adapt to its style. Steven Zallian taps into the art world with the lure of Caravaggio with every frame being a painting here; it’s the most beautiful show you’ll ever see. The balls on Zallian to take one of the most beautiful countries in the world and show it to us entirely in black and white is a feat to be celebrated; especially when he somehow makes it look even more beautiful in the process – make no mistake about it, the show will test your patience, it’s incredibly slow-going, but the minute is one of the show’s best assets. We’re caught up in the details of Tom’s planning from the first draft to the last – and when things do go wrong, we can’t help but feel sorry for Marge and Dickie, played superbly by Dakota Fanning and Johnny Flynn, the innocents caught in his web.
Je-Ree’s Pick:
X-Men 97 - DisneyPlus
X-Men ‘97 had everything against it. Marvel is currently struggling with the content it is putting out but the animation department has always been known to be lacking. Not to mention right before the season premiered it was announced that the show runner was let go from Marvel/Disney with no further explanation for fans. X-Men is beloved by comic fans especially the animated show from the 90s, which this reboot is based on. Fans waited with baited breath for the premiere.
X-Men '97 serves as both a continuation and a fresh entry point into the animated universe of the X-Men. Despite being effectively a sixth season of X-Men: The Animated Series, new viewers can easily jump in with minimal background knowledge. The main setup involves Charles Xavier leaving Earth to recover from injuries, leaving Cyclops and the X-Men to lead in his absence. This premise leads to compelling storylines, particularly with Magneto's return and his struggle with newfound responsibilities.
Iron Man and Captain America (voiced by Josh Keaton) in Marvel Animation's X-MEN '97. Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL.
The show also delves into themes of family and responsibility, especially focusing on Cyclops and Jean Grey. These themes are explored deeply throughout the season, providing a rich narrative for both new and returning fans.
X-Men '97 was densely packed and extremely fast-paced, much like its predecessor. It adeptly adapts various significant storylines from the comics, including “The Trial of Magneto,” “Lifedeath,” “Fatal Attractions,” and “Operation: Zero Tolerance,” within its 10-episode first season. The series manages to distill these often sprawling comic events into concise animated episodes, such as condensing the entire “Inferno” crossover into a half-hour segment that focuses on the core conflict between Madelyne Pryor and the X-Men.
One of the show's greatest strengths is its focus on character development amid the larger-than-life spectacle and drama. It leans into the mutant soap opera within the X-Mansion, ensuring that the human stakes remain as captivating as the superhero conflicts. This is evident in Episode 5, which addresses the love triangle between Magneto, Rogue, and Gambit while also delivering a significant blow to mutantkind with the destruction of Genosha.
Throughout Season 1, the core team experiences rich character arcs that often push the heroes in unexpected and sometimes painful new directions. Magneto's arc, in particular, stands out as he faces a powerful test of his resolve to become the man Xavier envisioned. Cyclops, often considered bland in the original series, shines as he confronts fatherhood and the prospect of life after the X-Men. Storm grapples with the loss of her powers and the long road to recovery, both physically and psychologically. Rogue has several standout moments as the Genosha tragedy pushes her closer to the brink. Through it all, X-Men '97 adds compelling new layers to these beloved characters and avoids becoming overly preoccupied with Wolverine, a common pitfall of the original cartoon.
Overall, X-Men '97 faced the significant challenge of recapturing the appeal of the beloved animated series, and it surpasses expectations. The series remains lovingly faithful to both the original cartoon and the comics that inspired it, while also boldly blazing its own trail. It is relentlessly fast-paced and action-packed, yet this speed only rarely creates storytelling issues. After just one season, it's fair to say that X-Men '97 stands out as one of the best adaptations of the X-Men franchise, whether animated or live-action. With the bar set very high, anticipation for Season 2 is immense.
Joshua’s Picks:
My Lady Jane - Prime Video
Pictured: Edward Bluemel as Lord Guildford Dudley and Emily Bader as Lady Jane Grey. Photo: Jonathan Prime/Prime Video ©2024 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.
A fascinating historical fantasy revisionist story complimented by an excellent cast and some great writing.This show gave me Shrek, Ella Enchanted, Jane the Virgin, Bridgerton and Ugly Betty vibes. The show is a reimagining of the historical figure Lady Jane Grey who was Queen of England for nine days and was dethroned and assassinated by Queen Mary. The show takes on a revisionist aspect to history by adding fantasy elements and changing historical events in a fresh and exciting way.I was pleasantly surprised by just how funny the writing for the show was. The show’s fantasy elements also accentuated the show's revisionist history plot in interesting ways. This might be the new show I've had the most fun with in 2024, the narrator’s dialogue truly enhances the show thanks to some excellent writing. Whilst the first season leaves plenty of story to explore for season 2 and beyond, I was satisfied with the ending of the season in the unfortunate event that this is all we get from this amazing show.
Supacell - Netflix
Pictured: Tosin Cole as Michael Lasaki. Photo: Netflix ©2024 Netflix Inc. All Rights Reserved.
A British series created by Rapman, Supacell is a pretty exceptional science fiction television series that seems to draw it’s influence from comic book heroes like Marvel's X-Men and American show’s like the NBC series Heroes. The show focuses on a group of five black characters descended from people who have sickle cell disease, developing superpowers whilst being pursued by a mysterious shadowy organization. The show is also very important and unique since it raises more awareness about the lives of people with sickle cell disease. The lead characters are all engaging characters with interesting stories that I hope are explored in greater detail in a second season. Whilst the show does end on a cliffhanger that clearly sets up season 2 , the series stands on it’s own as a satisfying watch and one of the best new shows of 2024.
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As the year progresses, we eagerly anticipate the introduction of more groundbreaking series. Whether you're a fan of intense drama, clever wit, or edge-of-your-seat action, 2024 has proven to be a year rich with television gems that are well worth the watch. What do you think, SpoilerTV fans? Did we miss any of your faves? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
