We are currently living in television’s newest Golden Age. It is said to have begun in the late 1990s and early 2000s with HBO’s The Sopranos, arguably one of the greatest TV shows of all time. The advent of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ has flooded the market with a diverse array of high-quality TV content (we are not complaining!). About halfway into the year, we have already been blessed with some truly excellent shows. Here are the highest-rated TV shows of 2024 for your viewing pleasure.
The lineup includes FX’s historical drama series Shōgun, which is an all-time great TV show (and not just of this year). Starring Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis and Anna Sawai in lead roles, the series is an adaptation of James Clavell’s novel set in feudal Japan. With meticulous attention to detail, solid writing and brilliant performances, it is a show must for fans of compelling historical epics.
Also on the list is Baby Reindeer, a Netflix miniseries made by Richard Gadd based on his experiences of being stalked and sexually assaulted. Gadd also stars in the lead role, which makes the portrayal of his fictionalised self all the more raw and unsettling — not to mention incredibly brave.
Amazon Prime Video’s Fallout takes inspiration from the iconic post-apocalyptic role-playing video game franchise of the same name but forges its own narrative path. A brave decision, but one that has worked wonders, thanks to a really strong writing team.
There is also A Gentleman in Moscow, a series adaptation of Amor Towles’ novel of the same name. Set in the tumultuous backdrop of post-revolutionary Russia, it follows the story of Count Alexander Rostov (Ewan McGregor), who is sentenced to house arrest in the luxurious Metropol Hotel for his aristocratic heritage. It is faithful to a fault, but the fans of the book (among whom I count myself) will love it. McGregor nicely captures the Count’s wit, charm, and indomitable spirit.
Note: To rank these TV shows, we are using ratings from the popular critical review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Since many viewers prefer IMDb ratings, we have included those as well for comparison.
Top binge-worthy and highest-rated TV shows you can’t miss in 2024
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A Gentleman in Moscow
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 93 per cent
IMDb rating: 7.5
Created by: Erica Lipez
Cast: Joey King, Logan Lerman, Henry Lloyd-Hughes
No. of episodes: 8
Approx. duration of each episode: 50 minutes
Synopsis: The Kurcs — comprising Halina Kurc (King), Addy Kurc (Lerman) and Genek Kurc (Lloyd-Hughes) as the youngest, middle and oldest siblings, respectively — live a prosperous life in Poland in the late 1930s. Though the Jewish family’s high status in society protects them from the rising anti-Semitism, the ensuing World War II separates them, scattering the Kurcs across Europe. Despite the horrors of the Holocaust, they hold firm, with the surviving members searching for each other after the war ends and the Nazis are defeated.
Why you should watch it: Like many such stories, We Were the Lucky Ones explores themes of love, loss and the indomitable human spirit in most adverse circumstances. Powerful and emotionally resonant, this series tells a remarkable story very well indeed. If you lost faith in King after The Kissing Booth movies (I know I did), this series will reinforce it. She is splendid here.
Fallout
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 93 per cent
IMDb rating: 8.4
Created by: Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Graham Wagner
Cast: Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Walton Goggins
No. of episodes: 9
Approx. duration of each episode: 1 hour
Synopsis: Set in an alternate-history post-apocalyptic Earth turned into a wasteland after a nuclear war in 2077, the story chiefly follows three characters, whose storylines eventually intersect: Lucy MacLean (Purnell), Maximus (Moten), and Cooper Howard (Goggins), also known as The Ghoul. While Lucy is a naïve young woman who ventures for the first time into the surface world to rescue her kidnapped father, Maximus is a squire of the Brotherhood of Steel who dreams of becoming a knight. The Ghoul, who has somehow lived for more than two centuries, searches for his family.
Why you should watch it: In the series, based on the video game franchise of the same name, the makers have crafted an original storyline in the franchise sandbox that captures the essence of the games in spirit if not in body. Fallout is one of the best video game adaptations ever made. This is a fresh and engaging story that will impress both fans and newcomers. Purnell, Moten and Goggins are all outstanding. Goggins, in particular, gives a performance here that in an ideal world would be star-making.
Read more: Here’s your first look at Fallout
Conan O'Brien Must Go
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94 per cent
IMDb rating: 8.3
Created by: Conan O’Brien
Cast: Conan O’Brien, Jarle Wallevik, Sebastian
No. of episodes: 10
Approx. duration of each episode: 55 minutes
Synopsis: By far the most entertaining of all late-night comedians, Conan O’Brien goes beyond the confines of traditional late-night television in this show, which includes the same-old jokes, banter, wit and spontaneous humour that he is known for. But there are also daring escapades into remote corners of the globe and other uncharted territories. He also meets his fans around the world, traces his roots in Ireland, and much more.
Why you should watch it: In Conan O’Brien Must Go, it is refreshing to see him breaking free from the typical studio format and go out in the wild world. The show just lets Conan be Conan, and it’s glorious.
Elsbeth
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94 per cent
IMDb rating: 7.7
Created by: Michelle King, Robert King
Cast: Carrie Preston, Carra Patterson, Wendell Pierce
No. of episodes: 11
Approx. duration of each episode: 55 minutes
Synopsis: A spinoff of The Good Wife (2009–2016), Elsbeth follows the adventures and misadventures of Chicago attorney Elsbeth Tascioni (Preston). She is sent to New York ostensibly to observe the police department. But her real mission is to investigate corruption and catch criminals within the force. Each episode goes into a different case and details Elsbeth’s unorthodox methods.
Why you should watch it: If you like gripping legal dramas with mystery and intrigue, this series is perfect for you. A nice blend of courtroom drama and detective work, Preston and Patterson give stellar performances.
Mary & George
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 96 per cent
IMDb rating: 6.9
Created by: D.C. Moore
Cast: Julianne Moore, Nicholas Galitzine, Tony Curran
No. of episodes: 7
Approx. duration of each episode: 1 hour
Synopsis: Based on the 2017 book of the same name titled The King’s Assassin and actual events, this historical drama miniseries is about a strong-willed woman called Mary (Moore) who is trapped in a loveless marriage. She spots a chance at a better life and hatches a plan to rise to higher echelons. To that effect, she grooms her handsome son, George (Galitzine) to be a romantic and sexual partner of King James I in 17th century England, after having noticed James’ penchant for attractive young men. Using manipulation, seduction and insatiable ambition, the mother and son duo climb and scheme their way to wealth, titles and influence — eliminating anyone who stands in the way. However, their rapid rise to power comes at a cost.
Why you should watch it: This show is the perfect option for you if you are craving for a historical drama fix with a scandalous twist and a lesser-known side of court life. It is not for the faint of heart but if you are not too squeamish, it will delight you. Galitzine, also seen in the romantic movie The Idea of You, co-starring Anne Hathaway (released earlier this year) was clearly a dream casting.
American Nightmare
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 96 per cent
IMDb rating: 7.5
Created by: Bernadette Higgins, Felicity Morris
Cast: Denise Huskins, Aaron Quinn, Henry Lee
No. of episodes: 3
Approx. duration of each episode: 45 minutes
Synopsis: A true crime docuseries, American Nightmare explores the shocking and shockingly true case of Denise Huskins’ kidnapping. In 2015, she was kidnapped in Vallejo, California, from her home while her boyfriend was left tied up. However, that was just the beginning of her troubles. After her return two days later, Denise said she had freed herself and run away, the police suspected that the couple had staged the whole thing. The case was even called real-life Gone Girl. Denise was labelled a liar. The three-part series follows the couple’s struggle to be believed and clear their names.
Why you should watch it: This series is a gripping and frightening look at a real case that both captivated and bemused the public. If you like true crime, you will not find a better series this year.
Baby Reindeer
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 98 per cent
IMDb rating: 7.8
Created by: Richard Gadd
Cast: Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Tom Goodman-Hill
No. of episodes: 7
Approx. duration of each episode: 35 minutes
Synopsis: This dark comedy thriller series follows Donny Dunn (Gadd), a bartender who dreams of becoming a comedian. One night, he offers tea to a sad-looking customer called Martha. But the gesture sparks an unhealthy obsession in her, and she begins to stalk him both in the real world and on social media. We also learn that Gadd was sexually assaulted by his mentor, Darrie O’Connor (Goodman-Hill).
Why you should watch it: The show explores themes of stalking, sexual assault and the challenges men face when coming forward about these issues. Based on Gadd’s own experiences, the script is an autobiographical one-man show. Not only are Donny’s troubles and trauma morbidly entertaining and thrilling, but the series is also horror in the way it gets under your skin. It also has an uncanny knack for blending dark humour with intense psychological drama.
Read more: Baby Reindeer: a cautionary reminder of extremes when self-expression & privacy intersect
Shōgun
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 99 per cent
IMDb rating: 8.7
Created by: Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks
Cast: Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai
No. of episodes: 10
Approx. duration of each episode: 1 hour
Synopsis: In 1600, an English navigator John Blackthorne (Jarvis) finds himself stranded in Japan after a shipwreck. Against his wishes, he becomes involved in the political intrigues of the country and must survive using his wits and by proving his usefulness to Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Sanada), a powerful warlord. Since Blackthorne knows the outer world and more advanced weaponry, he may turn the tide in Toranaga’s upcoming war for the control of Japan. Also in the mix is Lady Toda Mariko (Sawai), a noblewoman in the employ of Toranaga with a dark past.
Why you should watch it: This series has been adapted from James Clavell’s novel of the same name, but it is based on actual events and characters. Shōgun is simply the pinnacle of scripted television this year, and I am not exaggerating. Despite its immersive world-building, cinematography and action, its focus is on the basics: storytelling and characters.
Queen of Tears
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 100 per cent
IMDb rating: 8.2
Created by: Park Ji-eun (writer), Kim Hee-won (director), Jang Young-woo (director)
Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won, Park Sung-hoon
No. of episodes: 16
Approx. duration of each episode: 1 hour
Synopsis: Baek Hyun-Woo (Soo-hyun) and Hong Hae-In (Ji-won) look like a seemingly perfect married couple. Cracks begin to show in the seemingly perfect façade of their relationship which enters a period of uncertainty. As the show continues, the couple goes on a journey of self-discovery. They are forced to grapple with the reasons that are behind their marital discord. Will they be able to rekindle the love that brought them together? This is the question the show is all about, exploring themes of love, loss and the importance of communication in relationships.
Why you should watch it: This show has been one of the highest-rated K-dramas of the year, and rightly so. It throws viewers right into the messy realities of a marriage on the brink. More than the spark that brings people together, it tackles the disillusionment couples face after the honeymoon phase.
Delicious in Dungeon
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 100 per cent
IMDb rating: 8
Created by: Nanami Higuchi, Yu Sato, Kimiko Ueno
Cast: Kentarô Kumagai, Sayaka Senbongi, Asuna Tomari, Hiroshi Naka
No. of episodes: 24
Approx. duration of each episode: 26 minutes
Synopsis: Broke adventurer Laios (Kumagai) must go back to a dungeon overrun by monsters to save his sister who was swallowed by a dragon. He discovers that the dungeon’s creatures are not just his enemies but also delicious. He, along with his friends, Chilchuck Tims (Tomari) and Marcille Donato (Senbongi), meet Senshi (Naka), a dwarf who says he has many years of experience subsisting on gorging on monsters.
Why you should watch it: This anime series takes the classic fantasy adventure setup and gives it a delightful twist with a generous helping of humour. The animation and visuals are gorgeous, and the world-building goes deeper than what you would expect from an animated series with such a flippant tone.
(Hero image: Courtesy of Netflix – © Netflix/IMDb; Featured image: Courtesy of IMDb)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-What is the most popular show in 2024?
Amazon Prime Video’s Fallout is one of the most-watched TV shows of 2024. In April, it was flatly the most popular show with 7 million viewing minutes, according to Nielsen reported by Variety.
-What’s everyone watching in 2024?
Fallout, Baby Reindeer, Queen of Tears and Shōgun are some of the shows people are watching in 2024.
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Kshitij is a journalism graduate who did not initially intend to become a film critic, but such are the vagaries of destiny. Now, Kshitij is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic and a member of the Film Critics Guild, bringing expertise and experience in evaluating entertainment content with him. Additionally, he serves as a jury member on the Critics' Choice Awards in India. When he's not busy wielding words, catch him nose-deep in books or joyfully lost in the realms of gaming and photography.
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