A wide variety of compelling new series have captured the attention of both critics and audiences in the television landscape of 2024. From intense psychological dramas to reimagined historical epics, these shows have pushed the boundaries of storytelling by providing original viewpoints and compelling narratives.
This article lists the top 10 new TV series of 2024, from number 10 to 1, and includes a summary of each show that delves into what makes it so popular.
10. “Boy Swallows Universe”
The Netflix limited series “Boy Swallows Universe,” premiered in January 2024, is based on Trent Dalton’s semi-autobiographical novel. The series is set in Brisbane, Australia, in the 1980s and is about a smart teen named Eli Bell who is trying to find forgiveness in a life full of crime and family problems. While Lee Tiger Halley plays Eli’s selectively mute brother, Gus, bringing layers of complexity to the family dynamic, Felix Cameron gives an outstanding performance as Eli, capturing the character’s resilience and depth.
Critics have praised the series for its compelling narrative and outstanding performances. Shannon Connellan of Mashable calls it “a heavy whirlwind of crime, coming of age, and exceptional performances,” noting that it’s better than anyone expected from a TV adaptation.
The series expertly juggles crime drama elements with a moving coming-of-age tale, delving into themes of love, loss, and the search for identity in the middle of chaos. Its portrayal of Brisbane in the 1980s gives viewers a rich cultural background. It immerses them in the social and economic climate of the time. Boy Swallows Universe earned a solid 7.5/10 from us for its emotional depth and outstanding performances.
9. “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”
The 2024 series “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” on Amazon Prime Video reimagines the 2005 movie with a new narrative that combines action, comedy, and relationship drama. Undercover agents John and Jane Smith, portrayed by Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, are a married couple in the show. Critics have praised their on-screen chemistry, noting that it gives the characters new depth and makes the series more appealing.
The series has been commended for its clever dialogue and unique storytelling, which successfully balance high-stakes spying and the complexities of an unusual relationship. This balance offers viewers exciting action scenes and deep character development, which sets it apart from other spy dramas. Critics have highlighted the show’s ability to keep this balance as a major part of its appeal.
” Mr. & Mrs. Smith explores the challenges faced by people living double lives and themes of identity, trust, and partnership. The narrative looks at how the main characters balance their personal and professional lives, providing a complex portrayal of how their relationship changes over time. Several reviews have noted this thematic depth as a strength.
The show’s production quality, including its direction and cinematography, has been lauded for creating an interesting and beautiful experience. A lot of planning goes into the action scenes, and the series’ look adds to the general tone and atmosphere. According to critics, these features enhance the watching experience, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. We awarded Mr. & Mrs. Smith a strong 9/10, praising its unique balance of action, humor, and relationship drama.
8. “English Teacher”
“English Teacher,” a comedy series on FX that premiered in 2024, offers a new and funny look at the challenges of contemporary education. The show is about Evan Marquez, an English teacher at a high school in Austin, Texas, portrayed by Brian Jordan Alvarez, the author of the series. While taking care of his personal life, Evan handles the complexities of teaching in today’s political and social environment, including parental pressures and bureaucratic problems.
Critics have lauded ” English Teacher ” for its sharp wit and insightful social commentary. Making it both entertaining and thought-provoking, the series strikes a balance between humor and serious reflections on current problems. The show’s general appeal is boosted by the dialogue, which is noted for its freshness, and the characters, who are described as likeable.
The authenticity and comedic timing of Alvarez’s act have been praised the most. His portrayal makes Evan relatable to audiences and gives the character depth. Strong performances from the supporting cast, which includes Stephanie Koenig as Gwen Sanders and Enrico Colantoni as Principal Moretti, enhance the show’s dynamic. English Teacher earned an 8/10 from us for its sharp wit and insightful social commentary.
7. “Fallout”
“Fallout,” a 2024 Amazon Prime Video series, creates a compelling post-apocalyptic narrative. The series takes place in a world destroyed by a nuclear war and follows the lives of survivors who emerge from underground bunkers into a harsh and radioactive landscape. The show does a great job of balancing suspense, action, and dark humor while capturing the essence of the original games and adding new plots and characters.
Critics have praised “Fallout” for building its world well and staying true to the source material. They have said that the series is a huge step forward in creating sci-fi worlds and has a beat that doesn’t make sense but feels right.
The performances, especially those by Walton Goggins and Ella Purnell, have been highlighted as standout components because they gave their parts depth and nuance. The series’s success has been largely attributed to Goggins’ portrayal, which has been noted as the monster’s heart.
“Fallout” has been a huge hit in terms of viewership. In its first 16 days of availability, it attracted 65 million viewers, making it the second most-watched game on the platform’s history, behind “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” The series had reached 100 million fans as of October 2024. At Gazettely, we gave Fallout an 8/10 for its faithful adaptation and compelling post-apocalyptic storytelling.
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6. “Black Doves”
When it came out in December 2024, “Black Doves,” a six-part Netflix series, was a spy thriller that mixed human relationships with spying. Helen Webb, portrayed by Keira Knightley, is the narrative’s main character. She juggles her duties as a wife and mother with her secret work as a spy. After a violent event in her home, Helen’s covert operations, overseen by Mrs. Reed (Sarah Lancashire), take a dangerous turn, drawing her into a web of political intrigue and personal grudges.
Critics have praised ” Black Doves ” for its compelling performances and story centered on the characters. Knightley’s portrayal of Helen is noted for its depth, capturing the conflicted nature of a woman torn between family responsibilities and spying. Their on-screen chemistry enhances the series’ emotional resonance, and Ben Whishaw’s role as Helen’s ex-partner, Sam Young, adds depth to the narrative.
The series has been commended for its tense atmosphere and complex story, which successfully balance action and emotional depth. Many people have called “Black Doves” a “binge-worthy Netflix thriller” and a “riveting spy thriller that combines high-stakes action, emotional depth, and stunning visuals.” Black Doves received an 8/10 from us, with high marks for its tense atmosphere and powerful performances.
5. “The Gentlemen”
The Netflix series “The Gentlemen,” which premiered in March 2024, is a follow-up to Guy Ritchie’s movie of the same name from 2019. Eddie Hornman, portrayed by Theo James, is an aristocrat who inherits his family’s estate and finds that it is home to one of the biggest marijuana businesses in the country. The series follows Eddie Hornman. Eddie has to find his way through the crime underworld and faces many challenges that test his determination and smarts.
Critics have noted that the series has Ritchie’s signature style, with fast-paced stories, witty dialogue, and a mix of violence and humor. The ensemble cast, which includes Kaya Scodelario and Giancarlo Esposito, gives good performances that add to the lively energy of the show. The series is entertaining, but some reviews say it doesn’t add much to the idea of the first movie.
The series’ aesthetic echoes Ritchie’s previous works’ gritty but stylish tone, and the production design and direction have been praised for creating a visually interesting experience. Some reviewers have said that “The Gentlemen” lacks depth and originality. Still, others have called it “indulgent fun” and “a real standout,” making it appealing to fans of the original movie and the crime genre. We rated The Gentlemen an 8/10 for its entertaining mix of style, humor, and crime drama elements.
4. “Ripley”
“The Talented Mr. Ripley,” a Netflix TV series that debuted in 2024, offers a new take on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 book. The series delves into Tom Ripley’s mind as he deals with the complexities of identity and morals in 1960s Europe. Critics have praised Andrew Scott’s portrayal of Ripley for his ability to catch the charm and underlying menace of the character.
The show’s black-and-white cinematography improves its noir aesthetic, drawing comparisons to old Hitchcock thrillers. This choice of style not only honors the time period but also makes the narrative feel more suspenseful. As critics have noted, the series’ immersive storytelling is greatly aided by its visual style.
“Ripley” has been praised for its careful character development and study of difficult themes like lying, ambition, and the malleability of identity. The series enables a more in-depth look at Ripley’s mind, providing audiences with a complex understanding of his motivations and moral quandaries. Several reviews have highlighted this depth as a strength.
Dakota Fanning and Johnny Flynn, two members of the supporting cast, give compelling performances that complement Scott’s lead role. Their interactions with Ripley deepen the narrative and show how complicated manipulation and trust can be. The series’ success has been noted in part due to the ensemble’s chemistry. At Gazettely, we rated Ripley an impressive 9/10 for its captivating character study and stunning noir aesthetic.
3. “The Penguin”
Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot’s rise through the ranks of Gotham’s criminal underworld is the subject of “The Penguin,” a 2024 HBO series that serves as a spin-off of the 2022 movie “The Batman.” Colin Farrell plays Cobblepot again, delivering a performance that delves into the character’s ambition and ruthlessness. Following the destabilization of Gotham’s underworld, the narrative examines Cobblepot’s strategic moves to consolidate power.
Critics have praised Farrell’s portrayal, noting his ability to make an infamous bad guy seem like a real person while still keeping the scary vibe. The series has been called a “stylish, dumbed-down Trump allegory,” and Farrell’s acting is one of the best parts.
The show’s production design captures Gotham’s gritty atmosphere with detailed set pieces and a gloomy color palette that enhances the narrative’s dark themes. Additionally, the supporting cast, which includes Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone, adds to the depth of the series. Milioti’s performance has received special praise.
The series’ ability to stand alone from its predecessor, providing a narrative that appeals to both fans of the first movie and newcomers, has been noted. Audiences have responded favorably to its examination of power relations and moral ambiguity in a city plagued by crime, making it one of the best series of 2024. At Gazettely, we rated The Penguin an 8/10 for its gripping narrative and Colin Farrell’s standout performance.
2. “Baby Reindeer”
The Netflix limited series “Baby Reindeer,” which came out in April 2024, is a gripping psychological drama based on the famous stage play by Richard Gadd. The series delves into the terrifying true story of Gadd’s encounter with a stalker who wouldn’t leave him alone. It looks at obsession, vulnerability, and respecting personal space boundaries. While Jessica Gunning plays the role of Martha, the persistent stalker whose obsession becomes a disturbing intrusion into Gadd’s life, Richard Gadd plays himself, delivering a raw and compelling performance.
Critics have lauded ” Baby Reindeer ” for its unwavering portrayal of stalking and its psychological effects. The series strikes a balance between dark humor and deep emotional depth, showing vulnerability and ability in a raw and haunting way. In the Bangkok Post, Tatat Bunnag calls it “a raw and haunting portrayal of vulnerability and resilience.”
The show’s direction and pacing do a good job of building tension, drawing viewers into the main character’s growing worry. The narrative shifts from a seemingly harmless encounter to a full-blown psychological ordeal, both compelling and unsettling, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats the entire time.
For the week of April 8–14, 2024, the series debuted at number five on Netflix’s Top 10 TV English titles with 10.4 million hours watched. The following week, it went to number one with 52.8 million watching hours and stayed there for the next few weeks. Baby Reindeer was awarded a high 9/10 from Gazettely for its raw and haunting portrayal of psychological tension.
1. “Shōgun”
The 2024 FX series “Shōgun” reimagines James Clavell’s 1975 book, transporting viewers to feudal Japan in the 17th century. The narrative follows English sailor John Blackthorne, portrayed by Cosmo Jarvis, who gets lost in Japan and caught up in the country’s complicated political and cultural situation. Blackthorne lives in a society about to go to war with Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) and translator Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai).
The performances have been particularly highlighted, with Cosmo Jarvis’s portrayal of Blackthorne adding depth to the character’s journey from being an outsider to becoming a part of Japanese society. Hiroyuki Sanada’s portrayal of Lord Toranaga gives the story more weight by capturing the complexities of a leader navigating political betrayal. Anna Sawai’s role as Mariko gives the narrative emotional resonance, offering a nuanced viewpoint that crosses cultural gaps.
The series’ production design and cinematography have been praised for creating a beautiful and true representation of the time period. The intricate set designs and costume details transport audiences to a bygone age, creating a truly immersive experience. We rated Shōgun an outstanding 9/10 for its epic storytelling and breathtaking production design.
