In the ever-evolving landscape of television, 2024 has emerged as a landmark year for dramatic storytelling. As the boundaries between cinema and television continue to blur, creators are pushing the envelope, delivering series that rival the scope and ambition of big-budget films. This year’s crop of dramas showcases an impressive range of narratives, from intimate character studies to sprawling epics, each leaving an indelible mark on the cultural zeitgeist.
To that effect, let’s delve into the standout series that have defined the year thus far, prepare to be transported, moved, and utterly engrossed by the power of exceptional television drama.
Shōgun
Based on James Clavell’s novel that goes by the same name, Shōgun is a sweeping historical drama that transports viewers to feudal Japan in the 1600s. With stunning visuals, intricate political intrigue, and a magnetic cast led by, Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, and Anna Sawai, Shōgun is an immersive American Television series that gives its 1980 miniseries counterpart a run for its money. Shōgun has received an impressive 25 Emmy nominations and has been renewed for two more seasons thanks to its immense popularity. The show has a monumental 99% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.7 stars on IMDb.
Baby Reindeer
Richard Gadd’s autofictional black comedy series Baby Reindeer is a provocative and disturbing exploration of stalking and harassment. The arresting and uncomfortable nature of the show has captivated critics and audiences alike, making it the most-watched Netflix series in the UK, even reaching the top 10 in twelve other countries. Although the series is billed as a black comedy, critics are hard-pressed to find it funny due to its deeply unsettling subject. Baby Reindeer is disconcerting to watch, but in a way that keeps you glued to your seat. The TV drama has a surprising 98% critics rating, a 4/5 audience score, and a 7.8 IMDb rating.
Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office
This compelling British miniseries chronicles the real-life Post Office scandal, where hundreds of postmasters were wrongfully convicted of multiple offenses. Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office has been praised by critics for its brilliantly empathetic portrayal of those affected by the scandal. While the series is undeniably moving, some have argued it occasionally veers into melodrama in its depiction of events. Whatever the case, the series has reignited public outrage and put pressure on the government to expedite the process of exonerating and compensating the 900-odd postmasters whose lives were ruined. Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office has scored a 95% critical rating, a 4.4/5 audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and 8.5 stars on IMDb.
Fallout
HBO’s adaptation of the beloved role-playing video game series by the same name is a triumph if all the hullabaloo surrounding it and the rave reviews are any indication. Fallout captures the post-apocalyptic world with stunning visuals and a compelling narrative, making it quite a faithful adaptation while also retaining its originality as a TV drama. Ella Purnell shines as a vault dweller thrust into a dangerous mission, alongside a stellar supporting cast. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have given the show a 94% with a similar 4.4 / 5 rating from the audience while on IMDb, Fallout has an impressive 8.4 rating.
Night Country: Part 1
As the fourth installment of the anthology series True Detective (2014 — present), Night Country: Part 1 reinvigorates the franchise by bringing back supernatural elements and tying up loose ends from the first season. Set during the eerie period of perpetual darkness that is Alaskan winter, the show masterfully interweaves the paranormal with mystery and crime. Critics have nothing but praise for director Issa López and attribute the success of the series mainly to her skillful direction. Night Country Part 1 currently has a critic rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.1 stars on IMDb. The drama has 19 Primetime Emmy nominations, making it the most acclaimed True Detective season to date.
The Sympathizer
Adapted from Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this riveting HBO limited series follows a communist spy (Hoa Xuande) during the final days of the Vietnam War and his exile in the United States. Directed by Park Chan-wook (Oldboy) in his television debut, The Sympathizer is a darkly comedic exploration of identity, politics, and the legacy of war. With stellar acting from the cast, and Park’s distinctive style, the series offers a fresh, thought-provoking perspective on a tumultuous period in history. Critics have rated the TV drama a remarkable 89% and the audience a less generous 3.8/5 stars. IMDb users also seem less impressed with the show and have given it 6.9 stars.
Ripley
Andrew Scott mesmerizes as the iconic career criminal con man Tom Ripley in this slick and suspenseful first-ever TV drama adaptation of the novel The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith. Set in the 1960s, in Italy, with a captivating black-and-white aesthetic and a talented ensemble, Ripley has everything going for it, making it the dream adaptation of critics and fans alike. The psychological thriller has garnered 13 Primetime Emmy nominations, 8.1 stars on IMDb, an 86% critic rating, and a 4.1/5 audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Masters of the Air
From the creators of Band of Brothers, this World War II drama follows the American bomber crews known as the “Bloody Hundredth” due to their heavy losses in combat. With stunning aerial sequences and emotionally resonant storytelling, Masters of the Air is based on Donald L. Miller’s book Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany. Critics have praised the immersive production design and well-observed characters, however, some have criticized the show for its predictable drama and lack of a strategic narrative. The TV Drama currently holds an 85% critic rating, a 3.8/5 audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and 7.8 stars on IMDb.
Presumed Innocent
This haunting legal thriller, based on Scott Turow’s novel, keeps viewers guessing until the very end with a powerhouse performance from Jake Gyllenhaal as the protagonist and prosecutor, Rusty Sabich, who is accused of murder. Accompanied by an outstanding ensemble cast, Presumed Innocent delves into the complexities of guilt, innocence, and the price of loyalty, but is ultimately all about the whodunit. Although the TV drama doesn’t fare amazingly well online (a 78% critic score and 3.9/5 audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes isn’t exactly something to rave about), Presumed Innocent has been renewed for another season, which means that Apple TV+ is doing something right.
The Gentlemen
Guy Ritchie’s signature action satire shines through in this witty and action-packed comedy series, a spin-off of his 2019 film. The series follows Army Captain, Edward Horniman (Theo James) who inherits his family’s estate and Dukedom, only to discover its ties to a cannabis operation run by the savvy Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario). With a charismatic ensemble cast, slick visuals, and clever dialogue, The Gentlemen is a wild and entertaining ride. The critics don’t seem to love this TV drama as much as the audience does, though. The Gentlemen has a 74% critic rating and an impressive 4.2/5 audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The show’s IMDb rating also suggests that the general audience loves it, with an enviable 8.1 stars.
Sources: BBC, Variety, ScreenRant