Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Wait, Baby Reindeer came out this year? It did! And it was just one of many fantastic TV shows to grace screens in what has proved a stellar year for the medium of television.
From the sublime black and white beauty of Ripley, to the edge-of-your-seat excitement of The Day Of The Jackal and the home-grown triumph of Boy Swallows Universe, here are the best shows of 2024, as voted by our very own Screen Queen, Clare Rigden.
The Day Of The Jackal (Binge)
What a show! 2024 finished on a high, giving us the best series of this year — and I say this despite its head-scratching finale. Beautifully adapted from the Frederick Forsyth novel, producers flipped things on their head, but managed to stay true to the book’s gripping cat-and-mouse pretence. And don’t even get us started on Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch’s performances — sublime.
Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
Richard Gadd’s semi-autobiographical tale had viewers transfixed when it released earlier this year. Gadd’s darkly funny script, coupled with emotionally devastating performances from him and Jessica Gunning, left audiences stunned, unsure as to what they were witnessing, but hooked nonetheless. It’s rare for TV to resonate in this way, and this truly marked a cultural moment. A stunning achievement
Boys Swallows Universe (Netflix)
Last year we had The Lost Flowers Of Alice Hart, Scrublands and Deadloch. But this year, high-quality dramas that resonated with local audiences were thin on the ground. That said, this adaptation of the beloved Trent Dalton novel more than made up for it, delivering fans a beautifully realised small screen adaptation with some incredible performances by Felix Cameron and Perth’s Lee Halley. A modern classic.
The Bear S3 (Disney Plus)
The Bear was always going to have a tricky time maintaining momentum — many esteemed TV critics couldn’t get behind this most recent season, dismissing it as a misfire. But for what it’s worth, I loved it. This was some genius ‘mid-series’ writing, further deepening our understanding of the central characters, and setting things up beautifully for the show’s fourth season, rumoured to be its last. The Bear continues to set the bar high.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
This adaptation of the iconic crime caper last immortalised by Brad and Angelina in THAT noughties film was far better than it had any right to be. Mostly thanks to the incredible performances of Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, who sizzled as the mismatched married espionage agents. Extra points for the drop-dead gorgeous locations — armchair espionage never looked so good!
Rivals (Disney Plus)
Rumpy-pumpy in the English countryside? Don’t mind if we do! This adaptation of the famed Jilly Cooper novel transported viewers back to the 1980s, introducing us to the dysfunctional goings-on of Rutshire’s finest. OK, so the plot was strange and centred around whether or not the characters would score a TV licence (I know, what?), but it mattered not — we were hooked. Absolutely cannot wait for season two.
Shōgun (Disney Plus)
This big budget series, adapted from the best selling novel by James Clavell, has scored a swag of award nominations, and justifiably so: it’s a remarkable piece of television. Beautifully shot and impeccably acted, this historical drama transports viewers to feudal Japan, with all its brutality and beauty. This tale of politics, power and betrayal is truly epic in scope, and stands as a worthy modern retelling of Clavell’s 1975 novel.
One Day (Netflix)
A full ten months has passed since I watched this series — and I’m STILL not over that twist. Even though I knew it was coming! Everything about the casting of the TV adaptation of David Nicholls’ celebrated novel was spot-on, with Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall pitch-perfect as star-crossed lovers, Emma and Dexter. A sensational soundtrack made this one of THE shows of 2024. RIP my broken heart.
The Diplomat (Netflix)
We had high expectations for the second innings of the Keri Russell/Rufus Sewell drama — and we’re pleased to say that this season more than exceeded them. In fact, it was darn near perfect. Russell’s take on the rumpled US diplomat was nuanced. And while we didn’t always like her, we were always firmly on her side as she grappled to maintain stability within an increasingly explosive situation. Gripping till the end.
Nobody Wants This (Netflix)
A show about a sex podcaster and a Jewish rabbi falling in love doesn’t exactly scream ‘hit’. Yet this unassuming comedy struck a chord, mostly thanks to some beautifully realised characters in the form of Noah and Joanne, played faultlessly by Adam Brody and Kristen Bell. The ensemble cast are every bit their equal, and we are lowkey obsessed with the dynamic between Justine Lupe and Timothy Simon’s characters. More, please!
Fisk (ABC)
Shout-out to the lady in brown, Ms Kitty Flanagan herself, who not only managed to give us all another (albeit much too short) great season, but managed to win over the entire world in the process! This quietly wonderful comedy, which also stars Julia Zemiro, Marty Sheargold and Aaron Chen, has picked up even more fans thanks to its berth on Netflix, with word-of-mouth only increasing its reach. Love this for them!
True Detective: Night Country (Binge)
This premiered early in January, but nearly a year on, the fourth season of True Detective remains one of the most compelling series of the year. Jodie Foster and relative newcomer Kali Reis were sensational as two tenacious officers determined to get to the bottom of the murders of scientists working at a remote outpost in the arctic circle. This hit all the right notes, and a year on we’ve STILL got the chills thinking about it.
Bad Sisters (Apple TV PLUS)
Oh, the anxiety of watching this show! And yet we return week after week, simply because the story’s so darn good, the performances so darn watchable, and the twists and turns so darn twisty and turny, it’s impossible to look away. Creator and star Sharon Horgan knocked it out of the park with her follow-up season, moving the story in directions we were NOT expecting. A masterclass.
Slow Horses (Apple TV Plus)
How is it possible that this darkly funny espionage series, starring Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden and Kristin Scott Thomas, just keeps getting better and better? This year’s fourth season is the best yet, getting off to a cracking start that didn’t let up as Lamb and the team inched steadily closer to uncovering the mother of all conspiracies. The body count is rising in this series, which has just been renewed for another season. Can’t wait.
These shows are also worth a look
But wait, there’s more! These definitely need to be on your radar as well.
Total Control (ABC): The final season of Deborah Mailman’s drama packed a punch and boasted a truly sensational performance from its leading lady. Brava.
The Perfect Couple (Netflix): Worth a watch for the opening credits alone, this frothy and fun whodunnit boasted a stellar cast and delivered a bit of mindless fun.
Bridgerton (Netflix): We’ve always loved Pen (Nicola Coughlan) the best, and thankfully producers did her a solid and delivered her the happy ending she deserved.
Fake (Paramount Plus): This drama, starring Asher Keddie and David Wenham, gave viewers a masterclass in gaslighting — and we couldn’t look away.
Colin From Accounts (Binge): It was a delight to revisit Ash (Harriet Dyer) and Gordon (Patrick Brammall) and spend some time in their world once more. Adore this show.
Only Murders In The Building (Disney Plus): This could have been a one-tricky pony, but four seasons on and it remains one of the most satisfyingly watchable shows on TV.
Austin (ABC): Love On The Spectrum star Michael Theo is a natural in front of the camera, and made a compelling lead in this sweetly original comedy. Good news: there’s more on the way!
Curb Your Enthusiasm (Binge): This long-running series finished up for good this year, and its finale season was prett-ay, prett-ay great. A fitting send-off.
Mr Bates Vs The Post Office (Seven): This drama, based on the true story of an everyman who uncovered a huge travesty of justice, might have passed you by, but is worth a look.
After The Party (ABC): Upper Middle Bogan’s Robyn Malcolm created and stars in this Kiwi series, which recently scored five-star reviews when it premiered in the UK. Astonishingly good.
Somebody Somewhere (Binge): Like Schitt’s Creek, this under-the-radar comedy has been picking up more and more fans, as people discover its quietly lovely charm. Worth seeking out.
Pachinko (Apple TV): Like Shōgun, this Korean/American drama is epic in scope. Its second season has been getting rave reviews. Beautifully shot.
Fallout (Prime Video): This post-apocalyptic sci-fi series has been a huge hit for Prime this year. Wholly original, it’s worth a look, even if you’re not a fan of the genre.
Shrinking (Apple TV Plus): Season two of Apple TV’s comedy series cemented this show as one of THE breakout hits of the past few years. Find out why fans are obsessed.
Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story: This series was not for everyone, but for those that could stomach the subject matter, they were hooked over nine gripping episodes.
