My Ten Favorite TV Shows of 2024

 

Andrew Scott in Ripley

1. Last Week Tonight With John Oliver — Always one of the top shows of the year and often the very best. Informative and funny and downright important. Downright indispensable.
2. Ripley — Andrew Scott was brilliant as the titular character in this, the best adaptation of the Ripley story. It had me reading the source material. Terrific production and even knowing the story each episode had one on edge.
3. Baby Reindeer — Challenging but well worth it. One of those series that is all the more compelling because it’s “based on actual events.” It’s a show that forces you to look at your own life and experiences and that is both discomforting and supremely rewarding.
4. Derry Girls — Okay this show did not have any new episodes this year indeed it ended two years ago. So I’m cheating. But I absolutely adored this Irish comedy and it’s superior writing and wonderful cast. Only a shame that there were but nineteen episodes. 
5. Late Night With Seth Meyers — Seth is funny, humble, charming and very intelligent. His Closer Look segment is always must-watch TV. It's a consistently good show.
6. English Teacher — The best new sitcom I saw this year. This gay-themed look at a high school English teacher is a far cry from the Father Knows Best and Ozzie Harriet fare of TV’s younger days. Hoping it gets a long run.
7. Hacks — Yes Jean Smart is fantastic, everyone knows that, but so too is her co-star Hannah Einbinder. Together they’re magic and this latest season was for me far and away the best so far.
8. The Great British Baking Show — I surprised myself by telling my wife I wanted to watch the newest season with her. She’s seen all previous seasons. I don’t know what inspired me but my instincts were spot on. Thoroughly enjoyed it even when my favorite was eliminated shortly before the semis. What is it about Brits baking that was so fun? Don’t know, but it was.
9. Only Murders in the Building — Impossible to go wrong with Steve Martin and Martin Short heading the cast and Selena Gomez consistently proves she can hold her own with the comedy legends.
10. Shogun — A grand production in the great tradition of the epic TV mini-series. Sets, designs, costumes, special effects all first rate and all in service of a truly remarkable story. Great cast too.