In an era where cinema faced setbacks, television emerged as the new powerhouse. Prestige programming flourished on the small screen, unlocking the potential of serialized storytelling. Streaming wars funded a plethora of shows, pushing Hollywood in exciting new directions. However, the boom couldn't sustain, and the TV industry faced challenges in 2024. Despite this, a few exceptional shows managed to shine brightly.

Uncover the Top TV Shows of 2024

10. "Mr. & Mrs. Smith"

The 2005 movie "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" was a star-studded affair with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane's remake takes a different approach, focusing on a more human-scale romance. Glover and Maya Erskine star as married spies who turn against each other in a dramedy that is visually stunning and emotionally grounded. It explores the bond between two lonely souls with a dark wit. Amidst their jet-setting lifestyle, there's an underlying current of economic anxiety, reminiscent of Glover's previous series "Atlanta". Designer-clad assassins have never felt more relatable.

9. "We Are Lady Parts"

When "We Are Lady Parts" debuted in 2021, it was a win for marginalized communities. It's a joyful comedy about an all-female, all-Muslim punk band in London, representing various cultures and influences. The second season delves into the burdens of representational responsibilities. The band struggles financially, and the visibility they've gained brings contradictory pressures. Creator Nida Manzoor distills the plight of artistic pioneers without sacrificing her quirky humor.

8. "Survivor"

Nearly a quarter century after its first season, "Survivor" remains a cultural phenomenon. It's a near-perfect game of physical and social contest, with an aura of wholesome sportsmanship. This year's cast gave us the near-Shakespearean friendship-breakup between Charlie and Maria, as well as the unique Q. Reality TV often showcases human weirdness better than scripted programming, and "Survivor" keeps delivering on compelling foibles and twists.

7. "Abbott Elementary"

"Abbott Elementary" is often taken for granted with its perennial straight A's. Quinta Brunson's workplace mockumentary about an underfunded, majority-Black public school in Philadelphia already had a great ensemble. This year, it has its strongest season yet. After three years of tension, Janeane and Gregory have decided to be together, and a new arc about gentrification has revitalized the sitcom, dividing the teachers along unexpected lines. It's the funniest show on TV and keeps finding ways to refresh itself.

6. "Hacks"

Few shows are as obsessed with female ambition as "Hacks". Jean Smart's Deborah Vance has an inner fire that tells her she can do more. When she meets Hannah Einbinder's Ava Daniels, a Gen Z comedy writer, their relationship grows. This season, Ava struggles to make Deborah treat her as an equal, offering a glimpse into the ruthlessness needed to break free.

5. "Somebody Somewhere"

"Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller's "Somebody Somewhere" is a tender ode to midlife friendship. The first season found Everett's Sam finding a place in her Kansas hometown through Joel. The third season is the best and last, as Sam tries to repay the favor by ensuring Joel doesn't sacrifice too much for a happy ending. It's a show that makes you feel a deep sense of human connection, and it will be missed.

4. "Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show"

In the "Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show", a masked figure hints at different aspects of public and private life. Carmichael, who came out in his 2022 standup special, uses the docuseries to achieve introspection through exhibitionism. He chronicles his attempts to be a better friend and reconcile with his mother. It's an unflattering self-portrait as he confronts his own flaws and relationships.

3. "Baby Reindeer"

"Baby Reindeer" was an unexpected hit. Richard Gadd plays a younger version of himself in a tragic psychic sojourn based on his real-life experiences. It's unusual for an adult male victim to come forward, but Gadd's fictionalized persona clearly explains his reactions. There's catharsis in being able to make sense of the otherwise inexplicable.

2. "Say Nothing"

An adaptation of Patrick Radden Keefe's book, "Say Nothing" spans four decades in Dolours Price's life. She joined the Irish Republican Army as a young woman and later masterminded a bombing. The series explores the disjunction between the romance of political militarism and the later regret. It's rich in historical texture and specificity, never losing sight of the humanity on both sides of the ideological divide.

1. "Industry"

I've been a skeptic of "Industry" for years, but its third season has truly realized its potential. The young bankers at the heart of the story are still young but their lives are in disarray. Most are broke or out of a job, adding more stakes to the story. Their arcs are unpredictable, the critique of the British class system is sharper than ever, and the latest satirical target is inspired. I'm eager to see where the characters go next.