The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for entertainment, with numerous standout shows and films captivating audiences. From thrilling dramas to heartwarming comedies, the For The Win staff has compiled their favorite picks from the past year. This list highlights not necessarily the best works but those that resonated most deeply with each reviewer. With streaming platforms like Apple TV+, Netflix, HBO, and Disney+ leading the way, this year showcased an array of diverse and innovative storytelling.
A Look at the Highlights
In the realm of television, Shōgun on FX stood out for its unique approach. Set in the 17th century, this series offers a gripping narrative of an English sailor stranded in Japan. The show's predominantly Japanese cast and dialogue provide a refreshing perspective, making it a standout in Western programming. Anna Sawai's performance was particularly praised for its depth and authenticity.
HBO's Industry took over Sunday nights with its intense portrayal of young professionals navigating the cutthroat world of finance. Drawing comparisons to Mad Men, the show excels in character development and psychological complexity, offering viewers a harrowing yet mesmerizing journey through corporate life.
Fox's long-running animated series Bob’s Burgers entered its 15th season with renewed vigor. Rather than declining, the show deepened its exploration of characters, balancing humor with heartfelt moments. Episodes like "Saving Favorite Drive-In" exemplified this shift, showcasing the series' evolving tone without losing its comedic charm.
Agatha All Along on Disney+ marked Marvel's return to form with a series that defied expectations. Unlike other MCU entries, it embraced its own quirky universe, focusing on Agatha Harkness and delivering a self-contained, engaging story that felt both fresh and distinct.
Prime Video's Fallout translated the video game's dark satire into a compelling drama about ideological conflict leading to global destruction. Featuring Walton Goggins, the series masterfully captured the essence of the post-apocalyptic world, blending cynicism with sharp humor.
Shrinking on Apple TV+ continued to impress with its blend of comedy and drama. Jason Segel and Brett Goldstein's collaboration resulted in a moving and hilarious exploration of grief and personal growth. Harrison Ford's vulnerable performance added another layer of depth, making it one of the year's must-watch shows.
Netflix's Supacell captivated audiences with its suspenseful narrative and diverse cast. The show's innovative storytelling, centered around superpowered Black characters from London, offered a fresh take on superhero tropes, inviting viewers to piece together the mystery as the plot unfolded.
Disney+'s The Acolyte brought a new era to the Star Wars universe with its original detective story set in uncharted territory. Despite its cancellation, the series introduced compelling characters and thrilling lightsaber battles, leaving fans eager for more.
Invincible on Prime Video returned after a two-year hiatus with a powerful continuation of Mark Grayson's journey. As he confronts space fascists and grapples with his father's legacy, the series delves deeper into the complexities of heroism and responsibility.
John Mulaney's experimental late-night show Everybody’s in L.A. on Netflix defied conventional formats, offering a chaotic yet joyous blend of comedy and surrealism. Its daring and unconventional style set it apart from traditional programs, earning praise for its bold creativity.
X-Men 97 on Disney+ reimagined the beloved animated series with heightened stakes and action-packed episodes. Fans were especially drawn to Episode 5, which delivered an unforgettable climax to the season.
Nobody Wants This on Netflix charmed viewers with its romantic comedy elements, proving that streamers can still deliver delightful and charming content. Adam Brody's return was a welcome addition to the platform's offerings.
Delicious in Dungeon on Netflix offered a whimsical adventure where adventurers cook and eat monsters. The show's playful take on food and fantasy made it a delightful watch, appealing to fans of both genres.
Baby Reindeer on Netflix initially seemed off-putting but ultimately emerged as a profound and Emmy-winning project. Richard Gadd's introspective work revealed layers of complexity, rewarding viewers who gave it a chance.
What We Do In The Shadows on FX celebrated its sixth season with nostalgic callbacks and memorable moments. The finale, inspired by Clue, provided a fitting conclusion to the series, capping off a stellar run.
Black Doves on Netflix introduced Keira Knightley as a spy entangled in political intrigue. The show's mix of romance and espionage kept audiences on edge, leading to its renewal for a second season.
Dandadan on Netflix flipped the script on a classic love story, incorporating supernatural elements like ghosts and aliens. Its absurd premise and lively execution made it a hidden gem worth discovering.
The Vince Staples Show on Netflix offered a glimpse into the life of the rapper through five concise episodes. Its dry, observational humor appealed to fans of Staples' music and style.
A Man on the Inside on Netflix, created by Michael Schur, blended comedy and drama with a touching exploration of aging and friendship. Ted Danson's performance earned critical acclaim, making it a standout despite its low profile.
Slow Horses on Apple TV+ featured Jack Lowden and Gary Oldman in a thrilling tale of British intelligence misfits. The show's under-the-radar status belied its quality, making it a hidden treasure for fans of espionage thrillers.
Arcane on Netflix, based on League of Legends, dazzled with its stunning animation and rich storytelling. Even non-gamers found themselves engrossed in its intricate world and diverse cast of characters.
Girls5Eva on Netflix, though canceled, left a lasting impression with its rapid-fire humor and musical numbers. Paula Pell, Sarah Bareilles, Busy Phillips, and Renee Elise Goldsberry formed a formidable comedic ensemble.
The Penguin on Max transported viewers to Gotham City with a gritty exploration of the iconic villain. By avoiding clichés, the series successfully portrayed Oswald Cobblepot as both a monster and a man.
My Adventures With Superman on Max reinvigorated interest in the Man of Steel through its anime-inspired visuals and lighthearted yet profound narrative. Zeglinski's newfound appreciation for Superman highlighted the show's ability to reinvent a classic hero.
Squid Game on Netflix returned with a second season that maintained the tension and unpredictability of its predecessor. Despite a slower start, the series quickly regained momentum, keeping audiences hooked until the final episode.
Reflections and Insights
Reflecting on the year in pop culture, it's clear that 2024 was a testament to the power of innovation and diversity in storytelling. Streaming platforms have become incubators for unique and ambitious projects, allowing creators to push boundaries and explore new narratives. The success of these shows underscores the importance of taking risks and challenging conventional formats. As we look forward to 2025, the entertainment landscape promises even more exciting possibilities, driven by the creative vision of today's storytellers.