The best TV shows of 2024: Looking back at this year's most binge-worthy series

It's been an incredible year of television in 2024.After the Hollywood writers strike saw many shows pushed back in 2023, this year finally saw the industry roar back to life, delivering an exciting lineup of new and returning series.That said, life moves fast, and there's only so much time in a day. It's entirely possible some of the year's standout TV shows slipped past your radar as you tackled everything else happening in the world.READ MORE: Nicky Buckley enjoys a dreamy Christmas river cruise in EuropeLuckily, the holiday season is here, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind and catch up on the gems you missed or finally dive into those buzzy series you've been hearing about.To help you out, here's a curated list of the best shows of 2024. So grab your snacks, settle in, and binge to your heart's content. No judgement here: just great TV!And if you missed our previous lists here our our best TV shows of 2023, best TV shows of 2022, best TV shows of 2021 and best shows of 2020.Best comedy series: Hacks (Stan)In 2024, Hacks reaffirmed its status as the pinnacle of modern comedy with a pitch-perfect season.Led by the incomparable Jean Smart as Deborah Vance, the series continued to evolve in ways that few comedies manage, delivering laugh-out-loud moments while peeling back layers of its characters to reveal genuine vulnerability.READ MORE: Jean Smart fulfils life long dream of becoming a stand-up comedian in new season of HacksThe dynamic between Deborah and her young writing partner Ava (Hannah Einbinder) has never been sharper, creating a relationship that showcases the generational clash and collaboration with unparalleled nuance.Stream every episode of Hacks only on Stan.Best romantic-comedy we didn't know we needed: Nobody Wants This (Netflix)Netflix's Nobody Wants This, starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, took 2024 by storm as the romantic-comedy we didn't know we needed.The film pairs Bell's razor-sharp comedic instincts with Brody's signature charm to tell the story of two deeply flawed yet irresistibly lovable characters.The series centres on the unlikely relationship between an agnostic woman and an unconventional rabbi who find themselves reluctantly falling in love.Best final season: Yellowstone (Stan)As Yellowstone airs its final season in 2024, it cements its legacy as one of the greatest dramas of the modern era. The show's swan song is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving together its trademark elements of high-stakes family conflict, sprawling Western landscapes and unrelenting power struggles.Fans and critics were scepical when it was announced that Kevin Costner's John Dutton would not be returning. The departure of Costner meant that the rest of the characters including Kelly Reilly's fiery Beth and Cole Hauser's stoic Rip deliver career-defining turns as their characters' arcs reach explosive conclusions.Watch every episode of Yellowstone now, only on Stan.Hidden gem: English Teacher (Disney+)With it's blending razor-sharp wit, compelling drama and an unconventional protagonist that feels fresh and deeply relatable, English Teacher is the underrated show of the year you simply must watch.Anchored by a stellar performance from its lead, Brian Jordan Alvarez, the series follows an under appreciated high school English teacher navigating the chaos of personal and professional life with equal parts humour and heart.Best horror series you may not be watching: From (Stan)If you're a horror fan and haven't started From, you're missing out on one of the genre's hidden gems. This gripping series combines elements of psychological terror, supernatural mystery, and survival drama to create a honestly incredibly chilling experience.Set in a nightmarish small town where residents are trapped and hunted by grotesque, shape-shifting creatures, From expertly balances gut-wrenching scares with deeply human stories of resilience and community. This season absolutely hits its stride.Stream every episode of From only on Stan.Surprise hit of the year: Fake (Paramount+)I was very guilty of dismissing Fake on Paramount+. I didn't know what it was, and some new-series fatigue might have been starting to sink in. But Fake stands out as one of the best Australian shows on television in years.Inspired by real events, this drama dives into the chaotic world of a con artist whose lies unravel in spectacular fashion. With an impeccable cast and clever writing, Fake balances dark humour with moments of genuine edge-of-your seat intensity, all with the allure of deception in the digital age. That trip to the airport in the middle of the season is one of the most emotionally intense things I've experienced on the screen. I'd argue that Asher Keddie and David Wenham have never been better.Best documentary series: Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV (9Now)With unflinching honesty, Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV explored the challenges faced by child actors, the pressures of fame at a young age, and the exploitative practices behind the scenes.Through in-depth interviews with former stars, industry insiders, and psychologists, it shed light on the long-lasting impact of a culture that prioritises profit over well-being. Drake Bell's story in particular is one of the doco's most uncomfortable to watch.Stream every episode of Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV on 9Now.Best sequel season: Shrinking (Apple TV+)Let the record show. I adore this show.Shrinking masterfully blends humour, heart, and humanity into every scene. Season 2 elevated the series to new heights, delivering one of the funniest, most entertaining, and deeply heartbreaking seasons of television ever.READ MORE: Creator Bill Lawrence on the new season of Shrinking as star Jason Segel reveals what it's like working with Harrison FordJason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams and the entire cast, were nothing short of extraordinary, capturing the complexities of grief, healing, and connection.Best streaming movie of the year: Nugget Is Dead: A Christmas Movie (Stan)Nugget Is Dead: A Christmas Story – now streaming on Stan– is the best movie of the year in my opinion, offering a darkly comedic twist on the traditional holiday film. This clever and unpredictable tale follows the aftermath of a family Christmas gone hilariously and heartbreakingly wrong, anchored by sharp writing and a standout ensemble cast.READ MORE: Why the Stan Original Christmas Film Nugget Is Dead is this year's must-watch holiday filmWriters Vic Zerbst and Jenna Owen crafted a hilariously sharp yet deeply emotional script. Director Imogen McCluskey elevates this material, flipping holiday tropes on their head while delivering a heartfelt message about love, chaotic families and forgiveness.Stream Nugget Is Dead: A Christmas Story only on Stan.Best spin-off show: Agatha All Along (Disney+)Who's been messing up everything? It was Agatha All Along!Agatha All Along had a lot to prove as a spin-off to the incredibly successful Wandavision. And boy, did it deliver. The series is a spellbinding blend of camp, chaos, and captivating storytelling that had fans hooked from the first cackle. Kathryn Hahn's performance as the delightfully wicked and hilariously theatrical Agatha Harkness was nothing short of mesmerising.Equally impressive was Heartstopper star Joe Locke, whose layered portrayal of his mysterious and complex character brought both heart and intrigue to the series.Best reality show: Married At First Sight (9Now)Yes. Yes. We may seem a bit biased here, but the truth is, there is no better reality show that Married At First Sight.And every year, the show just gets better and better.The country (and the world) fell in love with Lucinda. We were captivated by the finale drama of Will Jono and Ellie. Sara and Tim were a rollercoaster all year. And if things weren't as compelling enough we got it meet psychic bride Madeleine.The show lives on long after the cameras stop rolling, with daily updates of the Participants on the Married At First Sight website.Stream every episode of Married At First Sight for free on 9Now.Best new show of the year: Baby Reindeer (Netflix)Baby Reindeer is the TV show of the year, a searing and deeply unsettling exploration of obsession, vulnerability, and the human condition.Based on Richard Gadd's award-winning stage play, the series takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, blending raw intensity with moments of startling poignancy. Its unflinching portrayal of stalking and its impact is both harrowing and thought-provoking, leaving audiences haunted long after the credits roll.The lead performance is nothing short of extraordinary, capturing the terror, guilt, and helplessness of navigating a dangerous and all-consuming fixation.With its bold storytelling, visceral direction, and ability to provoke meaningful conversations, Baby Reindeer stands as a powerful, unforgettable piece of television.Sent from my iPhone.Honorable MentionsLove Island Australia (Season 6) (9Now)The explosive drama, heartfelt connections, and unpredictable twists kept fans glued to their screens, making it the most addictive season yet.The Boys (Season 4) (Prime Video)With shocking betrayals, bloody battles, and razor-sharp satire, this season pushed its anti-hero narrative to thrilling new heights and set up a perfect final season which is to come in 2026.Shogun (Disney+)Incredible. This sweeping adaptation dazzled with its epic storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and deeply human exploration of cultural conflict and honour.Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Netflix)Ryan Murphy has done it again. By delving into the complexities of a notorious true crime case, this series offered a haunting yet empathetic look at family, privilege, and trauma. Compelling right up until the very end.Only Murders in the Building (Season 4) (Disney+)In what world does Zach Galifianakis, Eugene Levy and Eva Longoria guest star as a fictionalised version of themselves playing versions of Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez in a movie. If that wasn't crazy enough, through in Meryl Streep and Melissa McCarthy. Sheer genius.Boy Swallows Universe (Netflix)This emotionally charged coming-of-age drama masterfully brought Trent Dalton's beloved novel to life with grit and heart. Gripping Aussie production.The Penguin (Binge)A gritty exploration of Gotham's underworld, this spinoff captivated with its dark tone, complex characters, and Colin Farrell's magnetic performance.Interview With The Vampire (Season 2) (AMC+)The sumptuous storytelling and deepening relationships between the characters made this gothic drama richer and more intoxicating than ever. Dark. Deep. Complex. And maybe a little sexy.Somebody, Somewhere (Binge)This season's gentle humour and raw, heartfelt moments captured the beauty of finding community and purpose in unexpected places.Prosper (Stan)The gripping exploration of power, corruption, and faith in this Australian megachurch drama delivered some of the year's most compelling television. The Idea Of You (Prime Video)Anne Hathaway as perfect as ever. A whirlwind romance fueled by undeniable chemistry and heartfelt emotion made this adaptation an unforgettable love story.Nine Entertainment Co (the publisher of this website) owns and operates the streaming service Stan.FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest news from your favourite shows via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.