2024 has been a standout year for television, offering a diverse array of new shows across various genres that have captivated audiences worldwide. With an impressive lineup ranging from intense dramas and thrilling action series to heartwarming comedies and imaginative sci-fi adventures, viewers have been spoiled for choice. In this article, a few members of the SpoilerTV team highlight their picks for the best new shows of 2024 so far, each selected for their exceptional storytelling, compelling performances, and overall entertainment value. These are the must-watch series that have truly set themselves apart in a crowded and competitive landscape, promising to leave a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.
Cristina’s Picks:
Tracker – CBS
“Tracker” stands out due to its expertly crafted plot lines that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Each episode delves into a new case, showcasing Shaw’s exceptional skills in tracking and his relentless determination to uncover the truth. The show seamlessly balances these intense investigations with the unfolding mystery of Shaw’s own past, adding layers of intrigue and emotional depth.
The show’s production values are top-notch, with stunning cinematography that captures the diverse and often treacherous terrains Shaw navigates. The action sequences are meticulously choreographed, providing heart-pounding moments that are visually spectacular. Additionally, the writing is sharp and engaging, with well-developed characters and dialogues that resonate with the audience.
“Tracker” also excels in its ability to blend procedural drama with personal storytelling. The series doesn’t just focus on the cases Shaw takes on but also delves into his personal journey, exploring themes of identity, family, and redemption. This blend of action, mystery, and personal drama makes “Tracker” a standout series that resonates on multiple levels, earning its place as one of the best shows of 2024.
The Gentlemen – Netflix
The show’s narrative is rich with clever twists, dark humour, and high-stakes drama, all set against a backdrop of London’s criminal underworld. The story delves into Eddie’s struggle to navigate and control his newfound empire while contending with dangerous rivals and unpredictable allies, including a scheming gangster played by an impressive ensemble cast.
The production values are exceptional, with slick cinematography and stylish direction that bring the gritty yet glamorous world of “The Gentlemen” to life. The dynamic interplay between characters, coupled with unexpected plot twists and the ever-present tension of the criminal underworld, creates a gripping viewing experience. With its engaging plot lines, standout performances, and the perfect blend of action, intelligence, and charm, “The Gentlemen” has established itself as a must-watch series, solidifying its place as one of the best new shows of the year.
Baby Reindeer – Netflix
Jessica Gunning’s performance as the obsessive and unrelenting stalker is equally compelling, adding a chilling and unsettling layer to the narrative. The show’s ability to balance the tension and emotional weight of Gadd’s experience with moments of dark humour and introspection makes it uniquely engaging.
The production values are top-notch, with a cinematic quality that enhances the intensity of the narrative. The direction and cinematography effectively convey the claustrophobic and paranoid atmosphere that Gadd endured, making viewers feel as if they are living the experience alongside him.
“Baby Reindeer” is a testament to the power of personal storytelling, transforming a deeply personal and traumatic experience into a universally relatable and profoundly moving narrative. Its combination of stellar performances, innovative storytelling, and emotional depth make it one of the standout new shows of 2024.
Emperor of Ocean Park – MGM+
Forrest Whitaker delivers a commanding performance as Judge Oliver Garland, whose mysterious death sets off a chain of events that unearths buried family secrets and political intrigue. Grantham Coleman plays Talcott Garland, the judge’s son, who is thrust into a world of danger and deception as he attempts to unravel the truth behind his father’s death. Coleman’s portrayal of Talcott is both intense and nuanced, capturing the character’s struggle between loyalty and truth.
Tiffany Mack shines as Mariah, Talcott’s supportive yet determined wife, whose unwavering resolve adds emotional depth to the story. Henry Simmons’ portrayal of the enigmatic and powerful antagonist brings a palpable tension to the series, making every scene he’s in compelling and unpredictable.
Visually, the series is stunning, with cinematography that captures the grandeur of the titular Ocean Park and the shadowy undercurrents of its secrets. The attention to detail in set design, costumes, and overall production creates an immersive viewing experience that enhances the storytelling.
“Emperor of Ocean Park” is a compelling exploration of power, corruption, and the lengths one will go to protect their legacy. Its combination of exceptional performances, intricate plot, and high production quality make it a must-watch series.
Val’s Picks:
Dead Boy Detectives – Netflix
Queenie – Hulu
The show follows Queenie on her journey of self rediscovery with a few bumps along the way. The kind that leaves you blacked out drunk at a party while telling everyone how much your ex sucks and then calling someone you have no business speaking with…yeah, that kind. Couple that with living in South London with Caribbean family members that constantly judge every aspect of your life. Queenie stars Dionne Brown as the title character and all eight episodes are now available on Hulu.
Wild Cards – The CW
Eve’s Picks:
Griselda – Netflix
Expats – Prime Video
The Regime – HBO
It’s mainly the chemistry and absurdity between Elena and Herbert that makes this great watch. You can just tell that Kate Winslet is having a blast with this role.
Milo’s Picks:
This Town – BBC One
Sugar – AppleTV
Ripley – Netflix
Je-Ree’s Pick:
X-Men 97 – DisneyPlus
X-Men ’97 serves as both a continuation and a fresh entry point into the animated universe of the X-Men. Despite being effectively a sixth season of X-Men: The Animated Series, new viewers can easily jump in with minimal background knowledge. The main setup involves Charles Xavier leaving Earth to recover from injuries, leaving Cyclops and the X-Men to lead in his absence. This premise leads to compelling storylines, particularly with Magneto’s return and his struggle with newfound responsibilities.
X-Men ’97 was densely packed and extremely fast-paced, much like its predecessor. It adeptly adapts various significant storylines from the comics, including “The Trial of Magneto,” “Lifedeath,” “Fatal Attractions,” and “Operation: Zero Tolerance,” within its 10-episode first season. The series manages to distill these often sprawling comic events into concise animated episodes, such as condensing the entire “Inferno” crossover into a half-hour segment that focuses on the core conflict between Madelyne Pryor and the X-Men.
One of the show’s greatest strengths is its focus on character development amid the larger-than-life spectacle and drama. It leans into the mutant soap opera within the X-Mansion, ensuring that the human stakes remain as captivating as the superhero conflicts. This is evident in Episode 5, which addresses the love triangle between Magneto, Rogue, and Gambit while also delivering a significant blow to mutantkind with the destruction of Genosha.
Overall, X-Men ’97 faced the significant challenge of recapturing the appeal of the beloved animated series, and it surpasses expectations. The series remains lovingly faithful to both the original cartoon and the comics that inspired it, while also boldly blazing its own trail. It is relentlessly fast-paced and action-packed, yet this speed only rarely creates storytelling issues. After just one season, it’s fair to say that X-Men ’97 stands out as one of the best adaptations of the X-Men franchise, whether animated or live-action. With the bar set very high, anticipation for Season 2 is immense.